Dear Friends,
Welcome to my architectural website and newsletter. By way of introduction, I am Mario Ortner, principal at Ortner Design, an architectural firm specializing in residential design. In addition to learning about our work, please feel free to peruse and subscribe to our architectural newsletter.
Not long ago I embarked on a 4-month-around-the-world journey. I spent my days admiring the architecture of ancient streets, getting lost in back alleys and exploring historical sites. On occasions I wondered about the style of a particular building, the year it was built and so on. Many people share the curiosity, people who had seen a house they liked and had asked me to identify its style by name. My goal in publishing a weekly brief is to delivers short articles on unique architectural topics such as architectural styles, famous architects, fascinating buildings, green architecture, world traveling, and so on.
This is new territory for me but I have always enjoyed writing and hope to make this architectural newsletter entertaining and informative. You can help too. Please feel free to leave comments and let me know if there is a specific subject that interests you.
You may reach me directly at 310-592-5566 or use the Contact link to ask a question, leave a comment, subscribe to the newsletter or set up a complimentary site consultation.
Thank you for your visit.
Mario Ortner
Good design makes a difference
A strong design concept conveys a personal image and unique identity. A pleasant place to live provides a sense of well being. A functional layout allows for increased comfort and reduced stress. We know how to pull it all together, from start to finish!
Every project is unique
Whether a small remodeling or a custom design, a brand new home or an older one in need of a face lift, we work within budget and time frame to create a design solution that is unique.
Experience Counts
A versatile design professional with a 20-year+ career span in the Los Angeles Area, Mario Ortner graduated from the University of Buenos Aires school of Architecture and Urbanism with a master degree. He has been in practice since 1987, and has the skills, a solid reputation for high quality work, and a commitment to excellence to ensure that any project will be a success.
“Mario assisted me with the redesign of my multi-level home in San Francisco. I can honestly say that Mario has a way of seeing things that other people can’t. He came up fantastic design elements that truly led to a spectacular layout.” (Steve Cooper – San Francisco)
Preliminary Design.
Determine project requirements, budget considerations, schedule, client meetings and programming interviews, current and future functional needs, aesthetic requirements, individual user needs, site survey and field measurement.
Design Development.
Conceptual design solutions, space planning, building code research, custom cabinetry, finishes selection, final layout.
Project Documentation.
Full construction plans, permit processing and approval, bidding process coordination.
Construction Observation.
Site visits to monitor progress and quality of work.
“Mario knows how to pull it all together, from start to finish”
(Eli Broumandi – Santa Monica, CA)
Architecture and Expression

Architecture may express human values, feelings and dynamic states. We derive meaning from a building based upon our perceptions of the sensory, formal and technical properties and from our own experiences. When these elements of design are combined, they give expression to a work of art that can be explained using the language of human emotion.
We learn to identify and use the aesthetic elements to give the design an expression. Expressive Elements are those that give a structure the appearance of having a mood, emotional state, character, or dynamic qualities.
Architecture and Identity

We value using good design in buildings to create the right identity for its owners. Creating a strong identity helps convey a certain lifestyle and provide a visual point of reference to those arriving at a building and those who inhabit it.
A good design conveys an image that, if done correctly, will support and reinforce the intended owner’s identity. The right Architectural style, materials, and overall design will inspire the right emotions, such as confidence, comfort, and a sense of well being.
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From custom-designed estate homes to small remodeling projects, we focus our passion and expertise on residential architectural design. We are located in Sherman Oaks and serve the Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange County areas.
You may reach me directly at 310-592-5566 or use the Contact link to ask a question, leave a comment, or set up a complimentary site consultation.
Thank you.
See a sample of our Projects
“Thank you so much! I must tell you, we love your
design and personal attention! We hope to work
with you again soon.”
(Gabriela and Jordan Kornzweig, clients)
“Mario is organized, fast, detail oriented and an
excellent project designer. He is highly dependable
and produces overall high quality work.”
(Frank Goguen – Principal, CMCA)
“I have known Mario personally and professionally
for the last ten years. His leadership capabilities
made every project he was involved a success. His
pragmatic approach to problem solving, his focus
on exceeding the client’s expectations, and his
calming demeanor are always evident.”
(Miguel Maio – Partner, DLR Group – WWCOT)