Colors Consult | Here, there, everywhere!
Color theory plays a crucial role in selecting facade palettes for exteriors, as it helps create harmonious, visually appealing designs that enhance the building’s architectural style, complement its surroundings, and evoke the desired emotional response from viewers. We work historic, modern, cookie-cutters! We work tiny, two-story, mansions! We work urban, suburban, scenic-views! We collaborate with clients to understand their color preferences while sharing knowledge of harmonious color selection ensures that the final palette not only reflects their vision but also creates a cohesive, visually pleasing result that enhances the overall design. Click to view our Colors Consult Book 2024.
Client: 60+ Homeowners & Developers!
1217 W. 38th Street | Kansas City, Missouri
Our First Home! This project involved a thoughtful and meticulous renovation of a charming 1910 shirtwaist home in Kansas City’s vibrant Volker neighborhood. We preserved the home’s timeless character while introducing modern improvements that elevate its functionality and aesthetic appeal. Key updates included the restoration of original hardwood flooring, intricate interior painting, and custom wood detailing to enhance the home’s historic charm. We also performed delicate stone tuck-pointing to preserve the integrity of the exterior, addressed wood rot on the facade, and carefully transformed the third-floor attic into a fully finished, spacious living area. In addition, the Master en suite bathroom was updated with modern finishes including an extra washer and dryer unit to the second-floor, blending luxury and comfort while maintaining the home’s historic elegance. The result is a seamless blend of historic craftsmanship and contemporary comfort, creating a home that honors its past while embracing its future.
Historic Photo online at: “1940 Tax Assessment Photograph Collection.” Kansas City Public Library – Digital History. https://kc1940.org
Ellis Lawrence Home | Portland, Oregon
CRIT Workshop is deeply honored to have been selected as the architect for the continued renovation and modern updates to Ellis Lawrence’s historic private residence in Portland, Oregon. This home, designed by Lawrence, co-founder and first dean of the University of Oregon’s School of Architecture and Allied Arts, holds significant cultural and architectural value. Working on a project that was personally designed for his family is both a privilege and a responsibility. A series of updates are being implemented, including landscaping improvements, the addition of an exterior Bothy that harmonizes with the home’s facade, and basement improvements enhance the functionality of the space. Each aspect of this project aims to respect the home’s historic integrity while infusing modern design elements to ensure its continued relevance and utility for future generations.
Project by: Jefferson Smith with CRIT Workshop LLC. 2022-2023.
Surf Shack | Manzanita, Oregon
This project involved the transformation of a decaying surf shack into a stunning mid-century modern beach home on the Oregon Coast. The goal was to preserve the cabin’s original structure while updating it with sleek, clean lines and functional spaces typical of mid-century design. We focused on restoring the structure to ensure its durability, while incorporating large windows to capture the beach views and bring in natural light. The interior was redesigned with an emphasis on open-concept living, integrating modern materials and finishes, and creating a seamless connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces. The result is a refreshed, stylish retreat that blends the best of mid-century modern aesthetics with the natural beauty of its coastal surroundings. Click to view the conceptual design portfolio!
Project by: Jefferson Smith with CRIT Workshop LLC. 2022-2023.
Coffee Concept | Kansas City (Garment District), Missouri
This project involved the conceptual design of a distinctive coffee concept within a historic building, merging the building’s classic architecture with contemporary interior design elements. The dynamic seating arrangement was carefully crafted to offer flexibility and comfort, accommodating both intimate gatherings and larger groups. The layout was optimized for efficiency, ensuring seamless movement for both staff and customers while maintaining an inviting atmosphere. Key interior design features included the integration of modern finishes, such as natural wood accents, industrial lighting, and clean, minimalist furnishings and upholstered character pieces, which complement the building’s original details. The result is a space that harmoniously blends the past and present, creating a welcoming, functional, and visually striking coffee shop experience.
Project by: Vested Coffee with CRIT Workshop LLC. 2022.
