Four VCBO Architecture team members were honored at AIA Utah's annual Celebration of Architecture on Thursday, recognizing their contributions to design and leadership in Utah’s architectural profession. VCBO principal Derek Payne received the 2026 AIA Utah Bronze Medal — the chapter’s highest individual honor given to an architect member — and Whitney Ward, Preeti Gurung, and Emma Kratz-Bailey received awards for individual contributions to AIA Utah’s committees and programs.
Derek Payne Awarded AIA Utah Bronze Medal
The AIA Utah Bronze Medal recognizes architects’ contributions to the architectural practice, impact through teaching and mentorship, and service to the community and profession.
With four decades of experience, Derek Payne, AIA, LEED AP, has helped shape the built environment throughout Utah, leaving a particularly significant mark on the state's colleges and universities. His work spans campus master planning, academic and research facilities, student life environments, and collegiate athletics, reflecting a career dedicated to strengthening educational institutions through thoughtful, enduring architecture.
"Among Derek Payne’s many contributions to architecture, his influence on higher education throughout Utah stands as his most enduring legacy," Ward said. "His buildings quietly enrich the educational experience, strengthen institutional identity, and elevate the quality of the built environment throughout Utah. In doing so, Payne has not only designed exceptional facilities; he has fundamentally influenced the way higher education architecture is envisioned and realized across the state.”
Derek Payne receiving the 2026 AIA Utah Bronze Medal, the chapter's highest honor for an architect
Payne's portfolio includes significant projects at Westminster University, Utah State University, Utah Tech University, the University of Utah, and several other institutions across the state. Among his recent projects are the Utah State University Thomas & Patricia Willis Veterinary Medical Education Building, the University of Utah James LeVoy Sorenson Center for Medical Innovation, the Utah Valley University Scott M. Smith Engineering & Technology Building, and the Westminster University L.S. Skaggs Integrated Wellness Center.
Throughout his career, Payne has championed architecture grounded in campus character, interdisciplinary collaboration, student belonging, and long-term value. His thoughtful, observant approach to design, attention to detail, and ability to balance complex programmatic needs with architectural character have earned him the respect of clients, colleagues, and collaborators throughout the industry.
Beyond his design accomplishments, Payne has contributed to the architectural profession through leadership and mentorship. He has served as a visiting design studio instructor at the University of Utah and remains actively involved with AIA Utah. His leadership on the AIA Utah–DFCM Liaison Committee has helped strengthen relationships between the architectural profession and state government.
"Beyond his design accomplishments, Payne has distinguished himself through unwavering integrity, professionalism, and generosity," Brent Tippets, AIA, principal at VCBO, said. "Throughout the many years I have known him, I have watched him lead transformative projects with humility and purpose, always placing the interests of his clients, colleagues, and communities above his own.”
Payne's influence is equally evident within VCBO, where he has served as a principal since 2002 and was president from 2019 to 2025. Known for his collaborative leadership and generous investment in emerging professionals, he has helped shape the careers of numerous architects while fostering a culture of design excellence.
Whitney Ward, Preeti Gurung, and Emma Kratz-Bailey Receive Awards for Outstanding Service
Three additional VCBO team members received awards from AIA Utah, recognizing their leadership and service to the chapter:
- Whitney Ward, AIA, LEED BD+C, a principal at VCBO, received a presidential citation for her exceptional leadership in developing the AIA Utah Membership Committee and her continued commitment to the organization's growth and success.
- Preeti Gurung, Assoc. AIA, a designer at VCBO, was named this year’s Exemplary Emerging Professional from the Young Architects Forum and Emerging Professionals (YAF+EP), recognizing her commitment to fostering professional development, engagement, and connections among emerging architects.
- Emma Kratz-Bailey, CPHD, LEED BD+C, WELL AP, VCBO’s sustainability coordinator, was honored with the Building Enclosure Council and Committee on the Environment (BEC/COTE) Service Award for her leadership, expertise, and contributions to advancing professional education and dialogue around sustainable design.
VCBO congratulates these team members on their well-deserved honors. Their contributions reflect a shared commitment to strengthening the architectural profession through design excellence, leadership, mentorship, and service.
Ward, Gurung, and Kratz-Bailey with their 2026 AIA Utah awards
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About VCBO
VCBO Architecture is a full-service architecture, planning, interior design, and sustainability firm dedicated to creating spaces for people to thrive. Since 1973, we have partnered with clients and communities to deliver high-performing environments that balance exceptional design with lasting value.
Serving the Intermountain West, Hawaii, and beyond, VCBO is consistently recognized for impactful, award-winning work. Through our collaborative culture, technical precision, and thoughtful leadership, we actively contribute to the built environment through meaningful projects that strengthen communities, support our clients’ visions, and inspire those who experience them.
Our multidisciplinary practice brings together broad expertise across K–12 education, higher education, civic, healthcare, sports and recreation, multifamily housing, commercial, industrial, religious, and hospitality sectors. Across markets and project types, we combine innovation, thoughtful stewardship, and a deep understanding of each project's purpose to deliver enduring environments for the people and communities we serve.