Inspiring Conversations with Oonagh Ryan of ORA

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oonagh Ryan

Hi Oonagh, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My aesthetic sensibility as an architect and interior designer is rooted in two distinct cultures. Born in Ireland, I grew up in a family of contractors who introduced me to design and building at a young age. I often visited construction sites with my grandfather and I loved to watch him work in his woodshop. I now call Los Angeles home, drawn here as a young graduate by the work of innovative LA architects including Frank Gehry and modernist icon Richard Neutra.

I see good design as a way of life, an all-encompassing philosophy that drives my personal life and how I approach my work. My duality is reflected in my work where I fuse my practical knowledge of design and construction to maximize potential.

I enjoy working on projects with a high level of detail, often marrying architecture and interiors to create contemporary, thoughtful spaces that are both playful and practical. They speak to the people they’re built for as well as capture the optimistic spirit of LA.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Architecture is a difficult profession and it’s crucial for us to understand every facet of a building to be able to coordinate all the details; from planning, to exterior waterproofing, to the cabinet pulls. It’s a never-ending cycle of ever-changing information, and it’s a challenge to always be on top of the latest information.

We are continuously learning and sharing knowledge, both internally and externally with colleagues, as well as lots of lessons learned from seeing our work get built. We’ve learned along the way that having a trusting client and a collaborative contractor who believes in our design as much as we do is key to delivering a successful project.

We’ve been impressed with ORA, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I launched ORA in 2014 from a desire to grow a small creative architecture and design studio where I could be hands-on, and involved in all aspects of the work. My team is a tight-knit group whose design approach is founded on listening carefully, working collaboratively and communicating clearly.

We understand that our work has a ripple effect and that it’s our responsibility to ensure our impact is one that makes a positive difference to all. We love what we do, and we do it because we love the people, the craft and the opportunities that architecture and design offers. And that joy is infused within the spirit of the spaces we create.

In 2021 we were awarded the Presidential Honor for the Emerging Practice of the year by the Los Angeles Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. This prestigious award recognized our ability to create change in the Los Angeles region through design as well as our valuable contributions to the profession of architecture. This award came during the pandemic and looking back it was a great moment in time to reflect on our accomplishments and redefine what’s important to us as we continue to grow and build more work.

Today our thriving studio is located in DTLA’s Arts District. We collaborate on diverse projects with ambitious clients and communities that often encompass architecture, interiors and furniture design to shape spaces that reflect how we want to live: intelligent, enduring, joyful. Our work has been widely published and recognized for design excellence.

We are fueled by curiosity, always seeking to go beyond the expected to create a body of work that is truly innovative. We believe that good design solves problems, but great design unlocks potential.

Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We’ve designed some great restaurants and bars in LA and they’re always fun to visit.

Take a cheese tasting class at Agnes in Pasadena. Agnes specializes in artisanal and local makers who focus on sustainable, regenerative, biodynamic, organic and dry farming techniques.

Enjoy a Sunday Wine Tasting at Esters in Santa Monica which features planet-friendly wines from small producers.

Or stop by Uchi in West Hollywood (from James Beard Award‑winning Chef Tyson Cole), our newest restaurant for an amazing seasonal omakase sushi dinner.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ora.la/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ora.la_arch