Meet the people behind our favorite places
Sarah Semple Brown has spent her career transforming Denver’s built environment. As Semple Brown’s cofounder, she leads by listening deeply and engaging fully—with her team, clients, and community.
Over four decades, Sarah has built an extensive body of award-winning work. Her designs are known for their conceptual clarity and sensitivity to place, reflective of her thoughtful, layered approach to architecture. The result is a legacy made visible. Walk down virtually any block in Denver and you’ll see it: historic restorations, modern interventions, and enduring spaces that inspire and serve their communities.
Rusty Brown shapes Denver's architectural legacy through thoughtful stewardship of historic urban fabric. As co-founder and vice president of Semple Brown Design, he guides complex projects with measured precision, balancing administrative oversight with hands-on engagement throughout design and construction phases.
His 45-year expertise in adaptive reuse has transformed Denver's cultural landscape—from the Ellie Caulkins Opera House and Temple Buell Theatre to the revitalization of Larimer Square. Rusty's work bridges past and present, creating enduring civic spaces that honor their historic contexts while serving contemporary community needs. His projects don't merely occupy the city; they help define it, creating places where Denver's story continues to unfold across generations.
Tom Gallagher transforms abstract visions into tangible realities where function meets elegance. As a principal at Semple Brown, he guides projects with a hands-on leadership style that prioritizes personal connection and collaborative problem-solving.
With two decades of experience spanning public, private, civic, and residential architecture, Tom brings technical precision and creative insight to every challenge. His masterful visualization skills help clients see possibilities before they're built. The results speak through Denver's landscape—thoughtfully conceived spaces that respect budgetary constraints while creating lasting environments that evolve with and enrich their communities.
Bryan Schmidt anchors each architectural project in its unique context while pushing beyond conventional solutions. Bryan has been a valuable member of Semple Brown since joining the firm in 1996. As president of Semple Brown, he continues to lead by integrating technical precision with client-centered focus across educational, office, and civic spaces.
Bryan's approach combines programming insight with construction management expertise, allowing him to navigate complex projects with clarity and purpose. His work throughout Denver reflects a consistent commitment—creating spaces that serve their communities through thoughtful design while providing lasting value. The structures he shapes become environments where people connect, learn, and engage with their surroundings in meaningful ways.
Chris Wineman translates vision into viable spaces by understanding how buildings serve the people who use them. As treasurer/secretary of Semple Brown, he draws from his background as a senior arts executive to bridge client aspirations with architectural possibilities, guiding projects through strategic, financial, and operational considerations.
His multifaceted experience in fundraising, curriculum development, and organizational planning allows Chris to navigate the complex needs of cultural institutions. The results are evident across Denver's cultural landscape—facilities that successfully balance artistic ambition with practical functionality, creating enduring places where communities gather, learn, and experience the arts in meaningful ways.
Mary Kay Sunset transforms practical constraints into design opportunities through methodical precision and creative insight. As Principal Emerita at Semple Brown since 1988, she navigates complex projects with a steady hand—orchestrating teams toward shared goals while ensuring client visions materialize within real-world parameters.
Her thirty-five year portfolio spans performing arts venues, restaurants, retail spaces, and corporate interiors throughout Denver and beyond. Mary Kay's collaborative leadership balances programmatic needs with budget realities, creating environments that serve their communities with thoughtful functionality. Her enduring influence shapes spaces where daily life unfolds seamlessly—places that respond to human needs while standing the test of time.
Dalton Davis distills complex architectural requirements into thoughtful spaces where form and function harmonize. At Semple Brown since 2002, he brings a patient, detail-oriented leadership approach to his role as project architect and job captain, guiding teams through residential, institutional, and commercial projects.
His background in residential design informs his approach to all scales of architecture—from homes to large commercial developments—creating environments where people genuinely connect. Dalton's contributions to Denver's built environment reflect this human-centered perspective, resulting in places that respond authentically to their communities while maintaining the quiet dignity that defines enduring architecture.
Georgia Brown Elbot transforms complex design challenges into elegant architectural solutions. As a Project Architect at Semple Brown since 2014, she bridges vision and execution through thoughtful collaboration and meticulous attention to detail.
Drawing from her diverse commercial design experience in both Washington DC and Denver, Georgia manages the full project lifecycle—from initial concepts through construction. Her comprehensive approach encompasses design development, consultant coordination, and BIM modeling expertise. Georgia's work creates enduring spaces that respond authentically to community needs while elevating the everyday experience of place.
