Since earning her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Kansas in 1989, Cheryl Heinrichs has worked with accomplished architects at prestigious design firms in Minneapolis, Minnesota; Cambridge and Newton, Massachusetts; and Bend, Oregon. In 1995, her commitment to the environment led her to launch Cheryl Heinrichs Architecture, specializing in sustainable design.

Heinrichs' original designs have earned praise in Oregon and beyond. Her work has been published in Progressive Architecture Magazine, The Bulletin, the Source and Cascade Business News. Central Oregon Association of Realtors honored one of her homes with the 2003 Building a Better Central Oregon award for Residential Design. Heinrichs took Best Overall honors at the June 2003 Net Energy Home Challenge in Stevenson, Wash. In addition, her award-winning metal gate adorns the entrance of the Pendleton Arts Center in Pendleton, Oregon.

A member of Northwest EcoBuilding Guild, Heinrichs' dedication to the environment is equaled only by her commitment to community. For a year, she designed and built affordable housing for low-income families as a full-time volunteer for Bend Area Habitat for Humanity. She also served on Habitat's Board of Directors and chaired the organization's High Density Housing Committee. In addition, she served on the Shevlin Commons and Old Mill District Design Review Committees.