Lizzy McEwen, graduating in May 2025 with a degree in architecture, celebrates her achievements in front of Burruss Hall at Virginia Tech. Photo by Chase Parker with Virginia Tech.
Class of 2025: Lizzy McEwen designs the future while preserving the past
Name: Lizzy McEwen
College: College of Architecture, Arts, and Design
Major: Architecture
Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
Plans after graduation: She plans to work in an architecture firm that specializes in preservation and restoration.
Favorite Hokie memory: She served as a student archivist for University Libraries Special Collections and University Archives, specifically focusing on the International Archive of Women in Architecture, which enhanced her interest in pursuing work in historical architecture.
Unearthing and archiving hidden histories
For McEwen, Special Collections and University Archives became more than a workplace — it was a gateway to architectural history. Among yellowed papers and old blueprints, she unearthed a new passion, preserving the stories of women who shaped the built environment.
For two years, McEwen served as a student archivist for Special Collections and University Archives, specifically focusing on the International Archive of Women in Architecture.
“I’ve come to appreciate just how vast and fascinating architecture truly is,” said McEwen. “Working in University Libraries has enhanced my interest in historical architecture.”
Through countless hours in the International Archive of Women in Architecture, McEwen explored the work of female architects often overlooked by history. Each drawing, letter, and document revealed these trailblazers’ challenges and groundbreaking contributions.
One collection that particularly resonated with her was that of Louise Hall. Through Hall’s letters, childhood mementos, and research materials, McEwen discovered how the female architect navigated both drafting tables and societal barriers.
“The depth of materials in the Louise Hall collection made me feel like I was peeking behind the curtain to see examples of an architect’s life in a new way,” she said.
Fully focused on the archive, McEwen traced the lines drawn by pioneering women — the visionaries who sketched dreams to construct reality. Through their work, she found inspiration not only in their architectural achievements but also in their perseverance.
Representation in architecture
As she studied these individual stories, McEwen became aware of a larger issue: the lack of female representation in architectural discourse. The historical records revealed a clear story of female architects left out of the conversation.
“It has been really eye-opening to see how architectural pamphlets and newsletters up to the late 1900s seemed to be only written with a male reader in mind,” said McEwan. “Newsletters always opened with the greeting ‘dear sir,’ as if there was never any expectation that a woman might be on the other side of that letter.”
Her work in the archive reinforced the importance of preserving and amplifying these overlooked voices.
“I hope to have been able to share many stories over my years at Virginia Tech,” McEwen said, “whether it be the histories of women in architecture, the stories of the communities I’ve designed projects for, or the stories of the people I’ve met here in Blacksburg.”
Lizzy McEwen reviews architectural drawings in Special Collections and University Archives at Virginia Tech, where she works with materials that deepen her understanding of architectural history and design. Photo by Chase Parker with Virginia Tech.
Experience leads to new perspective
McEwen’s time in the archives gave her a fresh perspective on architecture, one that considers historical context. By studying past designs, McEwen learned to view architectural choices through the lens of the people and communities they served.
“With historical context in mind, looking at drawings gives a whole new understanding of design decisions. Working with SCUA [Special Collections and University Archives] has really developed my ability to interpret architectural designs in a way that notices the needs and context of each build,” she said.
A future built on history
As McEwen looks ahead, her sights are set on Charlottesville. With its blend of historic architecture, vibrant arts scene, and strong cultural presence, the city aligns with her passion for history and design.
“I have had the opportunity to see the day-to-day aspects of a career in architecture,” she said. “I plan to continue my research of the historical impact of architecture on different communities and hope to learn more about how to best integrate historical buildings into our future as we continue to develop and grow.
“After graduation, I plan on working at an architecture firm that works with preservation and restoration,” she said. “I hope to learn more of how to best integrate historical buildings into our future.”