Elissa Scrafano

Elissa Scrafano, AIA, is principal and founder of Scrafano Architects. She has been practicing architecture for more than 25 years, and is a registered architect in Illinois, Michigan, and California. Elissa received a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor with a concentration in art history, and a Master’s in Architecture from SCI-Arc in Los Angeles. Before establishing her own business, Elissa worked at the offices of Frank O. Gehry and Associates, Eric Owen Moss Architects, Narduli Grinstein Architects, and Landworth Debolske Architects. Scrafano Architects was established twenty years ago designing corporate offices, commercial retail boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and residential projects of all sizes and scales including new construction, renovation and restoration. Their work appears throughout the globe commissioned by clients from all over the world. The firm has received several AIA Design Awards and has been featured in Dwell, The Los Angeles Times, Chicago Social, Western Interiors, Chicago Tribune, Midwest Home, and other publications. Scrafano Architects is one office with two locations – Los Angeles and Chicago – and is mostly comprised of working mothers adjusting to the modern family paradigm, and are also graduates of SCI-Arc. Both offices work together as one team sharing efforts, knowledge, and ideas in a collaborative studio environment that encourages open exchange. The designers and architects have specialized talents that range from architecture, interior design, space planning, color theory, furniture and landscape design, woodworking, jewelry making, painting, graphics, music, and writing. They draw from broad and diverse experiences during the entire design process, and are practicing architects, educators, and active in community outreach. Elissa is honored to serve as President of the Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Commission appointed by Mayor Eric Garcetti, and previously served on the Cultural Heritage Commission.