Gresham Smith is proud to announce that Zoë Fisher, AIA, an architect and the Aviation Studio Leader in the firm’s Charlotte office, has been named to Airport Business’ “40 Under 40” list. The 40 Under 40 Award recognizes top innovative thinkers in the aviation industry.
“Zoë is well-deserving for this recognition, specifically for her dedication to civic engagement, proactive leadership and industry involvement,” said Wilson Rayfield, AIA, Aviation Executive Vice President. “I’ve had the privilege of witnessing Zoë’s growth and influence as an emerging leader in the firm and look forward to seeing her continue to excel.”
With more than a decade of architecture experience, Fisher excels in delivering innovative design solutions that enrich the passenger experience. Among her significant contributions is the $500 million terminal lobby expansion at Charlotte-Douglas International Airport (CLT), a key initiative to accommodate the airport’s growth while enhancing the arrival experience by serving passengers with a side of Southern hospitality. The 370,000-square-foot expansion and renovation project adds a 150,000-square-foot curbside canopy, doubles the size of the existing terminal, streamlines security checkpoints, minimizes passenger wait times, and enhances wayfinding, circulation, baggage operations and technologies that meaningfully elevate the passenger experience and throughput at CLT.
She has also been instrumental in coordinating with CLT during the construction phase and streamlining the review process with Mecklenburg County. As this project nears completion, she’ll serve as the project manager and main point-of-contact for the third phase of the airport’s Concourse A gate expansion project—a testament to her success and strong relationships.
Fisher’s commitment to moving the practice forward extends to her involvement in the firm’s Model as Deliverable (MAD) Task Force, where she led a think tank in documenting best practices for building information modeling and creating a deliverable that adds value for contractors, owners and authorities having jurisdiction. She has previously served as the Aviation market’s project management champion, developing and implementing strategies to enhance the team’s project management practice.
In addition to her professional achievements, Fisher champions women in the design and construction industry, serving on various committees and forums, mentoring budding professionals, and advocating for women, youth, and marginalized communities seeking careers in skilled trades. Her commitment to diversity and inclusion extends to her collaboration with Charlotte-based She Built This City and her involvement with the American Institute of Architects Women in Architecture Committee and the Airport Consultants Council Young Professionals Forum. Fisher is also the driving force behind Gresham Smith’s Women’s Employee Resource Network, which focuses on pay equity, career advancement, and leadership development within the firm.
In April 2024, Gresham Smith’s Board of Directors named her a Senior Associate in recognition of her commitment to serving clients as a trusted advisor and demonstrating leadership in her field. Additionally, in 2023, she was named one of The Mecklenburg Times’ “50 Most Influential Women.”
Read more about Fisher’s recognition here.
