Bio:
The great architect, Lori Garrett, FAIA, is a Senior Principal and Director of the Higher Education Studio at Glavé & Holmes Architecture. Her designs go beyond merely addressing functional requirements; she creates places of exploration and beauty. Throughout her career, Lori has demonstrated excellence, creativity, and initiative within the design profession, earning numerous awards including the national AIA’s inaugural Women in Architecture and Design Athena Leadership Award.

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?
I was enamored with architecture and design when I encountered it in illustrations of books as a young girl. I learned about architecture as a profession from my parents, who saw my interest in math and art and suggested it to me at the age of 10.

What do you do?
I am a market leader of Higher Education for Glavé & Holmes Architecture, and as a part owner of the firm, also serve on the Board of Directors. I lead a Higher Education Studio which focuses on the design of academic facilities of various types.

What excites you in the work you do?
I love working with clients and my team to create or re-imagine buildings that reflect a school’s identity, history and culture. Beyond merely addressing aesthetic and functional requirements, we seek to create places that elevate the human spirit.

Who or what inspires you professionally?
I’m inspired by travel and what others designed in different places and times. When I need to renew my creativity, I turn to the beauty of nature. I also believe in collaboration and the power of collective minds is greater than the sum of the parts.

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?
I’m fulfilled when I see those on my team flourish and grow in their abilities. I’m also proud of the work I’ve done to advance diversity and equity, both in our profession as well as the greater community designs supporting racial reconciliation.

Featured Project Name: 
New Business School, University of North Carolina at Pembroke
 
Featured Project Location: 
University of North Carolina at Pembroke, 1 University Drive, Pembroke, North Carolina 28372
 
Featured Project Completion Date: 
Est. 2021

Role in Featured Project: 
Principal-in-Charge
 
Featured Project Description:
The new School of Business at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke supports teaching and research, community outreach, and professional partnerships in a 62,000 sf integrated, state-of-the-art facility. The building will offer flexible spaces that promote interdisciplinary collaboration, student engagement, and community connections. Glavé & Holmes, serving as design architect, is partnered with SfL+a Architects, who is leading the design for sustainability to achieve Net Zero certification.

Photography Credit:
Renderings courtesy of Glavé & Holmes Architecture