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Mountain Culture│ Rugged Landscapes │ Character of Place

Design to preserve mountain culture, understand landscape, and preserve the historic integrity of place.

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Acknowledgment

2025 │AIA Western Mountain Honor Award

AIA College of Fellows : Western Mountain Region (WMR) – Honor Award. Project Snow King Observatory .

2025 │ Sukces Web Article

Polak Wśród Najlepszych Architektów na świecie. Nagroda za Projekt Planetarium. More Info .

2025 │ eArchitect Web Article

Snow King Observatory wins an Architizer A+Award . More Info.

2025 │ 2025 Architizer A+Award : Architecture + Learning

Snow King Observatory wins an Architizer A+Award, with the Category of Architecture + Learning . 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 ‘ More Info .

2024 │ Teton Valley News

New Sculpture Installation Gather Unveiled in Driggs Plaza, Idaho. 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 . Read the Article .

2020 │ TSD 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 │ McLaughlin Award

Recipient of McLaughlin Grant , with proposal to study historic Louis H Sullivan Jewel Box .

More Award Info .

More Research 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 .

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Academic 

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

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

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Certification 

2013 │ LEED Green Associate . USGBC

2013 │ Certified Green Professional . NAHB

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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

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Background

Jakub Galczynski grew up studying Architecture in Chicago, IL. His high school, Glenbrook North, provided a technical architecture curriculum, where he spent years hand-drafting construction documents and studying notable Architects. A large portion of his high school years were also dedicated to Photography, studying composition and developing film in a dark room. His architecture studies covered philosophy associated with historic Chicago Architects : Louis H Sullivan, Frank Lloyd Wright, and Mies van der Rohe. As a Chicago architecture enthusiast, today Jakub aspires to Chicago’s Jeanne Gang FAIA, known for her nature inspired works and community impact on a larger urban environment.

Jakub pursued a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design 2015 and Masters of Architecture Degree (M/Arch) from Montana State University – Bozeman, MT. His Thesis work ‘Mixed Resolution : Architectural Expression‘ explored compositional relationships between design minimalism and the highly ornate. Jakub was awarded the Tau Sigma Delta Medal upon M/Arch graduation, recognizing one candidate for their intellectual achievement, effort, and initiative in leadership. 

Jakub started his professional career in Jackson, Wyoming 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 an effort to pursue his own interests, in 2014 he partnered with Astronomer Dr. Samuel Singer to develop Snow King Observatory & Planetarium in Jackson, Wyoming. Until the project’s completion of June 1st 2024, the astronomy observatory remained a personal focus.

Jakub works closely with clients, whom he prefers to call friends, to explore typically mutual design interests. The client relationship is a trusted friendship in which the team embarks on a creative pursuit of sculpting one’s home. Project communication is casual, frequent, and transparent.

Nature Interpretation

Member of The National Association for Interpretation, Jakub Galczynski studies 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, in partnership with non-profit Wyoming Stargazing.

Mountains of Inspiration

Although from Chicago, IL, Jakub identifies himself as a dedicated mountain athlete. Having lived in Bozeman, MT and Jackson, WY, he was primarily drawn to rock climbing culture. In the summer of 2012, he authored Wydaho Bouldering, the first bouldering guidebook dedicated to the Teton Valley. Over time, his curiosity for exploring horizontal landscapes led him to transition into trail and mountain running.

His experiences have led him through diverse mountain towns ( large and small ) across the United States, South America, Europe, and Asia. Alongside his adventure travels, Jakub has deeply engaged in studying architectural vernaculars. Always observing how architecture or buildings shape the memory of place. And through this experience, he developed a strong respect for preserving history and community heritage. Today Jakub advocates for a design approach rooted in local history, believing that continuity between past, present, and future enriches the built environment.