Tamara Hilmey
Tamara is a licensed architect in NY and OH. She attended SUNY Buffalo for her undergraduate degree and The Ohio State University for her Masters, earning the AIA School Medal. She is a member of the AIA, NCARB, and is a LEED AP. Tamara was an adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University and worked for several firms on a wide range of building projects before founding PLYWOODstudio in 2010. Tamara is currently also an adjunct faculty member at St. Bonaventure University, teaching environmental studies classes in sustainable and universal design.






PLYWOODstudio was founded in 2010 to serve the Southern Tier of WNY. We focus on specific client needs and work closely with contractors and craftsman to achieve the highest of standards in design and construction.
We believe that Smart Design combines lifestyle and lifespan. How we live should influence and determine the spaces we live in and how they interact with each other. Needs change over time and our dwelling spaces should accommodate this growth.
Universal design is inclusive of all people. We celebrate the unique differences and abilities of each person, weaving solutions for all users seamlessly into every project.
The same standard of care is applied to a small shed as to the largest of dwellings. Budget constraints are opportunities to apply creative solutions and to rethink how we build and the materials we build with.
Our spaces are not static - the forces of sun, wind, water, and light create a dynamic dialogue between inside and outside. Good design allows these forces to shape and inspire our relationship to the world around us. Each built work is an opportunity to give and receive through sustainable solutions. Whether as simple as planting a native tree species or as complex as incorporating innovative technologies, the opportunity for a symbiotic relationship between man and nature exists and should be embraced.
Good buildings are not created by chance. They come about when clients, architects, and craftsmen join in thoughtful, cooperative effort and collaborate to build something great.