Bio:
The great architect,  Elizabeth Murphy, FAIA is an accomplished architect dedicated to preservation and restoration technology and design. She provides design consultation for historic structures and interiors, state and federal rehabilitation tax credits, restoration specifications and design guidelines for historic urban centers. Elizabeth was the 2012 recipient of the AIA Ohio Gold Medal. She is past president of AIA Ohio and past chair of the Advisory Group for the AIA National Historic Resources Committee.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I worked in my Dad’s lumber yard when I was a kid. I learned about materials and construction, drove a forklift, and met all sorts of people who designed and built. I mixed that experience with strengths in art and math and came up with Architecture.

What do you do?
I repurpose old structures for new uses & restore unique landmarks to conservation standards. I often provide technical preservation consulting on new work in an historic context, building maintenance, materials conservation & preservation planning.

What excites you in the work you do?
Education is a big part of the architectural process. It is amazing to watch my clients as they learn about design and come to their “Ah Ha!” moments.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
Inspiration comes from the passion I see in those with whom I work. Clients come with a driven mission, co-workers wear their hearts on their sleeves, contractors come with skilled eagerness, and enthused students are sponges with questions & ideas.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
Pride is one of the seven deadly sins, so I will skip the lists. I believe that Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects recognizes that my career has been in service to the profession and challenges me to serve at a different level.

Featured Project Name: 
Lima Trust Building Adaptive Reuse
 
Featured Project Location: 
Lima, Ohio
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
2018

Role in Featured Project: 
Lead & Historical Architect
 
Featured Project Description:
The 1926 Lima Trust building, vacant for years, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Ms. Murphy guided the historically significant 12-story building’s conversion into income-eligible family apartments and commercial space, assisting in pairing OHFA & HOME funds with historic tax credits. She led the careful restoration of original exterior materials, the conservation of historic design features, and stabilized the spectacular grand bank lobby as it awaits its new use.

Photography Credit:
Scott Pease, Pease Photography