Zoë Fisher, AIA, NCARB
Senior Associate
Gresham Smith
Age 35
Zoë Fisher, AIA, leads Gresham Smith’s Charlotte Aviation Studio, where her architectural expertise enhances the passenger experience through innovative design.
Among her notable achievements is the $500 million terminal lobby expansion at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT). This expansion, which consolidates security checkpoints, reduces wait times, and increases passenger throughput, underscores Fisher’s focus on efficiency and hospitality. Her role involved coordinating with CLT to maintain design integrity during construction and introducing a hybrid review model with Mecklenburg County, streamlining the project’s approval process. Upon completion, Fisher will oversee the third phase of the Concourse A gate expansion as project manager.
“Participating in the Charlotte Douglas International Airport's Terminal Expansion Project has been a huge professional achievement. This project was particularly significant for me because it allowed me to find innovative design solutions with practical considerations in a high-stakes environment,” she said. “Through brainstorming sessions and workshops, we developed a design that enhanced the terminal's visual identity, streamlined passenger flow, and improved accessibility.”
In 2024, Gresham Smith named Fisher a Senior Associate, recognizing her client dedication and leadership. Fisher’s work in digital innovation is evident in her leadership of “Studio-X,” the firm’s incubator, where she is developing Digital Twin technology to enhance real estate and infrastructure management. She serves on an Airport Cooperative Research Program task force to establish guidelines for implementing Digital Twins in aviation, underscoring her influence in advancing industry standards.
A committed advocate for diversity, Fisher spearheads Gresham Smith’s Women’s Employee Resource Network, promoting pay equity, career advancement, and inclusivity. Her outreach extends through collaborations with She Built This City and roles with the American Institute of Architects’ Women in Architecture Committee. Fisher’s dedication to fostering a collaborative and equitable environment reflects her commitment to shaping an industry that mirrors the diverse communities it serves.
