We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ricardo Araya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Ricardo, appreciate you joining us today. What’s something crazy on unexpected that’s happened to you or your business

In my early years as an AutoCAD Drafting Specialist, I received a call from a friend informing me about an interview for a project in 1997. Initially, I didn’t have much information about it, just the meeting instructions. Upon signing the contract, I discovered that the project was the prestigious Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. I worked on designing the villas and part of the commercial kitchen for two years. It was an amazing and challenging experience. I remember stepping up to complete assignments when my colleague was absent, and I handled the tasks with ease. Being involved in such an iconic and high-profile project early in my career was a valuable learning experience that helped me grow as a designer. The skills and lessons I gained during those two years have been instrumental in my professional development. This also helped me recognize my strengths to start my own business.

Ricardo, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Can you please tell our readers about yourself and how you got into your industry/business/discipline/craft, etc.?

My journey into the world of design began at a very young age. At just eight years old, I found myself deeply fascinated by form and art, often drawing houses while accompanying my mother to her workshops. This early passion for design followed me into adulthood. By the time I was 18, I had already started a design company focused on computer furniture while still studying at university. One of my first projects was designing a bar for the sister of one of my best friends, José Akerman, who trusted me with the task even though I was still very young. He simply told her I could take care of it, and so I did. These experiences were pivotal in shaping my career.

Eight years later, in 1986, I decided to move to Los Angeles and start my own business. I fondly remember receiving a drafting table as a gift from a good friend at the time—a tool that became my faithful companion during those early years. I also remember a friend of San Mateo California, giving me a book titled “Architecture: Drafting and Design” by Hepler and Wallach. It was a valuable book that served as my manual and guide. I still have it. Back then, we worked with blueprints, and I would manually draft house designs directly on them. It wasn’t long before AutoCAD became available, and I quickly seized the opportunity to learn it. I adapted to the technology quickly, I took full advantage of my speed in handling commands, and constantly updated my skills, which allowed me to stay ahead in the industry.

Besides my technical skills, I have a deep love for painting, art, and reading about the history of architecture. I believe this artistic foundation has given me a unique perspective on architectural design. Understanding art, appreciating it, and knowing its history is invaluable for any designer—it’s another way of seeing and interpreting design.

I truly entered this business because of my qualities, skills, and strengths, and because I pursued what I knew I was capable of doing. That’s the secret: believing in yourself, drawing inspiration from personal and professional growth, equipping yourself with the right tools, and focusing on your goals. Today, I lead Araya Studio Drafting Services, which you can follow on Instagram at @arayastudio.

What type of products/services/creative works do you provide?
At Araya Studio, we specialize in drafting services and offer comprehensive solutions to bring each project to life in fields like engineering and construction. Whether you are a homeowner, builder, or developer, we can meet your specific needs with customized plans. We excel in delivering top-tier architectural and construction plans.
Currently, our standout services include custom home design, ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) design, garage conversions, and additions. We also handle obtaining city permits and approvals, as well as providing plans for remodels, retrofits, commercial projects, LID (Low Impact Development) plans, engineering solutions, energy calculations, and Type V Sheet plans.
With a solid vision and unwavering commitment, we ensure client satisfaction through meticulous attention to detail and dedication to our work. We provide our services in Los Angeles, California. Contact us for more information: 323 475 9058 [email protected]
What problems do you solve for your clients, and/or what do you think sets you apart from others?

Araya Studio is more than just a company; it’s a commitment to innovation, functionality, and making a lasting impact in the world of architecture and design. With over twenty years of experience in this field and in-depth knowledge of California building codes, I am passionate about designing homes that meet the diverse needs of all people.

Extensive Experience and Strong Track Record:
Our ability to blend aesthetics with efficiency is a hallmark of our services. A key phrase is COMFORT IN YOUR HOME.

Resource Management Efficiency:
Our company stands out for implementing sustainable construction practices and methods that minimize resource waste, thereby reducing costs and the environmental impact of our projects.

Guidance for Successful Project Leadership: We work closely with a team of contractors to ensure that every project is completed successfully.

We have successfully completed 300+ projects, including ADUs, additions, remodels, and garage conversions. Our expertise also extends to other types of projects, such as residential buildings, coworking spaces, eco-friendly designs, container houses, cabinet designs, kitchens, and more.

What are you most proud of, and what are the main things you want potential clients/followers/fans to know about you/your brand/your work/etc.?

I take great pride in being transparent about the processes required to get plans approved. It’s a principle I live by: “It is what it is”. This honesty and dedication are why clients keep coming back to Araya Studio.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

The journey to funding my business has always been driven by personal determination, persistence, and a willingness to take risks. In the early days, I managed my client portfolio single-handedly, handling everything from client interactions to project completion and delivery. This hands-on approach taught me the value of resilience and dedication in business.

With Araya Studio, I have adopted a new business model that utilizes technology and networking to reduce the need for initial capital investment. By staying informed about industry trends and leveraging digital tools, we have established a strong presence and provided high-quality services without the traditional financial constraints. Today, I am proud to lead a collaborative team that addresses market needs effectively, demonstrating that with the right strategy and resources, it is possible to build a successful business without upfront capital.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Building a strong reputation in the market has been a result
of delivering consistent quality, maintaining transparency, and understanding the needs of my clients. Prioritizing clear communication and honesty from the start has built trust, a key element in long-term business relationships. Attention to detail and a hands-on approach to every project have also contributed significantly to my reputation, leading to referrals and repeat business. Ultimately, my genuine passion for my work and commitment to excellence have been the driving forces behind building my reputation.

A common issue we face is clients being deceived by sellers who use inaccurate information to promote their projects. At Araya Studio, we value honesty and offer precise assessments that comply with city codes and regulations. Our approach involves selling with integrity by providing truthful information and ensuring accurate diagnoses.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arayastudio/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/r.arayastudio
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arayastudio/
• Other: Email: [email protected]
  Phone number or WhatsApp: 323-475-9058

Image Credits

Portfolio of Job by Araya Studio