George Esquivel, a CFDA member since 2010, is best known for his shoe creations – but his new abode adds another dimension, serving as a tribute to the art of his craft.

Esquivel House, his unique multifunctional space in Downtown Los Angeles, brings his factory, showroom, offices and kitchen together under one roof, all in an open-space concept created with interior designer Martha Moos.

A multifunctional space, Esquivel House houses the world of the designer, bringing together factory, showroom, offices and kitchen under roof, all in an open-space concept created with interior designer Martha Moos.

The features of the 6,500 square foot house include lime trees at the entrance, polished concrete floors, rolled aluminum shelving, warm wood accents, one-of-a-kind hand blown glass pendants by Simon Pearce, and a signature scent developed by Lola James Harper. We checked in with George to talk business, Esquivel House, and more.

George, tell us what you have been up to over the past year and a half.

For the past year and a half, I have been trying to properly establish the next chapter of our brand and company. We have been developing a more accessible/better price point category of footwear and accessories. Simultaneously, we have been working to get the word out on our new Atelier/ Showroom Esquivel House in Downtown Los Angeles. It’s been quite an adventure.

COVID-19 has impacted us all. How, if at all, has it changed your perspective and are you reevaluating your business?

I think the big takeaway from COVID is that we now have to be more aware and nimble as to how we plan and execute projects for our business. I’m sure this is the same for almost all industries, but every single aspect of our business has been negatively affected: shortage of labor force, delays in sourcing of raw goods, major cost increases in shipping, etc….. It’s been a weekly struggle and balancing act, trying to “put out fires” while also planning our path for the future. I’m in it for the long haul; I love what I do. But I think everyone has gone through their own reevaluation process. How much are we willing to endure going forward? Personally, I find it very satisfying to overcome the obstacles that get thrown at us.

Have you implemented any strategic changes? If so, what?

Currently we are in the middle of trying to implement new changes. Since the start of 2021, it seems that as soon as we begin to make strides with the new strategic plan, new obstacles pop up. I’m ok with two steps forward, one step back, but COVID – and all of the various issues associated with the pandemic – have too often caused us to take two steps back and one step forward.

Tell us about Esquivel House. What inspired you to create this unique space?

The overarching concept of Esquivel House was to pay tribute to the art of the craft – our craftsmen and craftswomen. Before Esquivel House, we had our showroom and atelier in separate locations. Over the years, when people visited our previous workshop, I noticed how fascinated they were by witnessing how we make our products. The more I saw people interact with our workshop and craftspeople, the more I realized just how much our processes are a part of our brand. It was probably about six to seven years ago when I mentally started to envision what a space would look like if I could have everything under one roof: My creative space, a kitchen and dining area to host friends/clients, a showroom to exhibit our entire collection/ products and last but not least our atelier. I love our new home, but if I had to choose my favorite area, it would be the atelier. All of our machines and workstations are painted white. This allows every step of our processes to stand out. The vision was to have everything in white so that the atelier would look like a movie set full of props, a bit magical and not real. Also, having everything on display allows the consumer to see just how much goes into making our products. The philosophy for Esquivel House and our brand is “Craft not Hype.” Most of the items in our space – art, chandeliers, shelving, furniture, etc.. are all my way of paying tribute to craftspeople.

What is your philosophy behind it?

The philosophy for Esquivel House and our brand is “Craft not Hype.” I would say that most items that create and live in our space: Art, Chandeliers, shelving, furniture,  etc.. are all my way of paying tribute to craftspeople.

From an interiors/architectural point of view, what did you feel the need to incorporate and why?

There are a few things I wanted to accomplish. First, from an emotional point of view, I wanted our guests to feel as if they were walking into something super special but not too precious. I want people to feel comfortable and at home. Second was the lighting. We have four big sky lights that create a lot of natural light in the workshop, which allowed us to cut down on the number of light fixtures needed to illuminate the workshop. The lighting in the showroom, kitchen and entryway radiate light down and up. The downward radiation of light is soft and evenly dispersed (I’m not a fan of spotlights) and the upward radiation illuminates the white ceilings and reflects down, which creates a natural sun-drenched aesthetic.

What do you hope will Esquivel House will add for your brand and to the neighborhood it is in?

We have been in our new home since June of 2020. I think that what we had hoped it would add to our brand is coming to fruition. It tells our brand story; allows our clients and friends to experience our brand; it’s By Appointment Only but many people are coming back multiple times; the feedback is that they love it and they haven’t experienced anything like Esquivel House. As things are slowly starting to get back to some type of normal, we are in talks with neighbors about doing some special projects together.

What’s next for Esquivel House and for you? Are you planning to export it to other cities?

The pre-COVID plan was to have events with other brands, neighbors, and friends. We are slowly starting to do that now. The big picture plans are to have an Esquivel House in other parts of the world. As with many things since the pandemic, they are moving slower than we would like. Personally, I’m just trying to enjoy the ride of this new phase of our brand.