Lisa Pappanastasiou

Lisa joined the COCOON team with over 15 years of architectural experience under her belt. She loves thinking outside of the box and coming up with creative solutions to help our customers reimagine their homes. When Lisa is not drafting designs, she is spending time with her husband and their 6 children in Phoenixville, PA.

How did you arrive at COCOON, what path brought you here?

I first started designing when I was 10 years old. I grew up in King of Prussia, and at the time there were a ton of new neighborhoods popping up. Just for fun, my mom and aunt would tour the model homes and I would tag along. I would grab a copy of the floor plans and take them home to re-design.

After seeing my interest in architecture, my parents offered to let me design their kitchen addition and when I was in High School, we built it! That is when I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in Architecture.

While in high school, I did the summer pre-college architecture program at Carnegie Mellon University. Then I attended Virginia Tech where I earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree. During my time at Virginia Tech, I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Switzerland at the Steger Center for International Scholarship, formerly known as the Center for European Studies and Architecture.

After college, I worked in Commercial Architecture and then continued my career with a national home builder. While I enjoyed the work I was doing, I wanted to work more directly with homeowners to make their dreams a reality.

I first learned about COCOON on Facebook and I started following along. I liked what they were doing and hoped that someday I could be part of their team. When they started growing, I saw an opening and applied.

Who have you worked with in the past? And what have you done for them?

Before joining the team at COCOON, I worked in Commercial and Residential Architecture. I have designed everything from medical buildings to office spaces, and multi-family homes to single-family homes.

How long have you been doing what you do?

I have been working in Residential Design for 7 years and in architecture for more than 15 years.

What are you known for professionally, what do you have a knack for?

One of my biggest strengths is figuring out what a client needs and drafting designs that fulfill their needs. Communicating clearly with the homeowner is so important and it is the key to making their dream a reality.

What’s the one problem you are best at solving for your clients? What do your ideal clients say about you?

There are a lot of factors that go into the final design. The only way to meet a homeowner’s expectation is to think outside the box and come up with a creative solution. My ideal customer would say that my designs are innovative, and they meet their needs and their wants – like I read their mind or something!

What are you most passionate about professionally? What most excites you about your work & the contribution you can make?

Professionally, I am ready to complete my exams and become a fully licensed Architect. What most excites me about my residential design work, is being able to witness the joy and appreciation homeowners experience when they are finally able to enjoy a well-designed home.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy? What can’t you stop talking about?

Family – My husband and I have 6 children. Plus, most of my extended family is local. I love cooking, baking and crafting, especially for special occasions.

Where can we find you when you’re not working? What’s your favorite way to spend a weekend or a Sunday afternoon?

When I am not working you can find me at a local park with my kids or walking the Schuylkill River Trail near my home.

Where did you grow up and why aren’t you there now?

I grew up in King of Prussia, so I am native to the area. My husband is originally from Pittsburgh and after we got married, we settled in Chester County.

Any volunteer activities you’re crazy about?

My Church – I volunteer in the nursery every Sunday morning, loving on the littlest of babies up to one year old.

What would be impossible for you to give up?

The combination of chocolate and peanut butter!

What is your favorite TV Show or Series?

Good Bones and Master Chef

What is a personal favorite quote?

“Architecture is the thoughtful making of space.” -Louis Kahn

What is your favorite restaurant?

Sips Bistro & Bar, Phoenixville, PA

What is your favorite vacation spot?

I am a Mountain person – just give me some mountains and a lake.