Douglas Hanson is a Los Angeles based architect who has worked with some of the world’s leading architectural firms designing major cultural, commercial, and residential projects in Asia, Europe and North America. With over three decades of professional experience, Hanson launched his eponymous firm, HansonLA, in 2010.
Early in his career at Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Hanson collaborated on major European projects from design through construction. In Barcelona, Hanson managed Vila Olimpica, a collaboration between SOM and Frank O. Gehry & Associates. Hanson then joined Frank O. Gehry & Associates in 1992 as a Senior Associate and Project Architect for the Guggenheim Museum Bilbao. In 2004, Hanson became principal at DeStefano & Partners, and led the Los Angeles office in designing and building a number of cultural, commercial, and residential projects. In Hanson’s current role as President of HansonLA, he is the Design Principal on various residential and commercial projects, and the Master Plan Architect for City Market of Los Angeles, a 10 acre, mixed-use development in the Fashion District, and the Mail Order District, located in Boyle Heights.
Hanson’s commitment to the arts is evidenced by HansonLA’s Support DTLA Arts campaign. Proceeds from merchandise sales go to non-profit organizations; Heidi Duckler Dance Theater, City Ballet of Los Angeles, District Gallery, and Arts for LA. Hanson served as a board member of AIA|LA. He was also recently nominated to become a part of the leadership group for AIA’s Knowledge Community—The Interfaith Forum on Religion, Art, and Architecture. Hanson remains an active member of the NDSU alumni with a seat on the Advisory Board for NDSU’s School of Design and Architecture nad University of Colorado's College of Architecture and Planning. Hanson also speaks on multiple panels in regard to the redevelopment of Downtown Los Angeles.