When Steven May (RFL Academy Class of 2017) co-founded RED, he set out to create more than just an architecture firm—he wanted to build a practice grounded in values, community, and lasting impact. That vision has not only shaped the firm’s approach to design, but also earned RED recent recognition as the 2024 Top Brass Outstanding Small Business of the Year and 2025 Locals’ Choice Best Architecture Firm. Steven’s leadership journey has been shaped by early experiences in the field, a commitment to continual growth, and the lessons he gained through RFL Academy, which continue to influence how he leads his team and contributes to the Roaring Fork Valley.

 

Tell us a little more about you—your background and how you got started in founding RED.

I knew I wanted to be an architect from a young age. That interest became more focused in high school, when I took a Design and Drawing for Production course that introduced me to the process behind good design and how things are made. It was a defining moment that helped me realize this could be more than just a passion.

At 18, I moved to Colorado to work for my brother, who had recently started his own firm. It was an incredible learning experience. Over the course of nine years, I had the opportunity to grow as a designer and understand what it really takes to run a practice. I always knew I wanted to start something of my own, and after nearly a decade, I took a year away from the profession to study business and get clarity on what kind of firm I wanted to build, which ultimately became the foundation for RED.

RED was recently honored as both the 2024 Top Brass Outstanding Small Business of the Year at the 2025 Glenwood Springs Chamber’s Annual Gala and voted 2025 Locals Choice Best Architecture Firm. Can you tell us more about receiving that kind of recognition?

It’s incredibly meaningful, especially because it wasn’t something we were actively seeking. We’ve always focused on doing the work in a way that feels true to our values, both in terms of design and how we run the firm, so to be recognized by our local community and peers in this way is incredibly validating. It’s a reminder that the things we care about resonate with others too. More than anything, it’s confirmation that we’re on the right path and building something that matters.

 

What drew you to RFL Academy?

I was nominated as part of an effort to grow as a leader, and I saw real value in that opportunity. I’ve always been motivated to keep learning, but RFL offered something different, it provided a structured way to examine how I lead, where I need to improve, and how I could use those insights to have a greater impact. What drew me in most was the opportunity to develop my capacity not just to guide a business, but to contribute more effectively to the community around me.

What challenges have you faced in your leadership journey and how did RFL prepare you to navigate them?

Like a lot of people stepping into leadership, I’ve wrestled with self-doubt, questioning whether I’m making the right decisions or showing up in the right way for my team.

Balancing the interpersonal side of leadership, being approachable and supportive, while still providing clear direction has also been something I’ve had to learn over time.

RFL gave me the tools to step back and reflect on those things. It pushed me to look more closely at how I lead, how I communicate, and how the different parts of leadership fit together. It also opened my eyes to how many different ways there are to lead effectively. That perspective helped me build more confidence in my own approach.

How has RFL impacted your leadership journey as a small business owner?

RFL has helped me look more closely at how I approach leadership in the context of running a small business. As an owner, you’re often pulled in many directions, overseeing projects, guiding a team, managing client relationships, and making decisions about the future of the firm. Through the program, I gained a clearer understanding of my own tendencies, the strengths I can lean on, and the areas where I need to keep growing.

That awareness has made me more confident in how I lead day to day. It’s also given me practical tools for navigating the challenges of ownership while staying grounded in the values that matter most to me and my team. In that way, RFL has helped me connect the vision I have for RED with the realities of building and sustaining a business.

Is there anything else you’re working on or would like to share? Any messages for prospective RFL Academy participants?

Right now, we’re working on exciting ways to grow RED in new directions. I’ve always believed in setting big goals, for myself, for our team, and for RED as a whole. Some of them are about growing the firm in new directions, others are about creating spaces and opportunities that challenge the way people think about living. At the heart of it, the vision is to build something lasting that supports the people here, contributes to the community, and raises the standard for what a design studio can be.

For prospective RFL participants, the value of the program comes from the perspective you bring to it. Go in with openness. It will strengthen what you already know about yourself, but it will also reveal new insights you may never have considered. That mix of affirmation and discovery can be transformative in shaping how you grow as a leader.

Steven’s journey is a powerful reminder of how leadership development doesn’t just shape careers—it strengthens communities. At RFL, we are proud to see alumni like Steven carrying forward the lessons of the Academy into their businesses, families, and civic lives. If you’re an alumnus, we invite you to stay engaged and continue sharing your story. And if you’re considering RFL Academy, take Steven’s advice: come with openness, curiosity, and a willingness to grow. The experience may just transform the way you lead—and the impact you make.