Elizabeth channels lessons gained from decades of living with chronic health challenges – including a 2017 diagnosis of “terminal” Stage IV cancer – into profound insights about the importance of stress management and, specifically, the effects of the built environment on human well-being. She and Matt have presented widely on the theme, including to the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture and for the International Well Building Institute at Greenbuild in recent years. 

As a designer, Elizabeth brings a broad range of experiences in civic, ecclesiastical, and residential design and master planning—from wide regional to focused neighborhood contexts—to bear on MA’s endeavors. Prior to co-founding McNicholas Architects, she designed new interiors in Cass Gilbert’s Supreme Court Building, designed the Chapel of St. Cecilia at the Dominican Motherhouse in Nashville, and was instrumental in the early phases of the King’s Cross Master Plan in London - one of Europe’s most significant urban regeneration projects. She was privileged to work and study directly with her favorite architect-heroes, Demetri Porphyrios, and Leon Krier, in the apprentice days of her career.

Elizabeth earned her Bachelor’s of Architecture and Master’s of Architectural Design and Urbanism degrees at the University of Notre Dame, holds a Certificate in Neuroscience for Architecture from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, and is a member of the Society for Neuroscience. As a founding Director, Elizabeth was instrumental in building the Chicago Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and served as its Education Programming Chair for its first decade. She is now a Director Emerita. She currently contributes to the interview program Architectural Delight.

Elizabeth also proudly supports and serves on the Executive Committee of the Great Lakes Business Network, an advocacy branch of the National Wildlife Federation and the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Lastly, Elizabeth is an unabashed Traditional (“New”) Urbanist. She has enjoyed multiple stints studying and working in the finest cities of Europe along with Matt, though these days especially savors her current responsibilities as a “swim mom.”