Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign®

The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign® is the world’s first center dedicated to the study of how everyday activities, or “occupations,” shape human health and well-being. Here, faculty and students:

Analyze the evolution of human occupation from the Arts and Crafts era to today.
Examine how occupational changes affect individuals physically, psychologically and spiritually.
Synthesize research, education and clinical practice to discover what constitutes an optimal balance of work, rest and leisure.
Customize intervention programs to help individuals achieve optimal living.

Architectural History

The Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign makes its home in the historic Cockins House, located in the landmark North University Park Historic District. Designed and built in 1894 by the noted Los Angeles-based architectural firm of James H. Bradbeer and Walter Ferris, both the Cockins House and its “twin” on the opposite side of 27th Street were two of the firm’s earliest works. William and Sarah Cockins owned the three-story, 5,570-square-foot Queen Anne Victorian home until 1903 when ownership passed to Thomas P. Newton, who resided there until 1908.

In 1911, the house was converted to a duplex and in later decades served as a boarding house. It is rumored that during this time Charles Chaplin rented a room in the house — supposedly his first place of residence in Los Angeles. Additional boarders included USC students.

Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. Neighbors submitted paperwork to declare the building a state historical landmark, and on Feb. 1, 1991, the Cockins House was designated City of Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument No. 519. USC formally acquired the building about this same time and refurbished its exterior in 1997. The then-USC Department of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy revitalized the historic home, and the Center for Occupation and Lifestyle Redesign opened its doors to academic and neighborhood communities in late 1999.