Nathan Gulash bridges conceptual vision and constructional reality, translating design ideas into carefully crafted physical environments. As Associate Principal at Semple Brown since 2018, he mentors junior staff while advancing projects with a deep understanding of materials and assembly systems gained from experience at both global firms and regional design studios.
His diverse portfolio spans Net Zero government facilities and high-end residences across Denver and beyond. Beyond practice, Nathan shapes architecture's future as a CU Denver lecturer and through his past AIA Denver presidency, where he developed the successful ARE ASAP licensure program. This dual commitment to professional excellence and education creates spaces that not only serve their communities with integrity but also elevate the profession that builds our shared environment.
Erin Killian crafts interior spaces where architectural intention meets human experience through her meticulous approach to materials, furnishings, and detail. With her extensive experience specializing in hospitality environments, she leads projects with a methodical precision that balances aesthetic vision with practical execution.
Her architectural background informs her interior work, creating seamless transitions between structure and space. The environments Erin designs become touchpoints for community connection—places where visitors and residents experience Denver through thoughtfully considered interiors that respond to both their immediate context and lasting purpose, contributing to the city's reputation for hospitality spaces that welcome and endure.
Kaylyn Kirby, AIA is an Associate Principal at Semple Brown, both leading and supporting across mixed-use, residential, office, hospitality, and adaptive reuse projects. Her life has led her from Canada to Louisiana, Minnesota, and Colorado—providing diverse perspectives on people, place, and design.
Active in the profession, Kaylyn has served on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors, multiple committees, and at the AIA National level with the Young Architects Forum as the Colorado Representative and the YAF Advisory Committee. She is passionate about giving back to the design community, bringing up the younger generation of architects, advocating for and advancing the profession.
Brad Smith shapes how Semple Brown connects design with technology, bringing over 35 years of insight to projects ranging from intimate interiors to complex performing arts spaces. His leadership combines technical mastery with communication design expertise, guiding teams through challenges while advancing the firm's digital capabilities beyond conventional applications.
With a foundation in CAD/BIM management and a BFA in Communication Design, Brad translates architectural vision into tangible solutions that serve communities. His dual focus on technology and creative strategy has quietly influenced decades of Denver's built environment—enhancing how spaces are both conceived and experienced while ensuring Semple Brown's work remains accessible, functional, and enduring.
Michelle Han transforms constraints into catalysts for design innovation, finding unexpected possibilities within clear boundaries. As Senior Associate at Semple Brown since 2019, she guides projects with collaborative leadership that balances vision with pragmatic execution.
With architectural experience spanning Colorado, Seattle, and Toronto since 2012, Michelle brings diverse perspective to projects ranging from high-end residences to complex institutional spaces. Her Korean and Colorado roots inform a practice deeply connected to both cultural context and natural surroundings. Through thoughtful placemaking that prioritizes sustainability and community impact, Michelle creates environments that honor their settings while leaving each place measurably better than she found it.
Daniel Kinnett brings a cross-continental perspective to architectural challenges, informed by his work with major projects in Seattle and Toronto. Since joining Semple Brown in 2019, he approaches each design with a mindset that balances urban sensitivity with technical innovation.
His experience with Perkins + Will and Moriyama and Teshima Architects grounds his work in diverse cultural and institutional contexts. Daniel's facility with emerging technologies transforms how spaces are conceived and experienced—creating environments that respond to their communities while anticipating future needs. This blend of global insight and technical expertise results in thoughtfully designed places that serve their immediate purpose while contributing to Denver's evolving architectural landscape.
Leilani Rose builds the organizational foundations that allow creative excellence to flourish. As Senior Associate and Office Manager since 2020, she orchestrates Semple Brown's administrative systems with precision and care, creating an environment where design can thrive.
A PHR-certified HR Generalist with a Certificate in Design Firm Operations (CDFO), Leilani brings diverse expertise from her studies at Soka University of America as well as her background in accounting and operations from both design and tech sectors. Her behind-the-scenes leadership ensures the firm's daily operations run seamlessly—providing the essential structure that supports Semple Brown's ability to create meaningful spaces that endure and strengthen communities.
