Associate Elizabeth Lagarde, AIA, is the AIA Oregon 2025 Young Architect of the Year, a testament to her outstanding leadership and commitment to both the firm and community. The Young Architect Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.
Elizabeth focuses on designing projects that center the human experience and the communities they serve. At Hennebery Eddy, she has played a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s diversity, equity, and inclusion in design initiatives while also making a lasting impact through her community engagement efforts. Elizabeth serves as a board member with NOMA PDX, Portland’s National Organization of Minority Architects chapter, that promotes equity and design justice in architecture by supporting and uplifting BIPOC professionals. She is also co-chair of the Outreach & Engagement Committee where she helps organize Project Pipeline, a summer camp designed to introduce architecture to minority students and foster a more equitable and diverse future within the profession. She has 14 years of experience and became a licensed architect in California in 2022.
“Elizabeth also does quite a lot to advance Hennebery Eddy’s reputation as a firm of citizen architects – people who are involved in the community and really care about the industry, beyond our typical workday. She’s very engaged with mentorship and community engagement, particularly for people that have been historically underrepresented in architecture.” – Erica Thompson, AIA, Hennebery Eddy principal
Elizabeth’s proactive and collaborative approach to design and advocacy exemplifies the spirit of the Young Architect Award. Earlier this year, she was also appointed as American Institute of Architects (AIA) Oregon’s Young Architect Representative, a role that reflects her passion for advocacy and her dedication to fostering meaningful connections. Through her leadership, she is helping shape a more inclusive and vibrant future for emerging architects across Oregon and beyond.
“Elizabeth has been so great to work with on the NOMA PDX Board and 2023 NOMA Conference Planning Committee. She sets expectations high and always delivers…in a kind and thoughtful way as a true leader should…I couldn’t ask for a better colleague who is also passionate about advocacy, diversity, and empowerment for all.” – Tami Chen, NOMA, AIA