The concept for the DTLB Design District originated in 2023 when Studio One Eleven was invited to participate in the LA Design Festival.

Events like a block party on the Promenade, panels, and installations showcased the area’s creative energy and helped establish Long Beach as a rising voice in the regional design scene.

We quickly realized that many local designers were looking for exactly this kind of community—and with several design-focused institutions already in the area, the idea of an official district made perfect sense.

Building on that momentum, Studio One Eleven helped launch the DTLB Design District Council with partners including the Institute for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at CSULB, DLBA, the Long Beach Community Design Center, and Intertrend. Together, we’re working to make the district a vibrant hub for design-driven activity—supporting economic growth, cultural expression, and community connection.

But we’re not doing this alone. We’re actively working with the community to define what this district can and should be—gathering input, listening to local voices, and building a shared vision for a creative, inclusive, and thriving Downtown. As Long Beach continues to recover and evolve, we are curating events, installations, and collaborations that reflect the city’s unique spirit and position it as a center for innovation leading up to the 2028 Olympics.