Who we are
Our office was established over 30 years ago in Lake Tahoe to provide custom residential, mixed-use and commercial building design. Our many years of consistent experience as an architectural engineering firm has resulted in many award winning projects being recognized by the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency, Tahoe Quarterly Magazine and Washoe County.
Our goal is to provide our clients in Lake Tahoe, the surrounding communities and beyond with a design that meets their personal needs, lifestyle and goals plus works with the unique characteristics of their site.
When it comes to design, we recognize everybody has different opinions and preferences, so we prefer to collaborate directly with our clients at their sites to discuss and then prioritize the various aspects of the design together. Within a few hours, we create a design that’s as ideal as possible for all involved. By meeting at the site, we maximize views, work around the constraints and highlight the best features of the property.
We hear our clients and design the spaces and forms with them that truly reflect THEIR functional and visual preferences, not ours. We also seek to create a timeless style they will love for a lifetime.
We encourage sustainable design at every level and phase of the design, building and lifecycle process.
With licenses in Architecture and Engineering in California and Nevada, plus as an Architect in Hawaii, the experience in various climates and jurisdictions is diverse. Our design process is very efficient since we design the architecture and engineering simultaneously with Interior Design considerations and Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) requirements. The TRPA consultation is part of every project in the Lake Tahoe basin and our Interior Design consultation is available at any level you prefer throughout the design process or it may be the only consultation you need. We also provided construction bidding coordination and observation services.
Meet our EFA Team.
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ELISE FETT
Elise brings over three decades of experience in architectural design, structural engineering, and Tahoe Basin permitting to her role as founder and principal of Elise Fett & Associates.
Since founding the firm in 1995, Elise has designed a wide range of residential and small commercial projects throughout the Lake Tahoe region, from complex lakeside builds to space-conscious remodels that preserve the charm of the original structures. Her depth of knowledge in TRPA regulations and site-sensitive design has made her a sought-after expert in navigating the region’s unique building challenges.
Beyond the office, Elise lives fully in the environment she designs for. An avid rower, skier, kayaker, mountain biker, and licensed pilot, she spends as much time outdoors as possible—often with her son, husband, and friends by her side. Whether in the air, on the lake, or in the mountains, she brings the same curiosity, precision, and joy to her personal pursuits as she does to her work.
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STEFANIE IOJICA
Stefanie graduated from UC Berkeley in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy, completing her thesis on modeling future glacial recession in the Alps. At EFA, Stefanie supports daily internal and external operations, manages financial operations and documentation, and coordinates logistics across various active projects.
Outside the office, she spends her time climbing and skiing in the Eastern Sierra and hiking—including thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in 2024.
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ALI WINTER
With years of experience designing bespoke interiors in Park City, Utah, Ali now brings her expertise to EFA as a designer, creating high-end residential spaces that fuse elevated comfort with the natural character of the mountains.
From slopeside retreats to lakeside estates, she designs interiors that reflect each client’s individuality while honoring their environment. Her signature style blends organic textures and finishes with tailored furnishings to create homes that are both functional and refined.
Clients value her collaborative approach, sharp eye for detail, and intuitive ability to translate ideas into reality—resulting in spaces that feel intentional, effortless, and timeless. -
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