When Magnus Walker first moved to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles in 1992, it was a far cry from the bustling, creative hub it is today. Over the decades, Walker has seen the neighborhood transform, but his own journey in the district is just as interesting.

Transforming a Blank Canvas

Walker’s building, comprised of three separate structures from the early 1900s to the mid-20th century, provided a unique opportunity. With over 6,000 square feet, this live-work space became a canvas for him to blend styles in an unexpected way. Upstairs, you’ll find elements inspired by English Gothic architecture mixed with 1960s mid-century modern furniture. What might seem like an odd pairing to some flows seamlessly in Walker’s space. His personal approach to design—mixing high-end and low-end pieces - reflects his passion for collecting. Whether it’s vintage cars or quirky home décor, Walker loves combining styles that don’t typically belong together but somehow, in his hands, just work.

A Garden Grown From History

One of Walker’s favorite spots in his space is his outdoor area, known as "The Garden." What once was a disused industrial railroad spur, filled with junk, has become a lush, green retreat. Over the past 25 years, Walker has transformed this neglected area into a peaceful garden, adding trees and plants that now stretch beyond eight feet. It's a space where the past meets the present, reflecting Walker’s own ability to turn the old into something new and full of life.

Collaborations Born from Passion

Though known for his love of cars, particularly Porsches, Walker’s creativity has led him to some surprising collaborations. In 2016, Hot Wheels approached him, asking if he’d be interested in designing a custom toy car. That first project turned into more than 30 unique designs, with some even based on his personal collection. Walker also worked with Nike to create a custom sneaker, drawing on one of his car’s aesthetic for inspiration. The sneaker, designed to show wear and tear, is as durable as Walker’s cars and speaks to his hands-on lifestyle.

A Filmmaking Location

In the early 2000s, a phone call from a location scout introduced Walker to a new side business - renting out his building for filming. The first shoot, a grueling 22-hour day for a Missy Elliot music video, was exhausting but profitable. It marked the start of a film location business that continues to bring in revenue, allowing Walker to expand his car collection and further pursue his creative endeavors.

Living and Driving in LA

For Walker, Downtown LA is the ideal place to live. With easy access to some of his favorite driving roads like the Angeles Crest Highway, as well as the proximity to freeways, coffee shops, and the ocean, the city fuels his creativity and passion for cars. The building that houses his life’s work is central to his creative process, allowing him to live, work, and create without ever having to leave his own space.

Through cars, collaborations, and design, Walker has carved out a unique space in Downtown LA - a space that truly reflects the man himself.

‍