Tryba Architects
Shannon Bearden
In what the firm calls one of the largest leadership expansions in its history, Tryba Architects has promoted four new principals companywide, including Shannon Bearden to principal/managing director of DFW.
“This transition marks a major milestone in our interdisciplinary studios as we recognize the exceptionally talented, dedicated individuals that have set our firm on a remarkable trajectory of growth, across the Denver and Dallas-Fort Worth markets, while demonstrating a strong commitment to our clients and to high-quality, innovative design,” said David Tryba, the firm’s founder and lead design principal.
Tryba Architects was founded in 1988 in Denver.
Bearden has directed Tryba Architects’ Fort Worth office since 2022. Since then, the firm expanded to include a Dallas office, also under Bearden’s direction.
"Shannon is a natural leader, and her deep engagement in the Dallas-Fort Worth region has been the driving force behind the Texas offices’ organic growth, attracting top design talent from within the DFW market,” Tryba said. “Her work is inspired by a motivation to make a lasting and positive impact on the North Texas cities in which she practices.”
Other promotions of note include Kathleen Fogler, principal/director of urban design, and Emmett Harrison, associate principal. Fogler’s portfolio includes master planning for Fort Worth’s Near Southside. Harrison’s work includes the Whiskey Ranch distillery in southeast Fort Worth.
Bearden, who grew up in Aledo and has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Texas A&M and UT Arlington, has nearly two decades of experience in workplace, retail, repositioning and educational design, according to her bio on the firm’s website. Her portfolio includes the Fort Worth school district’s new headquarters and educational facilities; Irving's Toyota Music Factory; and renovations to Dallas' iconic Reunion Tower, Thanksgiving Tower, and Parkside Tower.
Bearden is a member of the board of directors of Downtown Fort Worth Inc. She is also a 2023 Fort Worth Business Press "40 Under 40" recipient.
“It’s been remarkable to experience the culture she has brought to the Fort Worth and Dallas offices, her excitement and ability to recruit and retain, along with the competitive edge she carries with her at all times,” Tryba said.