ARCHITECTURE
Ray Varela brings more than 30 years of experience to AO, a deep commitment to design, and a reputation as a respected leader in the Southern California design community.
Varela joins AO after 28 years with Carrier Johnson + Culture, where he shaped award-winning work, built talented teams, and mentored generations of designers. Throughout his career, he has worked across multifamily, urban mixed-use, civic, education and corporate design, always approaching architecture as a collaborative process.
That philosophy makes Varela a natural fit for AO.
In his new role, Varela will work alongside AO’s multifamily and mixed-use teams to push ideas further, strengthen design thinking, mentor emerging talent, and continue raising the bar for innovation.
“I’ve always believed the best work emerges when diverse perspectives come together, ideas are challenged, and new possibilities are uncovered,” said Varela. “I’m excited about the energy at AO and the opportunity to contribute to what comes next.”
Varela earned his undergraduate degree in Environmental Design from Cal Poly Pomona, and received his Master’s in Architectural Design from UCLA.
We’re thrilled to have Varela at AO and begin this next chapter together.