Corridor Redevelopment | Kansas City, Missouri
This project leverages planning expertise to evaluate and identify redevelopment opportunities along the Swope Parkway/Blue Parkway Corridor (MLK), focusing on retail, office, institutional, civic, and recreational uses that enhance neighborhood connectivity and revitalization. This effort served as a spark for future redevelopment projects, building on 30 years of planning and investment in the urban core. Collaborating closely with CBKC, the design team facilitated discussions with a stakeholder committee that included neighborhood residents, community members, and city leaders. Our work included an analysis of prior planning efforts, neighborhood housing and demographic profiles, existing infrastructure conditions, and an urban design connectivity analysis. We developed a feasibility matrix for future Corridor projects, identified synergies across three investment strategies, and provided next-step recommendations.
Projects by: CBKC with DRAW Architecture + Urban Design, Hufft, and Rosemann & Associates PC. Liz worked on these projects as a CBKC and DRAW architecture + urban design employee.
Warren Place Venue | Gardner, Kansas
Warren Place is a wedding and event venue featuring a unique chapel, a modern cottage, and a multi-purpose event hall. As planner and project manager, Liz helped bring the family’s vision for three vacant buildings to life by applying technical expertise to navigate zoning requirements, design preferences, and construction feasibility. It was truly a privilege to collaborate closely with a local businesswoman and her granddaughter to revitalize an entire block of development. The design’s priority was to bring life back to the area and attract community-focused activity while honoring the historic nature and embracing modern upgrades and improvements. The diverse material palette, programming, and architecture create visual interest as well as a mix of use types, depending on the client’s needs. Beautiful landscaping connects the photo-worthy outdoor spaces while meandering site features conceal parking and other functional needs for business operations.
Photos by: Warren Place Venue. Visit their website to see and read more of their success story: https://www.warrenplaceevents.com/
Project by: Connie & Raelee Wright with DRAW Architecture + Urban Design. 2018-2019. Liz worked on this project as a DRAW architecture + urban design employee.
Artists’ Workshop | NWA
Liz conducted a hands-on artist workshop on color theory and landscape painting at a local NWA art gallery, guiding a small group of participants through the creative process. Throughout the session, they explored a variety of painting techniques and mediums, focusing on how to effectively select and balance hues, tones, and complementary colors to enhance the impact of landscape art. Attendees received personalized guidance on how to apply color theory to their own pieces, fostering a deeper understanding of color relationships and their role in artistic expression.
Client: Wishing Spring Gallery, Bella Vista, AR
19th & Oak | KCMO
As the Local Architect’s Lead Community Planner for this dynamic mixed-use development in Kansas City’s East Crossroads, Liz had the exciting opportunity to bring a vision to life that blends urban energy with the neighborhood’s unique character. Situated in a vibrant and evolving district, the site is bordered by railroad tracks to the south, Oak Street’s descending incline/elevated charm to the west, and a thriving commercial area along Locust Street and 19th Street. By reimagining the empty lots and introducing four distinct building forms, the apartments preserve the street life and artistic appeal while introducing a stylish patio and pool that will enhance the residents’ outdoor living experience. Liz’s keen ability to master plan and program public spaces set the stage for the site to become a key neighborhood hub, offering divisible tenant spaces that support the area’s authentic warehouse vibe. With its distinct identity, the neighborhood’s values and culture are at the heart of the project and are reflected in every design detail!
2021 Capstone Award | Architectural Design | Kansas City Business Journal
Project by: Milhaus with Dwell Design Studio and local architect DRAW Architecture + Urban Design. 2018-2019. Liz worked on this project as a DRAW architecture + urban design employee.
Beacon Flats | KCMO
As the Project Manager and Lead Community Planner for this exciting mixed-use development, Liz had the pleasure of partnering to bring an affordable, community-focused project to a vibrant area near Kansas City’s Hospital Hill. The design focuses on the building architecture of three different typologies, creating dynamic amenity spaces that promote active resident lifestyles. The development includes a mix of modern apartment units, offering studios, 1-bedroom, and 2-bedroom layouts to meet the diverse needs of residents across the ten buildings. Additionally, it incorporates inviting gathering areas, fostering a sense of community and connection. This project creates a symbolic corner on Troost Avenue as a gateway to Beacon Hill, becoming a highly visible and welcomed contribution to the area’s ongoing growth and energy, especially with a coffee shop ground-floor tenant in an Airstream!
