Each year, PTK magazine — a publication of AZ Big Media — showcases the top people and projects to know in Arizona’s commercial real estate sector. Pulling from a competitive pool of nominations and the editorial board’s knowledge of the industry, this annual edition highlights 50 meaningful projects across all product types and influential professionals in 23 different categories. Over the coming days, meet the individuals making an outsized impact on the built environment across Arizona. The digital sponsor of PTK magazine is Quarles. Here are the architects to know in 2026:
DEEPER DIVE: Read the latest issue of PTK magazine
Brian Cassidy
President and CEO
Background: A graduate of ASU’s College of Architecture in 1981, Cassidy joined the firm as a graduate architect and was named president in 1987. He led CCBG’s efforts to move the firm into Downtown Phoenix 32 years ago with the firm having completed more than 80 projects in the area, including new housing, mixed use, churches, creative offices, restaurants and adaptive reuse projects.
More than a decade ago, Cassidy was selected to form and lead the Phoenix Warehouse District Council — still serving as chairman — which advocates for the branding and promotion of this area. This role includes enticing developers to invest in Downtown Phoenix, and recruit tenants to occupy the one-of-a-kind spaces that are being transformed.
Surprising fact: Cassidy has spent his entire professional career with CCBG and has yet to take a sick day. He also has made time for other commitments, and was proud to coach his son Jackson in baseball, from pitching coach up to being the varsity baseball coach at Veritas Prep.
Favorite project: Earlier in his career, Cassidy designed the new church for St. John Vianney Catholic Church in Goodyear. He was overwhelmed by the generosity of the parish, and its appreciation when it celebrated its first mass in the church.
More recently, Cassidy points to The Stewart apartment tower. It was finished in 2019 and represents the first standalone high-rise apartment tower built in Downtown Phoenix. It broke the ice and set an example of how to build in the area at a very high density.
Brian Farling
Principal and co-owner
Background: Hailing from Pennsylvania and a graduate of the University of Arizona, Farling has led the design of award-winning projects for more than twenty years. His commitment to synthesizing sustainable solutions into architecture is informed by the belief that human ingenuity can shape our world for the better. Particularly passionate about water stewardship, Farling finds inspiration in the challenges of water scarcity and conservation.
Source of pride: “As the lead designer of the CAP Water Education Center, I had the opportunity to create a place where Arizonans can connect directly with the source of their water — a resource that defines life in the desert. Straddling the CAP canal, the project teaches environmental stewardship through its architecture, landscape and climate-conscious design strategies. It’s not just a building — it’s a civic space, a teaching tool and a public invitation to engage with the story of water in the West.”
Key to success: “I have always been driven by optimism and determination. I believe that thoughtful and inventive design can uplift the spirit and create a better world. If you maintain that as the underlying goal, then all the challenges you face along the way remain small and manageable — bumps in the process rather than a crash.”
Surprising fact: “I’ve logged over 1,200 hours in a white polo and stopwatch as a certified USA Swimming official. Volunteering with the Scottsdale Aquatic Club gave me a front-row seat to my daughter’s butterfly races— and a crash course in patience, precision and poolside parenting. It remains one of the most unexpectedly rewarding chapters of my life.”
Michael Krause
Partner and senior designer
Krause Architecture + Interiors
Background: Krause’s architectural journey began in Shanghai, China where he worked at Woods Bagot from 2010 to 2012. Since 2017, Krause has been an integral part of Krause Architecture + Interiors, leading the studio’s design vision, project strategy and innovation efforts. He oversees architecture and interior design projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with client goals and high design standards.
Source of pride: In January 2025, Krause was selected as the winner of the C40 Cities Reinventing Cities Initiative to lead the development of Phoenix’s Resource Innovation Campus (RIC), which will serve as a platform for companies to advance innovative manufacturing technologies that convert waste into valuable resources that will support Phoenix’s transition to a circular economy. As project lead, Krause has guided the development from its initial concept through the competition phase and into implementation.
