PROCESS
At Ortland Beissel, we believe your home should deepen your relationship with the natural world. We create spaces where greenery, sunlight, and thoughtful design come together to make environments that feel open, warm, and alive—places that bring genuine happiness to everyday moments and evolve alongside your life.
Every project begins with careful attention to what's already there—your property's unique landscape, the way sunlight moves through the day, and any existing structures—but more importantly, it begins with understanding you: how you live, what brings you joy, how you move through your days, and what you envision for your future in this space. We listen closely to understand what matters most to you, what success looks like from your perspective, and how your home can truly support the life you want to live. Then we explore possibilities through research, three-dimensional sketches, physical models, and digital visualizations that help you see and feel the potential.
We approach every property as a unique opportunity to create something tailored specifically to its setting. Our strength lies in weaving together architecture, landscaping, and interior spaces into a seamless whole—where indoor and outdoor areas complement each other, where private retreats and gathering spaces flow naturally, and where every element feels like part of a living, breathing system that works in harmony.
We're mindful stewards of both resources and budgets. Whatever your investment level, we're committed to delivering spaces that honor our fundamental promise: homes filled with natural light, warmth, and welcome that truly feel like yours.
SERVICES
Full Scope Architecture Services
Discovery & Planning
-
Site analysis and feasibility studies
-
Zoning research and code compliance review
-
Environmental impact assessment
-
Master planning and phased development strategies
-
Existing conditions documentation and surveys
Design Services
-
Concept design and visioning
-
Schematic design with multiple design iterations
-
Design development and material selection
-
Interior architecture and space planning
-
Landscape design integration
-
Lighting design
-
Custom millwork and built-in furniture design
-
Bespoke furniture design and fabrication coordination
-
Furniture selection and specification
-
Art consultation and curation
-
Artist collaboration and commissioned work coordination
-
Three-dimensional modeling and photorealistic renderings
-
design visualization
Technical Documentation
-
Construction documents and specifications
-
Permit applications and municipal approvals
-
Building code analysis and compliance
-
Accessibility compliance (ADA/building codes)
-
Energy modeling and sustainability consultation
-
Structural and systems coordination
Construction Phase Services
-
Bid negotiation support and contractor selection
-
Construction administration and site observation
-
Shop drawing review and material verification
-
Quality control and progress monitoring
-
Project closeout and final documentation
Specialized Services
-
Historic preservation and adaptive reuse
-
Sustainable design consultation
-
Renovation and addition planning
-
Site-specific installation and art integration
-
Long-term maintenance planning
TEAM
Amanda Ortland - Co-Founder, Principal
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
Amanda Ortland is a partner of Ortland Beissel, based in Los Angeles. She has worked on projects around the world with a variety of scales and programs, both private and public. She brings her background in art and photography into the design of unique spaces at the frontier of art and architecture. Her images of the native eucalyptus forest in the Blue Mountains formed the concept for the West Lobby design for One Central Park, she was part of the competition team for 53W53, and she worked extensively on the interiors of the Guthrie Theater by creating a visual history of the theater’s past productions as the driving concept for the main public spaces. She has further specialized in unique, bespoke residences for artists, collectors, and visionary clients.
Amanda received a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation. She is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the architecture school at the University of Southern California and in 2024 she won a prestigious national teaching award from the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.
Bertram Beissel von Gymnich - Co-Founder, Principal - AIA
Master of Science in Architecture / MSc, ETH, Zurich
Licensed Architect:
State of California, #C-38620
State of New York, #42121
France, #079074
Australia, #8768
Switzerland, REG A 33978
Bertram Beissel is an architect and designer with 30 years of experience in the conception and realization of complex international projects across three continents. After graduating from the renowned architectural school ETH Zürich, his professional path includes work with OMA / Rem Koolhaas in Rotterdam and Bernard Tschumi in Paris, followed by 20 years as a partner and director with the Pritzker Prize-winning firm, Ateliers Jean Nouvel.
Realizing a series of major buildings with Jean Nouvel in Europe, Australia, and the US allowed Bertram to develop a deep insight into the makings of complex, high-quality architecture. Each project required the creation of a unique response to specific context and stakeholders.
In 2007, Bertram led the winning competition entry for the MoMA Tower (53W53) in New York. The New York Times critic Nicolai Ouroussoff hailed this project as “the most exhilarating addition to the skyline in a generation.” Bertram also headed the design and construction of the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was featured in the 2008 Pritzker Prize jury citation. Under Bertram’s direction, One Central Park in Sydney, Australia, won the CTBUH Award for the Best Tall Building Worldwide in 2014.
Bertram is an AIA member and holds architectural registrations in the State of California, the State of New York, Australia, France, and Switzerland.