Elizabeth Himmel

Lizzie is an architectural designer who works with an array of educational and not-for-profit clients at all phases of project development, from campus planning through construction. She is passionate about breathing new life into older buildings and can often be found pouring over century-old drawings and exploring long-forgotten corners of existing structures. Her love of historic buildings and her commitment to sustainable design have intersected in her work on some of the firm's most ambitious energy retrofit projects, navigating the complex web of physical constraints and regulatory standards that make every project unique.

Lizzie came to architecture through the lens of cinema and the arts. Raised in New York City by a family of artists and writers, she developed an early appreciation for the overlapping patterns and textures of the city. During her undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Cinema and Media Studies, she became interested in documentary filmmaking and focused on films that explore the experience and portrayal of urban space. After working in film for a few years, Lizzie decided to pursue a Master of Architecture at Tulane University in New Orleans, where she discovered a love of community-driven design and working with her hands.

At every scale, Lizzie focuses on designing for community and resilience—crafting beautiful, functional, and memorable spaces that prioritize the health and well-being of future generations. She is motivated by the belief that a thoughtfully executed design can transform the way people live, work, and learn.