Trisha Girdwood, AIA, is a Principal at LBBA. As a designer and project manager, she has a wide range of professional and personal experiences that tackle the challenges of creating affordable housing in both new construction and rehabilitation. Since joining LBBA in 2002, she has managed the rehab of over 730 senior apartments and has been the project manager on over 900 subsidized, affordable, and market rate housing residences including the redevelopment of Parkside of Old Town (formerly Cabrini Extension North), Hansberry Square (formerly Robert Taylor Homes), Westhaven Park (formerly The Henry Horner Homes), City Gardens (formerly Maplewood Courts), and West Town Housing Preservation.

Trisha’s on-going research in construction detailing and sustainable building techniques have contributed significantly to the firm’s growing repertoire of best practices that seek to optimize improvements in energy efficiency and construction costs. Her expertise in accessibility and universal design led her to become a member of the AIA Department of Buildings Committee which was integral in helping AIA Chicago understand the ramifications of the proposed 2018 Illinois Accessibility Code. Trisha was also selected by the City of Chicago Building Department to participate in a technical working group tasked with reviewing the implications of transitioning Chicago’s current building code to more closely align with national standards. In addition to her work with the firm, Trisha is a member of the Village of Oak Park’s Housing Programs Advisory Committee, whose mission is to develop and preserve affordable housing for an economically and racially diverse population.