Aaron Anderson transforms architectural challenges into elegant solutions with the same precision he once brought to competitive ice dancing. As a Project Designer at Semple Brown since 2013, he leads with a collaborative spirit that draws from his unique background as a national-level coach.
Aaron's approach combines technical expertise with an eye for simplicity and honesty in design. His pioneering work in advanced technology adoption has expanded the firm's capabilities, enabling the team to tackle increasingly complex projects while maintaining Semple Brown's commitment to creating spaces that resonate with and serve their communities.
Molly Champagne explores how diverse cultural perspectives shape meaningful human-environment interactions. With Semple Brown since 2018, she approaches each project through a collaborative lens, drawing on global insights gained from design programs spanning Rome to Singapore during her architectural studies at Louisiana State University.
Her diverse portfolio encompasses corporate interiors, residential spaces, and hospitality environments—each reflecting her commitment to creating places that respond to their unique contexts. Through thoughtful design interventions, Molly crafts environments that foster connection while enhancing how people experience and move through space, contributing to Denver's evolving architectural landscape with sensitivity and purpose.
Kelsey McCarrel distills complexity into elegant simplicity, finding beauty in thoughtful restraint. As an Associate at Semple Brown since 2022, she approaches interior design through collaborative engagement, bringing over seven years of experience and a fresh perspective to each project.
Drawing inspiration from global architecture, environmental context, and sustainable materials, Kelsey creates spaces that respond authentically to their inhabitants' needs. Her work seamlessly integrates with architectural elements to form cohesive environments that evolve naturally with time—crafting interiors that enhance daily experiences while connecting people to place through careful attention to detail and meaningful design choices.
Chelsea Wade reimagines architectural challenges through a lens shaped by her background in historical renovation and adaptive reuse. At Semple Brown since 2015, she approaches performing arts projects with a deliberate focus on balancing preservation with forward-thinking design.
Her technical expertise in advanced visualization tools transforms complex geometries into tangible spaces where communities gather and experience culture. Chelsea's work connects past with present—creating environments that honor their historical context while evolving to meet contemporary needs. The result is architecture that serves as both cultural memory and living community asset, contributing to Denver's rich performing arts landscape.
Katie West creates spaces that engage both mind and emotion, blending meticulous detail with innovative design. Since joining Semple Brown in 2022, this NCIDQ-certified designer has brought her distinctive Southeastern perspective to Denver, approaching each project with a collaborative spirit and thoughtful precision.
With experience spanning commercial and residential markets, Katie pursues sustainable, imaginative material selections that transform environments. Her work exemplifies how thoughtful interior design shapes community experiences—crafting environments that respond to human needs while leaving a lasting impression. As an active IIDA member, she continues to forge connections that enrich both her practice and Denver's evolving design landscape.
Ben Wills bridges design vision with practical execution, drawing from his hands-on experience across construction and engineering fields. At Semple Brown since 2021, he approaches projects with a collaborative mindset that unites different perspectives within the building process.
His Cal Poly architectural training, combined with real-world expertise in both traditional methods and emerging technologies, allows Ben to create thoughtful solutions across diverse project types. This balanced approach results in spaces that not only meet immediate needs but evolve thoughtfully with their communities—contributing to Denver's architectural landscape with designs that balance innovation with lasting value.
Sara Zezulka approaches architecture as a holistic dialogue between space and human experience. As a licensed architect at Semple Brown, she bridges technical expertise with a thoughtful understanding of how people interact with their environments.
Drawing from her background in both architecture and interior design, Sara crafts spaces that balance innovation with functionality. Her experience across international and boutique firms has honed her ability to navigate complex projects—from multifamily residences to performing arts centers—while fostering meaningful client relationships. Through each project, Sara contributes to creating enduring places that respond authentically to community needs and evolve with the people they serve.
Francesca Zucchi bridges historic reverence with contemporary vision, creating architecture that speaks quietly yet resonates powerfully. As a licensed architect at Semple Brown since 2018, she brings a distinctive Italian-influenced perspective to each project, balancing minimalist principles with thoughtful materiality.
Her journey from Italy to Arizona to Denver has shaped a unique approach where landscapes frame structures and carefully chosen materials create lasting human experiences. Francesca's work embodies the delicate relationship between built and natural environments—crafting spaces that respect their surroundings while establishing an enduring presence that will serve communities for generations.
