Ryoko Okada

Since its inception in 2007, ODA has quickly emerged as one of the most recognized firms of its generation, promptly establishing a reputation for delivering imaginative and mold-breaking designs. Seeking to reorder architectural priorities by putting people first, ODA challenges conventional perspectives of dwelling that will, over time, influence life in our cities. Through a range of projects, ODA seeks to reconcile the conditions of vertical urban living with the qualities which benefit and nurture us as human beings: the desire for protected shelter while observing wide perspectives, the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the general improvement of life through good design. This prolific firm has gained extensive experience designing and building in New York – currently more than 40 projects in New York City and throughout the U.S. – making them uniquely positioned to lead the discourse of living in urban environments. The office’s buildings celebrate life, catalyzing change in their immediate environments. ODA creates value which by its nature can be replicated again in another form. Eran Chen is the founding principal of ODA. His multi award-winning projects have been praised for their social responsibility, and innovative contributions to contemporary urban life, such as the National Library of Israel, East 44th Street, Manhattan’s ultrathin tower with open gardens; 123 Melrose, a one million square foot residential development; and Hunters Point South, NYC’s largest affordable housing project in more than forty years. He is a frequent speaker at design and development forums, as well as architecture schools around the world including Columbia University, Clemson University, Syracuse University, and Miami School of Architecture.