Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — honors the talented people and compelling projects across Arizona’s commercial real estate landscape. Each day leading up to the PTK launch party, we will be spotlighting the influential professionals and projects featured in the 2027 edition of PTK. Today, meet the Arizona architects to know in 2027.
AZ Big Media will host a launch party to commemorate the 2027 edition of PTK in on Oct. 29, 2026. The Presenting Sponsors for the PTK 2027 edition magazine launch party are Lincoln and Harvard Investments; the Premier Sponsor is Wolverine Builders; the Event Sponsors are DFDG Architecture and Layton; the Photobooth Sponsor is Chasse Building Team; the Digital Sponsor is ModLogics Commercial Furniture Solutions; the Social Media Sponsor is Tempe Mechanical; the Red Carpet Sponsor is Concord General Contracting; the Entertainment Sponsor is Gensler; the Appetizer Sponsor is Stevens-Leinweber Construction; the Dessert Sponsor is Arizona Escrow & Financial; the Lanyard Sponsor is BPR Companies; the Beverage Sponsor is LGE Design Build; the Valet Sponsor is Clayco; the Interactive Champagne Wall Sponsor is PDO, a studio of RDC; the Floral Sponsor is Empire Paving; the Seating Sponsor is Corporate Interior Systems; the Champagne Sponsor is Milhaus; and the Floral Provider is PJs Flowers. For more information, click here.
Arizona architects to know in 2027

Aaron Francis
Senior architect, healthcare sector lead, triARC architecture & design
BACKGROUND: Francis leads ground-up healthcare projects from concept to completion and is widely regarded as one of the Valley’s go-to experts for ambulatory surgery centers.
FAVORITE PROJECT: “I have a real soft spot for both rum and projects that breathe new life into old buildings — and the original Hula’s Modern Tiki on Central Avenue was a favorite. It was a great example of adaptive reuse done right: a 1960s roast beef joint transformed into a midcentury-inspired tiki bar.”

Adam Valente
Architect, RSP Architects
BACKGROUND: In the six years Valente has been with RSP, his responsibilities have ranged from concept design and documentation to project delivery, but he is known for his ability to produce work that is pragmatic as much as it is inspiring.
SOURCE OF PRIDE: “Over the last four years, I’ve worked on the Hub on Campus Tempe, a 30-story, 818-unit, 1-million-square-foot project in Downtown Tempe and one of the largest student housing projects in the U.S.”

Brian Laubenthal
Principal and co-founder, ALINE Architecture Concepts
BACKGROUND: Laubenthal oversees the firm’s architectural vision, leading projects from early concept development through execution, working closely with clients, consultants, contractors and development teams to ensure each project aligns with the client’s vision, operational goals and long-term community impact.
FAVORITE PROJECT: One of Laubenthal’s favorite projects in Arizona is the Riparian Preserve at Water Ranch. He appreciates how the preserve thoughtfully combines water resources, wildlife habitat, education and recreation.

Richard Drinkwater
Director of design, DAVIS
BACKGROUND: Working as lead designer for nearly all the firm’s projects, Drinkwater has been responsible for many of DAVIS’s most iconic projects since 2003, including 100 Mill and the Grand 2 at Papago Park Center.
FAVORITE PROJECT: “Marina Heights, the 2-million-square-foot office and retail project on Tempe Town Lake. The five glass and stainless steel cubist cloud towers shimmer in the desert sun — it feels quintessentially Arizonan.”

Stefan Richter
Design director, Gensler
BACKGROUND: Known for his rigorous and strategic approach, Richter brings a deep understanding of how architecture, location and story come together to create places that are both impactful and enduring.
FAVORITE PROJECT: “The Burton Barr Central Library in Downtown Phoenix. Built in 1995, it has stood the test of time and remains one of the best public spaces in the Valley.”