Ruins to Renovation is a design-build firm that believes function should always be served by form, and form should always be exquisite. The process begins with in-depth consultations concerning a client’s needs, desires and design preferences, with owner and head designer Ruth Black. Then, drawing upon the expertise of RTR’s in-house think tank consisting of a LEED certified contractor and engineer, master carpenter, mason, painter, and landscape expert, Black is able to create architectural drawings that solve even the most challenging situations with clean, elegant design. Because the project’s design has been developed and shared with the entire team, the building process is not only seamless and cost efficient but also a true expression of each craftsman’s excellence. This collective effort achieves Ruins to Renovation’s main goal: a lifestyle of pleasure and ease for the client in his or her home.
Visit Projects for our latest before and after photos of our work, both for commercial and residential.
PRESS
10.18.17
Gardenista. “10 Ideas to Get the Groovy L.A. Look, from a Top Garden Designer” Though she wasn’t born in Los Angeles, garden designer Lauri Kranz has lived there since 1993, and knows her way around the hills and valleys. When we asked Lauri how to create the quintessential L.A. garden, she was generous enough to suggest the ideas of several other designers whose work she admires …
10.16
Gayot. “Chef Akasha Richmond transformed her culinary memories of Italy into reality with these tasty, homey dishes.” Lucky for Richmond, one of her partners is an interior designer. Ruth Black hand-painted the mural that gives depth to the space, and got the idea of doing a collage of Richmond’s printed souvenirs from Italy on part of the walls.
09.29.16
LA Weekly. “Three L.A. Restaurants Where You Can Celebrate Rosh Hashanah in Style”
Akasha Richmond’s brand new Italian restaurant in Culver City, will be serving a special Rosh Hashanah meal …
10.12.15
Zagat. “LA’s 13 Sexiest New Restaurants”
The white walls and decorative white and black chairs are a far cry from the heavy gastropub feel of the previous space. A sun-spoke art piece on the wall and the colorful dangling chandelier were both created by designer Ruth Black (women, check out the word mural on the wall in the restroom; it matches the wall). The open kitchen is still the same, only this time with stools along the counter. The patio has been enclosed with flaps to ensure cozy cool-weather dining. It’s like a blank slate for the Spice Route colors on the plates.
08.16.15
The Actor’s Diet. “Sāmbār“
Lynn Chen of The Actor’s Diet captured stunning images of the restaurant, including RTR’s custom chandelier, created by Ruth Black, and the new outdoor patio for her review. In her words, “the inside and outside are beautiful.” We think so too, Lynn!
07.31.15
Jewish Business News. “Sāmbār – Indian Yumminess in Culver City”
“Sāmbār is the combined creation of the design building firm of Ruth Black, who specializes in ruins to renovation and acclaimed chef, Akasha, who has a whole new take on Indian cuisine.”
07.03.15
The Hollywood Reporter. “Summer Dining: 11 Hot New L.A. Restaurants”
Sambar, our latest commercial project was rated by The Hollywood Reporter as one of Los Angeles’ Hot New L.A. Restaurants
06.23.15
Zagat. “First Look: Sāmbār, New Indian From Akasha Richmond“
“Fans of Ford’s won’t recognize the space. The white walls and decorative white and black chairs are a far cry from the heavy gastropub feel. A sun-spoke art piece on the wall and the colorful dangling chandelier were both created by designer Ruth Black (women, check out the word mural on the wall in the restroom; it matches the wall). The open kitchen is still the same, only this time with stools along the counter. The patio has been enclosed with flaps to ensure cozy cool-weather dining. It’s like a blank slate for the Spice Route colors on the plates.”
05.01.15
Gayot, The Guide to the Good Life. Sambar Restaurant review
“The former Ford’s Filling Station site has been transformed by Ruth Black of RTR Homes into a bright, vibrant space with a colorful chandelier and a reclaimed wood art piece that resembles a sun and its rays.”
04.14.15
Los Angeles Eater. Sāmbār Will Become Downtown Culver City’s Sunny New Power Lunch Spot
“Richmond is working with designer Ruth Black from RTR-Homes to bring the space to life, which involves a whole new patio, painting over the brick wall with a gleaming white, and some clever out-of-sight soundproofing of the tall open ceiling.”