After more than 25 years at LHB, architect Cynthia Poirier is retiring. Based in the firm’s Duluth office, she spent much of her career working on government projects, where reliability, clarity, and attention to detail matter. She will be missed.
Cynthia joined LHB in May 1999, returning to Duluth after working at firms on the East Coast and Ellerbe Becket in Minneapolis. Over the years, she became a trusted contributor on complex public-sector projects. Her work reflected a practical approach to design and a clear focus on how buildings function for the people who use them every day.
Before she steps into retirement, we asked Cynthia to reflect on her career, her work, and what comes next.
What brought you to LHB?
I started at LHB in May 1999. I grew up in Duluth, my mom was living on her own, and we had two young kids. It felt like the right time to come back.
What kinds of projects did you work on?
I worked mostly on government projects, including National Fish and Wildlife visitor centers with interactive exhibits in Wisconsin and Michigan, and military facilities for the Minnesota Air National Guard, Army Reserve, U.S. Air Force, and the Navy.
What did you enjoy about that work?
I liked seeing design solutions turn into buildings that really worked. Government projects come with a lot of requirements, but when everything comes together, it’s satisfying. You know the spaces will be used every day, often for decades.
How did the profession change during your career?
The biggest change was how we draw. I started with hand drafting. Then CAD came along. Then Revit. The tools changed completely. At the same time, I watched LHB grow from a local firm into a national one.
What stayed the same?
The importance of good problem-solving. And the need to design spaces that are clear, functional, and durable. That never really changes.
What are you most proud of?
The range of projects. And the fact that many of them serve the public in very direct ways: visitor centers, military facilities, government buildings.
What are you looking forward to in retirement?
More time for skiing and ballet. And more travel. I’m especially interested in ancient architecture. Greece is high on the list.
LHB is grateful for Cynthia Poirier’s many contributions over more than two decades. We wish her the very best in retirement. ∎
