The Board of Directors of HMFH Architects announced the appointment of Lori Cowles, AIA, as president. A principal and project leader, Cowles joined HMFH in 1995 and today leads education and civic design projects for the Cambridge-based company. As part of the firm’s continuing leadership transition, Cowles succeeds longtime president George Metzger, AIA, who will continue as a director and senior principal with a focus on client relations, practice strategy, and leadership development.

“Lori combines big-picture, strategic thinking with an in-depthunderstanding of her clients’ needs,” Metzger said. “She is a clear thinker and communicator with the ability to ask the right questions and inspire people to work together on creative solutions.”

The appointment is part of the firm’s ongoing leadership transition and ownership expansion, supporting HMFH’s growth and collaborative company culture. “As we continue to grow our organization and as the practice of architecture increases in complexity, we work hard to maintain a small-firm culture,” Metzger said. “Lori and each of our leaders embrace this ideal by valuing the talents and hard work of every person, which in turn fosters creative problem solving for our clients.”

“It is an honor to representHMFH in this new role,” said Cowles. “As we look forward from our 50th year, I am especially excitedto continue our work together to provide the talent and resources our clients need to design places that engage and inspire.”

Cowles is a registered architect, a LEED-Accredited Professional (LEED AP), and an accomplished leader within and outside the firm. Her recent project engagements include the new Arlington, MA High School, now in design, the recently-opened Clark Avenue Middle School in Chelsea, MA, and the Temple Place affordable housing apartments in Cambridge, a joint venture between the city’s Affordable Housing Trust, the Cambridge Housing Authority,and the Cambridge YWCA.

A longtime resident of Cambridge, Cowles is active in the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, serving on the Chamber’s Outreach Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Economics and Arts from Framingham State University.

About the Firm: HMFH Architects is an education design firm known for its community-based approach, user-centric design, and healthy, sustainable buildings. Founded in 1969 by four Harvard classmates, the firm celebrates its 50th anniversary this year as a diverse, 50-person practice with a focus on designing innovative spaces for living and learning. A certified Women-Owned Business, HMFH works with public school districts, independent schools, universities, and community and public-realm clients. For more information, please visit www.hmfh.com.