At KEPHART, our work is about more than just buildings—it’s about people, relationships, and the culture we create together. That’s why KEPHART Week (the 4th week of September) has quickly become one of our most meaningful traditions. What began in 2023 as an experiment to bring everyone together to connect and work in-person from one location for a full week, has grown into a cornerstone of who we are: a week where we intentionally pause, gather as one team, and live out the values that guide us every day.
Since all memorable events deserve a commemorative t-shirt, we start gearing up for KEPHART Week with an employee-based t-shirt design competition. The winning design, chosen by popular vote, becomes our official KEPHART Week t-shirt. This year’s winner Phil Scott, Project Manager on our CA Team, truly outdid himself with his design that showcases our Denver and Phoenix offices side-by-side.
As we all gathered in Denver once again, our office was flooded with enthusiasm, as teammates from our Phoenix office, and those working remotely for KEPHART from locations spanning the country all came together. Over the course of five days, we laughed, learned, gave back, and pushed ourselves to grow—all while celebrating the four core values that define us: optimistic spirit, nurture relationships, commitment to improvement, and center table.
Optimistic Spirit
We started the week by serving the community, partnering with Hope Communities, A Little Help, Urban Peak, and Denver Rescue Mission. Teams rolled up their sleeves to prep meals, organize supplies, and perform a variety of tasks to support the people who are directly impacted by the important work these nonprofits lead. At KEPHART, volunteering isn’t just about giving time; it’s about practicing our optimistic spirit—showing up with hope, positivity, and the belief that small actions can spark meaningful change.
Nurture Relationships
Relationships are at the heart of KEPHART Week. On Tuesday, we welcomed Tyler Lundsgaard from Evergreen into our office to share a developer’s perspective about multifamily housing. His insights gave us a deeper appreciation for the partnership and trust required to bring bold ideas to life. Later, the team headed to Puttshack for a happy hour and a lively round of mini golf. With colleagues in attendance from Phoenix and beyond, this was more than just a night out—it was a chance to reconnect in person, and to create the kinds of memories that make teamwork effortless back in the office. These moments remind us that trust and collaboration don’t happen by accident—they’re nurtured through shared experiences, laughter, and openness.
Commitment to Improvement
We also leaned into our value of commitment to improvement. With our CA team leading site visits, we walked projects that are in different stages of construction and saw firsthand how design decisions play out in the field. These experiences are invaluable—what we notice on-site sharpens our skills, challenges our assumptions, and makes us more thoughtful designers.
Later in the week, during our annual R&D Day, we closed our offices to focus solely on learning, innovation, and creativity. From creative brainstorming to evaluating process improvements, the day reminded us that innovation thrives when we invest in ourselves and each other. R&D Day is an intentional pause that ensures we’re always learning, always improving, and always bringing fresh ideas forward. The day was packed with collaboration, innovation, and plenty of laughter—thanks in part to our “Wheel of Prizes” and the unforgettable moment when Bryce Hall took three pies to the face from the winning team. More than anything, R&D Day reaffirmed that when we take time to step back and invest in ourselves, we return to our clients and communities with new ideas, sharper tools, and a stronger sense of purpose.
Center Table
Finally, we ended the week celebrating our value of center table. More than just a piece of furniture in our Denver and Phoenix offices, it represents our belief in collaboration, transparency, and trust. To honor it, we came together for a scavenger hunt, organized by our land planning team, to explore our neighborhood while paying close attention to the architectural and planning details that shape the form and function of the built environment around us. It was a playful, and creative way to remind ourselves that the details matter, and that the best ideas come when we work together, share openly, and let every voice be heard.
KEPHART Week is always full of fun, but at its core, it’s about something deeper: living our values in ways that strengthen our culture and inspire the work we do. As we move into the rest of the year, we carry with us the energy, lessons, and connections from this week, knowing that the bonds we build here make us stronger as a team and better as a firm.
Here’s to another unforgettable KEPHART Week—and to the people who make KEPHART, KEPHART.
