HDR Welcomes Carol Lanham Back to the Firm

Carol Lanham
Carol Lanham

Carol Lanham has returned to HDR as a civic principal in the Los Angeles architecture studio. Originally in the Dallas architecture studio from 1988 to 2001 as a project architect, Carol says she is “extremely excited” to work with her friends and colleagues again.

Carol says she learned everything she knows about justice architecture and good design from her mentors at HDR. Through her new role as a civic principal, she will help build the firm’s civic and justice architecture practice in California and the West. A 28-year veteran in the justice architecture field, Carol most recently served as the assistant circuit executive for space & facilities for the Eighth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals headquartered in St. Louis.

Carol is a problem-solver who enjoys working with a team toward a common goal. She enjoys finding out why people work a certain way, why they utilize a particular process and why they need a new space. This is what comprises the essence of good design, she says.

She also strongly believes in mentorship. “You can’t continue to have a successful business or team without training,” she says. “It’s important to lead by example, and to pass along the knowledge and wisdom gained from experience.”

“Carol brings a depth of experience in civic architecture that broadens our reach in the justice and corrections markets,” says Amy Williams, managing principal of the Los Angeles architecture office. “She brings a no-nonsense approach to architecture, and leveraging this with our existing design talent will allow us to do great things for our clients.”

You can connect with Carol by email and on LinkedIn.

About HDR

HDR has partnered with clients to shape communities and push the boundaries of what’s possible since 1917. We specialize in engineering, architecture, environmental and construction services. With nearly 10,000 employees in more than 225 locations around the world, we think global and act local.

We are committed to strengthening communities through accessible, sustainable and inspiring public buildings. Through creative place-making, we strive to reinforce civic engagement, understanding that inclusion and participation is at the heart of community—whether it be a small rural town or a large international city.