Meet Rania Alomar | Architect

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rania Alomar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rania, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I started RA-DA after working for a couple of large US based architectural firms. I’d been working on stadium, arena and theater projects as a lead designer with these firms but I knew since Graduate School that what I really wanted was to have my own firm so it had always been a goal of mine. In a way I had been learning the business and the craft throughout those 10 years with this in mind. I was always open to every aspect of the work – even the boring stuff – mine was the hand that went up to volunteer for the tasks others weren’t keen on. Once I’d felt that I had reached sort of a ceiling in the firm that I was at, I decided that it was time. I was also really guided by some mentors through this life change. They helped me map out a basic plan which consisted of me figuring out how much money I needed to make in order to survive on my own and then finding the right work where I could focus on design quality above all else.

What should our readers know about your business?
ok, the Speil… RA-DA is a design-driven architecture practice founded on the belief that thoughtful, well-crafted spaces can truly make life better. We’re a small, nimble team that takes on projects not for volume, but for meaning and the opportunity to Create. Our work ranges from private homes to civic buildings to animal adoption centers, with a special focus on public and urban spaces that foster connection and improve daily life in lasting ways.

What sets RA-DA apart is not just our commitment to design excellence, but our dedication to the people we design for. We place a high value on listening to our clients. Every project is shaped by their goals, values, and vision, and no two projects look the same because no two clients are the same. We’ve built long-standing, meaningful relationships with our clients over the years, and those relationships are among the things we value most.

The journey to where we are now hasn’t always been easy. Choosing to prioritize quality over quantity requires patience and discipline. We’ve made the choice to pass on work that doesn’t align with our principles, and while that can be challenging, it’s also helped us stay focused on what truly matters to us. Over time, this clarity has attracted the kinds of clients and projects that align with our values.

We’ve learned that great architecture isn’t just about design—it’s about empathy, communication, resilience, and trust – and like to throw in a little whimsy. Our process is about staying curious, and remaining open to new ideas.

We are here to design places that matter. We’re not here to chase trends or turn out volume—we’re here to create architecture with purpose, care, and impact. Our story is one of creativity, collaboration, and a deep belief in the power of design to do good.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
OK this should be easy because my mum and sister came to stay with me for a week and we got to explore LA together.
I’m the kind of traveller that likes to explore and discover things so I’d plan each day around one activity leaving the rest up for discovery.
Day 1 has to be the beach. This is something I almost never do but everyone that comes to LA needs to see the beach. I’d book a table for lunch at The Proper Hotel (LOVE the interior design) in Santa Monica and then check out Venice Beach and explore the shops on Abbot Kinney. Lots of opportunity for discovery there. I’d check if there are any gallery openings at Bergamot Station that afternoon/evening and head there for my art fix and a glass of wine.
Day 2 has to be the Getty Center. I just find it so peaceful up there and take the opportunity to go every time someone visits. After this we’d head back to west Hollywood and go to dinner at Bacari on Third. I love this place. I’d book us a table outside and order their cocktails and an array of shared plates. The vibe is so great here.
Day 3 has to be a downtown Arts District day. We’d head to Hauser & Wirth and spend some time exploring all the galleries and the district. Its a really creative and lively scene with Sci-Arc (my graduate school) close by and a good supply of artist-types wearing strange and interesting attire! (My sister says its very Brooklyn) Lunch at Manuela would be perfect. I’d book tickets to the Broad (one of my favorite buildings in the world!) and drive over there later before heading back to West Hollywood. Tonight is dinner at JAR. This is our all time favorite restaurant that just has such exquisite food and elegant service. Ideally we’d grab seats at the bar and eat there but that’s hard if you are four or more people so a table might be in order (their cocktails are outstanding).
Day 4 we’d stay local to west Hollywood and head to the Grove and the Farmer’s Market on Third and Fairfax. I like the middle eastern restaurant there called Moishe’s. Run by the same group of Armenian women for years. (I also like to explore the little ‘Mediterranean Market’ right next to it for some proper arabic goodies. On the way home I”d stop at the local Russian Deli on Santa Monica Boulevard and buy some of the homemade food to have dinner at home. ‘New York Delicatessen is my favorite.
Day 5 has to be a drive up the coastline. They just reopened PCH after the January fires and its really sad to see but the ocean is just so beautiful. I’d go all the way to Neptune’s Net to get some Fish and Chips and then just relax on the beach and hang. (We’d bring some drinks and sun screen)
Day 6 is another day downtown. We’d head to Grand Central Market for lunch and then explore the area. One building I love to visit is the Bradbury Building and then maybe walk around Alvaro Street and take ‘Angels Flight’ railcar up the hill. Its fun and different to any other City in the US. Later in the afternoon we’d go by the Biltmore hotel for a cocktail before going to the rooftop restaurant PERCH at pershing square.
At SOME point we would have dinner at Musso and Franks – a Hollywood legend – recently renovated I would at least go and have a drink at the bar.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh, there were so many people along the way who were instrumental in starting and building my firm. Its really the biggest lesson in life that you are not going to get where you want to be without the help of others. My mentors were selfless in their advice and guidance/
Here are a few.
The first has to be Vernon Pounds (who sadly passed away at too young an age), who taught me how to be an architect and how to enjoy life at the same time. We worked insane hours in those early days and he always made us make time for a break and some lightheartedness.
The brilliant Michael Hallmark, who was my boss for years but became a good friend and huge source of support. His guidance was instrumental in making that first step to starting my practice -So much respect for that man.
My husband of many many years, who supported me and had my back in all my life decisions – and still does.
And honestly, my staff is awesome! Many of whom have been with me for years. They each bring their own superpower to the table and together make a mighty team. They are family to me.
Did I just give my Oscar acceptance speech? lol

Website: https://www.ra-da.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/radaarchitects/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ra-da/

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Image Credits
Photographer: Ralf Strathmann
Aerial Photographer: Michael Wells