Lecture Recap | "Building in Place" by Lorcan O'Herlihy
Lorcan O’Herlihy’s new book, "Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context & Social Equity" explores LOHA’s methodology driving impactful solutions and strategies for architectural projects developed with social, political, and economic context in mind.
Redefining architecture as a force for progress has always been a hallmark of Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA], enacting a powerful alliance of inventive designs with vigorous social ideals. The location of each project is central as the book addresses the living histories as an essential part of each project’s narrative.
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About the Speaker
Lorcan O’Herlihy, FAIA, is an architect and urban designer with offices in Los Angeles, California and Detroit, Michigan. As Founding Principal and Creative Director, Lorcan has led Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA] in building a robust portfolio of work rooted in embracing architecture’s role as a catalyst for change. Enacting a powerful alliance of inventive designs with vigorous social ideals, O’Herlihy’s work prospers whether it is supportive affordable housing in South Los Angeles, creative offices, or designing cultural institutions like Chapman University Dance School.
In 2018, Architect Magazine recognized LOHA as the #1 Design Firm in the U.S. In addition to building over 100 projects across three continents Lorcan has been published in over 20 countries and recognized with 200-plus national and international awards, including the 2023 AIA CA Maybeck Award, 2021 AIA LA Gold Medal, Architect’s Newspaper Best of Practice North America Firm Award, the AIA LA Firm of the Year Award, and the AIA California Distinguished Practice Award.
Lorcan O’Herlihy has new book out with Rizzoli, Building in Place: Architecture Rooted in Context and Social Equity.
About the Studio
Lorcan O’Herlihy Architects [LOHA] harnesses the complexities and latent opportunities of urban society to create transformative architecture. Our work is driven by ruthless optimism, creative pragmatism, and a profound conviction that bold, enlightened design elevates the soul and enriches communities.
We balance ideals and pragmatics, intuition and logic, radical visions and fulfilled expectations. We ground our process in rigorous exploration, persistent questioning, and technical expertise. We craft distinctive, sustainable, elegantly resolved designs that meet the needs of our clients and respond to broader civic and social ambitions.
Grounded in years of experience, we confront preconceptions with an understanding that, while working within parameters, creative improvisation can yield unexpected solutions and remarkable results.
Since 1994, LOHA has built over 100 projects across three continents. Based out of our studio in Los Angeles and Detroit with twenty-five designers, our diverse work ranges from large, mixed-use developments and university residential complexes to art galleries and bus shelters. LOHA has been published in over 20 countries and recognized with over 100 awards, including the Architect Magazine’s ARCHITECT 50 #1 Design Firm Award, AIA California Council Distinguished Practice Award, and AIA Los Angeles Firm of the Year Award.
