Meet Elizabeth

Elizabeth is the founder of Built4Design Residential Academy, where she helps interior designers and real estate professionals build confidence in construction. With over a decade of experience in residential design and remodeling, Elizabeth is passionate about making the technical side of design accessible, actionable, and inspiring.

As an NKBA Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer with a master's degree in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver, Elizabeth brings a rare blend of design expertise and construction know-how. Her courses are grounded in real-world application—giving students the knowledge they need to lead projects, communicate with contractors, and make smart, buildable design decisions.

Through Built4Design, she shares the tools, language, and frameworks she’s used with everyone from first-time homeowners to high-end clients—always with a focus on clarity, collaboration, and confidence.

Elizabeth also teaches Construction Management at the Heritage School of Interior Design and is actively involved in the design industry, serving as Vice President of the Interior Design Society’s Denver Chapter and as a mentor with Diversity in Design. Based in Denver with her family, she’s committed to helping the next generation of designers thrive.

Education

Master of Science in Real Estate and Construction Management
University of Denver, Daniels College of Business

Women’s Leadership Program
Yale School of Management 

Women in Construction Leadership Bootcamp
Women Building Change

 

Certifications & Designations

Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer (CMKBD)
National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA)
The highest designation in the kitchen and bath design industry

NKBA Specialty Badges
• Floorplan and Specification Specialist
• Remodeling Specialist

Certified Living in Place Professional (CLIPP)
Living in Place Institute
Specialized in designing accessible, safe, and comfortable homes for aging populations and people with disabilities

Licensed Real Estate Broker
State of Colorado, with Roost Realty LLC

Professional Affiliations

Vice President, Interior Design Society – Denver Chapter (Inaugural Chapter)

Council Member, Thermador National Design Council

Ambassador, The She Built Foundation

Committee Member, Occupational Advisory Committee for the Construction Technology Program at Pickens Technical College

Board Member, Kitchen and Bath Business Magazine (KBB) Editorial Advisory Board

Committee Member, CEDIA Industry Relations Advisory Committee

 

Teaching & Leadership Roles

Adjunct Instructor, Heritage School of Interior Design – Denver Campus
Teaches construction management to aspiring designers

Principal Designer

Elizabeth P Lord Residential Design LLC

Mentor, Diversity in Design Program – Interior Design Society / Theramdor

Past Events

Seattle Remodeling and Home Show
"What to Know Before You Demo" 

Builders Appliance Center / Ferguson Showrooms
"What to Know Before You Demo"

Interior Design Society
Denver Chapter

"Managing Client Expectations Thru a Construction Project"
University of Denver

Career Presentation - Design Management Course
Interior Design Society

Denver Chapter
"How to Fire Clients While Maintaining Your Cool"

NKBA Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS)
"How to Fire a Client While Maintaining Your Cool"

Built4Design Workshop
"Building Confidence: A Designers Guide to Construction 

National Kitchen and Bath Association
Alabama Chapter
"Managing Client Expectations Thru a Construction Project"

National Kitchen and Bath Association
VFTI at KBIS
“What They Didn't Teach You in Design School: Construction Basics Edition”

National Kitchen and Bath Association
Budgeting on a Budget: Navigating Tough Conversations” Webinar

CEDIA Expo
Leveraging Technology as an Extension of Your Brand

What They’re Saying:

  • Student

    Elizabeth’s approachable and engaging teaching style made the complexities of building construction easy to understand and apply. Her course is an invaluable resource for any interior designer looking to more confidently navigate the technical aspects of their projects.

    CAREN HENDERSON
    Petite Design Studio

  • Guest Lecturer

    “Elizabeth became the most requested speaker for my curriculum. So much, that I asked her to speak at a large event for the Interior Design Society. Again, she spoke with so much confidence and quiet assurance that the audience loved her. Her straightforward approach and the kind, gentle manner with which she speaks completely engages an audience."

    ANGIE MORSE
    Heritage School of Interior Design

  • Student

    "I highly recommend Elizabeth Lord's teaching style for anyone interested in construction and interior design. She is an amazing teacher who is patient, funny, and kind. Her hands-on approach to teaching allows students to fully engage with the material and gain practical skills. Additionally, her extensive knowledge of the industry ensures that her students are equipped with the latest information and trends. Overall, Elizabeth's teaching style is top-notch and will leave you wanting to learn more."

    ELIZABETH MONDO
    Construction Basics Student
    Heritage School of Interior Design

  • Guest Lecturer

    "Elizabeth Lord is a fantastic teacher and presenter.  Her subject matter expertise is enhanced by her ability to communicate to the audience while engaging them into a safe learning environment.  She connects to various students/learners' ages and skill levels. I would have her back in the classroom anytime."

    PROFESSOR ERIC HOLT
    University of Denver
    Daniels College of Business

  • Student

    "I had Elizabeth for construction basics at Heritage School of Interior Design and she is a fantastic teacher! She has the ability to create a non-stressful class environment where the students feel comfortable asking questions and engaging in the subject matter. She truly cares about the success and wellbeing of her students, inside and outside of the classroom. Her knowledge and involvement in the interior design industry gives students the encouragement to succeed."

    MELISSA OUDEH
    Construction Basics Student
    Heritage School of Interior Design

  • Workshop Attendee

    "Whenever I know Elizbeth is going to be presenting, I make sure to never miss the opportunity! She is very engaging with her audience, and her down-to-earth approach is captivating and relatable! We hang onto every word she speaks, and she has a way to make the largest audience feel like an intimate experience. 10/10 recommendations!"

    DELILAH COLLINS 
    Owner / Designer
    Collins Design + Remodel

  • Student

    "Elizabeth is an absolutely wonderful teacher, I loved being in her class! Her abundance of knowledge coupled with a laid-back approach always made me feel welcomed, engaged, and comfortable to ask questions. She not only gives you real-world examples and advice, but also frames her classes so they are applicable to real situations in the industry."  

    Jolee McBreen
    Construction Basics Student
    Heritage School of Interior Design