THE ARCHITECT
Tom Ochsner, AIA began his interest in architecture through art. Not just in the way all architects are artists, but rather as a sculptor. He first began creating with a mallet and a chisel.
As a young child growing up in Santa Barbara, Tom apprenticed as a wood sculptor during much of his youth before turning his interests to structures and building design.
Now, as a practicing architect, he finds artistic expression through architectural design. In 1987 Tom graduated from Cal Poly’s School of Architecture in San Luis Obispo, after successfully petitioning the department of Architecture to allow him to perform a sculpture for his senior project.
Tom produced a life-size wood sculpture of an eagle for his final project. Having interned in architectural firms during summers while in Cal Poly, and having designed a few commercial buildings and residences while still in school, Tom assembled his own design firm shortly after graduating. He formed a Partnership with classmate and friend Keith Nolan.
Together, they formed Ochsner Nolan Design (ON Design Architects) which grew to over 40 employees, and eventually three more partners. Tom’s focus was predominately on design and production which complimented the firm’s diversity of skills.
After 16 years of partnership, in 2003, Tom decided to simplify his practice of architecture, and become a sole proprietor. While still sharing the office with ON Design, he now is able to maintain a smaller, more hands-on practice, which allows him to maintain a first hand relationship with all of his clients and with every aspect of his projects.
THE PRACTICE
Tom applies a renascence approach to his practice now. From design, to planning and permitting, to working drawings and structural design, he maintains direct control. Tom manages a support group of draftsmen and engineering associates who he has over a decade of daily interaction with.
Tom prides his ability to listen to what his clients want. “I like to establish an immediate confidence early in the relationship by demonstrating that their objectives are my objectives”.
Tom puts an emphasis on understanding the relationship between Architectural Design, Structural Engineering, and Land-Use Issues. A successful project is measured from my ability to satisfy my client’s dreams first.