Favorite project: Arizona’s history reflects bold visions with projects like the CAP Canal, Biosphere 2, Arcosanti and Taliesin West — all of which attempt to reshape the desert into a living laboratory. Krause’s favorite, however, is the now-demolished Helsing’s Coffee Shop at Central and Osborn. Designed by John Sing Tang, Arizona’s first licensed Chinese American architect, it was a Googie-style landmark that embraced optimism, community and futurism. Its demolition and replacement with a Walgreens and surface parking embody Arizona’s struggle with preserving architectural identity.
Surprising fact: “My work has been featured in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian’s ‘Transforming Communities: Design in Action’ exhibit, showcasing design that addresses social issues.”
Victor Irizarry
Senior associate
Background: Born in Puerto Rico, Irizarry’s design perspective is heavily influenced by his Puerto Rican roots as well as his time traveling and living across the world. Irizarry is a natural storyteller, a talent he derives from being an accomplished comic book cartoonist and has applied to the many internal initiatives he leads. Most notably, he established RSP’s Design+ program, which encourages cross-office collaboration and invites outside perspectives from the local community to spark creativity and innovation.
Source of pride: “Being an integral player on the team that was awarded the Arizona State University Tempe New Academic Building, now called ASU Wilson Hall. The RFP was announced in late 2020, and I had just joined RSP. The pursuit process required significant effort, and the pandemic prevented in-person working sessions, which are essential to the creative process. Despite all this, we were ultimately awarded the project, which made our long nights and thorough preparation worth it.”
Favorite project: “My favorite project in Arizona is the Burton Bar Central Library. I love how it blends modern design with a deep respect for the desert environment and its urban context. It’s a masterclass in natural light, shadow and transparency, and it’s a project that perfectly reflects Arizona. Whenever people visit from out of town, this is the building I take them to tour. It’s also such a great community spot, especially during the summer solstice, when people gather to see how the sunlight perfectly lines up with the top of the building’s interior concrete columns, making the columns look like ‘candle sticks’— it turns the whole place into a kind of living classroom. When I first moved to Arizona, this was a project I would visit frequently.”
Surprising fact: “I’ve been doing long form improv for the past seven years. At the core of improv is the idea of ‘Yes, and…’ which I find myself relying on as a way of thinking and collaborating, which pushes ideas forward.”
Zach Shirk
Vice president and principal
Background: With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Shirk has expertise across a wide range of sectors and a keen focus on delivering designs that stand the test of time. In 2017, Shirk became the first American employed by Zebra, a leading global architecture firm. He was tasked with the unique challenge of building and managing the firm’s operations in North America from the ground up. As the Architect of Record for Zebra’s North American offices, Shirk is responsible for overseeing the professional services provided by the U.S., Canada and Mexico teams.
Source of pride: Shirk was instrumental in acquiring Edicon Consulting, a prominent consulting firm based in Mexico City. This strategic acquisition not only expanded the company’s footprint in the Latin American market but also reinforced its global presence and capabilities.
Favorite project: The TPC Scottsdale Clubhouse remodel that Shirked worked on in 2012 with his previous employer. This project holds a special place in his heart, not only because it was a significant milestone in his career, but also because of his personal passion for golf. The remodel of the TPC Scottsdale Clubhouse was a high-profile project, as it serves as one of the premier venues for professional golf in Arizona, home to the famous Waste Management Phoenix Open. Working on this project was a perfect blend of his professional expertise in commercial real estate and his personal passion for golf, making it not just a career achievement, but a memorable and enjoyable experience as well.
Surprising fact: Shirk is a member of Scottsdale Bible Church and is actively involved in his local community of Cave Creek. He has volunteered as a softball Coach for the Cactus Foothills League, where he fosters teamwork, discipline and positive values among young athletes. Beyond sports, Shirk has been an advocate actively involved in the effort to save Lone Mountain Elementary School and improve the CCUSD School District to ensure that future generations of students have access to quality education.
