Lori Apfel Cardeli, AIA, NCARB

Lori Apfel Cardeli is an NCARB certified, licensed Architect registered to practice in Maryland, Washington, D.C., Virginia, and New York. Ms. Cardeli is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and also certified by the California Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) as a Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator, showcasing her commitment to community resilience.

For over a decade, Ms. Cardeli has been specializing in the design, project management, and construction of single-family custom homes, renovations, and additions. Her diverse portfolio also includes high-rise residential projects and sustainable learning environments, reflecting her versatility and passion for thoughtful, impactful design.

Ms. Cardeli’s dedication to the profession extends beyond her projects. She has been appointed to serve on the AIA K-12 IDEA Group for a two-year term beginning in January 2027, advancing her commitment to fostering the next generation of architects and promoting architecture and design awareness in primary and secondary education. She was also reappointed by the AIA Maryland Board of Directors to serve a second term as the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) Maryland State Representative (2025-2028).

Ms. Cardeli has an extensive history of volunteer leadership. She has presented twice at the AIA National Convention, served on its Education Proposal Review Committee, participated in the YAF Summit20, and contributed as a speaker at the AIA Leadership Summit, DesignDC, and other events hosted by AIAPV, CRAN, and AIANYC. Additionally, she served as a juror for the 2024 AIA Interior Architecture Award and 2026 AIA Small Projects Award.

Ms. Cardeli also served three terms as an inaugural board member of the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) Alumni Association, where she co-chaired the Alumni/Students + Careers Committee. Her contributions include speaking engagements at Columbia on topics such as “How to Get a Job in a Tough Economy” and “How to Market Yourself in the Early Stages of Your Career.”

A dedicated advocate for women in architecture, Ms. Cardeli participated as a panelist in NCARB’s live webinar, Women in Architecture, addressing the challenges faced by female practitioners. As a mentor, she frequently guides students and young professionals on navigating architecture school, building portfolios, securing internships, and launching careers.

Ms. Cardeli earned her Master of Architecture from Columbia University, GSAPP, and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis. Ms. Cardeli was selected for and completed the inaugural AIA Business Academy: Cohort One, a national program focused on business strategy, leadership, and firm growth for architects.

Ms. Cardeli currently resides in Bethesda, Maryland, with her husband, two children, and their adorable puppy.