ORA Founding Principal Oonagh Ryan (left) and Associate Principal James Guillou. Image: Eric Staudenmaier Photography, courtesy ORA.

In this installment of our Studio Snapshot series, we had the pleasure of chatting with ORA, a Los Angeles-based boutique studio that has been steadily putting out exquisite designs since 2014 while picking up recognitions, among them the Emerging Practice Award as an AIA Los Angeles Presidential Honoree.

Founding Principal Oonagh Ryan, together with Associate Principal James Guillou, talks about the benefits of varied perspectives, balancing diversity with specialization as a small firm, and the joys of achieving good design by creatively turning constraints into unique opportunities.

Can you tell us how ORA was founded?

Oonagh Ryan: Oonagh Ryan Architects (ORA) began in 2014 when I decided to strike out on my own after building up experience working for firms such as FrederickFisher and Partners and KoningEizenberg Architects. Having grown up in a family of builders, I’ve always had a deep love of building with craft and quality that I wanted to share with others.

James Guillou: Oonagh is passionate about bringing good design to her friends and clients. I joined her in the beginning when she was still working out of her garage as a startup. We share a holistic approach to architecture and interior design.

How many people are currently employed at the firm? How is your office structured?

James: We’re a team of six architects and designers, which means there is always a guiding principal on each project, and there is also an opportunity for everyone to contribute.

As a creative design studio with both women and LGBTQ+ leadership, we believe that diverse perspectives yield better results. — Oonagh Ryan

Would you like to scale up and grow your team? What do you consider the ideal size for your practice?

Oonagh: When you start a firm, it’s tempting to think of getting as big as you can right away. But as we’ve matured and settled into what feels right, we’re happy with our current setup. Our size allows us more time to nurture relationships with clients.

James: Oonagh has brought established systems and processes from larger firms to ORA, so we could scale up, but we’re in no rush. The pandemic has taught us to be grateful for what we have, enjoy the moment, and prioritize balance.

Describe your office culture. How do you nourish it?

Oonagh: As a creative design studio with both women and LGBTQ+ leadership, we believe that diverse perspectives yield better results. Our team brings constant inspiration through very different cultural references and perspectives. We are learning every day from each other.

James: Our culture is very open. Open to new opportunities, new ideas, and new collaborations. We’re curious people who like to explore. This helps keep things interesting around the studio and keep things fresh.

What have been the biggest hurdles starting and running your own practice?

Oonagh: Something we are often trying to balance is the type, size, and scale of our projects. We have made a conscious effort to be intentionally diverse, working across residential, commercial, hospitality, and institutional sectors.

James: At the same time, we recognize the need to specialize in certain types of work to assure clients of our deep understanding of their needs. Balancing diversity with specialization — but without getting pigeonholed in any area — is a constantly-swaying pendulum.

What challenges have you faced during the past pandemic years? Are you sensing a return to 'business as usual'?

Oonagh: One of the benefits of a small office like ours is that our team has become an even stronger unit. There’s even more trust now, I feel. Part of that is because, throughout the pandemic, we were coming into the office as a self-contained bubble, relying on each other to make responsible decisions and support each other.

James: During the worst of isolation, we were often the only people we saw other than our families. It was surreal, but we got through it together. Now, as we're back to in-person meetings and networking events, we still maintain that close-knit unit within the office.

Describe your work. How do you define your own unique style and approach?

Oonagh: Our work is a mix of playful and practical, exploring the intersection of space, light, craft, economy, and longevity. We try not to take ourselves too seriously and have fun. Good design should spark joy in unexpected ways. 

James: Oonagh often says we create extraordinary places for everyday life, which still resonates with me. We design for the times we live in and how our clients want to live.

Balancing diversity with specialization — but without getting pigeonholed in any area — is a constantly-swaying pendulum. — James Guillou

What do you want your firm to be known for?

Oonagh: We believe good design is possible anywhere, at any scale, and on any budget. It takes passion, perseverance, and ingenuity to bring it to life. There's nothing more rewarding than delivering personalized solutions for our clients that are beyond what they imagined was possible.

James: A deep commitment to quality is key to making this happen. To build smartly and responsibly takes extra thought, care, and testing of boundaries.

Where do you see ORA in 5 years?

Oonagh: Hopefully still enjoying the process of creating! Our ongoing plan is to maintain our spark, passion, and drive to deliver.

James: If we can do that, ORA can continue to live in the moment, creating joy for our friends, colleagues, and clients through architecture.

Do you have a favorite project? Completed or in progress.

James: There are so many gems in our portfolio. One of our first projects, Peddler’s Creamery, is a reminder of what we can do when we mix creativity with an extremely tight budget. This is a modest yet vibrant ice cream store and dairy, with stringent LA County Health requirements. It needed an innovative concept and a simple, cost-effective solution that largely unskilled builders could easily construct.

Oonagh: The result is a space that stands out with multi-colored, deconstructed shipping palette shingles wrapping the dairy. It also features a stationary bike sculpture that was a collaborative effort with a local artist, designed to connect to the dairy’s churn, allowing customers to be part of the process by peddling to churn their own ice cream.

James: Our projects now tend to be bigger in size and scope, but this project is a constant reminder of what we can do through open-minded, creative thinking and successful collaboration with a client who trusted us.

If you could describe your work/practice in three words, what would they be?

Oonagh: Original. Relevant. Accessible.

James: (ORA)