“I love what I do every day,” says Maria Ogrydziak, AIA, as she reflects on her 40th year as a licensed architect — a remarkable journey that has transformed California’s Central Valley through innovative design and visionary architectural leadership.

Over four decades, Ogrydziak has established her firm, Maria Ogrydziak Architecture, as a premier architectural voice in the region, with 400 built projects which exemplify her mission of “extraordinary architecture for everyday life.” Her award-winning portfolio spans residential, community, worship and commercial works with her signature inspired geometries, light-filled interiors and strong connections to the land.

To share her distinctive Central Valley design vernacular, Ogrydziak recently published Framing the Valley by ORO Editions, which debuted as Amazon’s #1 New Release in Vernacular Architecture. The book features eight Central Valley residences that enable remarkable lives across diverse budgets and programs.

Beyond design, Ogrydziak is committed to helping shape architectural policy to support regions, communities and individuals. She served as AIA Central Valley Chapter president, founding the chapter’s annual Experience Architecture festival. As a current member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) California Chapter’s Housing Steering Committee, she provides state-level permanent supportive housing design expertise and policy guidance. 

One of her proudest recent achievements is Paul’s Place, born from co-founding Davis Opportunity Village. This innovative four-story building opened in 2023 and combines housing, services and community support for the unhoused. The groundbreaking project recently earned a Special District Council Award from the Urban Land Institute Sacramento Chapter. Continuing this work, Ogrydziak serves as a board member and design partner for Yolo Community Builders to help more communities create their own solutions.

“It’s so rewarding to design housing that is practical, useful and welcoming to residents and communities and continues to shape and benefit our region.” — Maria Ogrydziak, AIA Architect

“I’m developing schemes for three new tiny-home village projects at the moment,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to design housing that is practical, useful and welcoming to residents and communities and continues to shape and benefit our region.”

As she enters her fifth decade in practice, Ogrydziak has launched a new website showcasing her architectural portfolio and some glimpses at the artistic process that inspires it at oarch.com. She looks forward to continuing to prove that extraordinary architecture belongs to everyone.