From pursuing her childhood goals to become a business owner to recently being sworn in as chair of the Century City Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Susan Coddington is an active local figure who enjoys all aspects of the neighborhood, from exercising to dining.
Can you tell me about what you do in Century City?
I own and manage a boutique commercial interior design and architecture firm, called CDGLA, located in our own small building in Century City at 10215 Santa Monica Blvd.
What motivated you to get into this role?
From young age of 6 or 7, I knew that I wanted to be a business owner and I also loved space planning and figuring out how to re-arrange spaces.
I attended University of Texas in Austin where I graduated with a double major of Interior Design and Business Administration/Marketing – combining both of my interests into a career that would blend creativity with business.
I like people and enjoy personal customer service. I chose commercial design because I like to make a positive difference in the lives of working people by improving their business environments.
As a board member and co-VP of Advocacy for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), I work to support the advancement of the interior design profession, through education, outreach and legislative efforts.
Where did it all begin for you career-wise?
My first job was in Houston, Texas for commercial real estate developer Regency Development, which developed, managed, and leased their own portfolio of office properties in Houston and Dallas. During my very first week of work, as assistant to a senior architect in their in-house architecture department, I accompanied a senior leasing agent and was expected to come up with a space plan for a prospective tenant, right before their eyes, in order to assist in successfully closing a pending lease transaction. That was quite an unexpected experience, requiring me to think on my feet, creatively, with no advance notice!
I transferred to L.A. in 1986 to support Regency’s leasing and planning goals for a new office building acquisition, and then worked for a large commercial interior design firm, Reback Design, as a Project Manager.
In 1988, I established my own firm CDGLA and have been enjoying the challenges of small business ownership, going into 27 years.
What do you love about Century City? Where is your favorite place to eat/exercise/take a break from the office in the area?
I love Century City because it feels like an urban community with many amenities and professional colleagues in walking distance. Our office relocated to Century City when I remodeled our own small building in 2002, establishing deeper roots and long-term commitment to this area. My staff and clients frequently dine at Clementine’s and Johnnie’s, just around our corner, and I love the happy hour at Seasons 52 and the X-Bar. I am trying to use my membership at Equinox more often in 2015 for more exercise.
For relaxation, the pool at the Century Hyatt feels like a resort without driving anywhere and is the best perk about that Equinox location.
If you could add one component to the neighborhood, what would it be?
We must have the subway added to Century City as soon as possible! That is becoming a critical amenity, as I spend way too much time in my car commuting between client offices throughout the city, most frequently to downtown. I can live with my commute to Sherman Oaks, via Beverly Glen, but not the constantly jammed up surface streets and freeways.
What do you do in your spare time?
I don’t have much spare time, but I do like to just hang out with my 18-year-old daughter who is a senior this year and will be embarking on her college adventure this fall. My days with her are numbered, so we like hiking, concerts, movies, and just chilling. Being a mom is my favorite part of life.
What is one cool/unique activity you want to do this year?
I want to bungee jump and paraglide.
Where was your last vacation?
My last vacation was to Auckland and Queenstown in New Zealand during October, which was spring there. The natural beauty is beyond imagination and rainbows are a daily occurrence. I kept expecting to see magical unicorns, but there are thousands of sheep.
Where do you wish your last vacation was?
I love every vacation and try to travel somewhere new as often as feasible. Amsterdam, Iceland, and Tahiti are among future destinations to pursue.
- Do you have a story idea or news tip? Contact Corina Mun by email at Corina@smmirror.com.
