Our people
The team behind the work
Sophie Cendre
Co-founder · Design director
Sophie leads design across the LA and Miami studios. Trained in Paris and New York, she brings a European rigour to American projects that consistently produces work that feels both global and specific to its place.
James Aldren
Co-founder · Creative director
James founded North Oak Design in 2000 after a decade at two of New York's most respected residential practices. He leads creative direction across all projects and is involved in every client relationship from the first conversation.
Our Studio
New York, NY
Marco Voss
Senior designer
6 years at North Oak Design. Leads all commercial and hospitality projects from the NY studio.
Rachel Kim
Senior designer
Leads residential projects in New York and the northeast. Previously at Roman and Williams.
David Park
Project manager
Manages project delivery across the NY studio. The person who makes sure nothing gets lost between vision and execution.
Elena Bloom
Junior designer
Joined North Oak Design from Parsons School of Design. Specialises in material research and FF&E sourcing.
Our Studio
Los Angeles, CA
Tom Saito
Junior designer
Recent graduate of SCI-Arc. Brings a rigorous architectural eye to residential projects and material selection.
Nina Morales
Designer
Specialises in retail and showroom environments. Led the Melrose Flagship project from concept to delivery.
Jordan Avery
Studio Lead
Runs the LA studio day to day. Leads all California residential projects including Malibu Canyon House.
Our Studio
Miami, FL
Léa Morin
Project manager
Leads the Miami studio. Specialises in hospitality design. Led The Mercer House and Solstice House from the Miami studio.
Carlos Reyes
Designer
Focuses on high-end residential in South Florida. Deep knowledge of local materials, suppliers, and building regulations.
Studio Values
We hire for curiosity, not credentials.
We invest in learning
Every team member has a dedicated budget for courses, travel, and material research.
We protect creative time
No meetings before 10am. No project reviews on Fridays. Time to think is not optional.
We work in the studio
We believe proximity matters. Our studios are designed to be places people want to spend time in.