Project by: GSSW with DRAW Architecture + Urban Design. Liz worked on this project as a DRAW architecture + urban design employee.
Private Practice Division Handbook
During 2022-2023, Liz was a Board Member for the American Planning Association’s National Private Practice Division. She contributed to the Private Practice Division’s Handbook over an 18-month period, where she played a key role in the creation and refinement of Chapter 3, which focuses on marketing strategies for practitioners. Liz’s responsibilities included writing the chapter to provide clear, actionable guidance for private practice professionals, as well as editing peer-written content for coherence and flow. During this time, she also served in the dual roles of Secretary and Treasurer, further supporting the Division’s efforts and organizational needs.
Visit American Planning Association’s Private Practice Division’s webpage: https://privatepractice.planning.org/resources
Community Organizing
Organized community engagement events may focus on student learning, gathering public feedback, and sharing ideas for potential projects.
By bringing together students, educators, neighbors, and community members, I’ve created opportunities for meaningful conversations where everyone feels included. These events feature interactive activities that encourage participants to share their thoughts and experiences, making the feedback both constructive and actionable.
This collaborative spirit gets everyone conversing while strengthening our community connections and sparking exciting new ideas. For example: Park(ing) Day events engage community members in transforming public parking spaces into temporary parks, fostering creative use of urban space and encouraging dialogue on environmental issues.
The Rochester | KCMO
While Director of Strategic Initiatives and Community Development at Community Builders of Kansas City (CBKC), Liz was involved in the visioning of The Rochester on Blue Parkway, a 65-unit apartment building located in the Mount Cleveland neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri. CBKC, the city’s largest urban core developer, is dedicated to strengthening families and transforming communities through meaningful relationships with the neighborhoods they serve. This project reflects CBKC’s ongoing commitment to urban renewal and fostering community growth. In the role, she collaborated closely with the design and contractor teams to ensure the successful conception and construction start of this project, which provides much-needed housing while sparking a new wave of development energy.
Project by: Community Builders of Kansas City with Hufft. 2019-2021. Liz worked on this project as a CBKC employee.
11+
CRIT Workshop Designs
69+
CRIT Workshop Clients
47+
Prior Collaborations
15+
Years of Experience
Experience
When did Liz start her career?
In 2005, Liz started her design career in high school helping on small scale office improvement renovations. Through her first two years of college, she worked evenings and weekends as a Visual Marketing Merchandiser at GAP Kenwood. When it came time for her first cooperative education placement she already had several years of collaborative design teamwork on her resume.
Where was Liz’s first official architectural design job?
Believe it or not, Liz actually applied for a co-op based off of the firm’s website and project portfolio. On the phone interview she was asked if it was okay with her that the job was in Birmingham. She thought, of course because this is a great firm. It wasn’t until the offer letter came that she realized the job was in Birmingham, United Kingdom!
Why is Liz’s design work all over?
Like any professional, you have to go where there are opportunities and unique potential for growth! Liz is incredibly grateful for her previous employers within the industry, who advanced her career and helped her learn: Aedas Architects – Birmingham, KPF – New York, ZGF Architects – Washington DC & Seattle, The Miller Hull Partnership – Seattle, DRAW Architecture + Urban Design – KCMO, and Community Builders of Kansas City – KCMO.
Who does Liz admire most professionally?
All of the amazing mentors, mentees, and team members she has had the opportunity to collaborative and learn together with over the years. Everyone on a team is a valuable contributor to projects no matter the task type or length of time spent – Every matters in big ways, small ways, always!
How does Liz progress in her career?
Wonderful employers see a unique potential in Liz and offered advancing opportunities for professional growth by promotion or change in employment. She thoughtful considers her relationships prior to considering, pursuing, reviewing, rejecting or accepting offers to work. The same holds true for her clients today 🙂
What is it like working with Liz?
It all depends on what your circus needs! She could be a lead performer doing the flying trapeze, a lion tamer, a tent raiser, a ticket seller, or a popcorn vendor… it’s your show, and she is an integral part of your team. Everyone has a crucial role! Oh, sometimes someone has to clean-up after your circus and Liz does that, too… yes, even the elephant poop 😀