Tesla as featured in the May issue of Interior Design


Known primarily for restaurant design, Smith's CCS Architecture would seem an unlikely choice for a project comprising showroom, service center, and offices. "One of Tesla's board members suggested hiring a restaurant architect, because that's where the most creative work is being done," Smith explains. He scored additional points for prowess in branding, another part of the program: The L.A. facility is envisioned as the prototype for Tesla showrooms nationwide. Factor in Smith's affinity for fast cars and motorcycles, and the job was a match made in automotive heaven.