Rich Olaya

Richard Olaya, AIA, is a principal and co-founder of the architectural firm OZ Collaborative. Rich has been in the architectural field for over 35 years and has been a registered architect since 2005. He has experience with a wide range of project types, including government & civic, university buildings, museums, churches, mosques, high-rise commercial offices, and multi-family housing. Originally from Bogota, Colombia, and now a long-time Philadelphia resident, Rich is a self-proclaimed urbanist and proud advocate for the city. Rich’s work is deeply influenced by his global perspective as an immigrant and his intimate understanding of the region’s culture and historical vernacular.
When not in the office, Rich can be found at home cooking Colombian cuisine with his sons, surfing, competing in triathlons, or painting watercolors of old buildings.