Chris Beckley approaches architecture through the lens of human experience, designing spaces that respond intuitively to the needs of their inhabitants. As a project designer at Semple Brown, he combines thoughtful leadership with collaborative problem-solving to guide projects from concept to completion.
Drawing from his interdisciplinary background in interior architecture, construction management, and architectural design, Chris creates environments where technical precision meets everyday usability. His work reflects a commitment to community-centered spaces that evolve naturally with their surroundings, contributing to Denver's architectural landscape through designs that prioritize both function and lasting impact.
Olivia Brown approaches architecture through a craftsperson's lens, exploring how materials and human touch shape meaningful experiences. Since joining Semple Brown in 2021, she brings a distinctive perspective informed by her Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas, studies at Paris' Val de Seine, and professional experience with Parisian design firm Ibos & Vitart.
Her architectural design is enriched by a formative apprenticeship with master furniture craftsman Matthew Castilleja, connecting the intimacy of object-making to broader spatial design. This material sensibility influences her work across mixed-use, residential, and hospitality projects—creating environments that respond authentically to human interaction while embracing the tactile qualities that give places their enduring character and community relevance.
Joey Colella approaches architecture as a form of civic storytelling, where thoughtful design creates spaces that serve diverse communities while elevating everyday experiences. At Semple Brown, he applies his unique blend of architectural expertise and visual narrative skills to projects that prioritize human connection.
With a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado and background in Digital Arts & Design, Joey brings a perspective grounded in inclusivity and sustainability. His collaborative approach has strengthened the firm's commitment to creating enduring places—spaces that not only meet practical needs but evolve alongside the communities they serve.
Josh brings a unique blend of fabrication expertise and innovation to Semple Brown. Since joining in 2024, he has contributed to multiple educational projects while advancing firm adoption of cutting-edge design technologies, including AI integration and advanced rendering and visualization tools. His diverse background spans high-end residential architecture, custom home design and construction, and entrepreneurial product development. Josh’s technical fabrication background and data analytics skills bring fresh perspective to design challenges. Josh has a thorough understanding of the design process from concept through construction, emphasizing integration of function, form, and fabrication.
Kelsey Julian finds poetry in restraint, bringing a thoughtful economy to her architectural approach that speaks volumes through simplicity. At Semple Brown, she translates complex spatial challenges into elegant solutions that respect both context and human experience.
Shaped by her Appalachian roots and studies in Helsinki, Kelsey's designs reveal a deep appreciation for craft and materiality. Her architectural practice, complemented by her work as co-founder of See Saw Ceramics, reflects a holistic understanding of how spaces and objects shape daily life. Through each project, she creates environments that resonate quietly yet powerfully with the communities they serve—architecture that doesn't shout, but rather invites meaningful connection.
Martin Ochoa merges tactile craft with architectural vision, bridging conceptual thinking and physical expression. Since joining Semple Brown in 2021, he brings a distinct perspective shaped by his background in Denver's multifamily housing and recent Master's in Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver.
His parallel practices in oversized canvas painting and woodworking inform a hands-on design approach that communicates ideas with clarity and depth. This material understanding influences his architectural work as he pursues Colorado licensure—creating spaces that respond authentically to human needs while contributing thoughtfully to Denver's evolving urban fabric.
Lauren is a fourth-generation architect who grew up talking about design at the dinner table and observing how the built realm shapes human experience. She brings that lifelong passion—and more than ten years of hands-on experience—to her role at Semple Brown. A graduate of Virginia Tech’s Bachelor of Architecture program, Lauren has contributed to a wide variety of residential and commercial projects in the Denver and Boulder area. With a background rooted in design-build project delivery, her comprehensive understanding of building science and constructability informs her ability to bring creative solutions to complex design challenges. She is passionate about sustainable design and preserving the character of Denver’s built environment through adaptive reuse.
Sophia Ostendorf crafts architectural solutions that bridge urban design with rural community needs. At Semple Brown, she brings a thoughtful, hands-on perspective shaped by her practical experience building for Colorado's diverse landscapes.
With a Master's in Architecture from CU Denver and ColoradoBuildingWorkshop certification, Sophia combines technical expertise with a collaborative approach. Her work across rural Colorado and design study in Japan inform her understanding of how thoughtfully designed spaces can serve communities for generations. Currently pursuing licensure, she embodies the firm's commitment to creating places that evolve with the people who inhabit them.