A B O U T
Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, dl-Design Studio was founded on the principle of designing with purpose and building with meaning—transforming stories, needs, and aspirations into spaces that resonate. We aim to elevate everyday life through intention, craft, human connection, and collaborative dialogue.
Our Process
Listen. Plan. Refine.
Through careful listening, considered strategy, and continual refinement, dl-Design Studio creates spaces where design and daily life harmonize—balancing functionality, beauty, and meaning in every detail. We approach each project as a layered journey, where thoughtful planning meets creative exploration. Whether designing a modern home, reimagining a renovation, or shaping a commercial environment, we transform ideas into spaces that are purposeful and deeply personal.
Projects progress through clear, intentional phases—consultation, programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding, and construction administration—so that every decision is deliberate and every detail is considered. Along the way, we collaborate closely with you: clarifying priorities, gathering inspiration, and refining each element. Optional services, including 3D renderings or feasibility studies, can provide added confidence and clarity at every step.
Liz Kolepp-Mayer, AIA
NCARB-certified Architect | Licensed in North Carolina
A Raleigh, North Carolina native, Liz Kolepp-Mayer earned her Bachelor of Architecture from North Carolina State University in 2006. While in school, she interned with the local office of NBBJ, where early exposure to large-scale projects sparked her passion for thoughtful, human-centered design. After graduation, she began her career at BBH Design in Raleigh, contributing to award-winning projects including the North Carolina State Yarborough Chiller Plant and serving as lead designer on the WakeMed Main Campus Bed Tower Expansion—a five-story, 103-bed hospital addition. Liz has also served as Project Architect and Designer for Wake Tech Community College’s Perry Health Sciences Building, a 98,000-square-foot facility for nursing education.
Today, Liz serves as a part-time consultant to dl-Design Studio, contributing her design insight to select projects while providing ongoing creative support across the studio’s portfolio. She approaches every assignment with curiosity and care, transforming complex design challenges into environments that are both functional and elegant.
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AIA North Carolina Merit Award (2006)
Project: NC State Yarborough Chiller Plant
Recipient: BBH Design – Liz, Jr. Designer
What If New York City – Design Competition for Post-Disaster Provisional Housing
Organized by NYC Emergency Management, the Department of Design and Construction, the Rockefeller Foundation, and Architecture for Humanity
Finalist (2008): Lincoln & Liz — Selected as one of 10 finalists
Winner (2009): Lincoln & Liz — One of two winners. Continued phase focused on detailed design, development, and implementation
IIDA Carolinas Chapter Healthcare Award (2018)
Project: WakeMed Health & Hospitals Apex Pediatrics Clinic
Recipient: BSA LIfe Structures – Lincoln, Project Architect -
Special Idea Project: What If New York City
By Mi-Sun Oh
Architecture & Culture, November 2008, pp. 110–115
Our Team
D. Lincoln Mayer, RA
NCARB-certified Architect, Licensed in North Carolina
A native of Central New York, Lincoln Mayer earned his Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from SUNY Buffalo School of Architecture & Planning. After interning at The Sear-Brown Group in Rochester, he moved to Raleigh, North Carolina, to pursue a Master of Architecture with a concentration in Urban Design from North Carolina State University in 2003. Lincoln’s thesis “Kinetic Architecture—De-mountable, Transformable Structures for Relief Living” highlighted his passion and natural draw toward flexible, innovative designs that enhance how people experience their surroundings.
Lincoln has worked at both boutique firms and national practices, including NCDG and BSA LifeStructures, a range of residential, commercial, and institutional projects. He founded dl-Design Studio in 2017, driven by the belief that everyday environments can become meaningful experiences. From custom homes and renovations to commercial environments, Lincoln thrives on turning ambitious ideas into practical, inspiring spaces while ensuring each design reflects the client’s vision and delivers lasting value.