Kephart named Architect of the Year

Builder and Developer magazine has named Denver-based Kephart Architect of the Year.

The honor is awarded to the best of the best in housing based on industry nominations and Peninsula Publishing staff research.

Last year, the architecture firm, located in the Ballpark neighborhood, designed more than 50 communities, with more than half starting construction in the first half of 2013.

"To be named Builder and Developer’s Architect of the Year is a source of special satisfaction for our team," says Paul Campbell, principal of Kephart. "Everyone deserves a well-designed place to live. That is the philosophy that drives us to stay expert in the housing industry and to create quality places for people to call home. To be recognized by our industry peers as doing such is truly rewarding."

Last year was a banner year for Kephart. The firm led the design of the first all-solar, single-family community in the Denver metro area, ParkSide at RidgeGate, in Lone Tree. The firm also designed Veranda Highpointe, a 365-unit mixed-use apartment building near Hampden Avenue and Interstate 25 targeting Gen Yers, and The Logan, a 57-unit apartment building at 619 N. Logan St. in Denver's Alamo Placita neighborhood.

The firm added 12 employees to bring the number of people it employes to 39. Kephart also was recognized with five architectural design awards. In addition, it was named a finalist for a Best in American Living Award and a Best in 50+ Housing Award, both of which will be announced next week at the International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.