Following last week’s visit to Los Angeles-based Stayner Architects, we are moving our Meet Your Next Employer series east to New York City, where we find ODA Architecture.  

Founded in 2007, the studio has developed an international reputation for delivering what it describes as “imaginative and mold-breaking designs.” ODA’s team composition spanning architecture, interiors, landscaping, and master planning has allowed for the development of a diverse portfolio, with recent examples from our editorial including mixed-use towers in Fort Lauderdale, the transformation of a historic Rotterdam post office, and a proposal for zoning regulation changes to expand public spaces in New York.

The firm is now seeking to expand by advertising over on Archinect Jobs for several roles in architecture, landscape design, and interiors. For candidates interested in applying for the role, and anybody interested in learning more about life as an architect, we spoke with the ODA team for a behind-the-scenes look at the studio.

How did ODA get started? 

We started as four people in a studio apartment on the Upper West Side 15 years ago. We built a strong connection between our role as architects and designers to people’s improved quality of life in cities. Since then, we’ve completed over 50 projects in NYC and are now working in 10 states and 14 countries on millions of square feet of mixed typologies. We’ve gone from apartment, to building, to city block, to master planning. Architecture, interiors, and landscape. We’re very proud of our evolution.

How big is your team?

85 people.

Is your team currently working remotely, in-person, or hybrid?

In-person mostly, but we are remote on Fridays.

Describe the area of New York your office is located in.

Tribeca – right between the waterfront and the Jenga building.

What is your favorite thing about working in New York City?

Proximity to good architecture.

If you held a movie night for the team, what movie would you show?

If it was up to our founder Eran Chen, it would be Belfast, if it was up to the popular vote, The Sandlot.

If you could work with one famous architect from another era, who would it be?

Kenzo Tange.

Where is the most popular lunch spot in or around the office?

Takahachi Bakery or Sweetgreen.

What is the most popular non-computer design tool in the office?

Trace paper and sharpies, or our Oculus goggles!

How do your different disciplines work with or learn from each other?

ODA is a vertically-integrated firm. We’ve always practiced architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and we do all three in many of our projects. It’s always a collaboration from the beginning, with everyone contributing to the project vision. 

Tell us about a recent completed project you are proud of.

Our building at Phase 2 of the Wharf in Washington, D.C. is just finishing up construction. We’re so excited to see the finished building in use among a neighborhood of other outstanding architecture.

What position(s) are you currently hiring for?

Intermediate Architect (6–9 years of experience), Project Architect (8–12 years of exp.), Senior Interior designer (6–9 years of exp.), and Intermediate Interior Designer (3–5 years of exp.).

What project(s) are the new team members likely to be working on?

We’ve got over a dozen new projects, including a new tower in Brooklyn, a new neighborhood in Chicago, an Edition Hotel, a Four Seasons Hotel, a residential tower in Taiwan, an art-infused mixed-use development in Wynwood, Miami… there is a lot to choose from. 

In three words, how would you describe your team’s design ethos?

Impactful, influential, inclusive.

Meet Your Next Employer is one of a number of ongoing weekly series showcasing the opportunities available on our industry-leading job board. Our Job Highlights series looks at intriguing and topical employment opportunities currently available on Archinect Jobs, while our weekly roundups curate job opportunities by location, career level, and job description.