Beyond his lifelong love of architecture and the arts, Gilbert Sanchez, AIA brings a valuable blend of organizational skills and a diplomatic nature to his projects. His ability to patiently solve complex problems, resolve differences and manage pivotal design projects for growing communities, is particularly welcome in civic environments where decision-making processes can catalyze diverse opinions, perspectives and priorities.

With over 35 years of professional experience, Gilbert has worked with a wide range of clients to bring people together and enhance their sense of community within the built environment. He believes the ‘hoops’ one must jump through when repurposing existing buildings or inserting new structures into established contexts are what make the design process fascinating. In his view, the challenges inherent in resolving user group conflicts or interpreting design guidelines, are the very soul of important projects. Best of all, his enthusiasm for creating modern design solutions that exceed expectations assures that his work not only pushes the edges, but is rich in meaning and respectful of its time and place.

Gilbert’s extensive experience with residential, civic and institutional projects—in particular, those requiring an informed response to constrained or historic environs—has honed his ability to oversee complex interactions and broad interests. With experience designing public and private housing, performing arts centers and theaters, public libraries, higher education arts facilities, K-12 schools and other civic projects, his ultimate gratification is completing buildings that achieve a larger purpose through their impact on people and the fabric of a community. Especially rewarding are projects that will benefit or be enjoyed by a wide-range of users—teachers, students, volunteers, community members and more.

As a graduate of the School of Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin, and a resident of Aspen since 1995, Gilbert is an active participant in ongoing community debates about the local built environment. He has also served as vice chairman of the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission, on the city’s Design Review Appeals Committee, and various other citizen groups—including the Historic Preservation Task Force focused on Aspen’s unique collection of mid-century modernist design.

In addition to Aspen, Gilbert has lived and worked in New York City, Los Angeles, Honolulu, Middlebury and Austin which has reinforced his love for travel and sustained his perpetual search for great design. Gilbert’s adventures in Spain, Italy, Turkey, Germany, Finland, England, Egypt, Argentina, Brazil and more, have fueled his passion for architecture and unexpected cultural experiences. When he is back in Aspen immersed in design with his clients and collaborators, he turns to the nearby mountains and his love of skiing and hiking to reinvigorate his mind and restore his ability to facilitate extraordinary design.