Jackson Hole architecture firm earns 2026 national recognition during its 30th anniversary year

JACKSON, Wyo., Sept. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ward | Blake Architects, an award-winning architecture firm based in Jackson, Wyoming, has been named to Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects 2026, marking the firm’s second consecutive year receiving the national recognition.

The honor arrives during a milestone year for Ward | Blake Architects, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026. Founded in Jackson in 1996 by Thomas E. Ward, AIA, and Mitchell T. Blake, AIA, the firm has spent three decades developing an architectural practice rooted in place, environmental responsibility, material authenticity and meaningful connections between people and the natural world.

“To be recognized by Forbes for a second consecutive year—and to receive this honor during our 30th anniversary—is especially meaningful,” said Mitchell T. Blake, AIA, co-founder and principal of Ward | Blake Architects. “For three decades, we have worked to create architecture that responds honestly to its setting and strengthens the relationship between people and place. This recognition reflects not only the work itself, but the clients, collaborators, craftspeople and team members who have helped shape Ward | Blake over the past 30 years.”

For its 2026 architecture lists, Forbes reassessed every practice, including firms recognized the previous year. Firms were evaluated by Forbes editors and an advisory board of architecture and design authorities based on a submitted residence and each practice’s broader body of work. The Forbes Architecture System of Evaluation considers factors including quality of work, environmental and cultural responsiveness, sustainability, siting and local context, architectural form, materials and craft. Forbes states that there is no fee to participate.

Ward | Blake’s approach begins with a careful analysis of each site, considering climate, topography, views, vegetation, water and solar orientation rather than applying a predetermined architectural style. Its work frequently incorporates biophilic design principles, passive and active solar strategies, high-performance building envelopes, natural materials, daylighting and carefully considered relationships between interior and exterior spaces.

The firm’s residential portfolio includes Ridge 52 Residence, Freedom Residence, ChaChe Residence, ChaChe Guest House and Hay Shed Residence, along with private residences throughout the Mountain West.

The 2026 Forbes recognition adds another milestone to Ward | Blake’s 30-year history and reinforces the philosophy that has guided the practice since 1996: Provocative in thought. Flexible in nature. Disciplined in execution.

About Ward | Blake Architects

Founded in 1996, Ward | Blake Architects is an award-winning architecture firm based in Jackson, Wyoming, specializing in custom residential, commercial, hospitality, educational and community architecture. For 30 years, the firm has created architecture grounded in site-specific analysis, environmental responsibility, biophilic design and material authenticity.

Explore the firm’s work at wardblake.com.

View Forbes’ America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects 2026.

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SOURCE Ward Blake Architects, LLC