The studio name is a portmanteau of 'ornate' and 'atelier' (another word for studio), and was chosen to remind artist and visitor alike that form and function are inseparable. The most utilitarian item need not do without ornament, and the least of aesthetic gestures serves to improve the world.

Although likely to attempt artistic manipulation of nearly any object or substance at hand, current work focuses on woodworking, especially custom pens and knives, stained glass panels and lamps, and handmade block prints. Past media have included watercolor painting, metal sculpture at jewelry scale, needlework, and tattoo design.