Studio

At Ford Architects, we learn from the past while designing for the future. This ethos underpins every project we undertake, whether we’re designing a building from the ground up or breathing new life into an existing structure.

Our dedicated team is committed to crafting buildings that excel in performance and sustainability. Our approach is deeply rooted in seeking environmentally responsible architectural solutions that seamlessly integrate with the local context, cultural nuances, and climate considerations. We collaborate closely with our clients, fostering an engaging and enlightening process. By attentively listening to the aspirations and requirements of those we design for, our aim is to curate a collaborative and enjoyable journey tailored precisely to your needs, resulting in outcomes that exceed your expectations.

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Personalities welcome.

Behind every great project is a team of great people. Meet the team ready to design your next building.

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Principal, CEO
Kathryn Ford excels at engaging her clients to see what’s possible. Her 25+ years of experience in commercial projects has honed her design approach to consider brand experience from every angle, helping her clients obtain a greater return on their investment.
Keeping larger project goals in mind, she works with her clients in a collaborative process to develop a design vision. She’s equally attentive to the details, helping keep her projects running smoothly. She is an advocate for those she works with, guiding participants through a thoughtful design process and helping them navigate municipal and state requirements.
Kathy leads Ford Architects' commercial studio, mentoring staff to excel at delivering a client-focused process. Many who work with her point to her integrity and ability to navigate complex project restraints with creativity and ease.
Education
Clemson University
Master of Architecture - 1989
Bachelor of Science - 1987

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Principal
Alan Ford is passionate about high-performance, sustainable architecture, with an emphasis on educational facilities. He has authored three books on school design, including his most recent one, Creating the Regenerative School. Alan approaches his work with curiosity and the mindset of a researcher, ensuring his clients benefit from thoughtfully crafted buildings that add value for generations to their broader community. A licensed architect with over 35 years of experience, Alan’s portfolio includes over 300 built school projects.
Before founding Ford Architects in 1993, Alan worked at a number of notable architecture firms, including W.C. Muchow and Partners in Denver, and Kohn Pedersen Fox Architects and John Burgee Architects with Philip Johnson in New York. Alan has served on the editorial board of the award-winning AIA magazine, Architect Colorado, and as an honorarium professor and guest critic at the University of Colorado, School of Architecture. He is a former member of the national AIA Soloso (now Architect's Knowledge Resource) Editorial Content Review Board and a former Subject Matter Expert.
Education
University of Colorado - Denver
Master of Architecture - 1980
University of Colorado - Boulder
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design with Honors - 1978

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Associate Principal
Tyler Michieli is a licensed Architect in Colorado and has 10 years of project experience in higher education, PK-12, large residential, and an assortment of other unique projects. A graduate of the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Oregon with an emphasis in urban design. He enjoys working on a variety of project types and sizes from ground up construction, to renovations of historic buildings, to master planning. He believes that his varied experience brings a wide breath of knowledge that is useful to any project. Tyler is strong advocate of using BIM to develop a document set that is accurate and detailed to reduce any potential schedule or cost impacts during the construction of his projects. He is passionate about sustainable lasting design and solutions that give value to the client beyond what's tangible. Tyler brings his passion for design and detailing to the University of Colorado Denver Architecture School where he has taught design studio for the last several semesters.
Education
University of Oregon - Portland
Master of Architecture - 2010
University of Colorado - Boulder
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design - 2007

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Architectural Designer
Emma (She/Her) has 4 years of architectural experience supporting a range of Education, Commercial, and Residential projects. As a licensed Architect, her expertise lies within leading BIM efforts that streamline the design process and preparing a document package of utmost quality. With deeply ingrained values on sustainable development, inspirational design, and community integration, she strives to create environments that offer more than just static space. While at Ford Architects, she has enhanced her design skills though K-12 and Early childhood education, and commercial experience.
Education
Fairmont State University
Master of Architecture - 2022
Bachelor of Science in Architecture - 2021

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Job Captain
Bryan Sapp (he/him) has over ten years of architectural experience working on a range of project types such as commercial, education, and residential. He is passionate about providing architecture that is both beautiful and functional, no matter how simple or complex the project. His professional experience includes architectural design, planning, construction document development, construction administration, and graphic design. In his spare time Bryan continues to pursue his passion for design outside of the office through textile arts such as weaving, spinning, and embroidery.
Education
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Bachelor of Science in Architecture - 2015

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Job Captain
Joe Urban has 9 years of architectural experience working on a range of project types such as; commercial, multifamily, single family, tenant improvement, food service design, and community recreation. His professional experience includes community engagement, presentations, architectural design, construction document development, and construction administration. Joe believes in empowering communities through architectural design by understanding every project's unique needs and delivering design solutions that maximize impact.
Education
University of Colorado - Denver
Bachelors of Science in Architecture - 2016

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Architectural Designer
Jonny Kaczor (he/him) is a recent college graduate from CU Denver, graduating with a masters degree in Architecture. His architectural passion is in sustainability, human centered design, and how architecture can empower local communities. He is also a fan of graphic design, 3D modeling, and furniture design. On top of designing the book "Creating the Regenerative School", by Alan Ford, he has also designed and produced multiple zines with his friends outside of work. While not immersed in architecture or design, Jonny enjoys skateboarding, biking, and music.
Education
University of Colorado - Denver
Masters of Architecture & Planning - 2023
Bachelors of Science in Architecture - 2021

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Architect
Gary is an experienced and versatile Project Architect with 30 years in the architecture industry. He brings a comprehensive skill set across all phases of design, production, and project management, with a strong focus on client relationships and technical excellence. Licensed in Colorado, Gary has contributed to a wide range of project types, including education, healthcare, municipal, office, and commercial developments. Outside of the office, Gary enjoys disc golf, hiking, and frequent visits to Chatfield Dog Park with his dogs.
Education
Texas Tech University
Bachelor of Architecture - 1994

Architectural Intern
Thanh-Tu is a recent college graduate with a undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver and a minor in Interior Design. They have an interest in sustainable design and interior architecture and how these can drive endurable yet exciting spaces. As an Architectural Intern at Ford Architects, Thanh-Tu collaborates with senior staff across a variety of project phases, developing the technical and professional experience required for architectural licensure. Outside of the office, they enjoy and partake in visual art in the form of illustration, video games and environmental art, interests that expand their creativity and design perspective.
Education
University of Colorado Denver
Bachelor of Science in Architecture

Must love pets. (just joking)

We all need a little distraction around the office. Meet our team of cuddle ambassadors.

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Ty / Resident Starchitect

Zeb / Junior Site Inspector

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Billie / Chief Treat Officer

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Truman / Toy Specialist

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Nala / Activity Director

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Remi / Lighting Design Intern

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Satchmo / Door Greeter

Pinky / Color Theory Specialist

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Rocky / Paver Sample Tester

Our Culture

Here at Ford Architects, we empower our clients through knowledge sharing while using design to create more functional, sustainable, and beautiful buildings that enhance a sense of place. Investigation is fundamental to the firm's goal of creating architecture of enduring value. We aim to uphold our core values daily. We are creative people, family and health-centric, and share a commitment to working with mission-focused clients.

Our Values

Co-creation

Ethics

Leadership

Trust

Learning

Let’s Work Together

We’re always interested in hearing from talented individuals who are passionate about their work. Interested in joining our team? Please send your resume and portfolio.