Meet Iconica Architect Abby Linley

At Iconica, we bring together architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to champion superior outcomes for our customers and community. It’s more than a process—it’s a mindset. One that values connection, creativity, and shared ownership from concept through completion.

That spirit comes through in the work of Abby Linley, an architect whose thoughtful approach to design and passion for cross-discipline collaboration have made her an integral part of our design-build team.

An Early Calling: How Abby Chose Architecture

Abby’s path into the world of architecture and design started early, blending creativity and logic in a way that made the profession a natural fit.

“I’ve always loved drawing, painting, and numbers. My dad once told me, ‘You should be an architect,’ and I never looked back.”

Today, that balance helps her create designs that are both visually compelling and technically sound, often inspired by her love of nature, photography, and how people experience space.

Project Spotlight: Hickory Hill Academy

Abby’s most memorable project to date? Hickory Hill Academy, a K–8 private school where color, material, and layout were designed to spark curiosity and comfort.

“My first project at Iconica was the K-8 Hickory Hill Academy School. Not only was the design, color palette, and materiality incredible in every way, but the excitement and passion during each step of the process was really rewarding to be a part of. It was also my first, and perhaps only, project that included a conservatory, which was also very fun to learn about and watch come to fruition.”

As a design-only project, Abby’s ability to listen closely, connect with the client’s vision, and translate it into a space that balances creativity and function is a strong reflection of her design leadership and client-centered approach.

How Design-Build Enhances Collaboration

Since moving from a traditional architecture firm to Iconica’s design-build environment, Abby thinks about problem-solving, project momentum, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

“Coming from an architecture-only firm, I’ve truly been able to witness these past three and a half years how awesome design-build really is. Not only is solving a problem faster and easier, but I’ve learned so much more about the engineering, construction, and estimation side of things than I ever did at my previous architecture firm. Here, we have coworkers who are not only eager to help solve your problems but also to teach you along the way and give you advice on what to look for next time. So instead of sending an email or leaving a voicemail or waiting for the next meeting, I can walk 20 feet and have an in-person conversation to solve problems and also build relationships.”

It’s this proximity to construction and engineering experts that makes a difference, both in the quality of the end result and the design process itself.

A Designer Grounded in Family and Nature

While architecture is a big part of her life, Abby is also a mother of two young children. She enjoys spending time with her family and finding inspiration in everyday moments.

“I love hiking, camping, running, reading, and sitting on the memorial terrace with my husband and a pitcher of beer in the summer. But now I’m a mom of two littles, almost four and 18 months old. So when I’m not working, I’ve found being the Velcro that my kids love, sticking themselves to. But in all honesty, being a mom is probably the best title I could ever be honored to have. I love watching their unique personalities blossom, their close bond, and the joy and silliness they bring to me after a long day.”

Work with Our Architects

Abby brings a unique blend of artistic vision and technical collaboration to her work at Iconica. As part of our team of architects, engineers, and construction professionals, she helps deliver projects that work on paper and in the real world.

Explore our architecture and design services here.