Our Studio
Founded in Denver, Colorado in 2022, Catalyst Architecture, Planning, & Development is recognized for its commitment to quality, integrity, and equity. No matter what project we’re designing, we always aim to make a positive difference in the urban or natural landscape. We envision spaces that will inspire people, help them connect with one another, and enrich the human experience. We do this by embracing the life, love, and diversity of the urban and rural. Recognizing that every great design is the result of a combination of ideas, we’re inspired by the dynamism of both rural and urban life.​
We are dedicated to delivering forward thinking design solutions and outstanding project results. We strive to design and develop communities that embrace natural qualities and provide an enhancement to the human experience. Planning for the future, we are developing projects focused on long term value generation through both ethical and solution-based design. ​Our 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 equitable design. We have worked on projects of varying scopes across the U.S. and look forward to partnering with you no matter where you are located.
As a testament to our commitment to excellence, you can explore our Recognition & Awards to see the honors we have received for our innovative design work.
Seth Donnell, NCARB
Partner, Founder
Seth grew up in a very rural setting removed from cityscapes, though his curiosity and interest in design started at a young age. In junior high, he wrote himself a letter that was to be opened years later as a high school senior. “What do I want to be when I grow up?” the letter inquired. An architect, Seth answered. With a passion for serving people and for creating beauty in the world—Seth discovered the intersection of these two elements in architecture and pursued his undergraduate degree in Environmental Design at Texas A&M and his graduate degree in architecture at CU Denver. He then was involved in multiple firms within the Denver area, starting as an associate and quickly moving up to the Director for Architecture Design.
Today, his leap of fourth has led him to an entirely new leadership role, as the owner of his own firm. “Design can last a really long time,” Seth says, “so we want it to create beneficial change in the communities that we’re working on.”
Anthony Gengaro
Partner, Founder
At a young age, Anthony’s father often took him to New York City to visit family, and his affinity for dense cities blossomed. “I just remember it being such a phenomenal feeling of just feeling small but also understanding and feeling the intrinsic history and the decision-making over time that had to take place in order to create the space,” Anthony recalls.
Fascinated by the psychology of people and the way architecture and design have a direct impact on how we feel and relate to the spaces we inhabit, rural or urban, Anthony pursued an education in Environmental Design from CU Boulder with a specific interest in master planning and urban development. “With design and architecture, you have to look through a deeper lens to see how you're affecting the emotions of an individual space, “Anthony adds, “I think that's kind of where I began and what I was wanting to see.”
