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Brian Cavanaugh, vice president at Huitt-Zollars, has spent 29 years shaping the architectural landscape through his exceptional design work and commitment to community engagement. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Oregon, Cavanaugh is a distinguished leader in the field, known for his innovation and dedication to both the profession and society.

In 2009, Cavanaugh founded Architecture Building Culture (ABC), a firm that became a leading force in the Pacific Northwest. Under his leadership, ABC received more than 26 design awards, including the Emerging Firm of the Year Award in 2014. His most recent project, the University of Oregon’s Lyllye Reynolds-Parker Black Cultural Center, won five American Institute of Architects design awards, cementing his reputation for creating impactful, culturally significant spaces.

Cavanaugh’s career also includes significant roles at Michael Maltzan Architecture, where he served as senior associate and led projects like MoMA QNS, the Museum of Modern Art’s temporary facility in New York. His leadership on these projects earned several design accolades, including the American Architecture Award and Award of Excellence from the AIA.

Beyond his design work, Cavanaugh has been an active community leader. He has served on the Seattle Design Review Board and as president of both the Center for Architecture and AIA Portland. He’s also dedicated time to educational initiatives, including mentoring students through the ACE Mentor Program and serving as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Oregon.

Since joining Huitt-Zollars in 2023, Cavanaugh has launched a Design Leadership initiative to promote sustainable and inclusive design across the firm. He also represents HZ on the AIA Large Firm Roundtable, further influencing the future of the profession.

Cavanaugh’s unique combination of design excellence, leadership, and community service makes him a true icon in the architectural industry. His work has not only shaped the built environment but also inspired the next generation of architects.