Employee Bio: Sophia Elniff

Sophia Elniff graduated from the University of Kansas in 2013 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Industrial Design. Her senior thesis project about Unstructured Nature Play was awarded an Undergraduate Research Grant and received the 2013 KUCTC Innovation Award. After graduation, Sophia joined the Total Habitat team as a designer and project manager, cross-training in all aspects of the design and construction process. In 2018 and 2019, Sophia guest lectured on interactive exhibit design for the Olathe North 21st Century Academy and served as a professional mentor for the Battle of the Brains STEM exhibit design competition. Interviews with Sophia have been featured on the Paloola Podcast as well as in Better Homes and Gardens. Sophia is currently a Senior Designer at Total Habitat specializing in the design and construction of exhibits, visitor experiences and Natural Swimming Pool/Ponds. In 2021, she co-wrote the newest edition of the how-to ebook on natural pools, Natural Swimming Pools & Ponds: THE TOTAL GUIDE. Outside of work, Sophia is a singer-songwriter in a band, plays roller derby (was named "Rookie of the Year" in 2019 by the Kansas City Roller Warriors), and is the proud mom to son, Rasmus, born in 2020.