At Sydnor Design, we prioritize design excellence and outstanding service. We approach every project with creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to quality.
Our work is not one-size-fits-all. Every project is tailored to meet the needs of our clients while maintaining the highest design standards.
We believe great design starts with great listening. Your ideas, needs, and vision are at the core of our process. We want you to feel confident in shaping your project, but we also bring our expertise to the table - offering honest recommendations, fresh perspectives, and insights.
We want you to enjoy the process. We guide you step by step, so you feel informed and empowered from concept to completion. Our goal is for you to love not just the final outcome, but the entire design process.
We genuinely care. It’s not in our nature to do anything less than 110%.
Approach
Our philosophy is simple: good design is rooted in care, empathy, and respect. We believe the people we work with and for are just as important as the work itself.
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. A successful project extends beyond solely meeting deadlines and staying within budget constraints. Genuine success encompasses an environment where all involved parties feel heard, respected, and valued. We believe a successful project is delivered with integrity, empathy, and the attitude that one never stops learning.
Liz Sydnor, AIA
Founder & Principal
Before launching Sydnor Design, Liz primarily identified as an architect. Now, she embraces a broader identity - one that reflects her passion for design, storytelling, and advocacy.
Architect
With nearly a decade of experience, Liz earned her license and built a strong foundation in architecture.
Designer
A lover of all things design, Liz started Sydnor Design to create a more balanced life and explore design beyond architecture.
Writer
Liz is currently writing a book offering tips, advice, and encouragement for women entering the field of architecture.
Advocate
Championing the advancement of women in architecture and leadership is one of Liz’s personal missions.
Storyteller
Liz believes that all great design tells a story. She is passionate about bringing her clients' stories to life through thoughtful, impactful design.
Biography
Liz has been practicing architecture for nearly a decade, with her most recent position as an Associate at Alterstudio Architecture in Austin, Texas. They were recently awarded Architizer’s A+ Awards Best Residential Firm in 2023.
During her time at Alterstudio, Liz worked on over 22 projects. Her role consisted of project and client management, construction documents production, schematic design, pre-design research, programming, building permit submittals, and construction administration. While her main focus was custom single-family homes, she also gained experience in mixed-use and small commercial projects, as well as elementary school master planning. In addition, she supported administrative duties at the studio, assisted the transition from AutoCAD to Revit, and was part of the Sustainability Committee which focused on the 2030 Challenge. Liz previously interned for Michael Hsu Office of Architecture in 2015, Will Bruder Architects in 2014, and Marlene Imirzian & Associates Architects in 2013 and 2012.
Liz has been highly involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and currently serves on the steering committee for the Phoenix Metro Women in Architecture (WIA). She is grateful for her time with the AIA Austin Leadership Collective, a program focused on fostering diverse leadership in architecture. In 2018, Liz was selected for the inaugural class, later serving as Chair Elect in 2019 and Chair in 2020. She also served two years on the AIA Austin Board as the Membership and Community Building Commissioner.
In 2023, Liz started Sydnor Design to pursue greater balance in her life, and explore other design disciplines full time. Recognizing that her identity extended beyond architecture, she sought the flexibility to dedicate more time to her other passions and interests.
In addition to her work in design, Liz is passionate about advocating for women’s advancement in architecture and leadership. She’s currently writing a book offering tips, advice, and encouragement for women entering the field, sharing both her personal experiences and stories from women across the United States.
CV available upon request.
Press
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Voyage Phoenix Magazine
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From the Honeycomb Podcast
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mentorDINO Podcast
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SHYFT Blog