Who we are
Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects (CSD) is an award-winning firm founded in Southern Nevada, whose architectural designs and diverse state, regional and national project portfolio, we’re honored to say, have earned the respect of our peers, over 203 design awards, including the 2024 AIA Nevada Firm of the Year, 2019 AIA Western Mountain Region Firm of the Year, 2018 AIA Nevada Firm of the Year, as well as 2019, 2016 and 2014 NAIOP of Southern Nevada Chapter Architecture Firm of the Year and the 2020 Zweig Group Top 3 Best Architecture Firms To Work For, as well as state, regional and national press. Since our start in 1986, our guiding philosophy, mission statement and success have been built upon one simple idea: “Nurturing our client’s interest in the art of architecture, we seek to develop in them a passion for architecture like our own.” Today, a shared passion for the profession and a commitment to design excellence – our principals - Rick Sellers, AIA, Mike Del Gatto, AIA, LEED AP and Michele Brigida, AIA, LEED AP BD+C; are setting the example – allowing each one of our staff members to take pride in the work, excel in a culture that fosters strong team spirit, and to thrive in a collaborating process that delivers highly functional, sustainable and appropriate designs and superior client service. We strongly believe that our dedication to the integrity of the profession, upholding the ideals of the AIA, contributing to the profession through mentorship, scholarships, and giving back to the community through service are keys to our firm’s successes. Our design quality and reputation allows us to maintain staff which stands as a testament to the work and work ethic of the firm.
Principals
W. Rick Sellers, AIA
As President of Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects, Rick brings more than 47 years of experience across a diverse portfolio of public- and private-sector projects. His work spans fire stations, higher education facilities, master planning, offices, hospitality, recreation and aquatic facilities, and retail environments.
In collaboration with his partners, Rick has helped shape a studio culture centered on design excellence, innovation, and continuous improvement. He has championed state-of-the-art systems that strengthen every phase of the architectural process—from creative design and technical documentation through construction administration.
A respected leader in the design community, Rick serves on several local committees, supports philanthropic initiatives, and has participated as a juror for numerous AIA, Southwest Contractor, and CEFPI design award programs. In 2019, he received the AIA Nevada Silver Medal, the highest honor AIA Nevada bestows upon an architect.
Rick’s leadership and design expertise are reflected in the firm’s body of work, which has earned more than 200 awards at the state, regional, and national levels.
Michael Del Gatto, AIA, LEED AP
As Principal and Vice President of CSD—and a Las Vegas resident for nearly five decades—Mike brings a deep commitment to the desert community he calls home. His approach to architecture is rooted in designing thoughtful, sustainable facilities that respond to the opportunities and demands of the environment.
Over his 35-year career, Mike has led projects across a broad range of sectors, including public works, higher education, pre-K–12 education, recreation, tenant improvements, food service, hospitality, and retail. Throughout his work, he has consistently challenged the status quo, advancing innovative approaches to design, project delivery, and cost efficiency.
For Mike, the most rewarding aspect of architecture is the lasting friendships built with clients, collaborators, and colleagues. He is also a proud supporter of his alma mater, UNLV, which recognized him as the College of Fine Arts Alumnus of the Year in 2018. In 2025, Mike received the AIA Nevada Silver Medal—the highest honor AIA Nevada bestows upon an architect—in recognition of his distinguished career and contributions to the profession.
Michele K Brigida, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Michele is a Principal of Carpenter Sellers Del Gatto Architects and has 23 years of architectural experience in all aspects of design, construction documents and client service. Michele is a talented architect and designer; having won many design awards on the projects she has been a part of and was recipient of the 2021 AIA WMR AIA10 Award as well as the 2020 AIA Nevada Young Architect Award. Some of her notable project designs include the University of Nevada Las Vegas Hospitality Hall, UNLV Lee Business School, Henderson Fire Station #91, the Muscular Dystrophy Association Headquarters Addition, the NSC School of Education and the Zappos.com Headquarters.
She strongly believes in collaborative design; it is through the collaborative effort with the team and client that a successful design emerges. Michele’s communication skills, research, discovery & analysis approach, ability to successfully verbalize concepts and an acute understanding of client needs helps to create successful interaction at all levels. Michele is passionate about sustainability and has led the CSD team in sustainable design practices. She is a graduate of the University of Southern California, a licensed architect in Nevada and heavily involved with the local AIA and USGBC chapters.
Michele is part of the leadership team for “See Me” – Women in Architecture Symposium, she is involved with UNLV on various student projects / programs and is an advocate for Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation of Nevada.
Core Values
Community
Culture
"CSD is a firm that allows me to learn and grow as an architect. The atmosphere they've cultivated makes a lot of difference in day-to-day operations. I work with those that are hands-down the most well-rounded, skilled, dedicated, and passionate group of like-minded people in the business."
-ALEX, Team Member since October 2017
"I love being part of a team whose continual vision is innovation and excellence. Through leadership, mentorship, and continuing education, the thinking is always: How can we do this differently and better? We inspire each other to be the best we can be professionally and personally. Isn't that what families are all about?"
-LINDA, Team Member since November 1986
"The best way to describe us is as the CSD family. We are a family working towards the same goals, wanting to deliver our best but never forgetting who we are as individuals. We understand that we are all different and contribute to this family in our own way; we all have different strengths and weaknesses that, when combined, make a great mix. If there is a mistake, we fix it as a team. We are encouraged to grow, and everyone there wants me to succeed. On my way to licensure, I felt supported, not only with the study materials I needed but also by those who had been down the same path."
-MICHELE, Team Member since January 2007
"Working with a team of great people to solve problems and deliver great projects for our clients is incredibly rewarding."
-HUNG, Team Member since October 2021
“CSD Architects is a successful, well-respected firm in our community. The expectations and standards are embodied collectively with every one of us and are reflected in our clients' results. Although pressure can certainly be great in this field, we collaborate and make things happen. We genuinely like, respect, and learn from each other! Not to mention having some pretty good fun along the way. I'm proud to be part of the CSD family professionally and even more so personally.”
ROY, Team Member since June 2022
"From the beginning, I've been embraced by the warmth and support of the CSD team, and even now, I feel like an indispensable part of the unit. Here, titles hold no sway; everyone readily extends a helping hand, whether it's diving into intricate sketches or delving into detailed drafts. It's a culture where collaboration knows no bounds and where getting hands dirty is not only accepted but celebrated."
-CRISTIAN, Team Member since March 2024
"The CSD working environment is a collaborative, non-confrontational interchange of ideas, visions, approaches, and solutions relative to creating spaces for various functions. From the outset, each endeavor presented to CSD is considered without preconceived parameters to foster new and creative problem-solving results."
Sketch: Our Mannequin
