We are thrilled to welcome Elizabeth “Lizzy” McEwen, a recent Virginia Tech School of Architecture graduate, to our design team. Lizzy brings a fresh perspective and adventurous spirit to our firm.
From Charlotte to Hokie Nation
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina—a city with a rich history of discovery and innovation—Lizzy learned early that extraordinary things can hide in plain sight. Growing up in the birthplace of America’s first gold rush (sparked by a 17-pound gold nugget used as a doorstop!), it’s fitting that she found her way to architecture, where practical design meets creative problem-solving.
The Evolution of a Designer
Before sketching building elevations, Lizzy was already teaching her sisters on the family art easel, complete with homework assignments (which, she admits, were rarely completed). This early passion for education and sharing knowledge underscores the collaborative spirit she brings to our design process, always ready to explain concepts or explore new approaches.
Her path to architecture included an interesting detour: summer camp counseling. She even worked at the same camp our managing partner, Charles Hendricks, attended as a child. These unexpected connections truly strengthen our professional community, weaving a beautiful circularity through the architecture world.
Adventure Meets Craftsmanship
What truly distinguishes Lizzy is her ability to balance bold adventure with meticulous craftsmanship. When she’s not designing, she’s seeking adventures—like paragliding off mountains in Switzerland. This pursuit demands the same careful attention to detail, spatial awareness, and calculated risk-taking that defines exceptional architecture.
On solid ground, Lizzy channels her creativity into building custom guitars with her fiancé. This perfect partnership sees her handling the design while he manages the circuitry, mirroring the interdisciplinary thinking that drives successful architectural projects by blending aesthetic vision with technical precision.
Defining Details
Lizzy’s competitive side shines through in stories like fitting 20 blueberries in her mouth to win a bet—a testament to her determination and willingness to embrace unusual challenges. This creative problem-solving and fearless approach are precisely what we value when tackling complex design problems.
Outside the studio, Lizzy enjoys staying active outdoors, finding inspiration in natural environments that often inform her approach to sustainable design and biophilic architecture principles.
Looking Ahead
Lizzy joins us at an exciting time as we continue to push the boundaries of innovative design while upholding our commitment to thoughtful, community-centered architecture. Her unique blend of technical education, hands-on making experience, and adventurous spirit positions her perfectly to contribute to projects requiring both creative vision and practical execution.
We are confident that Lizzy’s fresh perspective, collaborative nature, and willingness to embrace challenges—whether teaching her sisters, paragliding through the Alps, or crafting the perfect guitar—will make her an invaluable addition to our team.
Welcome aboard, Lizzy. We can’t wait to see what we’ll build together.
