Honoree Profile

Lizzy O’Brien

OTJ Architects

Title: Senior Interior Designer
Tenure at Firm: 3 Year
Nominating Principal: Greg Diedrich, Principal & Senior Director
School: Drexel University
Major: Interior Design

Inspired By:

I’ve always believed design has the power to shape how we feel, which is why my motto centers on positivity and impact. I’m inspired by the world around me – from travel and culture to everyday beauty in light, texture, and architecture. Surrounding myself with other creative professionals continually pushes me to grow and refine my perspective.

Keys to a Successful Project:

The key to a successful project starts with clearly defining the project goals early on and making sure they are fully aligned with the client’s vision and expectations. It’s also really important to have a strong, collaborative, and organized team. When everyone is aligned – the process is smoother, more efficient, and ultimately leads to a strong project overall.

Which experiences have most influenced how you approach design?

Studying Interior Design at Drexel University gave me a strong foundation in both creative thinking and technical skills, especially the importance of a strong concept at the start of a project. Professionally, my 13 years in commercial workplace design have been the most influential experience, teaching me to think strategically about how spaces impact people’s behaviors and overall experience.

“Lizzy is a talented and well-rounded designer and an asset to her team and clients. Lizzy’s collaborative and open design style paired with her project management skills gives everyone a voice and keeps even the most challenging project on track. “

Greg Diedrich
Principal & Senior Director

Favorite Haworth Collection Piece & Why:

Poppy Lounge Chair. It’s cozy and welcoming with a cute name. It’s also versatile – comes in both a lounge with various base options and conference chair for a more casual collaboration seat.

Your current favorite color (RGB, CMYK, or HEX#):

Black or Maroon in the Fall/Winter. Lilac in the Spring/Summer.