Who is OPRCH?

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, with projects throughout New England, OPRCH is a design studio dedicated to creating meaningful places for organizations, families, and communities.

Our projects are distinct and diverse. We work at the scale of urban design, landscapes, public buildings, private spaces, and single objects.

Our design work is out-of-the-ordinary, functional, responsible, and special. We love what we do, and believe that the spaces that surround you deserve to be extraordinary.

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Penn Ruderman | OPRCH Director

Penn Ruderman AIA LEED AP, is an architect and designer with 30 years of experience working with cities, state agencies, and mission-driven organizations to create designs that reveal and celebrate distinct identities.

From intimate private spaces and gardens, to large scale public infrastructure, Penn’s design work has been recognized locally and internationally for quality and attention to detail. He brings extensive expertise collaborating with community and municipal leaders, cultural organizations, contractors, craftspeople, and artists. Prior to founding OPRCH, Penn led high profile projects in the offices of Fennick McCredie Architecture, Hashim Sarkis Studios, Schwartz/Silver Architects, Office dA, and Mack Scogin Merrill Elam Architects.

Penn holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning, and a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. Penn has taught Architecture and Design for 20 years at institutions including Northeastern University, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and currently at the Rhode Island School of Design.

Penn has served on the Worcester Housing Production Plan Steering Committee, the Downtown Worcester BID Placemaking Steering Committee, the Worcester Public Art Working Group, and has held several board service and advisory roles.

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Samantha Hernández | Designer

Originally from Missouri and having spent time in Arkansas, Iowa, and Texas, Samantha joined OPRCH in 2025. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design, and dual Bachelors degrees (Arts in Spanish, and Science in Architectural Studies) from the University of Arkansas.

Samantha’s research has focused on community growth without displacement. At OPRCH Samantha has managed the Greenhut Artist Residency Masterplan and the Brookline Condominium project. Her prior experience includes library, school, and multi-family residential projects.