Deborah Tan Lucking, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Deborah’s path to architecture began with her mother’s unique encouragement, surrounding her with building blocks and drawing tools instead of traditional toys, fostering a passion for design from an early age. She joined Fentress in 1996 and soon began focusing on civic and cultural projects, drawn by their potential to impact both the environment and communities.

A pivotal moment came in 2000 when Deborah worked on the California Department of Education Headquarters in Sacramento and heard Anthony Bernheim, FAIA, LEED Fellow, speak about sustainability as an emerging concept. Inspired, she pursued a deeper understanding of sustainable design, a focus that has since become central to her career. Over the years, she has championed sustainable principles in each project, aligning with institutional missions and goals.

Deborah’s industry involvement includes membership in the Alliance of American Museums Environment and Climate Network, the US Green Building Council’s LEED for Airports working group, and AIA Denver’s Resiliency Knowledge Community. Her portfolio spans notable projects, including the SEA Central Terminal Expansion, the Colorado Convention Center Phase II, the Miami Beach Convention Center, and the Denver Art Museum Martin Building.

Her design philosophy is rooted in the firm’s Touchstone™ “Design for People,” and she is fascinated by the power of space, form, light, rhythm, and color to influence emotions and behaviors. She believes architects have a unique opportunity to create positive change and is continuously inspired by learning and discovery in her field.

Beyond her architectural practice, Deborah contributes to the Board of Advisors for the Architectural Technology Department at the Community College of Denver and serves on AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE). Recently, she spoke as a panelist in AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program on the architect’s role as an advocate.

Having lived in places as diverse as Hawaii, upstate New York, Connecticut, New Orleans, and Evergreen, CO, before settling in Denver, Deborah brings a wealth of perspectives and a commitment to her community in both her work and civic engagement.