Ryan Kurlbaum, AIA

Ryan Kurlbaum, AIA

Kurlbaum’s architectural journey has been informed by his time in four U.S. states, beginning with Kansas, where his studies at Kansas State University upended his understanding of architecture and created a new foundation firmly rooted in a sense of place. His studies with Wendy Ornelas, FAIA, provided additional perspective and inspired Kurlbaum to pursue work that endures and transforms. After graduation, he joined Bohlin Cywinski Jackson in the firm’s Wilkes Barre, Pennsylvania, office. Working with Peter Bohlin, FAIA, he was instrumental in the design of the Forest Glen House, which set a glass box on complex topography on a densely wooded site in Milford, Pennsylvania.

Following a lifelong dream, Ryan moved to New York after more than three years in Wilkes Barre to join Caples Jefferson Architect. In addition to his work there, Kurlbaum also dedicated himself to serving the unhoused and found a new mentor, Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, by way of a cold call. Kurlbaum’s final stop was in Massachusetts, where he remains today. He pursued his graduate studies at MIT, where Blackwell encouraged him to become more “conceptually agile.”

Today, Kurlbaum is a senior associate at Perkins&Will, having deftly navigated the transition to the large firm environment. He has led some of the firm’s notable projects, such as the Exchange at 100 Federal in Boston, a new all-seasons public building that draws thousands of visitors daily. He also co-leads a firm committee of dedicated employees that gather in the name of design discourse, melding a mix of perspectives into a collective voice. Kurlbaum also moderated a three-part critical design discussion series called Design(ed) Leadership to strengthen leadership skills firmwide.

Beyond his firm, Kurlbaum works with national organizations to promote the built environment. He moderated a panel at the Urban Land Institute’s Resiliency Summit in Toronto, connecting design, finance, development, and policy. The session also celebrated a commitment to resilient developments that provide cities with a collaborative framework for supporting vulnerable communities and changing climates.

Kurlbaum’s leadership continues through his volunteer roles in his community. Working with nonprofits such as the Perkins School for the Blind, Stop Hunger Now, and Father’s Heart Ministries balance the stresses that come with contemporary practice.