SweisKloss’ 4th Annual Guide to Independent Bookstores

October is National Book Month, and we’re thrilled to present SweisKloss’ 4th annual guide to independently owned bookstores across the Los Angeles area.

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“Fashion is architecture” – Coco Chanel

Sheer suits, toeless knee-high boots and an all-gold collection defined the opening days of Paris Fashion Week that runs from September 28 to October 6. From a runway suspended over a pond in the Jardin des Tuileries, to an all-people of color cast strutting down the runway with mannequins slumped over their backs, the season opened with colorful collections and dramatic spectacles.

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Helpful Hint of the Month: Caesarstone Countertop Care

Caesarstone countertops are known for their beauty as much as their durability. Crafted from high-performing materials, the premium countertops are largely resistant to cracks, scratches and stains. Due to their high density and non-porous qualities, simple regular maintenance and proper care will ensure your countertop looks great for the long run.

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A Streetcar Named Desire

Celebrating its 75th anniversary, the movie adaptation of Tennessee Willilams’ famous play, A Streetcar Named Desire, premiered on September 18, 1951.  Starring Marlon Brando, Viven Leigh, Karl Malden and Kim Hunter, the movie produced unforgettable lines, incredible performances and won four Oscars. A quiet force in the play, the streetcar had a significant role both literally, as the actual streetcar Stella takes to Blanche’s house, and symbolically, representing the implosive force that leads to Blanche’s ruin. Williams chose the title of his work based on an actual streetcar line that ran in the French Quarter of New Orleans with the destination sign “Desire.”

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The Architecture of Diplomacy

From bloody emergency rooms to backstabbing traitors to murderous neighbors to a haunted island, this year’s list of Emmy Award nominated shows offer a range of genres and talents. Among the celebrated programs that will be honored during the September 14 broadcast will be one of my personal favorites, The Diplomat, an intriguing drama about the US ambassador to the United Kingdom.  The show has it all – foreign officers forging strategic alliances, marital relationships and scandals, and lavish receptions all set again the backdrop of the sumptuous surroundings of the Ambassador’s Residence.

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Beyond the Books

It’s back to school time. And while for most students that means endless hours on Google researching papers and asking ChatGPT for help, for me it evokes nostalgic memories of visiting the Mill Basin Public Library in Brooklyn, NY.

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Spotlight of the Month: “To Infinity [Pool] and Beyond!”  

With another heat wave gripping Los Angeles, the stunning infinity pool designed by SweisKloss at this Sherman Oaks residence is the perfect retreat for cooling off.

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Connections: Remarkable Pedestrian Bridges

According to Collins Dictionary, a bridge “is a structure built over a railroad, river, or road so that people or vehicles can cross from one side to the other. As a verb, it can mean to connect, reconcile, unite or close the space between two things.”  Pedestrian bridges embody both definitions, and more. Around the world, pedestrian bridges have evolved beyond functional infrastructure into iconic architectural landmarks that shape city skylines and redefine how people interact with their surroundings.

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Designed to Dine

From falafel at Atwater Village’s Dune to prime rib at Beverly Hills’ classic steakhouse Lawry’s to crafted cocktails at Arcadia’s Hipico, LA Restaurant Week offers something for every palate and wallet.  Starting tomorrow and running through August 28, diners may enjoy delectable meals from some of LA’s best restaurants at budget-friendly price points and prix-fixe menus. But dining out is about more than just food - décor and design also play a pivotal role in curating a delectable experience. 

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“It’s Gettin’ Hot in Here”

Temperatures are reaching record highs around the globe. And while we expect extreme numbers from places like Death Valley, urban cities are experiencing extreme heat conditions too. On July 30th Phoenix was the hottest city on the globe at 120.2°F, while on Aug 5th Dehloran in Iran hit a scorching 122°F!

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Spotlight of the Month: An Oasis in the Hea[r]t of LA

On these long hot summer days and warm evenings, this SweisKloss designed patio in the Miracle Mile neighborhood of Los Angeles is the ideal setting for enjoying outdoor living.

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Sustainable Airports are Flying High

Airports are busier than ever as summer travel is reaching its peak. More than just transportation hubs, modern airports function as mini cities, complete with their own ground transportation, utilities, retail and dining services. With this scale comes a significant environmental footprint, ranging from greenhouse gas emissions and energy consumption to waste generation and noise pollution.

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Outdoor Showers Heat Up Summer

Whether you’re rinsing sand off from the beach, washing chlorine off after a dip in the pool or cleaning up after working in the muddy garden, an outdoor shower combines convenience with a touch of luxury.  

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#vanlife

#vanlife currently has 18.9 million posts on Instagram with reels showing decked-out vans, inspiring images of life on the road, and copious amounts of van living advice.

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Celebrating Red, White and Blue…. Architecture

Happy 250th Birthday, America!  When the founding fathers adopted the Declaration of Independence, they ushered in a new era of democracy, liberty and identity. And, fittingly, a distinctive American architectural style emerged.

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Elevating Treehouses to New Heights

Treehouses evoke images of childhood adventures and secret hideaways. From the treehouses of Swiss Family Robinson to the Ewok Village in Star Wars, elevated living has long captured the imagination. Contemporary treehouses build on this sense of wonder while embracing innovative designs and sustainable construction practices.

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Spotlight of the Month: Stairway to Heaven-ly

SweisKloss, in collaboration with SunWest Fabrication, designed and fabricated this striking spiral staircase that elegantly blends functionality and aesthetics to create a sculptural focal point at this custom-built residential home in Sunset Park.

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GOOOAAAL!

FIFA World Cup 2026™️ kicks off today. Weather you call it football, soccer, or even fútbol, the excitement has reached a fever pitch, with more than 5 million tickets already sold according to FIFA. According to Forbes, “the 2026 FIFA World Cup is poised to be the largest sporting event in history, engaging over six billion people.” That’s roughly three-quarters of the world’s population!

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Celebrating Antoni Gaudí

Love his work or hate his work, you have company. His admirers have called him a visionary while his critics have found him chaotic. His work has been described as whimsical while others see it as overwhelming. Whatever you think of his work, it is distinctive. It has left an enormous cultural and visual mark on Barcelona, and has shaped the city’s architectural identity. Next week will mark the 100th anniversary of the death of Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí.

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New York City’s Hidden Architectural Gems

This month, New York City celebrates its 400th Anniversary. In May 1626, Peter Minuit formally purchased the island of Manhattan from the local indigenous Lenape People for $24 and created the Dutch settlement of New Amsterdam. (Real estate prices have never been the same since!)

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