Richard Abramson Lecturer B.Arch, Cal Poly State University, SLO; M.Arch, University of California, Los Angeles

Ric. Abramson established his office, Workplays studio*architecture in 2003. A former Fulbright scholar in Italy and Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome, Mr. Abramson divides his time between professional practice, academic research, and community involvement. His practice focuses on creative land use strategies, urban housing typologies, hybrid programs, residential hillsides and urban infill. Mr. Abramson has been a member of the USC School of Architecture faculty as a lecturer and studio critic since 1998.

As part of his educational and community outreach, he has lectured at the National AIA Convention on Los Angeles hillside development, MobiusLA on the creative subdivision of land, and produced a forum on local housing opportunities through MOCA’s Public+Artists program. Ric. has served previously as a Public Facilities Commissioner in West Hollywood and is currently serving on the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation’s Board of Directors working on realizing more affordable housing for those in need.

His office “WorkPlays studio*architecture” is active throughout Southern California. Its projects reflect fresh thoughts about lifestyles and living patterns through a careful study of site and environmental forces, typological conventions, and forward-thinking building practices. As part of his professional practice, Ric. continues to work closely with local municipalities on task forces or study groups that deal with strategic planning, affordable housing, sustainable design, creative parking policy, and mixed-use solutions.

In 2007-08, California Home & Design Magazine named Ric. Abramson on their “10 to Watch” list in residential design in the State of California.

He remains deeply interested in the way cities can foster positive growth through proactive policy and design.

www.workplays.com