KU Architecture & Design Alumni Awards recognize 11 distinguished alumni

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Architecture & Design will honor 11 graduates whose leadership, innovation and professional achievements have advanced the design professions and strengthened communities through the 2025 KU Architecture & Design Alumni Awards. 

The awards recognize alumni who have demonstrated leadership and made significant contributions to the design professions and the communities they serve.

This year's honorees represent a broad range of disciplines and career paths, including architecture, industrial design, graphic design and healthcare planning. Through their work in professional practice, industry, education and public service, they exemplify the influence of KU alumni within their professions and communities.

“The 2025 honorees reflect the extraordinary breadth of talent and leadership within the KU design community,” said Mahbub Rashid, dean of the School of Architecture & Design. “From advancing healthcare and community development to driving innovation in industry and professional practice, their contributions continue to elevate the design professions and inspire future generations of KU students.”

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes alumni whose careers reflect decades of professional accomplishment and lasting contributions to their fields.

The 2025 recipients:

• David Bell (industrial design, 1960), a pioneer in private aircraft interior design whose career spans more than 50 years, including work on the Boeing 720 later known as The Starship.
• Steve Kirk (architecture, 1973; Master of Architecture, 1975), architect, consultant, educator and author whose work has influenced more than 500 projects for public- and private-sector clients.
• John Wyant (graphic design, 1962), inventor and product development leader whose 42 patents and product innovations helped generate more than $1 billion in sales during his career with the Mead Corporation.

Late-Career Achievement Award

The Late-Career Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have achieved significant professional distinction while continuing to advance their disciplines through leadership, scholarship and practice.

The 2025 recipients:

• Marcus Carter (architecture, 2000), co-founder of Object Territories and an educator whose work explores the intersections of architecture, landscape and urbanism.
• Scott Cole (industrial design), founder of Ardeo Design and an internationally recognized designer of luxury superyachts.
• Phil Dougherty (architecture, 1987), vice president at Slaggie Architects, educator and mentor whose career includes professional leadership and advocacy for greater representation in architecture.
• Thomas Trenolone (Master of Architecture, 2000), senior vice president and design director at HDR whose award-winning work and design leadership have shaped communities across the country.

Mid-Career Achievement Award

The Mid-Career Achievement Award recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and professional impact during the middle stages of their careers.

The 2025 recipients:

• Brian Giebink (Master of Architecture, 2010), healthcare planner and director of HDR's Behavioral Health Design Studio, recognized for advancing research-based behavioral healthcare design.
• Brandon Kent (architecture, 2005), managing director of Perkins&Will's San Francisco studio and a leader in design excellence, sustainability and practice growth.
• Andrew Maass (architecture, 2002), chief operating officer of BRR Architecture, whose leadership has guided significant organizational growth and project success nationwide.
• Anthony Treu (architecture, 2005), principal and healthcare practice leader at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, whose work has helped advance healthcare design in the United States and internationally.

About the awards

The KU Architecture & Design Alumni Awards celebrate alumni whose careers demonstrate the power of design to improve lives, strengthen organizations and address complex challenges. The 2025 honorees represent the university's tradition of design excellence and a continued commitment to leadership, innovation and service. For more information about the current and past awardees, visit KU Architecture & Design Alumni Awards.