The Firm
“Shall we be cultured aesthetes and dilly dally with our jobs or put on our dungarees and learn the significance of architecture by laying stone and brick for a while, mixing mortar and sawing wood. Learn the strength and durability of materials; know of society and its myriad needs and aspirations. Read fairy stories; read Keats, Shelley and Whitman. Absorb a sound and understanding knowledge of the incredible inventions of our day and go to it. There are no fixed formulas; no dry standards; no such thing as composition. There is only one thing to achieve and that is an architectural organism. Composition is dead; an organization is alive…vivid…responsive to conditions; and eloquent of the spiritual association of function and form. Travel the frank and courageous road whereon may be seen the real contributions to ages gleaming in the sunshine.”
- George Grant Elmslie
EOA/Elmslie Osler Architect believes that architecture and design can motivate and inspire individuals and communities. Established in 1996 by Robin Elmslie Osler, AIA, LEED, the firm has designed and worked on numerous public and private projects including homes, lofts and townhomes, retail stores, non-profit facilities, galleries and event venues, offices and public spaces. EOA approaches each project as a unique blend of challenges and opportunities presented by the program, client and site. Our ongoing exploration of materials, depth of design skill and experience of the construction process shapes the work to the needs and desires of the client. With an emphasis on sustainability and an attention to detail, EOA’s portfolio of work is crisp, smart and elegant.
We are adept at renovating historic and existing structures while integrating fresh and contemporary elements thus reinvigorating buildings and adding value to the community. Our award winning retail work is characterized by incorporating an integrated and holistic system of experiences shaped by materials and spatial clarity and has redefined retail as diverse as Anthropologie and the shops at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Our commercial and residential work is developed through in-depth collaboration, enriching and expanding our solutions. GROW Studio is a continuation of our philosophy that integrated systems of programmatic elements can support and sustain an idea and a community, creating opportunities for expanded impact.
Our projects located across the United States and overseas, have been recognized with numerous awards. EOA has been featured in multiple international and national publications and we are consistently listed as one of New York Magazine’s Top 100 Architects. The diversity of our portfolio and the return of well established clients is a confirmation of our talents and the impeccable service we provide.
Principal Robin Elmslie Osler is now available for consulting, collaborations, brainstorming and special projects.
Robin Elmslie Osler
Robin Elmslie Osler, AIA, established the architectural firm EOA/Elmslie Osler Architect in 1996.
Osler comes from a family of Midwestern architects who were instrumental in establishing the foundations of modernist architecture in America. Her grandfather Emil Lorch was the founding Dean of the School of Architecture at the University of Michigan. Her great uncle, architect George Elmslie, was a significant figure of the Prairie School, an influential American architecture movement at the turn of the century. Her father, David Osler, had a vibrant and influential practice for over 50 years in the Midwest.
After studying art at Kenyon College and metals at Tyler School of Art, Osler had a successful career in the fashion industry in Europe as a model. She worked with photographer, Helmut Newton among others on campaigns for designers such as Thierry Mugler and Gianni Versace.
She returned from Europe to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia in 1987 and her Masters of Architecture from Yale University with advanced standing in 1990.
Osler has held faculty positions at Syracuse University, Parsons School of Design, Yale University, Pratt Institute and City College of the City of New York.
She is licensed in New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Michigan and New Jersey and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Review Boards. She is a LEED accredited professional and is fluent in French and Italian.
ROBIN ELMSLIE OSLER IS AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTING, COLLABORATIONS, CREATIVE BRAINSTORMING AND SPECIAL PROJECTS REOSLER@GMAIL.COM / 917.576.9422