WJW Architects Announces Elizabeth Godbold and Michelle Sablack as New Partners
December 3, 2025
WJW Architects, specializing in purpose-built, community-focused design, is pleased to announce the promotion of Elizabeth Godbold, AIA, LEEP AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador, and Michelle Sablack, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD+C, to Partners. This growth of the firm's leadership team reflects WJW's continued growth and commitment to design excellence across its diverse portfolio of projects.
Elizabeth Godbold brings over seventeen years of experience to her new role as Partner, having led numerous impactful projects in affordable multifamily housing, supportive housing, senior housing, and accessible design for communities with disabilities. Her design philosophy emphasizes thoughtful solutions that expand access to quality housing and create dignified spaces for vulnerable populations. Throughout her tenure at WJW, Godbold has been instrumental in managing complicated, scattered-site developments, accessibility-expanding renovation projects, and advancing the firm's mission to create sustainable, healthy homes that transform lives and contribute to communities in a positive way.
Michelle Sablack's elevation to Partner recognizes her exceptional contributions in sustainable design and complex project management across senior living, supportive housing, and mixed-use developments. With expertise in green building strategies, evidence-informed design, and technical building science, Sablack practices a person-centered approach that balances community needs, occupant well-being, and environmental stewardship. Her leadership in fifteen years at WJW has been particularly valuable in advancing the firm's sustainability practices and technical excellence in affordable housing delivery.
"Elizabeth has been instrumental in advancing our firm's vision of creating life-enhancing spaces that truly serve the people who use them," said Mike Jerabek, WJW President. "Her leadership, innovative design approach, and commitment to our collaborative culture make her an invaluable addition to our partnership team."
Godbold has demonstrated particular excellence in creating accessible housing solutions for people with disabilities, leading projects such as the multi-year Home First renovation initiatives that expanded access to independent, accessible apartments across Chicago and Cook County, and grew to provide new accessible homes in Peoria. Her work on supportive housing included one of the first long-term sober-housing developments in the country, for people recovering from opioid addiction, Andy’s Place in Jackson, Michigan. "I'm honored to take on this new role and continue WJW's tradition of creating architecture that changes lives," said Elizabeth Godbold. "Our firm's focus on listening, asking the right questions, and finding solutions that uniquely fit each project and community is what drives our success."
Sablack's portfolio includes significant work in community-enriching developments and senior living environments, where she has led projects like Kilpatrick Renaissance in Chicago, BEDS Plus Summit Service Center in Summit, Illinois, East Bluff Homes in Peoria, Illinois, Silver Birch of Mansfield, Ohio, and Spring Lake Senior Residences in Lansing, Illinois. "This is an exciting time for WJW as we continue to grow and engage in more projects that have meaningful impact," said Michelle Sablack. "I look forward to collaborating with our talented team to work toward the vision of a future where well-designed, sustainable, healthy, and affordable homes are accessible to all people regardless of income or ability. "
“Michelle has demonstrated remarkable ability to navigate complex challenges while maintaining our firm's high design standards,” said Todd WIltse, WJW Partner. “Her passion for community-focused architecture, talent for bringing diverse teams together, and keen eye for detail consistently delivering for clients make her a natural fit for partnership."
Heidi Wang, WJW Partner, added, “Elizabeth and Michelle represent the best of WJW's next generation of leadership. Their promotion reflects our firm's dedication to recognizing talent and creating pathways for women in architecture. This is about more than individual achievement; it's about positioning WJW to better serve our clients and communities through diverse perspectives and fresh ideas."
Both promotions are effective immediately and position WJW Architects for continued growth in delivering innovative architectural solutions powered by creativity, curiosity, and collaboration.
