We are an experienced, young, and energetic team of architectural design professionals that have been providing world-class architectural design services to the Colorado Front Range, and beyond, since 2009. We consistently deliver our clients outstanding attention and service with our thoughtful team of personable, friendly, and creative design professionals.
Name: Lance Cayko, Partner
Education and Experience: Lance is a unique design professional, as he has over 20 years of hands-on construction experience. He has worked in the field as a carpenter and independent contractor spanning throughout North Dakota, Montana, and Idaho. He obtained an A.A.S degree in Building Construction Technology from NDSCS in Wahpeton, ND; a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design from NDSU in Fargo, ND; and a Master’s Degree in Architecture, also from NDSU. While completing his Master’s Degree, he was the winner of the coveted Peter F. McKenzie Memorial Endowment Award for best thesis. His hands-on construction experience, combined with his impressive credentials, give him an edge over many architects. His experience has enabled him to leap into sophisticated and complex designs with the utmost understanding of their constructability. Superpowers: Ability to write an email while eating an apple and listening to his favorite podcasts. |
Name: Alex Gore, Partner
Education and Experience: Alex grew up drawing wars of ants vs. bees, playing backyard baseball, visiting architectural sites, and being obsessed with Frank Lloyd Wright. After graduating from high school, he joined the National Guard as a heavy equipment operator. While enrolled in the Guard, he also attended North Dakota State University to start his formal training in Architecture. He graduated from NDSU with a Master’s Degree in Architecture and a Master’s Degree in Construction Management. Upon graduating, Alex worked under the world-famous architect, Daniel Libeskind. From there, he teamed up with his best friend from college, Lance, and together they created F9 Productions, Inc. Superpowers: Great at eating chips |
Name: Jason Buss, Project Manager
Education and Experience: Jason developed a love for crafting spaces in his childhood bedrooms growing up in North Chicago. After moving to Philadelphia, he found himself studying architecture in the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. During his college career, Jason worked for Gurney Kerr Contractors, completed an internship with Brommer Architects, and freelanced as a photographer. While at Temple, Jason took advantage of their campuses abroad and spent a semester studying architecture in Rome focusing on ways to bring context and relevance back to the ancient Roman walls that once defined the city boundary. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design, Jason looked to take root near family in Colorado. In a stroke of luck, Jason eagerly hopped on a plane to join the F9 team in October of 2016. Superpowers: Professional Sleeper |
Name: Mark Pedler, Project Manager
Education and Experience: In search of blue ribbon rivers to fish, Mark began his formal design education at Montana State University. After graduating with a B.A. in Environmental Design, he returned to his hometown to attend graduate school at the University of Colorado Denver. During graduate school, Mark developed his interest in emerging technologies by working in the school of architecture’s design fabrication lab, equipping him with an expertise in laser cutting and 3D printing. He also had the opportunity to pursue sustainable design practices, earning his LEED AP BD+C accreditation during his studies. Upon completion of his Master’s of Architecture, Mark joined the F9 team in 2017. Superpowers: Christopher Walken Impression |
Name: Rohs Heck, Project Designer
Education and Experience: Rohs began his architecture career at the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he earned his B.A. in Environmental Design in addition to a certificate in Lighting Design. During this time he worked at the university’s wood and metal shop and got his first real taste of hands-on construction experience with his junior-year studio class that designed and built a tiny home at the Lama Foundation in Taos, New Mexico. Like many transplants today, Rohs was originally from the east coast, specifically New Jersey, and came out west to Colorado in 2013 with no intentions of looking back. As an outdoorsman with a close relationship to the natural environment he camps whenever possible, often with several co-workers at the firm. His close attention to detail and creative tendencies also means he has several side-projects that occupy much of his time after hours. Superpowers: Starting road trips at 2am. |
Name: Tyler McNutt, Project Designer
Education and Experience:Tyler knew from a young age that he had always wanted to be an architect. Born and raised in Saint Joseph, Missouri, Tyler’s interest in architecture increased exponentially after visiting The Wyeth Tootle Mansion. He began his architecture career at North Dakota State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture Design, along with his Master’s Degree of Architecture. During his time at North Dakota State University, Tyler competed as a Division I wrestler for 5 years earning Academic All Big 12 Honors. Outside of architecture, Tyler enjoys being outside and exploring nature. Known as “Coach” in the office, Tyler enjoys pushing his colleagues on push-up Fridays. Tyler started working for F9 after graduating in 2020. Superpowers: Eating a whole pizza by myself. |
Name: Sam Klug, Construction Crew
Education and Experience: Sam attended college at University of Cincinnati’s DAAP program, majoring in Industrial Design but has always had a keen interest in architecture. He worked at the college’s Rapid Prototyping Center which developed his love for making and building things. He is hands on in the building process and is always looking to expand his knowledge of architecture in all aspects, design and construction. Sam keeps busy by hiking, cooking, brewing and with an ever expanding collection of personal projects, his hands are most likely covered with a combination of grease, caulk, and sawdust right now and thats how he likes it. Superpowers: Finding good deals on facebook marketplace for things he doesn’t need. And geometry, but only when it's relevant to construction. |
Name: Michael Bacca, Construction Crew
Education and Experience: Bacca has always enjoyed working with his hands over anything else. He spent 7 years as an automotive technician but found his real passion when stepping into the construction field. He loves to take a pile of materials and tools and turn it into a beautiful and long lasting structure. Every day he aims to learn and improve himself, both as an individual and as a member of the team. As a Colorado native, he is a frequent outdoors man. It’s not uncommon to find him hiking, backpacking, and enjoying the other wonderful outdoor activities this state has to offer. Superpowers: Rolling with the punches! |
Name: Richie Wisecup, Construction Crew
Education and Experience:
Rich is a Colorado native that has worked as an irrigation and landscape technician for the City of Longmont for two years, and a Master auto technician for the last twelve years. He realized he had lost the passion for working in the automotive industry. He knew he loved working with his hands, and really enjoyed fixing and replacing things around the house. So he decided construction and carpentry would be a great fit. Becoming a part of the F9 Productions team has been a great opportunity and experience, and looks forward to working hard and striving hard for perfection for every job at hand.
Superpowers: Being able to get knocked down, get back up and continue to push forward. Also, hitting the snooze button five times and still arriving early for work.
Education and Experience:
Rich is a Colorado native that has worked as an irrigation and landscape technician for the City of Longmont for two years, and a Master auto technician for the last twelve years. He realized he had lost the passion for working in the automotive industry. He knew he loved working with his hands, and really enjoyed fixing and replacing things around the house. So he decided construction and carpentry would be a great fit. Becoming a part of the F9 Productions team has been a great opportunity and experience, and looks forward to working hard and striving hard for perfection for every job at hand.
Superpowers: Being able to get knocked down, get back up and continue to push forward. Also, hitting the snooze button five times and still arriving early for work.
Check out our Podcast:
Inside the Firm
How to: Start, Run, and Grow a Business
Inside the Firm is a raw look into the inner workings of an Architecture firm. Posted every Friday afternoon principles and host, Alex Gore and Lance Cayko, dive into the nitty gritty issues of how to start, run, and maintain your firm, to dealing with clients, codes issues, Revit tips and tricks, and more.
Inside the Firm is a raw look into the inner workings of an Architecture firm. Posted every Friday afternoon principles and host, Alex Gore and Lance Cayko, dive into the nitty gritty issues of how to start, run, and maintain your firm, to dealing with clients, codes issues, Revit tips and tricks, and more.