Today we’d like to introduce you to Oksana Gritcai.
Hi Oksana, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story began 15 years ago, when I made the decision to study architecture—and fell in love with design. After five years in architecture school, I realized my hometown could no longer contain my ambitions. I wanted to explore cutting-edge technologies and push the boundaries of design.
That led me to SCI-Arc, where I was accepted into their experimental postgraduate program focused on emerging technologies and media in architecture. It was a transformative experience that redefined how I approached space, form, and fabrication.
Following graduation, I joined a manufacturing company as an in-house designer. There, I honed my skills in parametric and computational design, helping architects bring complex surfaces and custom elements to life. What started as a small team assisting others gradually evolved into a full design department. Clients began asking us to design their spaces—drawn to our signature, tech-driven aesthetic.
During this time, I contributed to major projects like the Atlanta Airport, SFO, LAX, the Riyadh Metro Station with Zaha Hadid Architects, and Google’s Moffett Park campus. These large-scale collaborations were thrilling, but over time, I felt the pull to return to the heart of architecture: designing for people.
Recently, I decided to return to the essence of why I started—designing for people. I founded OGKS Design, a studio focused on creating spaces that reflect the lives and stories of those who inhabit them. I now bring together my experience with advanced technologies and a human-centered approach to craft designs for homes, a creative workspaces, or a boutique commercial interiors, that are both thoughtful and uniquely personal.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The path of a professional immigrant is never easy—it comes with both struggles and achievements. Building a career in a new country without the safety net of family, a network, or a business foundation can feel overwhelming. There were moments I wanted to give up. But one of the beautiful things about the U.S.—and Los Angeles in particular—is the support you can find in the immigrant community. They become your chosen family.
The uncertainty of COVID and the ongoing challenges of immigration added another layer of pressure. In the silent gaze of immigration and the rhythm of American life, the unspoken question lingers—Do you deserve to be here? And the only way to answer is through excellence, day after day. There’s no room for error, and the stakes are high. You have to show up at your best every single time. But in a way, that pressure became a gift. It demanded excellence and pushed me to grow faster, work smarter, and stay resilient.
As you know, we’re big fans of OG.KS Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
But dreams do come true. I finally took the leap and founded my own studio—OG.KS Design. We focus on residential architecture and interiors, offering a seamless, all-in-one approach. Too often, architects create a layout first, only for interior designers to come in later and suggest tearing down walls to improve flow. That kind of disconnect costs time and money. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive solution under one roof, making the process smoother and more cost-effective for our clients.
While we’re versatile in style, our signature leans toward bold, artistic design with a focus on sustainability—because we truly love nature and believe design should respect and reflect it. We also take on commercial interiors, where I draw on years of experience with acoustical ceilings, parametric surfaces, and lighting integration. Fluid forms, expressive patterns, and custom solutions are our specialty.
OG.KS Design is built with a horizontal structure, inspired by the remote collaboration culture that emerged during COVID. We partner with a talented network of professionals—licensed architects, interior designers, 3D visualizers, and more—on a project basis. Everyone is free to work from wherever they’re most productive. This flexibility fuels creativity, discipline, and a shared sense of purpose.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
Aww, I was a quiet, imaginative kid who spent hours exploring all kinds of crafts – drawing, fashion, origami. I remember once deciding it would be amazing to draw a full masquerade scene directly on the wall. I even started doing it! But my mom, being the wise woman she is, gently redirected me. She brought home a new origami book, hung white sheets from the ceiling, and suggested I create the same story using paper instead.
Challenge accepted!
Soon, an entire world unfolded on those sheets – a house, a forest, animals, even a love story. That moment stayed with me. Years later, I designed an architectural product inspired by origami folds and patented it. Looking back, My childhood imagination grew into what I do now – telling stories through form, and blending art with structure.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ogksdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/og.ks.design/
