OLA is a landscape architecture and urban design studio based in New York City and Miami. We create landscapes that are grounded in the architecture, ecology, and character of a place, with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and long-term value.
Our work spans private residences, hospitality environments, rooftops, waterfronts, streetscapes, parks, and large-scale masterplans across North America, South America, the Caribbean, Europe, and Asia. We work closely with architects, builders, clients, and craftspeople to shape landscapes that feel intentional, enduring, and deeply connected to their surroundings.
Founded by Lou Arencibia in 2018, OLA approaches each project through careful study of site, material, circulation, ecology, and experience. We believe the strongest projects emerge through collaboration and a clear understanding of how people live, move, gather, and connect to outdoor space.
Our work balances technical rigor with spatial simplicity, creating environments that are immersive, functional, and quietly memorable.
OLA Landscape Architecture PLLC is MBE-certified by the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the New York City Department of Small Business Services.
PEOPLE
Lou Arencibia, PLA ASLA
Founding Principal
Lou, the Founding Principal at OLA, stands at the intersection of architecture and landscape design. With over 20 years in both the professional realm and academia, he champions a holistic approach to design, focusing on a balance between big-picture thinking and attention to detail to enhance the dialogue around our built environment. Lou's background is punctuated by his tenure at globally recognized firms such as Bjarke Ingels Group, Office for Metropolitan Architecture, Land Collective, Raymond Jungles, Inc., and Rene Gonzalez Architect, setting a solid foundation for OLA's approach to creating impactful and sustainable design solutions.
WE ARE A MBE DESIGN STUDIO
Lauren McPhillips- Director of Marketing
Hyunjoo Park- Studio Coordinator
Kate Rodgers- Landscape Architect
Anna Saminathan- Landscape Architect
Shabi Khan- Designer
Minhan Lin- Design Intern
Yingqiao Li- Design Intern
PROCESS
Our work begins with a clear focus on our clients’ goals, ensuring their vision drives every step of the process. Collaboration, careful planning, and precise execution are central to delivering designs that feel timeless, imaginative, and deeply connected to their surroundings.
We draw heavily on local materials, traditions, and native plant communities to create landscapes that feel authentic and grounded. By embracing nature’s inherent unpredictability, we craft spaces that balance structure and spontaneity, offering a sense of order within natural beauty. These elements come together to create cohesive environments where the boundaries between indoors and outdoors dissolve, seamlessly integrating architecture, garden, and landscape.
