Faces of Shift With Catalyst Architecture
Each month at Shift Workspaces, we have the opportunity to highlight a valued member. We love getting to know our members not only on a professional level but also on a personal one. This month, we sat down with the Team from Catalyst Architecture. Continue reading to hear more about the work being done by this team.
Tell us about the work you do at Catalyst and introduce the team!
Catalyst Architecture, Planning & Development was founded in Denver, Colorado in mid-2022. Leadership is comprised of two of Denver’s most up and coming design industry professionals, Seth Donnell, AIA and Anthony Gengaro. With a combined 14 years of professional experience, Catalyst has quickly become recognized for its commitment to quality, integrity, and equity.
With a unique approach to architectural design and design process, Catalyst aims to make a positive difference in the urban or natural landscapes by envisioning spaces that will inspire people, help them connect with one another, and enrich the human experience. Projects both small and large have a focus on long term value generation through ethical and solution-based design.
Catalyst is dedicated to delivering forward thinking design solutions and outstanding project results. The Mission is to be a catalyst to drive change in the architecture and development industries and the communities we work in through well scrutinized, artful, and sustainable design.
What do you enjoy doing with your time when you are not working?
Outside of the studio, Seth Donnell is a Father and a Husband. Family is a huge part of Seth’s life and when he is not working in the office, he is on an adventure with family or working around his home. Seth is a outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, skiing and traveling. Seth also is a big fan of food and the culinary world in general.
Anthony Gengaro is avid mountain sports enthusiasts. Growing up in Denver, Colorado, Anthony and his wife both have a calling for getting out into nature for some backcountry peace. Anthony is also heavily involved in volunteer work with different groups around Denver. He gives time to work with homeless and help business groups around downtown Denver.
Who are you most excited to help or work with at Catalyst?
To answer this question directly, we revisit the core intention behind Catalyst’s Mission. Our team was created with an underlying desire to find meaning in everything we do, to help others through the lens of service. A very unique piece to Catalyst, which makes us different from other Architecture and Development Studio’s.
Within every project Catalyst takes on, we allocate a portion of the revenue created into a philanthropic account, set aside for special purposes. The fund, which we have dubbed the “Catalyst Fund” is used to accomplish new development, research and policy for affordable and equitable housing development. We are most excited about this mission, because it serves a higher ethical purpose and creates a synergy between all levels of the work we do across all client pools. Its our internal way of leveling the playing field for all Denverites.
We are truly excited to work with all levels of clients and municipalities because the work we do is equally important and more holistically impactful for our greater community
What about your business and/or industry motivates you?
In every built environment, there is a series spaces in which we inhabit on a consistent basis. One of the most important roles and responsibilities of an Architect is to critically think about these spaces and curate an experience. At Catalyst, we are motivated by the human experience. We strive for well scrutinized, artful, and equitable design.
In our profession it is paramount to have a perspective that embraces the life, love, and diversity of the urban and rural experience. Recognizing that every great design is the result of a combination of ideas, we’re inspired by the dynamism of both.
What is a challenge you are excited to face in the next couple of years?
As the world population grows and new stresses are placed on our communities and planet, there is an ever growing need to have solution-based design. Catalyst Architecture, Planning and Development is forward thinking in terms of sustainability and equitability. Every project is an opportunity to reconnect the human experience. We are excited to do our part and face the coming global problems by offering a design forward approach to all we do.
What drew you to Shift to be the home base for your company here in Denver?
A large reason Catalyst choose Shift Workspaces for our main office space was the stylistic design and program flexibility. As a new company, in its start-up phase, it was very important for us to have an office that felt curated and design/experience forward. For clients and colleagues, they are always excited to come to our office space and to enjoy a meeting in one of the common spaces here at Shift Bannock. We are located in a great part of town and enjoy the urban feel of The Golden Triangle.
Another aspect that we enjoy is the great service and hospitable attitude from the shift staff. We have always felt cared for and respected. The community here at Shift really drives a motivating and rewarding atmosphere.
