We are Better Together.

As students get ready to head back into the classroom, AO was proud to partner with Think Together to host a Backpack Drive, bringing employees together to help local students start the school year equipped for success. Every backpack represents more than school supplies. It's a reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together with a shared purpose and a commitment to giving back. Thank you to everyone who donated and to Think Together for helping make this effort possible. Wishing students a school year filled with opportunity, growth, and success.

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Let's chill, AO! Our team took a well-deserved break to enjoy an afternoon Ice Cream Social filled with sweet treats, great conversations, and plenty of laughs. Whether reconnecting with teammates, meeting someone new, or simply taking a moment to recharge, it was a great reminder that the relationships we build are just as important as the work we do. Thanks to everyone who joined us for a scoop of fun. Here's to making time for the moments that bring us together!

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The AO team gathered yesterday for our annual Taco Tuesday celebration, one of AO’s yummiest traditions. With plenty of tacos and time spent reconnecting across teams, the event brought everyone together for an afternoon of good food and great company. This year’s gathering also marked the last Taco Tuesday held in the 174-parking lot before the move to AO’s new office! While it’s the end of an era for this space, we’re looking forward to continuing the tradition and making new memories at the new office next year.

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Two years ago today, we marked a milestone that meant a great deal to us. On March 27, 2024, AO was honored with an official proclamation recognizing our 50th anniversary, celebrating five decades of work, relationships, and growth rooted in Orange. It’s a moment to reflect on our legacy, but just as importantly, to recognize how AO continues to evolve. Each chapter builds on the last, shaped by our people, our partners, and the culture that brings us together. This year we gathered together to celebrate AO Day in a very AO way. Our annual cornhole tournament brought the team out in full force, a tradition that captures the spirit of who we are: a little competitive, a lot collaborative, and always grounded in connection.

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AO’s annual Fall Fundraiser and Fitness Challenge recently concluded with a celebratory Raffle Event, marking the end of a powerful campaign supporting The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Demonstrating the true spirit of the AO family, our team collectively covered 4,781 miles and raised $14,165 to help find a cure for Parkinson’s. We are incredibly proud of these results and extend a sincere thank you to everyone who walked, ran, and donated to make this year’s challenge our most meaningful yet.

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The AO Mardi Gras Ball was a vibrant celebration of celebration, connection, and festive flair. Guests gathered in true New Orleans–inspired fashion, embracing the color, creativity, and elegance of the season. The evening shimmered with rich purple, green, and gold hues, elevated cocktail attire, and just the right touch of sparkle, setting the stage for a night full of energy and camaraderie. From feathered details and elegant lace to bold accessories and festive accents, the room reflected the charm and sophistication of a classic Mardi Gras soirée. The celebration brought colleagues together to toast another incredible year, enjoy great company, and close the season on a high note that felt both joyful and refined. One thing is certain: AO knows how to celebrate with intention and style. The Mardi Gras Ball was a perfect reminder that our culture thrives on connection, creativity, and shared moments worth remembering. Here’s to carrying this spirited energy into 2026 and beyond. Allez AO!
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The AO family gathered at Chapman Crafted for an evening of good vibes, great brews, and even better company! From welcoming new faces to reconnecting with longtime teammates, the night was full of laughter, stories, and memorable moments. We love these chances to kick back, catch up, and celebrate the people who make AO so special. Thanks to everyone who came out—cheers to our ever-growing crew!     Watch the recap here!

Watch the recap here!

Last week, we had a great time hosting our annual Multi-Vendor Tradeshow at our Orange Campus! With XX vendors on-site, the space was full of energy, new ideas, and plenty of great conversations. Our team got to check out the latest products and materials up close, making for a fun and inspiring afternoon. We also enjoyed a tasty catered lunch—always a win—and appreciated the chance to connect with familiar faces and meet new ones. Big thanks to all the vendors who came out and made the day such a success! Watch the recap here.

Watch the recap here!

Recently, AO attended Career Day events at top architecture schools like Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly SLO, UCLA, USC, and SCI-Arc, where our team met with students, reviewed portfolios, and shared insights into life at AO. We were impressed by the creativity and technical skills demonstrated, including the use of AI as a design tool. The innovation we saw reaffirms the bright future of architecture. Interested in joining us? Apply for our Summer Internship Program by sending your resume and portfolio to designexploration@aoarchitects.com.   Watch the recap here!

Our partnership with the Friendly Center has developed a significant connection to our community, enabling us to make a positive impact. During this year's event, Ioanna Magiati and Vickie Oshima presented a check for $10,649 to Kenia Hernandez Cueto, PhD, President & CEO at Friendly Center. During the past 11 years, AO's collective support has transformed the lives of local families facing crises, providing crucial assistance during the holiday season. Watch the recap here!

