Mara Brock Akil likes to say that her office in historic West Adams reminds her of a Phyllis Hyman song. Assured, feminine, and suede-smooth—it’s easy to see the parallels between the classic R&B singer’s sultry voice and lyrics and Brock Akil’s modern, mood-lit writer’s den. Built around a small courtyard, with ample garden space and lounge areas, and designed in collaboration with Night Palm interior design studio founder Tiffany Howell, it’s a fresh take on Hollywood glamour. And thanks to two fully stocked kitchens, it’s the ultimate spot to host what Brock Akil likes to call her “Muse Dinners,” gatherings of creative minds and open hearts around a table filled with nourishing food.

But beyond the work of her and her employees, Brock Akil also hoped to support other creatives—an aspiration that has come to life through the creation of an on-site colony for writers in a building adjacent to her office. “The best use of the space next door is to continue my mission of lifting as I climb, by spotting and developing talent by simply offering them a place to write, to belong, and to find their voice.”