Michael Winters, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Mike’s passion for architecture was ignited early in life by his mother, a creative artist and poet who designed three of the homes he grew up in. His career path became clear in 7th grade during a classroom exercise introduced by his art teacher, where he designed a house. This experience sparked a deep love for creative problem-solving and cemented his desire to pursue architecture.

Throughout his career at Fentress Architects, Mike’s vision and ability to navigate complex design challenges have been integral in shaping landmark projects, including the Passenger Terminal Complex at DEN and the Clark County Government Center in Las Vegas. Mike views these projects as pivotal in establishing the firm’s signature “Story Telling” design approach, guided by the Touchstone™ “Use Context to Create Identity.” This aligns with his personal design philosophy, as he believes that every project’s unique context serves as the foundation for crafting meaningful architectural solutions. Mike’s leadership ensures that client needs are met while maintaining seamless collaboration with design consultants, earning him a reputation for integrating vision with practicality.

In addition to his architectural achievements, Mike serves as the Chair of the Design Review Board for the University of Colorado. Appointed by President Bruce Benson in 2013 and more recently by President Todd Saliman, he oversees all architectural projects across the university’s four campuses.

Outside of architecture, Mike is a highly accomplished competitive racquetball player, having won multiple Colorado State Championships and a Bronze Medal at the World Championships. He is also deeply committed to community service, having co-founded the Red Devils Hockey Club and coached youth baseball teams. Together with his wife, Mike actively supports a variety of charitable organizations, including the Tennyson Center for Children, Children’s Hospital, and the American Cancer Society.