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Esther Liu, chief executive officer and president of LSW Architects, leads a 70-year-old architecture, interiors and urban planning firm in Southwest Washington.

With more than 30 years of experience in the profession, Liu has transformed the 27-person firm into a 51-percent woman-owned business committed to creating inclusive work environments. She established flexible work arrangements that allow team members to reduce hours to as few as 20 per week while maintaining full benefits, addressing the rigid structures that often drive talented women from architecture careers.

Liu founded the Women Leadership Luncheon, a biannual gathering of 12 to 20 community women leaders from Southwest Washington that fosters connection, mentorship and collaboration. She actively participates in numerous women’s leadership groups, strengthening women’s presence and influence in the architecture industry. Under her leadership, LSW Architects has navigated economic challenges in the Pacific Northwest by diversifying services and strengthening client relationships while maintaining the firm’s commitment to equity and professional development.