Kurt Sinclair ’87 Architect
Sonora High Distinguished Grad, Class of ’87 Kurt Sinclair
Accomplishments
After graduating from Sonora High School in 1987, Kurt earned a B.A. and M.A. in Architecture at the University of Arizona. He is now an Architectural Team Lead with more than 27 years of experience designing and executing award-winning projects throughout the United States and abroad.
Since moving to Colorado in 1997, he has worked at three nationally and internationally acclaimed multi-disciplinary design firms. Specializing in Architecture, Interior Design, and Environmental Graphics and Branding, these firms included Communication Art, Inc., 505 Design Inc., and Kiku Obata & Company. All three firms brought a holistic approach to the design of a variety of entertainment and retail environments. Each was tasked with developing unique environments that resonated with their users and created spaces where
people want to visit and spend their time and money. With an appreciation for both history and culture, each contemporary design was well grounded in its sense of place.
Some highlights include:
- JFK International Air Terminal #4
- Adventure Aquarium – Camden NJ
- International Marketplace – Honolulu, HI
- Retail Center for Edmonton International Airport – Edmonton, AB
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, UPenn and St. Anthony’s Medical Center
- Historic preservation projects and redevelopment of the city of Alton, IL (current)
What was your pathway to your current position?
After I graduated from Sonora High School, I went to the University of Arizona to study Architecture. At the university, I was blessed to have five professors that all knew how to draw by hand and communicate ideas in a three dimensional world. Problem solving through drawing and design communication became the foundation of my design process. Following college, I passed my architectural exams and began my professional career as an architect.
What memories do you have of Sonora High School?
While attending Sonora High School, I was fortunate to take four years of classes with Charlie Clyde: Drafting, Advanced Drafting, Intro to Civil Drawing, Intro to Architecture, and Illustration. He was a “maverick” and exposed me to so many things, including drawing, engineering, and architecture. This introduction laid the groundwork for my success at the University of Arizona.
I also remember my freshman English teacher, Charlene Dambacher, who gave me Leon Uris and challenged me to read something beyond my usual choices. I still have that book in my nightstand.
What future goals do you have?
I am currently working on signage for the Houston International Airport and the preservation of the historic Mississippi River town of Alton, IL, which might someday become a National Park. I’ll continue to look for projects that have a sense of place: “one foot in the past, one in the future.”
I’m also making time for my art work and a book about the early history of baseball in California’s Mother Lode during the early 1900’s. The rosters of several of the local teams included two of my great-grandparents and several of their siblings.
What advice would you give to current and future Sonora High students?
Ted Lasso was right: “Be curious, not judgmental.”
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I have lived in Arvada, Colorado, since 1997, and I am the proud father of four children. Two of my daughters played college soccer, while my son played three years of juniors hockey in the U.S., as well as two years
semi-professionally in Spain.
In my free time, I am an artist who specializes in freehand ink drawings on canvas (www.diamonds-ink.com), and I am working on a book that combines my artistic talent with my passion for the wonderfully historic
game of baseball, as mentioned above.
