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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.

Lizzy O'Brien

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

Lizzy O'Brien

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.

Photos From Lizzy

Learn more about this program and view other honorees.