Our new ongoing series, Champions of Design Entrepreneurship, created in partnership with Serena Martin of 24/7 Creative Agency, offers a rare, intimate look into the minds of industry trailblazers. Featuring first-person accounts from renowned designers, architects, artisans, and industry veterans, each story is a reflection of how they interpret what it means to be both a ‘champion’ and an ‘entrepreneur’ in our field. This first installment features Marmol Radziner:
Leo Marmol, FAIA, and Ron Radziner, FAIA, founded the architect-led design-build practice Marmol Raziner in 1989. Based in Los Angeles with offices in San Francisco and New York, the firm is known for its holistic approach that includes architecture, construction, landscape, interiors, and furniture. Since its inception, the firm has developed a reputation for innovative design, exacting construction standards, and prolific restoration work.
Marmol Radziner’s unique business practice and commitment to design excellence were rewarded with the honor of being named the American Institute of Architects California Council’s 2004 Firm of the Year.
In 2007, Leo Marmol and Ron Radziner were elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, and in 2009, Marmol Radziner was inducted into the Interior Design Hall of Fame. Architectural Digest named Marmol Radziner one of its AD100 in 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Both Leo and Ron are leaders within the design community who regularly lecture at universities and conferences nationwide on topics of architecture, sustainability, and restoration. Leo and Ron support local nonprofits focused on architectural preservation and environmental conservation.
While Leo was a trustee for the Palm Springs Art Museum (PSAM), he helped coordinate the museum’s restoration of the Aluminaire House outside of his duties as Managing Partner.
Leo was a pivotal force in this project, coordinating the teams that worked on reconstruction of Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher’s iconic all-metal prototype home. Upon completion in February 2024, Aluminaire House became a part of PSAM’s permanent exhibition, and in September 2024, the project was awarded an Advocacy Citation of Merit by Docomomo.
As Marmol Radziner’s Design Partner, Ron builds partnerships with organizations and individuals dedicated to improving the community. Ron serves on the Board of Directors of the Mojave Desert Land Trust.
As a supporter of the Land Trust, Ron has seen the organization evolve into a leader in California desert conservation. The Land Trust has protected nearly 80,000 acres of important desert habitat and holds the non-profit record for donating most tracts of land to the National Park Service since 2006.
Read previous features from Champions of Design Entrepreneurship here.