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.