ORA provides innovative design services to community-focused organizations with particular emphasis on the design of cultural facilities, collaborative workspaces, and public gathering places. We focus on creating transformative architecture that enhances each client’s ability to achieve their mission on all levels, with environmental, economic and social sustainability at the forefront.
We accomplish more with less, offering large firm expertise with small firm responsiveness and personal approach. Through open-minded exploration, each design evolves to express the project’s unique context, program and values.
Visionary / Practical: We thrive on the dynamic challenge of creating designs that are visionary and responsive to program and site, with careful attention to meeting tight budgets, schedules, and functional needs.
Adaptive / Sustainable: We believe that adaptability and sustainability are fundamentally linked. We strive to anticipate and celebrate future change, knowing that highly flexible spaces are ultimately more sustainable and affordable over time.
Modern / Timeless: As we forge ahead with contemporary innovations, we never lose sight of time-proven principles and values. We strive to create timeless built environments that are contemporary while evoking time-tested traditions and values.
Community / Culture: We are passionate about creating places that enhance the vitality of our communities and cultures. We dedicate a significant portion of our time to pro-bono services for non-profits and clients serving communities in need.
Open-Minded Exploration: We allow room for unexpected discoveries, new insights, and a compelling shared vision. We believe in exploring alternatives even when there seems to be an obvious answer – inevitably the study of options leads to deeper understanding and greater insights.
Inclusive Process: We believe that reaching out to all concerned parties enables comprehensive exploration and broadens support for the shared project vision. Careful listening and clear communication is fundamental at every step along the way.
Research and Analysis: We commence each project with comprehensive information gathering and analysis of existing conditions, comparable facilities, client goals, site context, and technical considerations – all critical to developing inspired and appropriate designs.
Documentation and Quality Assurance: Our commitment to follow-through is fundamental to achieving each project’s full potential. Our successful project delivery record is founded on well-coordinated documents, prompt responsiveness, clear communication, and creative problem-solving throughout the design and construction process.
Our Team
OWEN RICHARDS, AIA, LEED AP
Owen is recognized for his engaging collaborative approach and his expertise in creation of transformative community-focused architecture. He brings over thirty years’ experience leading multi-disciplinary teams in the design and delivery of a diverse range of award-winning projects, from performing arts venues, museums, and cultural facilities to affordable housing and pro-bono collaborations with non-profit organizations serving communities in need. He has served as president of Architects without Borders-Seattle, editorial board chair for AIA Seattle Forum, and facilities chair of On the Boards. He graduated from Rice University with majors in Architecture and Photography and an unofficial minor in theater. Prior to founding ORA in 2004, he was a principal at LMN Architects in Seattle, and he has also practiced architecture in New York, Atlanta, and Australia. He was a core team member with Mitchell/Giurgola Architects on the competition-winning design of the Australian Parliament House. In addition to theater and architecture, his passions include photography and long-distance cycling.
VIRGINIA BOSWORTH
Virginia’s focus as a designer is on creating collaborative communal spaces that foster a sense of ownership, safety and creativity through social interaction. A native of New Orleans, Virginia migrated up the Mississippi River to attend Washington University in St Louis where she received her BS in Architecture. Her love of climate and public responsive design brought her to Seattle where she worked with DLR Group, SMR Architects, and BLRB Architects on a diverse range of educational, non-profit housing, and public projects. She joined ORA in 2018 after receiving her Master of Architecture from University of Washington. Virginia has played key roles in many of ORA’s most significant projects over the past 5 years. Away from the office, you may find Virginia attending a local performance or theatrical show.
SAM ARELLANO
Sam Arellano is originally from Venezuela where he received his Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Central de Venezuela. After working with an architectural firm in Caracas for four years, he moved to Seattle to learn English. When the political climate in Venezuela forced him to change plans, he made Seattle his permanent home. After 7 years of working with a small firm designing restaurants and residential projects, he joined ORA in Spring 2023. In his spare time, Sam enjoys photographing buildings around the city to polish his photography skills, and he enjoys designing and constructing interior renovations of his house.
SARAH SHULTS
Sarah has almost 25 years of experience contributing to the success of architectural and engineering firms. Her primary focus is on financial management and human resources. In addition, Sarah has extensive experience in firm administration, contracts, and vendor management. When not working you might find her on the archery range with her son or enjoying the outdoors at Mt. Baker.