De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Architecture |
| Founded | 2003 |
| Founder | Roberto de Leon, Ross Primmer |
| Headquarters | Louisville , United States |
Area served | Cultural, civic, and non-profit sectors |
Key people | Roberto de Leon (Co-founder and Principal), Ross Primmer (Co-founder and Principal) |
| Products | Architectural design services |
| Website | de-leon-primmer |
de Leon and Primmer Architecture Workshop (DPAW) is an architectural firm located in Louisville, Kentucky. Established in 2003 by Roberto de Leon and Ross Primmer, the practice focuses on projects within the cultural, civic, and non-profit sectors.
Background
DPAW prioritizes the use of traditional materials and construction techniques, drawing inspiration from regional cultures and resources to develop designs that are deeply rooted in their specific contexts. The firm has been recognized with several prestigious honors, such as the 2010 Design Vanguard distinction awarded by Architectural Record and the 2011 Emerging Voices accolade from the Architectural League of New York.
In 2015, DPAW was chosen to participate in the Northwest Arkansas Design Excellence Program, which resulted in their work on the Rogers Historical Museum. Their projects have been showcased internationally, including exhibitions at the 2011 Beijing International Design Triennial and the 2021 Venice Architecture Biennale. The firm has also received three AIA Honor Awards for Architecture: for the Mason Lane Farm Operations Facility (2013), the Wild Turkey Bourbon Visitor Center (2015), and the Owsley Brown II Historic Center (2022). In 2023, DPAW earned the Prize in Architecture from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Additionally, their Historic Locust Grove Pavilion was featured at the U.S. Pavilion’s 'PORCH: An Architecture of Generosity' exhibit during the 19th International Architecture Exhibition at the Venice Biennale in 2025.
Principals
Roberto de Leon and Ross Primmer serve as co-founders and lead principals of DPAW.
Both architects hold Master of Architecture degrees from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design. Roberto de Leon completed his undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at University of California, Berkeley, while Ross Primmer earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Philosophy from Kent State University. They are both recognized as Fellows by The American Institute of Architects.
Their academic involvement includes roles as visiting critics, adjunct faculty, and guest lecturers at institutions such as Syracuse University, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Rural Studio / Auburn University, University of Kentucky, and Indiana University's J. Irwin Miller Architecture Program. They have also presented at various design events including the 2022 Place of Practice Symposium (University of Arkansas), 2017 ARQfestival in Guadalajara, the 2016 Modern Lecture Series at the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth, and the 2015 AIA National Convention held in Atlanta.
In 2012, Roberto de Leon participated as a panelist for the national Mayor's Institute on City Design. Ross Primmer has contributed to Louisville Metro Government’s Landmark Commission and has been involved with multiple citywide planning initiatives.
Selected awards
- 2010 Design Vanguard by Architectural Record
- 2011 Emerging Voices from Architectural League of New York
- 2013 AIA Honor Award for Architecture (Mason Lane Farm Operations Facility)
- 2015 AIA Honor Award for Architecture (Wild Turkey Bourbon Visitor Center)
- 2022 AIA Honor Award for Architecture (Owsley Brown II Historic Center)
- 2023 Prize in Architecture from American Academy of Arts and Letters
Notable Projects
- Expansion and refurbishment of The Filson Historical Society campus – Louisville, KY (2017)
- Restoration of Historic Locust Grove – Louisville, KY (2022)
- Dogwood Center at Knoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum – Knoxville, TN (2015)
- Lloyd Library and Museum renovation – Cincinnati, OH (2023–ongoing)
- Mason Lane Farm development – Goshen, KY (2009)
- Rogers Historical Museum project – Rogers, AR (2018)
- Visitor Center for Wild Turkey Bourbon – Lawrenceburg, KY (2013)
- Various initiatives at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens – Goshen, KY (2003–2020)
Publications Highlight
Exhibitions Participated
- 2010 Wood2010, Smaland, Sweden
- 2011 Beijing International Design Triennial, Beijing, China
- 2014 Istanbul Design Biennial, Istanbul, Turkey
- 2021 Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
- 2025 Venice Biennale, Venice, Italy
Media Appearances
DPAW was featured in the second episode of Season 1 of America by Design: Architecture, highlighting modern American architectural design.
External Links
- De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop profile on Architect Magazine
- De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop entry on ArchDaily