Deborah Tan Lucking, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Deborah’s path to architecture began with her mother’s unique encouragement.  As a child, she was surround with building blocks and drawing tools instead of traditional toys.  This environment fostered Deborah’s passion for design from an early age. She joined Fentress in 1996.  Soon thereafter, she began focusing on civic and cultural projects.  She is drawn by the power these projects have 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.  There she heard Anthony Bernheim, FAIA, LEED Fellow, speak about sustainability as an emerging concept. Inspired, she pursued a deeper understanding of sustainable design.  This focus has become central to her career. She continues to champion 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 aligns with the firm’s Touchstone™ “Design for People.”  The power of space, form, light, rhythm, and color to influence emotions and behaviors fascinates Deborah. 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.

Deborah has lived in places as diverse as Hawaii, upstate New York, Connecticut, New Orleans, and Evergreen, CO. These environments have helped expand her perspective.  Additionally, they helped grow her commitment to community personally as well as professionally.