B.Arch, Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo; MA in History and Critial Thinking, Architectural Association, London

Lorcan O'Herlihy, FAIA, is the founder and principal of Lorcan O' Herlihy Architects [LOHA]. Since LOHA's 1994 inception, O'Herlihy has sought opportunities to engage the ever changing complexities of the urban landscape, embracing the role of architecture as a catalyst of change. His social concerns and fascination with the structure of cities has inspired an exploration of the creative interaction between public and private spaces and an emphasis on social and civic connectivity. Lorcan spent his formative years in New York and Paris working as a designer at I.M. Pei Partners on the Grand Louvre Museum. This iconic project’s harmonious integration of art and architecture, instilled in him a passion toward aesthetic improvisation and composition that has persisted throughout his practice. Lorcan’s professional pursuits have run in parallel to his academic and intellectual ambitions, enriching and heightening both. He received a Master of Arts in Histories and Theories from the Architectural Association in London, writing a dissertation on social connectivity and generative urban strategies. He has taught and lectured extensively over the last decade, including at the Architectural Association in London, Southern California Institute of Architecture [SCI-Arc], Cranbrook Academy of Art, Columbia University, Carnegie Mellon University, Pratt Institute, and the National Building Museum in Washington D.C.

He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Southern California. In 2004 the Architectural League of New York selected Lorcan O’Herlihy as one of the eight “emerging voices” in the United States. In 2009, Lorcan was elevated to the prestigious College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, an honor awarded to members who have made significant contributions to the profession. Lorcan’s commitment to design excellence in commercial, educational and residential projects has earned over 100 national and local design awards, including the 2010 AIA Los Angeles Firm of the Year Award and has been nominated for the 2014 American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in Architecture, the 2018 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award, the 2017 Marcus Prize in Architecture, the 2018 AIACC Distinguished Practice Award, and ranked #1 in the Design category for the 2018 Architect 50. Lorcan is a licensed architect in California, Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina and is a GSA Design Excellence Program Peer.