Sony Music Publishing’s new West Coast headquarters is a creative hub for songwriters, bringing every aspect of music production and publishing under one roof. Located in the heart of Hollywood, the 48,700 sq. ft. flagship office reimagines a century-old building into a state-of-the-art space for music innovation and collaboration.
The headquarters features five dedicated writer studios, six listening rooms, an artist lounge, a recording studio, and two independent recording booths–each reflecting Sony Music Publishing’s mission to support songwriters every step of the way. This strategic relocation from the Sony Pictures Entertainment lot marks a new, independent creative identity, positioning Sony Music Publishing as a central figure in the global music industry and providing an immersive environment where songwriters can create, share, and launch their work.
Sony Music Publishing set out to create a space that truly puts songwriters first, balancing the technical demands of professional recording with the warmth and inspiration essential for creative work. The century-old timber-framed building posed major acoustic challenges, requiring innovative solutions to achieve professional-grade sound isolation without compromising the structure’s historic character. Beyond construction challenges, the goal was to craft a more songwriter-centric experience—one that offers a seamless, inspiring journey from arrival through collaboration, marking a clear departure from the previous corporate campus on the Sony Pictures lot.
Collaborating with WSDG, RIOS developed advanced acoustic solutions that optimize sound isolation while celebrating the building’s original architectural identity. The design team carefully decoupled rooms from existing structures and integrated state-of-the-art audio equipment with curated finishes that balance performance with aesthetic.
The design blends Sony’s storied legacy with its future-forward vision, featuring thoughtful touches like a “Hall of Fame” mini-museum of industry awards and a signature blue entrance corridor that energizes visitors and leads them into the creative core.
— Jon Platt, Chairman-CEO, Sony Music Publishing
This dynamic creative hub goes beyond traditional workplace design, actively promoting musical cross-pollination in a space purpose-built for songwriting and production. Beyond daily operations, it also serves as a prestigious industry nexus, hosting Grammy after-parties and high-profile events that reinforce Sony Music Publishing’s global influence.
The fluid ecosystem supports collaboration between writers, artists, and business teams while accommodating diverse user journeys—from staff to international guests—fulfilling the vision of a space that welcomes creators and supports their needs at every step.
The project reveals emerging trends in creative workplaces, where professional studio environments seamlessly integrate with flexible office functions. Varied work settings support Sony’s unique workflow, where team members move fluidly between songwriter collaboration and and administrative tasks, requiring adaptability beyond traditional desk setups.
This fusion of high-performance studios and dynamic collaborative spaces shows how creative industries are reshaping workplace design, enabling smooth transitions between artistic creation, business collaboration, and industry events.
— Andy Lantz, Co-CEO and Creative Director, RIOS