The talking map
Collaboration with John Urquiza and Rosanna Esparza Ahrens
We help organizations transform complex policy, research, and spatial data into clear visual tools that inform decisions and strengthen communities.
Established in 2015, theworksLA is a design and strategy practice specializing in information design for public-interest organizations. We work with nonprofits, government agencies, researchers, and advocacy organizations to translate complex data, policy, and community knowledge into accessible reports, interactive maps, digital tools, and visual communications.
Our work combines design thinking, GIS, data visualization, and digital technology to help organizations communicate clearly, engage communities, and support evidence-based decision-making.
What we do
Information Design
Policy reports, Research publications, Infographics, Presentation design
Data Visualization
Interactive dashboards, Statistical graphics, Housing and demographic analysis, Storytelling with data
Mapping & Spatial Analysis
GIS analysis, Interactive web maps, Spatial data visualization, Community asset mapping, Housing and land use analysis
Civic Technology
Interactive web applications, Public-facing data tools, Election tools, Community engagement platforms
Brand and Communications
Visual identity, Campaign materials, Websites, Social media graphics
Work and Explorations
Human Body Tool - PSRLA
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
PopEd | Gather Round the Map
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
Posters | Home cooling solutions
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
Report | Investing in Youth Futures instead of School Police
Dr. Susana Bonis, Building Healthy Communities
Report | Equity is Justice
Dr. Susana Bonis, Building Healthy Communities
Poster | K-12 Student Enrollment in Los Angeles County
California Community Foundation
Report | Land Use and Ownership Scan, Needs Assessment and Strategy Brief
Public Interest Law Project
PopEd | In Our Neighborhood Game
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
PopEd | History of Environmental Justice in South Central Los Angeles
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
School District Zines - CCF
California Community Foundation
Report - Invest in Youth
Dr. Susana Bonis, Building Healthy Communities
Report - Compunding Disaster
SAJE, Inclusive Action for the City, Public Interest Law Project
Map | Memorias de un Platillo
An exploration by theworksLA
Report | Confronting Disaster
SAJE, Inclusive Action for the City, Public Interest Law Project
Website | Environmental Justice Communities Against Plastics (EJCAP)
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
Renters right to cooling - SAJE
SAJE
Toolkit | Tenants In Common
Trust South LA
Reclaiming Our Neighborhood
Beverly Vermont Community Land Trust
Pamphlets | Keeping it Cool
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
Maps | Ghost Towns of Los Angeles
Collaboration with John Urquiza
Interactive Map | OWN-IT!
Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE)
Report | Priced Out, Pushed Out, Locked Out
Liberty Hill
South Central LA Project to Understand the Sources and Health Impacts of Local Air Pollution (SCLA-PUSH)
Physicians for Social Responsibility - Los Angeles
Maps | Now Approaching
Outfront|JCDecaux
2026 LACOUNTY Primary Election Ballot Tracker
An exploration by theworksLA
Interactive Map | Tracking Regional Affordability and Challenges to Tenancy
SAJE, Los Angeles County Development Authority
Interactive Map | Displacement Analysis Risk Tool
SAJE, Los Angeles City Housing Department
Interactive Map | Everyone In
United Way of Los Angeles
Just Downtown LA's Street Lights
An exploration by theworksLA
BuiltLA Webmap
An exploration by theworksLA
Drains to Ocean
An exploration by theworksLA
theworksLA team
Omar Ureta
Designer / Developer
Past urban designer by day and civic hacker by night, now merging the two.
Priscilla Hernandez
Illustrator
Graphic Designer from Los Angeles exploring multiple art media and community stories.
Stephanie Ivy
Storyteller
Artist exploring mixed mediums and storyboard animation; bringing data and community together.
Our Clients
