Our story

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 as an adjunct faculty member, Leah built a practice in design communications at two of the largest architecture firms in the US: Gensler and HKS. There, 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 world of architecture. The learning curve was costly—and lengthy.

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

A woman in a business suit standing on a wooden floor in a minimalist room with a white wall, smiling and looking to her left.

What we do for you

  • We deliver communications plans that capture your brand’s essence, identify your target audience, and guide you to connect with them. We offer:

    • Communications planning

    • Identifying key messaging

    • Articulating your point of view

    • Audience personas

    • Client journey mapping

    • Community engagement strategy

    • Data-informed communications strategies

  • Step up your engagement strategy. Our content marketing services help you communicate your brand story across your website and social media, crafting powerful messages that resonate and inspire your target audience. Our services include:

    • Content creation

    • Digital marketing

    • Editorial & creative direction

    • Website & blog strategy

    • Social media

    • Newsletters & eMarketing

    • Video & photography creative direction & production

    • Writing

  • From promoting a single project to increasing awareness of your brand, we target media placements to amplify your influence and reach. Our goal is always to tell the right stories to the right people. Services include:

    • Public relations

    • Media relations

    • Influencer partnerships

    • Event strategy

    • Conference engagement

    • Awards strategy

Illuminate your story