Leah Ray, a design communicator with a unique architectural background, founded The Raygency in 2024.

With degrees in architecture theory (Harvard GSD, M Des) and architecture (University of Kentucky, B Arch), Leah practiced at storied Chicago firms including Harry Weese Associates and Tigerman McCurry before pivoting to pursue a career in architectural education. Leah taught architectural theory at IIT, UIC, and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago for two decades.

While teaching, Leah built a practice in design communications at two of the largest architecture firms in the US: Gensler and HKS. She honed her public relations, content marketing, and digital marketing skills, leading in-house communications teams and partnering with communications agencies.

Leah discovered that it is exceptionally difficult to find communications agencies that understand the architecture world. The learning curve was costly—and lengthy.

Realizing this gap, Leah founded The Raygency to help architecture & design clients tell the right stories to the right people.

Today, we partner with architecture firms, universities, and cultural institutions to tell clear, compelling stories about the built environment. Our recent clients include the Harvard Graduate School of Design, The Rice School of Architecture, Hisel Flynn, and fivD.

From media outreach and thought leadership to websites and newsletters, we help architects, designers, and curators reach the audiences who shape culture, policy, and future projects.