---

Common People │ Rugged Landscapes │ Historic Preservation

Design to be socially just, respect landscape, and preserve historic integrity of place.

---

Acknowledgment

2025 │ 2025 Architizer A+Award : Architecture + Learning

Snow King Observatory wins an Architizer A+Award, with the Category of Architecture + Learning . With entries from over 80 countries, the work represents the best of architecture worldwide. More Info.

2025 │Article in Scout Magazine

The Scout Guide . ‘ Exploring the Stars at Snow King Observatory: A Unique Blend of Science, Education, and Design by Farmer Payne Architects + Galczynski ‘ More Info.

2024 │ Design Competition

Selected by City of Driggs, ID by Jury to design a pavilion for the Community Center Plaza.

2023 │NAI Lecture

National Association for Interpretation (NAI) Title : Interpretation of Environmental Justice

2023 │ Magazine Mention

Jackson Hole Explorer . ‘What’s New in Jackson?’ p.26 More Info

2023 │ Magazine Full Article

Big Sky Journal . Title : The Snow King Observatory and Planetarium . More Info

2020 │ Award

Recipient of Tau Sigma Delta Medal . More Info

2019 │ Exhibit & Presentation

Architecture Photography Exhibit, Title : Mixed Resolution. Dean Gallery . Bozeman, MT

2019 │ Exhibit & Presentation

Selected for Graduate Research Celebration . Bozeman , MT p.16 More Info

2019 │ Award

Recipient of McLaughlin Grant . More Info 

2018 │ News Mention

Buckrail News ‘Construction for Snow King Planetarium and Observatory Underway ‘ More Info

2018 │ News Mention

Jackson News & Guide ‘The Cosmic Perspective’ Features Dark Sky Pavilion. More Info 

---

Academic 

2020 │ Master of Architecture (M/Arch) w/ Distinction . Montana State University – Bozeman, MT

2015 │ Bachelors of Arts, Environmental Design (BA) . Montana State University – Bozeman, MT

---

Certification 

2013 │ LEED Green Associate . USGBC

2013 │ Certified Green Professional . NAHB

---

Association

April 2021 – Present │ Historic Preservation Commissioner . City of Ketchum . More Info

May 2018 – September 2019 │ Board Director . Bozeman Montana Sculpture Park . More Info

Juen 2014 – May 2015 │ LEED for Affordable Housing . Teton Habitat for Humanity . More Info

2012 – 2013 │ Event Developer. TEDxBozeman Montana. More Info

---

Design Background

Jakub Galczynski grew up studying Architecture in Chicago, IL. Jakub’s high school provided a technical Architecture curriculum, where he spent years hand-drafting construction documents. His in-depth studies covered design philosophy associated with historic Chicago Architects : Louis H Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe. Today Jakub aspires to Chicago’s Jeanne Gang FAIA, Studio Gang Architects, known for their community impact on the larger urban environment.

Jakub pursued a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design and Masters of Architecture Degree (M/Arch) from Montana State University – Bozeman, MT. His Thesis work ‘Mixed Resolution : Architectural Expression‘ explored composition relationships between minimalist design and complex design. He was awarded the Tau Sigma Delta – Honor Society Bronze Medal upon M/Arch graduation, recognizing one graduate for their intellectual achievement, effort, and initiative in leadership and character. 

Jakub started his professional career in Jackson, WY in the Summer of 2012. He worked for small Architecture practices ( 2 – 3 employees ) from 2012 – 2023 to be involved with all aspects of Architecture. In 2014, Galczynski partnered with Astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer to develop Snow King Observatory & Planetarium in Jackson, Wyoming. Until completion of June 1st 2024, the observatory remained his career focus. Jakub is currently shifting his focus to licensure and running his own design practice.

Jakub works closely with clients to understand their design interests. Most clients have selected Jakub for specific design sensibility. The client relationship is a trusted friendship in which the team embarks on a creative pursuit of a carefully crafted home. Project communication is very casual, frequent, and transparent.

Nature Interpretation

Member of The National Association for Interpretation, Jakub Galczynski specializes in nature interpretation to strengthen a community’s understanding and respect for the natural world. He has worked with numerous non-profit organizations to help fund projects that elevate their team’s mission. Jakub believes that design can and should express the mission in itself, strategically increasing awareness for the long-term future. The Snow King Observatory and Planetarium fully expresses this ethos.

Mountains and Competition

Although originally from Chicago, IL, Jakub identifies as a dedicated mountain athlete. During his time in Bozeman, MT, and Jackson, WY, he immersed himself in rock climbing and bouldering. In the summer of 2012, he authored Wydaho Bouldering, a guidebook for bouldering in the Teton Valley. Over time, his passion for exploration led him to transition into trail and mountain endurance running.

In 2022, Jakub earned qualification as a U.S. Elite Athlete, prompting him to compete internationally. These experiences have taken him through diverse mountain communities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Alongside his athletic pursuits, Jakub has remained deeply engaged in studying the architectural vernacular and evolution of mountain towns. He advocates for design approaches rooted in local history, believing that continuity between past and present enriches the built environment. Each mountain community offers distinct, often underutilized, design opportunities—particularly in the U.S.

Today, Jakub continues to train not only for health and balance, but as a way to remain connected to the landscapes that inspire him. His mountain lifestyle informs his creative process and fuels his competitive drive within the field of design.