Lori Apfel Cardeli, AIA, NCARB

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

For over a decade, Ms. Cardeli has focused on the design, project management, and construction of single-family custom homes, renovations, and additions. Prior projects also include a diverse portfolio of high-rise residential projects and sustainable learning environments.

Ms. Cardeli was recently selected by the AIA Maryland Board of Directors to fill the position of AIA SFx Maryland State Rep for 2025-2026. Her other volunteer efforts have included being a two-time presenter at the AIA National Convention, a two-time member of the Education Proposal Review Committee for the AIA National Convention, a participant of the YAF Summit20, a presenter at DesignDC, a panelist for several speaking engagements through AIAPV, CRAN, and AIANYC, and a juror for the AIA 2024 Interior Architecture Award. A specific interest in K-12 outreach has allowed her the opportunity to join fellow enthusiasts through the AIA K-12 Pathway Initiatives to make architecture and design awareness more commonplace in primary and secondary schools nationwide.

Ms. Cardeli also served three terms as an inaugural Board Member of the Columbia University, GSAPP Alumni Association and a Co-Chair of the Board's Alumni/Students + Careers Committee. She was invited to speak at Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation (GSAPP) on a number of career-related topics, including "How to get a Job in a Tough Economy" and "How to Market Yourself in the Early Stages of Your Career."

As an invited panelist for NCARB's live webinar, "Women in Architecture," Ms. Cardeli addressed many of the challenges that female practitioners face in the profession. In her capacity as a mentor to several groups of students and young professionals, she is frequently contacted for advice about portfolios, internships, employment, and undergraduate or graduate school. 

Ms. Cardeli graduated with a Master of Architecture from Columbia University, GSAPP and cum laude with a B.S. in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.

Ms. Cardeli resides in Bethesda, MD with her husband, two children, and adorable new puppy.