It was lights, camera, action at the AO50 Gold Hollywood Cocktail Party! The Charleston in Fullerton shimmered with the glitz and glamour of old Hollywood as guests dressed to dazzle in their finest vintage attire. The evening was filled with timeless elegance, entertainment, and a touch of cinematic magic — the perfect way to wrap up the season and our momentous AO50 year. One thing is for certain, AO knows how to set the stage for a night to remember. Here's to making 2025 even more unforgettable with celebrations that shine! Watch the recap here!

AO gathered with esteemed clients and partners at Chapman Crafted Beer to raise a glass in honor of our 50th anniversary. It was a special evening of celebration and reflection, highlighting the enduring relationships that have been central to our success over the past five decades. Watch the recap here!

Oh, what a night! AO’s 50th golden anniversary party was one for the books! We kicked things off with a warm welcome from the partners, a heartwarming nod to Jack and the founding partners' legacy, and shining reminder of this year's theme: "Remembering who we are. Becoming who we want to be." After a giant group photo, the celebration hit full swing with photo booth fun, delicious food, drinks, and dancing! It's truly been an unforgettable year, and the best is yet to come! Stay tuned for what's next! Watch the recap here!

Last week, the AO family kicked off summer with our renowned annual company picnic! We met for an afternoon of games and delicious food at Knott's Berry Farm, even had a special visit from Snoopy himself! In this milestone year, we're excited to reflect on one of AO's first summer picnics from thirty-five years ago, when Architects Orange employees and families gathered at the park for a day of celebration and connection, much like we do today! Whether it's 1989, 1974, or 2024, the spirit of fun and togetherness remains the same. Here's to more smiles, memories, and the continued legacy of community we create with the AO family! Watch the recap here!

A big round of applause to Diego Alessi and Vickie Oshima for taking the top spot at this year's tournament! The competition was intense, especially against the formidable mother-son duo, Rhonda and Mason Muratalla, who secured a well-earned second place. Highlighting the event, MVP Diego Alessi and Sammy Saludo from the Commercial studio triumphed over Multifamily's Trevor Morales and Jason Rupp in the inaugural Partner Showdown exhibition, while Craig Prestininzi and Kopis Georgakopoulos won the award for best team spirit. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Macneil Family for joining us and to everyone who participated and made the event a success. Looking forward to another exciting tournament next year! Watch the recap video here!

AO hosted a taco lunch in our Restaurants and Interiors parking lot. Employees from both the commercial and residential studios gathered to mingle and enjoy delicious tacos catered by The Mexican Taco!

Last month, AO staff championed the "Spring into Spring" initiative, participating in a month-long fitness challenge prioritizing our collective health and wellness. The goal was to complete 600 minutes of physical activity in 30 days! Collectively, the team clocked a total of 102,453 minutes of activity! From scenic hikes to gym classes to walks with our furry friends, it was inspiring to see everyone actively participating. Congratulations to all who achieved their fitness goals!  Click here for a recap video of the challenge.

Today, we're taking a moment to express our gratitude for the unsung heroes of AO — our incredible administrative professionals. As architects, we often receive acclaim for our designs, but behind every successful project, there's a dedicated team ensuring flawless execution. On Administrative Professionals Day, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to you! Thank you for being the heartbeat of our firm! Here's to you, our amazing administrative professionals!

Marking a truly unforgettable milestone for AO, we were honored as Mayor Dan Slater officially proclaimed March 27th as AO Day in the City of Orange, commemorating our 50th anniversary. This was the perfect kick-off for AO50, an incredible year that is set to be filled with celebrations and reflections on AO's journey thus far. Watch the recap video.  

At last week's Spring All Leaders meeting, we unveiled an exciting new initiative focused on enhancing leadership and management skills within our team. The session featured a special guest speaker, Jen Wilson, who shared invaluable insights to elevate our approach to leadership. Jen's talk centered on the transformative power of fostering positive leadership actions through what she termed the "5 pebbles": intentional listening, decision-making, clear communication, empathy, and feedback.

AO takes pride in its engagement with the local community, providing a dedicated rewards program for team members based in Old Towne Orange.

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It was an impressive turnout at the 2024 Cal Poly Pomona Firm Day! The exceptional talent of the students was fully on display, filling us with Bronco pride. The event was a testament to rising standards, showcasing advanced project portfolios that demonstrated creativity and technical prowess. Many students stood out as promising candidates for AO's internship program, signaling a successful year ahead. We can't wait to see the innovation these future architects will bring to our industry and the AO team.