Architecture in Film

December 11, 2025|By Tim Barber

Our frequent readers may know that we choose a new topic every year for each TBA teammate to research, and then present to the office (also known as TBA-U). In past years we have explored sustainability, wellness, and fire resiliency for example. We all learn something new, and we all improve our presentation skills.

This year, 2026, we explore “Architecture and Film”. Each teammate has chosen a film to watch and analyze, sharing how the film’s depiction of architecture, place, or space has inspired them to think differently about our work. These observations and perspectives spark conversations across the studio.

A few film sets which have inspired myself and our work at TBA over the years include the dining room in Something’s Gotta Give, the cook’s office in Gosford Park, the kitchen in My Man Godfrey, and the beach house in Mildred Pierce, and almost everything in North by Northwest.

Somethings Gotta Give Dining Room
The shallow dish cabinet in the set for "Something's Gotta Give" has inspired more than just our TBA dining rooms. We have created versions of this in hallways and pantries – and even a home study for displaying favorite books in a Palisades home.
Gosford Park Cooks Hall
The cook's office in "Gosford Park", with walls of windows above the waist, has inspired home offices in Atherton and Holmby Hills, and a few basement gyms.
My Man Godfrey Kitchen
The kitchen in "My Man Godfrey" inspired our TBA kitchen in the former Orson Welles residence, as well as a retro kitchen in Altadena.
Mildred Pierce Beach House
Elements of the multi-level beach house in "Mildred Pierce" can be traced to a TBA media room in Santa Monica and a Palisades family room.
North By Northwest House
Almost everything in "North by Northwest" inspired our mid-century make-over and addition in the Hollywood Hills, as well as the kitchen in our restoration of a John Lautner guest house at Wolf’s Lair.

Films that inspire me personally to take a risk include Popeye, Brazil, and The Lord of the Rings.

Popeye Village
The original "Popeye Village" in Malta's Anchor Bay.
Brazil Office
The office in Terry Gilliam's movie "Brazil".
Lord Of The Rings Rivendell Bedroom
A bedroom in Rivendell from the "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.

What inspires you? Stay tuned as we continue to share our teammates’ favorite inspirations from film throughout the year.