The passing of Lorcan O'Herlihy, the Irish-born architect who reshaped conversations around housing and urbanism, marks a significant loss in the architectural world. O'Herlihy's work was a testament to his belief that architecture is a social act, and his firm, LOHA, became a beacon of innovative, socially-engaged design. With a career spanning decades, O'Herlihy's impact on the field is profound and multifaceted.
A Visionary Architect
O'Herlihy's journey began in Dublin, where he was born in 1959, before moving to Los Angeles as a young child. His architectural education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and the Architectural Association in London laid the foundation for a career dedicated to the social and civic dimensions of design. O'Herlihy's early professional work with renowned firms like Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo and Associates and I. M. Pei and Partners showcased his talent and contributed to iconic projects like the Grand Louvre Museum Pyramid.
However, it was the establishment of LOHA in 1994 that truly defined O'Herlihy's legacy. The firm's work in multifamily housing, supportive housing, affordable housing, and urban infill projects challenged traditional notions of architecture. O'Herlihy believed that housing should not be treated as a mere background element but as a platform for formal invention and civic engagement. This philosophy is evident in projects like Formosa1140, where LOHA created a public pocket park on private land, extending the public realm and fostering social interaction.
A Social Act and Civic Ambition
O'Herlihy's commitment to the social act of architecture was a cornerstone of his practice. In a 2017 Archinect conversation, he emphasized that the role of the architect is to create work of consequence, using architecture as a tool for development, politics, and social structures. This belief is reflected in LOHA's projects, which often explore the interplay between public and private spaces, using elements like courtyards, paseos, and terraces to foster social connections in dense urban environments.
The firm's recognition is a testament to O'Herlihy's impact. LOHA has completed over 100 projects across three continents and received numerous awards, including the AIA California Distinguished Practice Award and the AIA Los Angeles Firm of the Year. O'Herlihy's personal honors, such as the AIA California Maybeck Award and the AIA Los Angeles Gold Medal, further solidify his influence in the field.
A Lasting Legacy
In a poignant moment, LOHA announced the adoption of a collective ownership model in March, just months before O'Herlihy's passing. This structural change, guided by O'Herlihy's principles of care for people and place, honesty in work, and the power of good design, ensures the continuity of his vision. The expanded ownership group, including long-time contributors, reflects O'Herlihy's belief in shared authorship and the importance of a dedicated team.
O'Herlihy's influence extends beyond the buildings he designed. His work demonstrated that architecture can be experimental, formally ambitious, and socially attentive, all while being deeply urban. His impact on the idea of what multifamily housing can contribute to a city is immeasurable. As LOHA continues to carry forward his vision, O'Herlihy's legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of architects to embrace the social and civic dimensions of their craft.
