Studio.

Studio.

About us

OAO is a design studio grounded in research and technical rigor, focused on delivering functional, efficient, and well-crafted architecture without unnecessary complexity.

Our process is direct and purposeful, built around effective solutions tailored to each project’s real constraints.

About us

OAO is a design studio grounded in research and technical rigor, focused on delivering functional, efficient, and well-crafted architecture without unnecessary complexity.

Our process is direct and purposeful, built around effective solutions tailored to each project’s real constraints.

Black and white image of people working at a table with laptops, showing hands gesturing during discussion of digital content displayed on screens, with fabrica® logo in the corner.
Black and white image of people working at a table with laptops, showing hands gesturing during discussion of digital content displayed on screens, with fabrica® logo in the corner.

Every project we take on is designed for long-term success.

We keep things simple by focusing on what matters, designing with clarity, and ensuring every project serves a clear purpose.

A straightforward process that delivers clarity, confidence, and lasting value.


The faces behind the projects.

The faces behind the projects.

Be part of our mission

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

We believe strong collaboration leads to better decisions. Our team works closely together to align design intent, technical rigor, and client goals at every stage.

Partner

at OAO®

Mariusz Klemens

"Most problems on a project are not design problems. They are early decision problems."

Partner

at OAO®

Mariusz Klemens

"Most problems on a project are not design problems. They are early decision problems."

Partner

at OAO®

Mariusz Klemens

"Most problems on a project are not design problems. They are early decision problems."

Partner

at OAO®

Alan Barker

"The project that runs well is the one where nothing surprises the client."

Partner

at OAO®

Alan Barker

"The project that runs well is the one where nothing surprises the client."

Partner

at OAO®

Alan Barker

"The project that runs well is the one where nothing surprises the client."

Project Architect

at OAO®

Evan Bartlett

"The detail is where a design either survives construction or quietly disappears"

Project Architect

at OAO®

Evan Bartlett

"The detail is where a design either survives construction or quietly disappears"

Project Architect

at OAO®

Evan Bartlett

"The detail is where a design either survives construction or quietly disappears"

Project Architect

at OAO®

Nicholas Cecchi

"Good architecture is only as strong as the drawings behind it."

Project Architect

at OAO®

Nicholas Cecchi

"Good architecture is only as strong as the drawings behind it."

Project Architect

at OAO®

Nicholas Cecchi

"Good architecture is only as strong as the drawings behind it."

Design Associate

at OAO®

Manuela Perez

"Design is a question. Documentation is the answer."

Design Associate

at OAO®

Manuela Perez

"Design is a question. Documentation is the answer."

Design Associate

at OAO®

Manuela Perez

"Design is a question. Documentation is the answer."

Senior Advisor

at OAO®

Drew Ranieri

"Forty-seven years in. The details still matter most."

Senior Advisor

at OAO®

Drew Ranieri

"Forty-seven years in. The details still matter most."

Senior Advisor

at OAO®

Drew Ranieri

"Forty-seven years in. The details still matter most."

Four diverse professionals collaboratively working on a laptop, with one person pointing at the screen while others observe.

Four diverse professionals collaboratively working on a laptop, with one person pointing at the screen while others observe.

Professional Credentials

Professional Credentials

Open Architecture Office is a licensed architectural practice.

The firm is registered to practice architecture in Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona, and maintains professional liability insurance.

We structure our work with careful attention to regulatory compliance, risk management, and long-term project performance, ensuring that design intent and professional responsibility remain aligned at every stage.

Licensed in Illinois and Michigan
Professional Liability Insurance Maintained

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

© 2025 OAO®

Let’s talk.

Tell us about your project, big or small. We listen carefully and help turn early ideas into clear next steps.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Dark gradiend background

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

© 2025 OAO®

Let’s talk.

Tell us about your project, big or small. We listen carefully and help turn early ideas into clear next steps.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Dark gradiend background

Have a project in mind?

By submitting, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Let’s talk.

Tell us about your project, big or small. We listen carefully and help turn early ideas into clear next steps.

Quick response.

If you’re ready to create and collaborate, we’d love to hear from you.

Clear next steps.

After the consultation, we’ll provide you with a detailed plan and timeline.

Dark gradiend background

Whether your project is a single home, a major renovation, or a complex urban district, we guide the design process with clarity and care.

Whether your project is a single home, a major renovation, or a complex urban district, we guide the design process with clarity and care.

Mariusz Klemens

Founding Partner

Mariusz Klemens

Founding Partner


Licensed in Illinois and Michigan
Professional Liability Insurance Maintained

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© 2026 OAO® Open Architecture Office. All rights reserved.