Taryn Arevalo is the Managing Director and Co-Founder of Operations by Design, where she helps architecture and design firms build stronger, more efficient businesses.

Taryn leads Operations by Design’s work across business operations, financial management, human resources, project coordination, technology, and business development. She works closely with firm owners and leadership teams to strengthen the systems behind their practice, bringing structure and accountability to the business side so principals can focus more of their time on design, clients, and growth.

Before co-founding Operations by Design, Taryn spent nearly a decade working within architecture firms, including serving in operations and financial leadership roles. Her experience managing the day-to-day realities of architectural practice shaped her approach to consulting: practical, hands-on, and grounded in how firms actually operate.

Through Operations by Design, Taryn advises small and midsize architecture and engineering firms on financial performance, staffing and HR, operational systems, project management, technology, risk, and long-term business planning. She also supports firms during periods of growth and transition, including leadership changes, acquisitions, organizational restructuring, and the implementation of new systems and processes.

Taryn is an AIA Affiliate and is actively involved in the architecture community. She has held leadership roles with the American Institute of Architects, including serving as Co-Chair of AIA Los Angeles’ Small & Emerging Business Committee and supporting small and emerging firm programming with AIA Santa Barbara. Her work within AIA focuses on creating opportunities for firm leaders to have candid, useful conversations about the business of architecture.

Taryn holds an MBA in International Business from Pepperdine University’s Graziadio Business School and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Mount Saint Mary’s University. Her combination of formal business education and years of hands-on experience within architecture firms gives her a perspective that bridges business strategy with the realities of professional practice.

Her work is centered on a simple idea: great design firms need great businesses behind them.