College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year Michael Del Gatto, '96 BS Architecture, '99 Master of Architecture, is a principal of Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects. He joined the firm in 2000 and has been a partner since 2005. Some of his notable work includes Hospitality Hall, the Zappos headquarters and the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy. He also remains actively involved, in an advisory capacity, with the UNLV School of Architecture.

Tell us about a moment when someone showed you unexpected kindness. How do you pay it forward?

While I was a student at UNLV, Rick Sellers agreed to be my mentor. We fostered a relationship and he provided me with valuable guidance throughout my formative years in the profession. A couple of years later, I accepted a position with his company and in 2005 he gave me the opportunity to become a partner. I take seriously my responsibility to pay his mentorship forward with all of the students and young professionals I meet.

Building Southern Nevada

During his graduate work, Del Gatto studied abroad in Italy and Greece. After establishing himself professionally, Del Gatto received the American Institute of Architects(AIA)  Nevada Young Architect Citation in 2006 and the AIA Western Mountain Region Young Architect Award in 2008.

He has been a principal of Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects since 2005. Some of his recognizable projects include the Nevada State College Liberal Arts and Sciences Building, along with nearly 400 projects for the University of Phoenix across the United States.

Since graduation, Del Gatto has remained involved with the UNLV School of Architecture in an advisory capacity for curriculum, initiatives, accreditation, and a director search. He currently serves on the Architecture School Committee for the Nevada chapter of the AIA.