Placemaker Studio is led by Sarah Komppa, AIA, an award-winning urban designer, architect, and planner with over 20 years of experience collaborating with clients, municipalities and end users to help realize distinctive, memorable places and spaces through entitlements, design, and project execution services.
Work Experience
2025 - Present: Placemaker Studio – Denver | Founder
Multi−Family, Mixed-Use, Condo, Office, Hospitality, Single-Family Residential
Multi−Family, Mixed-Use, Condo, Office, Hospitality, Single-Family Residential
2013 – 2025: Tryba Architects – Denver | Principal
Master Planning, Urban Design, Architecture (Mixed-Use, Multi−Family, Office, Hospitality, Education, Civic)
2010 – 2013: LMN Architects – Seattle, WA | Urban and Architectural Designer
Master Planning, Urban Design, Architecture (Mixed-Use, Multi−Family, Office, Hospitality, Education, Civic)
2005 – 2007: Sink Combs Dethlefs Architects – Denver | Architectural Designer
Master Planning, Architecture (Education, Municipal, Recreational, Cultural, Single-Family Residential)
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Master of City Planning, Urban Design Certificate, and Concentration in City Design & Development
Master of City Planning, Urban Design Certificate, and Concentration in City Design & Development
University of Virginia
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor in Science in Urban Planning, and the McIntyre School of Business Certificate
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Bachelor in Science in Urban Planning, and the McIntyre School of Business Certificate
Civic Involvement
Denver Downtown Design Advisory Board Member (2016-Present, Chair 2018-2020)
Seattle Planning Commissioner, 2011-2013
Urban Land Institute Member
American Institute of Architecture Member
Fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation, ongoing
Seattle Planning Commissioner, 2011-2013
Urban Land Institute Member
American Institute of Architecture Member
Fundraiser for the Children's Hospital Foundation, ongoing
Honors & Awards
2025 Outstanding Woman in Business | Denver Business Journal
2017 Rising Star Award | ULI Colorado
2015 Emerging Leader Award| Tryba Architects
2017 Rising Star Award | ULI Colorado
2015 Emerging Leader Award| Tryba Architects
Words of Praise
"I have worked with Sarah for many years, most notably on a 475-acre mixed-use project in a highly constrained, barrier-to-entry market. She led the master planning and urban design efforts with a clear developer lens, translating complex entitlement requirements into actionable strategies that kept the project moving forward. Sarah was consistently my go-to resource, bringing professionalism, practicality, and strong judgment throughout the process."
- Jordan Swisher, Senior Vice President, Brue Baukol Capital Partners
"Sarah brought exceptional urban design and entitlements expertise to our Denargo Market project in Denver – a large 17-acre master plan. Her clear, confident presentations at public meetings and her ability to communicate complex planning concepts with City Staff and elected officials made her an invaluable partner. She brings a rare combination of creativity, strategic thinking, and professionalism to every interaction."
- Laura Newman, Vice President, Investment & Development, Golub & Company
"Sarah played a pivotal role in developing the Denver Country Club’s Master Plan. She brought exceptional clarity and professionalism to every stage of the process—from facilitating workshops with numerous Committees and staff to presenting refined concepts to the Long Range Planning Committee and the Board.
Sarah excels at synthesizing diverse perspectives and translating them into thoughtful, actionable planning recommendations. Her leadership, design, and collaboration skills were essential to creating a strong long‑term vision for the Club. I highly recommend Sarah for any organization seeking a strategic and skilled planning partner."
- Don Bechter, Denver Country Club Board of Directors President (2021)