Oscar Engelbert: Navigating Real Estate with Design Sensitivity and Strategic Vision

Oscar Engelbert has spent the better part of two decades developing residential and commercial properties with an emphasis on design, livability, and long-term value. His work reflects a deep appreciation for architecture’s ability to shape not only spaces but also the experiences of the people who inhabit them. With roots in Stockholm and a more recent presence in the United States, Engelbert’s approach remains grounded in attention to detail, collaboration, and timing.

From his earliest projects in Sweden, Engelbert demonstrated an interest in restoring and reimagining older buildings. Much of his early portfolio was dedicated to converting historical industrial structures into functional, modern homes. These spaces were often designed to preserve the character of the original architecture while making thoughtful adaptations for contemporary living. The results drew attention for their balance of restraint and refinement—homes that felt both grounded in history and suited to the needs of a new generation of city residents.

As his work expanded, Engelbert began to engage with larger-scale projects and international architectural firms. He developed a reputation for collaborating closely with architects known for experimental or forward-thinking design. Notable examples include 79&Park, designed by the Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG), and Norra Tornen, a pair of high-rise towers developed in partnership with OMA and architect Reinier de Graaf.

79&Park, located near Stockholm’s Gärdet park, was completed between 2016 and 2019. It stands out for its terraced structure, cedar-clad exterior, and the integration of greenery throughout the building. Each apartment was rotated slightly to provide greater privacy, light, and views—a technical and aesthetic gesture that gave the building a distinctive, organic rhythm. The project received several international awards and was recognized for its sensitive handling of the relationship between architecture and nature.

Norra Tornen, completed in 2020, presented a different kind of innovation. Built using prefabricated concrete modules, the towers introduced a new typology to Stockholm’s skyline. With their staggered façades and deep-set balconies, the buildings created visual interest while also providing practical benefits like natural light and sound insulation. The project was awarded the International High-Rise Award for its inventive structure and social focus.

In 2022, Engelbert decided to step back from new development in Sweden. The decision came at a moment of change within the European property market, and he chose to redirect his energy and investment toward opportunities in the United States. Together with his wife and business partner, Giovanna Engelbert, he began acquiring and repositioning commercial properties in Los Angeles. His work is collaborative and considered, shaped by a shared understanding of culture, design, and long-term strategy.

Among his recent projects are 1601 Vine Street in Hollywood and 331 N Maple Drive in Beverly Hills. In both cases, the properties were acquired during periods of uncertainty in the commercial office sector. Rather than viewing these conditions as obstacles, Engelbert treated them as opportunities to reimagine the role of these spaces. Through adaptive leasing and strategic partnerships, they are working to bring renewed relevance and use to buildings that had seen reduced activity in recent years.

Oscar Engelbert’s work—both past and present—reflects a consistent belief in the value of architecture as a human-centered practice. His projects often begin with the question of how people want to live and work, and from there, move toward solutions that combine form, utility, and aesthetic character. Working closely with Giovanna Engelbert, he continues to pursue developments that respect the communities they join while contributing something distinct.

As he consider new work in New York City and beyond, Engelbert remain focused on creating spaces that are both thoughtful and resilient—projects that are as responsive to the present as they are mindful of the future.