Design isn’t just what we make—it’s how we make it.

We approach your project with care, empathy, and respect, valuing the people we work with as much as the work itself. Success comes from connection: fostering a process where every voice is heard and every decision is guided by integrity. We’re guided by curiosity and the mindset that one never stops learning.

AIA Phoenix Metro Women in Architecture Peer Mentorship Workshop

2024 Sketcher for AIA Arizona Guess-A-Sketch Event

2022 AIA Austin Leadership Collective Open House

2019 AIA Austin Leadership Collective Open House

2018 AIA Austin Leadership Collective Class

WORKING WITH US

At Sydnor Design, we prioritize design excellence and outstanding service. We approach every project with creativity, thoughtfulness, and a deep commitment to quality.

We believe great design starts with 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.

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.

Our goal is for you to love not just the final outcome, but the entire design process. We guide you step by step, so you feel informed and empowered from concept to completion.

A woman in a denim jacket and pants leaning on a white partition in a well-lit room with large windows and a brick wall in the background.

LIZ SYDNOR, AIA | FOUNDER, PRINCIPAL

Liz Sydnor, AIA is a licensed architect with nearly a decade of experience, most recently serving as an Associate at Alterstudio Architecture in Austin, Texas - named Architizer’s Best Residential Firm in 2023. At Alterstudio, she contributed to over 22 projects ranging from custom homes to mixed-use, commercial, and school master planning work. As project architect on several of these projects, her work was featured in Architectural Record, Dezeen, and Architect Magazine, recognition that continues to inform the rigor she brings to her practice today.

Her career includes internships at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture, Will Bruder Architects, and Marlene Imirzian & Associates. Liz is actively involved with the AIA and currently serves on the Phoenix Metro Women in Architecture steering committee. She was part of the inaugural AIA Austin Leadership Collective, where she later served as Chair and as a Commissioner on the AIA Austin Board.

Beyond her design work, Liz is a passionate advocate for women in architecture and leadership. She is currently writing a book that offers advice, encouragement, and personal stories—both her own and those of women from across the country—to support the next generation entering the field.

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Before launching Sydnor Design, Liz primarily identified as an architect. Now, she embraces a broader identity:

Architect: With 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 explore design disciplines 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.

A Sydnor design intern studying architecture at ASU with shoulder-length black curly hair and glasses, wearing a maroon-striped knit short-sleeve shirt, standing against a textured white wall.

LEILANI FUENTES | DESIGN INTERN

Leilani is a graduate student pursuing her Master of Architecture at Arizona State University. With a passion for storytelling and community-centered design, she is excited to explore the many facets of architecture through hands-on experience. Leilani is especially interested in how thoughtful design can shape meaningful spaces and positively impact the people who use them. She is an active member of the AIAS chapter at ASU and serves as the Web Design Director.

Curious and creative by nature, she’s always eager to try new things and finds inspiration in the everyday.