ORA is an architecture and interiors studio based in Los Angeles. We collaborate with ambitious clients to shape spaces that are intelligent, enduring and joyful.

Design for life, beyond the expected.

We are a tight-knit studio of architects and designers, working with curiosity, rigor and purpose. Our reputation has been built on a portfolio of finely crafted residential, commercial and hospitality spaces.


For us, design is not just about solving problems; it’s about exploring potential and creating opportunities. The success of each project is the result of an open-minded and collaborative exchange of ideas. This is married with the expertise we bring to the table, and a hands-on process tailored to each client’s unique aspirations.

Oonagh Ryan AIA, IIDA
Founder & Principal

Oonagh Ryan is the founding principal of ORA. Born in Ireland, she moved to Los Angeles, gaining invaluable experience at notable architecture firms Frederick Fisher & Partners and Koning Eizenberg prior to beginning her multi-disciplinary practice in 2014.

Oonagh’s thoughtful and holistic approach to design creatively marries architecture, interiors and lifestyle with function, craft and good stewardship. Under her eye, ORA delivers ambitious, diverse work that demonstrates a sense of intention and purpose. Oonagh leads a tight-knit team who share her dedication to creating environments that are a unique window into each client’s lifestyle, needs and ethos.

Oonagh is frequently called upon to share her design expertise on panels, juries and speaking engagements, and she currently serves on the board of Architecture + Advocacy. Her work has been widely recognized and published, most notably in 2021 when ORA was awarded the Presidential Honor for the Emerging Practice of the Year by the AIA-LA.

Oonagh speaking at the Monterey Design Conference

“I tend to gravitate towards simplicity and things that are made well. This has informed my work which is what I call ‘quiet luxury’ – an understated, laid-back Californian feel that isn’t stuffy and that can evolve. Room to breathe.”

Bright thinking.

We are fuelled by curiosity, always seeking to go beyond the expected. That’s why the spaces we craft – from residences to restaurants to workspaces – all bear the hallmarks of our creative spirit: bold, beautiful and meaningful. The kind of spaces that inspire.

Open-minded design.

Our approach is founded on listening carefully, working collaboratively and communicating clearly. We foster an open way of working, because that’s the kind of space we enjoy creating: filled with light and full of possibility.

A positive difference.

Our work has a ripple effect. We know we have a duty not only to our clients but to their communities and to the natural world we all share. From the choice of materials to the spaces we create, we work with responsibility, transparency and care.

Space for joy.

We’re here because we love the people, the craft and the opportunities architecture offers. And while we work with intelligence, integrity and rigor, we also work with joy – a quality that reflects who we are and what we do.

HOLISTIC SERVICES

While we oversee each project’s process from concept through construction, our approach often goes beyond architecture to encompass all elements of an environment. Beyond our in-house expert capability, we collaborate with trusted local designers, artists, builders and craftspeople who share our passion for exceptional design.

From beginning to end, we keep clients fully informed, ensuring their vision is realized and the integrity of the design is maintained down to the smallest detail.

Architecture 
Interior Design 
Landscape Design 
Master Planning 
Programing
Site Analysis 
Feasibility Studies 
Brand Development 
Environmental Graphics 
Art Curation 
Furniture Selection 
Furniture Design 
Lighting Design 
Physical Models
3D Visualization

RESPONSIBLE PRACTICE

At ORA, we are deeply committed to environmentally responsive design and we encourage high aspirations for sustainability from our clients and project partners as well as ourselves.

  • Responsible design begins at home, which is why Oonagh believes strongly in looking after her team and collaborators. ORA stands for mindful design and supporting local and smaller businesses, creatives and products.

    With a philosophy of quality over quantity, ORA delivers a holistic approach to sustainable materials and practices, energy demand, reduced water use reduction and, ultimately, healthier environments for all. Every project is rooted in passive design strategies, but that’s only the beginning.



    Going beyond

    We believe the climate change crisis demands going further than code minimums. That’s why we collaborate closely with our core consultant teams to limit resource use through a combination of creative design, energy modeling and thoughtful specifications.



    AIA 2030 Challenge

    In 2022, we committed to the AIA 2030 Challenge and are actively working towards meeting the goal of creating carbon-neutral buildings by 2030 or sooner.

    We are successfully designing all-electric homes, two of which are in construction and will be our first Zero Emission projects. Our commercial projects exceed minimum code standards and our goal moving forward is to continue our push to move the needle towards Zero Energy Ready or Zero Emission projects.



    Going forward

    Our sustainability initiative grows with our firm. We aim for gradual and continuous implementation of these sustainable strategies, in order to work towards a better future for all.

    Our new projects target higher reductions in energy, carbon emissions, water conservation and construction waste. We measure results through post-occupancy surveys and revisiting energy analysis models in an effort to continually improve.

CERTIFICATIONS

Woman Business Enterprise (WBE)
Small Local Business (SLB)
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE)
City of Los Angeles Certified Green Business