Trailblazer
Leo Marmol, FAIA, is Managing Partner of the architect-led design-build practice Marmol Radziner, founded in 1989 with Ron Radziner, FAIA. Based in Los Angeles, with offices in San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles the firm is known for its innovative approach that includes architecture, construction, landscape, and interior design. Since its inception, the firm has developed a reputation for innovative design, sustainable architecture, and prolific restoration work.
Since their award-winning restoration of the Kaufmann House in Palm Springs in 1998, Marmol Radziner has gone on to restore projects by modern masters like Albert Frey, R.M. Schindler, and John Lautner. Beyond their restoration work, the firm has distinguished itself through precise construction and diverse services that encompass both intimate private residences and expansive urban developments. Notable residential projects include fashion designer and filmmaker Tom Ford’s homes in Los Angeles, Aspen, London, Paris, and Santa Fe, as well as residences for fashion industry executive Rea Laconne in Malibu, Beverly Hills, and Palm Springs. The practice’s commercial and multi-family projects include Beaudry, the tallest residential building in California, the Cross Creek Ranch in Malibu, and boutiques for James Perse and Oliver Peoples. Marmol Radziner’s latest projects include a mixed-use complex in Beverly Hills that includes the rehabilitation of the historic Saks Fifth Avenue building designed by Paul R. Williams, John Parkinson, and Donald Parkinson, and the restoration of the Firestone estate designed by William Pereira.
Active in his profession, Leo lectures widely on the topics of architecture and restoration, and participates in conferences, symposia, and panel discussions. Leo has also organized numerous architectural tours in Southern California to highlight the region’s wealth of mid-century Modernist landmarks.
Outside of his duties as Managing Partner, Leo helped coordinate the teams that worked on the reconstruction of Aluminaire House, Albert Frey and A. Lawrence Kocher’s iconic all-metal prototype home from 1931. Upon completion in February 2024, Aluminaire House became a part of the Palm Springs Art Museum’s permanent exhibition, and in September 2024, the project was awarded an Advocacy Citation of Merit by Docomomo.
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 Firm of the Year. The firm’s residential projects have received numerous AIA California Design Awards, AIA LA Residential Architecture Awards, and American Society of Landscape Architect Awards. Marmol Radziner was inducted into Interior Design Magazine’s Hall of Fame. The firm has been recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 list for ten separate years.
The firm’s historic rehabilitation projects have been recognized by the AIA, California Preservation Foundation, the State Office of Historic Preservation, California State Parks, and Docomomo. Marmol Radziner’s restoration of Richard Neutra’s Kaufmann House received AIA California’s Twenty-five Year award. In 2015, Marmol Radziner was recognized as Pioneer in Modern Restoration by the Palm Springs Modern Committee for their projects in the Coachella Valley.
Leo received his Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Philosophy from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California.