About Me

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I’m Laura Operti, founder and principal of LO Architecture and the creative force behind LOarchs, a collection that merges architectural sensibility with the world of fashion design. My work explores the shared language between structure and style, how form, material, and craftsmanship can tell a story that feels both personal and enduring.

My Educational Journey

My foundation in design began with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and continued with a Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) from Clemson University, where my thesis, “Dreams: Windows to Reality,” explored the emotional and spatial power of design. Architecture taught me to think critically about how materials, textures, and proportions interact, lessons that deeply inform my approach to accessory design today.

Professional Experience

After 30+ years of experience in architecture and interior design, I began translating those design principles into wearable form. That transition led to the creation of LOarchs, a collection of purses, scarves, and belts that reflect an architect’s eye for composition and craftsmanship.

Each piece is thoughtfully made using upcycled materials, textiles sourced from Chicago’s furniture showrooms, and luxurious yarns from Turkey. This approach combines sustainability, artistry, and narrative, transforming overlooked materials into meaningful, long-lasting pieces.

What I Bring to the Table

• A deep understanding of form, structure, and materiality from years in architectural design.
• A global and sustainable approach, blending local sourcing with international craft traditions.
• A commitment to detail and integrity, every design begins with intention and ends with craftsmanship.
• A passion for creating beauty that endures, whether it’s a building, a handbag, or a scarf.

My Philosophy

Design, at its best, connects people to stories, places, and textures. Through LOarchs, I aim to make that connection tangible, to turn sustainability and structure into something beautiful, wearable, and full of life.