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| We are honored to share that Rowland+Broughton Co-Founder and Principal, Sarah Broughton, FAIA, has been awarded the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Department of Environmental Design at the College of Communication, Media, Design and Information at the University of Colorado, Boulder.
This prestigious recognition is presented to alumni who have demonstrated exemplary leadership and made enduring contributions to the design profession. Sarah’s career reflects these values; anchored in thoughtful collaboration, design excellence, and a commitment to enhancing the human experience. Described as the “heart and soul” of R+B by her husband and co-founder John Rowland, Sarah’s leadership has guided the firm from its founding in 2003 to becoming a nationally recognized, award-winning design studio known for its convergent approach and commitment to excellence. “Sarah and I met 32 years ago upstairs on the second floor in our first design studio class. In 2003 we both founded Rowland+Broughton with the shared belief that design has the power to shape experiences and even more importantly, lives.” |
Reflecting on her ENVD education, Sarah recalls a moment that left a lasting impression: her first-year studio professor telling the class “It is a good start.” Those simple words ignited a lifelong commitment to curiosity, experimentation, and persistence; values that remain central to her personal practice and to the culture of R+B
“A multidisciplinary approach has always been fundamental to my beliefs. This ethos was instilled in my studies at ENVD and continues to guide how I lead today. As a licensed architect and interior designer, I work alongside an incredibly talented team who embody a convergent design philosophy; where architecture, interiors, and craft come together with makers and artisans to bring a shared vision to life.”
In addition to her design leadership, Sarah is a dedicated mentor and advocate for the profession. Her contributions include serving on the Aspen Historic Preservation Commission, acting as 2023 President of American Institute of Architects (AIA) Colorado, and participating in numerous panels, juries, and community initiatives. Sarah is also a Fellow of AIA and led Rowland+Broughton to be recognized as AIA Colorado Firm of the Year in 2020. She encourages young designers to embrace the human side of the practice.
“Design is above all relational… This really is a good start.”
Along with the ceremony recognition, a gallery space (seen below) inside the Environmental Design Building was dedicated to Sarah’s outstanding work and some standout projects. The space included residential, hospitality, and historic preservation projects, highlighted collaborations that Sarah has led, showcased the growth and history of Rowland+Broughton, and displayed Designing Aspen: The Houses of Rowland+Broughton, published in 2025 and co-authored by Sarah.
We would like to thank the Department of Environmental Design at CU Boulder for this award. Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this well-deserved recognition. Her vision and voice continue to inspire our team and shape the future of design!
Photography by Hannah Howell and the Department of Environmental Design