Meet Liz Sydnor of Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Sydnor

Hi Liz, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona, and completed my Bachelor of Science in Design at Arizona State University in 2013. In 2016, I earned a Master of Architecture from The University of Texas at Austin. I’ve been practicing architecture for eight years, with my most recent position as an Associate at Alterstudio Architecture in Austin, Texas, focusing on high-end single family residential projects. I also gained experience in mixed-use developments, small commercial projects, and elementary school master planning. Alterstudio was recently awarded Architizer’s A+ Awards Best Residential Firm in 2023. In 2021, I completed the ARE exams and became a licensed architect.

Seeking to make an impact beyond my office work, I became highly involved in the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Austin chapter. I was part of the inaugural class of the AIA Austin Leadership Collective in 2018, a program dedicated to fostering equitable and diverse leadership in architecture. My role evolved from being a member to serving as Chair Elect in 2019 and Chair in 2020. From 2020 to 2022, I served on the AIA Austin Board as the Membership and Community
Building Commissioner. The AIA Leadership Collective had a profound effect on my personal and professional growth,
teaching me the importance of peer mentorship in architecture. Since then, supporting and elevating my peers, especially women, has become a personal mission of mine. I am currently writing a book titled “Pep Talk: Tips, Advice, and Encouragement for Women Entering the Field of Architecture,” which aims to provide guidance and inspiration to emerging female professionals in our field. In this book I will be writing about my own experiences but more importantly, featuring a collection of stories and experiences from established female architects, designers, and those in related fields across the United States.

In 2023, I founded my practice, Sydnor Design, LLC to pursue greater balance in my life, explore other design disciplines full time, and have the flexibility and independence to shape the direction of my own business. I felt that I identified more than being an architect, and this move allowed me to dedicate more time to other interests and passions.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There have been many obstacles to getting where I am today. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I’ve had to prove my value every step of the way. In school, I worked hard to be taken seriously, and in the professional world, I had to earn the trust of clients, consultants, and coworkers. One major challenge in my career was obtaining my license. Most people don’t know that to become a licensed architect, you need to complete 3,740 hours in various areas of expertise and pass six rigorous exams. These exams are challenging and can take years to complete. I struggled with the exam process, but through grit and determination, I succeeded and became a licensed architect.

Additionally, I experienced burnout before starting my own practice. It was difficult to accept that the pace I was working at was unsustainable, and my physical and mental health reached an all-time low. I paused and asked myself, “What life and career would give me more balance? What would allow me to recover and pursue something I’m passionate about, ideally at the same time?” In some way, Sydnor Design was born out of necessity. I decided to take a break from architectural projects and dive into the world of graphic design, branding, website design, and interior design.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Sydnor Design is a multidisciplinary design studio in Phoenix, Arizona, specializing in branding, website, and interior design. We deliver projects with integrity, quality, and exceptional design, ensuring your vision is realized with meticulous care and attention. We also offer social media branding and management, graphic design, and exhibit design services.

What sets us apart:

1) An Architect’s Perspective: Our unique strength lies in our perspective as a licensed architect. We empathize with fellow creatives and AEC professionals, deeply understanding industry challenges, operations, and shared aspirations. Being detail orientated, organized, and thorough is what we do best.

2) Multidisciplinary Expertise: When you choose Sydnor Design, you’re gaining access to a versatile skill set capable of handling diverse projects from inception to realization. From the tiniest of logos to expansive interior spaces, we bring our skills to every design challenge.

3) We Value Genuine Connection: To us, success is when people feel connected, and we firmly believe that design, and the design process, possess the power to forge those connections. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels heard, respected, and valued.

Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
At Sydnor Design, we believe good design has the power to transform your experience of the world. Whether you’re a business owner, AEC professional, or homeowner, we are equipped to solve your design problems with our diverse skill set and expertise.

We welcome collaboration through partnerships with other business owners, especially those in the AEC industries, and project work. You can support us by spreading the word about our services, engaging with our social media content, and reaching out to discuss your design needs. Let’s work together to create spaces that reflect you and who you are.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://sydnor-design.com/
• Instagram: sydnordesign

Image Credits
For personal photo (photo of me sketching) – Photographer: Emily Schuman Photography