Ric. Abramson

Background

About Ric. Abramson

Ric. joined the City of West Hollywood as its City Architect in November 2019 to lead its new Urban Design & Architecture Studio. An experienced Architect, Urban Designer, Housing Developer, Land Use Consultant, University Educator, and Community Advocate, professionally he was the founder and Principal at his firm, Workplays studio*architecture (16 years), and a Jr. Partner at David Gray Architects (5 years). Professionally, his studio is best known for innovations in infill housing with an emphasis creative residential subdivisions, live-work spaces, mixed-use projects,"missing middle" typologies, and built and natural environment advocacy. His firm entitled both the first ground-up small lot subdivision and prefabricated multi-family housing project in the City of Los Angeles. Personally, he has been recognized for his forward thinking housing solutions. From a civic leadership perspective, Ric. is well known for his urban policy efforts (including two bills signed by Governor Jerry Brown), professional organization leadership, and community-oriented volunteerism and service. In 1995-96 Ric. was selected as a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome and Fulbright Scholar in Rome, Italy. Ric. represented California on AIA's National Strategic Council, a think tank in Wash, DC. He also chaired the statewide Housing Congress for AIA California exploring new ways to achieve sustainable, inclusive, and economically attainable housing. He has served on Boards of Directors for AIA California, AIA Los Angeles, The Center for Architecture in Los Angeles, and the West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation. He holds a Master of Architecture from University of California, Los Angeles and Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Ric served for 18+ years on the faculties at the USC School of Architecture and SCIArc teaching architectural design, history and theory. Experienced in small business issues, Ric collaborated with the West Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and helped to shape their recognized Small Business Initiative. His community advocacy includes serving on diverse committees, task forces, panels and professional juries and two terms as a Public Facilities Commissioner in West Hollywood. In 2019, Ric. was recognized as a Presidential Honoree for American Institute of Architects Los Angeles’ inaugural Citizen Architect Award. This recognition is bestowed upon those who advocate for community, diversity, and social engagement and who advance design excellence while promoting positive change in the built environment.