It’s the goal of Liz Hamilton and Joanna Nabholz to leave a piece of themselves with each project they complete at H+N Architects. It centers around a word that was foundational in the creation of their firm. The Greek word, meraki, means to do something with soul, creativity, or love; and to leave a piece of yourself with your work. “It sounds self-sacrificial, but the reward of getting to work together, and collaborate with our clients, with our team, that’s how we’re fulfilled,” Hamilton said.

From the beginning, their vision for H+N was rooted in the belief that Conway’s unique culture, where neighbors invest in one another and local businesses promote each other, was worth pouring back into through thoughtful and intentional design. That local-first mindset shapes every project they take on.

One example is the Conway Corp Operations Center, a large-scale project that expanded warehouse space, enhanced campus development, and improved operational efficiency for one of the city’s cornerstone institutions. Conway Corp’s decision to “shop local” and hire a hometown firm underscored the type of community partnership Hamilton and Nabholz hope to foster for years to come.

The same commitment extends to their work with First Service Bank. What began as a conversation about a potential headquarters renovation evolved into a multi-city rebrand across several branches. Their most recent project, a new Conway branch now under construction, reflects both the bank’s growth and H+N’s ability to serve clients in multiple communities while keeping Conway at the heart of their work.

Some projects connect on an even more personal level. For Hamilton, that is Conway’s new soccer complex. Partnering under Halff, she helped design a facility that builds on the city’s strong tradition of youth sports. As a soccer parent herself, she has had the unique joy of watching her children play on a field she helped bring to life. “Seeing them run and interact with the space gives me a different kind of pride,” she said. “That is what community growth looks like, families, businesses, and institutions supporting each other to build something lasting.”

Designing in their hometown comes with a deeper sense of responsibility. Many clients knew them long before they were architects, and now their own children are growing up alongside those clients’ families. “We have a hand in continuing to build our hometown for the next generation while raising the next generation,” Hamilton said. “It is a powerful responsibility we cherish.”

For Nabholz, one of the most meaningful projects in recent years has been designing the new 47,000-square-foot headquarters for Nabholz Corporation. The opportunity carried a personal weight beyond the typical architectural challenge. She grew up visiting job sites with her family, learning firsthand from the people who built the company’s reputation for craftsmanship and integrity. “It was a unique honor to design a space that serves the company my family founded, while also reflecting the culture that shaped me as both a person and a professional,” Nabholz said.

Translating that legacy into a modern workplace meant more than creating offices and meeting rooms. Nabholz worked to capture the spirit of collaboration, innovation, and community that has defined the company for decades. She viewed the project as a way to give back to the people who taught her what it means to build well, not just in terms of structure but in terms of relationships. “This was a chance to create a space that supports the next generation of builders, just as the last generation supported me,” she said.

Looking forward, H+N hopes to continue shaping Conway’s built environment while promoting its creative culture. They want to inspire and mentor the next wave of architects, designers, craftsmen, and artists who will carry that vision forward.

Much of that inspiration comes from working downtown, where historic buildings offer opportunities to blend preservation with modern design. Projects like Rogue Roundabout and BMB Bakery have reinforced their passion for rehabilitation work, and they hope to continue revitalizing spaces that serve as gathering places for the community.

For both Hamilton and Nabholz, the goal has never been to design buildings for recognition or awards. It is about service to the client, to the project, and to the community they call home. As Hamilton put it, “We are not just leaving our mark on Conway; we are seeing Conway leave its mark on us.”