Emily Hicks approaches architecture as both a technical discipline and an opportunity to create spaces that bring delight, beauty, and a lasting sense of connection to the people who experience them. She combines strong conceptual thinking with technical expertise developed across every phase of design, from early diagrams and renderings to detailed coordination and construction documentation.
Prior to joining MBB in 2026, Emily contributed to projects spanning aviation, healthcare, higher education, commercial, and residential sectors, supporting design efforts from early concept development through construction documentation. Her experience includes collaborating with clients and multidisciplinary teams, producing visualizations and presentation materials, and conducting solar and daylighting analyses using ClimateStudio, and other energy modeling software to inform energy-efficient glazing strategies, biophilic design, and LEED compliance.
Emily holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia, with a minor in Global Sustainability, and Master of Architecture with distinction at Pratt Institute, where was recognized with an Excellence of Academic Achievement award in addition to the Pratt Circle award. During her graduate studies she partnered with the Wright-Ingraham Institute to research groundwater depletion in the Colorado River Basin. She remains active in mentorship through the UVA Young Alumni Executive Council where she partners with undergraduate mentees to facilitate professional growth.