Meghan Elliot (Oxpecker) | FS.021
Problem Solving Partner.
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Links
New History
Architecture Website: New History
Architecture LinkedIn: New History
Instagram: @newhistoryconsultantsLinks
Jillpine
Developer Website: Jillpine
LinkedIn: Meghan Elliott
In this episode of the Flying Solo Podcast, host Katie Kangas speaks with Meghan Elliott, a structural engineer, historic preservation expert, and founder of New History. Meghan shares how her career was shaped by early experiences with engineering in earthquake zones in California. That exposure led her to build a consulting practice focused on the complex realities of redeveloping historic buildings.
Meghan describes her firm in three words: “outcomes-based, mission-driven, and interdisciplinary.”
That clarity defines how she works with clients. Rather than offering a narrow scope of services, Meghan positions herself as a trusted expert who helps clients navigate the full ecosystem of historic projects—structural challenges, funding strategies, tax credits, regulations, and long-term feasibility. Her work is rooted in understanding not just the building, but the pressures, risks, and ambitions surrounding it.
Meghan’s bird archetype is the Oxpecker—a small but essential bird that lives among much larger animals, removing pests and irritations that threaten their health. Like an oxpecker, Meghan integrates herself into large, complex projects and long-term client relationships. She solves problems as they arise, often before they’re even noticed. Her value lies in deep client knowledge, proactive communication, and the ability to quietly tackle obstacles that could derail a project.
Throughout the conversation, Meghan discusses how building strong, lasting relationships allows her to expand scope with existing clients rather than constantly chasing new ones. She also shares insights from launching her second venture, Jillpine, where she applies her preservation expertise directly to real estate development and hands-on revitalization work.
This episode explores the depth of consulting, to sell solutions, not just services. Consultant’s power is found in listening closely, collaborating deeply, and earning trust over time. With these tools, Meghan built a sustainable, mission-driven practice. Meghan’s story is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful work happens not by flying ahead, but by staying close, paying attention, and solving the problems that matter most.
021
Meghan Elliot (Oxpecker)
Season 2 of the Flying Solo Podcast is sponsored by the Minnesota Architectural Foundation, whose mission is to invest in excellence, leadership, discovery, and equity within the profession of architecture.
To join this flying solo movement, you can follow Flying Solo Arch on Instagram where Katie posts content to encourage your business life. Find out which bird defines your marketing strategy with the Bird Quiz on the Flying Solo Website.
For even more resources and encouragement, you can find all the Flying Solo episodes on the Gābl Media platform at gablmedia.com - the premier destination for podcasts about architecture and design. And if you’re looking for community, connection, and real conversations, check out the EntreArchitect Network at entrearchitect.com/ . Whether you join one of their Masterclasses or the free Facebook group, you’ll find a community of small firm architects sharing ideas, challenges, and wins - proving that while we may work solo, we’re never alone.
As Mark R. LePage, founder of Entrearchitect, says - it’s all about doing better practice and better work every day.
