Justin Sasada
Creating Meaningful Spaces
Episode 201
Justin Sasada is a licensed architect, educator, and dedicated community advocate based in Monterey Park, California. With a passion for design and a deep commitment to education, Justin has built a career that spans residential architecture, teaching at the college level, and serving as co-chair of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) ACLA (Architecture for Communities Los Angeles) Higher Education Committee. His work is characterized by a belief in the power of architecture to foster meaningful dialogue between users and designers.
Born and raised in Monterey Park, Justin has always felt a strong connection to his community, and he continues to give back by creating spaces that enrich the lives of those who experience them. He takes pride in designing functional and aesthetically pleasing environments that allow people to engage with their surroundings in a thoughtful way. One of his most notable projects, the Whiskey Point Cabin, has earned recognition for its success as a top-rated Airbnb rental, ranking in the top 10% of properties in the area.
In addition to his design work, Justin is passionate about education and teaching. He regularly conducts free workshops aimed at helping others understand and engage with the design process. Whether working on a residential project or leading a workshop, Justin enjoys the opportunity to help others connect with architecture and use it as a tool for self-expression and community development.
Justin’s leadership within AIA’s Higher Education Committee further underscores his commitment to shaping the future of architecture. His work in this capacity fosters connections between architects and academia, ensuring that the next generation of architects is well-equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s built environment.
Justin Sasada Takeaways
Crafting Meaningful Spaces: The Importance of Design
Justin emphasizes that architecture is not just about aesthetics but about creating meaningful interactions between spaces and their occupants. He believes that the design process should consider the user’s experience, which influences how people interact with their environment. By focusing on functionality and user needs, architects can create spaces that enhance quality of life. Justin’s passion for this aspect of architecture drives his work and educational efforts.
Community-Centric Design: Giving Back to the San Gabriel Valley
Justin’s dedication to the San Gabriel Valley shines through in his commitment to community service. He held free workshops during the pandemic to help people revitalize their living spaces, recognizing that many were spending more time at home. By providing resources and guidance, he aimed to make design accessible to everyone, regardless of their budget. This initiative reflects his belief in the power of architecture to improve lives and strengthen community bonds.
The Journey from Passion to Profession: A Personal Path
Justin’s journey into architecture was influenced by meaningful connections in his life, particularly a high school basketball coach who was also an architect. This connection opened the door for Justin to explore design as a potential career. His experiences navigating the educational system, including the benefits of attending a junior college, shaped his perspective on accessibility in higher education. Justin’s story serves as an inspiration for young people to pursue their passions, regardless of their backgrounds.
Balancing Form and Function: The Architect’s Dilemma
Throughout the discussion, Justin highlights the delicate balance architects must maintain between aesthetics and functionality. He explains that while visual appeal is important, a building must also serve its intended purpose effectively. This balance becomes even more complicated in regions like California, where architects must consider factors such as earthquakes and fire safety in their designs. Justin’s insights reveal the complexities of architectural design and the critical thinking required to navigate them.
Learning from Experience: The Value of Client Relationships
Justin shares valuable lessons learned from both positive and negative client experiences. He emphasizes the importance of establishing clear contracts and choosing clients that align with his values. By prioritizing enjoyable collaborations, he ensures that his work remains fulfilling and impactful. This approach reinforces the idea that successful architectural practices are built on healthy relationships and effective communication.
The Influence of Historical Context in Modern Design
Justin points out the significance of understanding architectural history and context in his work. He appreciates elements from past design movements, such as Arts and Crafts, that bring character and richness to modern homes. This appreciation influences his own design philosophy, where he incorporates unique historical features into contemporary spaces. His perspective highlights the importance of honoring the past while innovating for the future.
Minimalism with Character: A Personal Design Aesthetic
Justin’s personal design style leans towards minimalism, yet he values the inclusion of character and unique elements. He believes in creating spaces that feel open and connected to the outdoors, while also incorporating individual touches that reflect personal history and values. This blend of simplicity and personality resonates throughout his work and personal projects, demonstrating his commitment to thoughtful and engaging design.
Justin Sasada Quotes
“It’s so awesome. Like, you know, just looking at it from the street and what I love about it, like there’s this big porch welcoming porch, right?”
“One of them is like the built-in furniture like the furniture is sort of built into the home.”
“During the pandemic, I felt like people were going to be more stuck at home and in return they would want to revive those spaces.”
“I just wanna make sure I provide that same opportunity to whoever potentially the next Justin is.”
“I feel like that’s such a productive route.”
“From free workshops to hands-on architectural projects, his goal is to make architecture accessible and impactful for everyone.”
“I like that, too. Yeah, I don’t know that’s called but I, you know, I’m not so much into that stuff as much as like I just when I see it it really looks cool and I appreciate it.”
“Form follows function. So when you’re designing a space, you really have to let the function begin to dictate how this thing begins to be laid out and shaped.”
“I think it’s, I mean, dependent on the area too, but it’s so, it really depends on who’s using it.”
“When you break down three-dimensional space, when you break down how that begins to impact the user or potentially how the user can impact the architecture, I just felt like that was so fascinating.”
“I remember just developing the design with my wife and having these conversations. And I felt like it was fun.”
“I like to dabble in all types of design.”
“There’s a saying, ‘the devil’s in the details.’ I always look for those things and then kind of reverse to see how do they get that point?”
“Learning that money isn’t always the priority is another lesson learned for me for sure.”
“Anytime I see specific details, I always try to reverse engineer, like, wait, why was that decision made?”
“That was just a testament of how well the project came out.”
“I always say that we’re fortune tellers because you have to kind of predict how your project will impact and how users will use your space.”
Show Notes
Music Credits
Intro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Stinger
Scarlet Fire (Sting), Otis McDonald, YouTube Audio Library
Outro
Euphoria in the San Gabriel Valley, Yone OG
Justin Sasada
Elder Gym
A cherished spot in Monterey Park where the guest spent significant time playing basketball during his youth, fostering community connections and fond memories.
ELAC (East Los Angeles College)
A pivotal place for the guest’s transition from basketball to architecture, providing an environment that allowed him to grow academically and personally while being close to home.
Alondra’s Hot Wings
A beloved restaurant in Montebello known for its unique Arlene sauce; it holds sentimental value as the site of the guest’s first date and many shared meals with his wife, symbolizing connection and comfort.
