Leigh Christy

FAIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal, Los Angeles

Growing up in northeast Ohio, Leigh knew that she wanted to positively influence her community at large. “I gravitated toward architecture because I saw in this profession the ability to improve the resilience of our environment and societies in ways that create beautiful places and spaces.” Leigh graduated from the University of Michigan and the University of California, Berkeley. In 2004, she joined our Los Angeles studio, where she leads public- and private-sector projects. By working at the interface of architecture and urban design, she helps ensure that her projects benefit users, communities, and ecosystems. Leigh believes an architect’s influence doesn’t stop at the property line; for us to lay a better foundation for the future, we must learn from our projects, expose opportunities for innovation, and share the knowledge we gain.

Leigh’s curiosity and passion has led her to become a thought leader among her peers and a trusted partner in her local community. She sits on our Research Board, and co-created and leads the firm’s Innovation Incubator program, which has supported more than 200 staff-generated research ideas through internal micro-grants. Leigh works with her clients and colleagues to reach beyond what seems achievable.

“Design has the power to transform communities. It’s my privilege and duty as an architect to create solutions that benefit the greater good. In fact, if a design isn’t helping restore humanity and the environment, it’s hurting them.”

Under Leigh’s direction, our LA studio has provided pro bono professional services to more than 18 local nonprofit organizations—from the Friends of the Los Angeles River to the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles among others—supporting their missions to restore the environment and help underserved populations.

Leigh's Featured Work

Work
LAPD Metropolitan Division Facility Renovation
Los Angeles, California
Work
UCLA Health Training Center
El Segundo, California
Work
College of the Desert Visual Arts Building
Palm Desert, California
Work
LA River Urban Agriculture Green Infrastructure Plan
Los Angeles, California
Work
Girl Scout Camp Lakota
Frazier Park, California