Jorge Basulto, AIA

For Jorge Basulto, the motto “work hard, stay curious, and keep a sense of humor” has been a guiding light for him, helping him land where he is today.
“In school and now in my career, I have tried to approach each day as a learning opportunity,” he explained. “Staying curious means asking the seemingly dumb questions, trying new things, and most importantly, being okay with failing. This is where the sense of humor comes in handy. Maintaining that positive attitude day in and day out has allowed me to see the learning opportunities in what we do. It has also helped me build connections with my peers that have made me a better architect and a better person.”
Basulto said that he knew he wanted to be an architect but didn’t really have a roadmap on how to get there. He was determined to figure things out along the way and lean on others around him, even when they didn’t have the answers. His perseverance paid off, though. After earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from the University of Idaho and completing architecture internships, he secured a role at CSHQA where he quickly moved his way up from senior architect to senior associate.
“My goal is to continue growing as an architect and use design to positively impact the built environment,” he said. “I’m fascinated by how spaces shape the way people feel, interact and experience our communities. A thoughtfully designed building or public space can make someone feel welcomed, inspired or connected, and that ability to influence everyday life is what makes architecture so great.”
Since joining the firm, he’s been able to be a part of various meaningful projects, including The Warehouse Food Hall and Treefort in downtown Boise.
“Seeing firsthand how a redesign of a city core could activate pedestrian life and bring energy back to an area that had felt transient was incredibly inspiring,” Basulto shared. “Moments like that remind me why I chose architecture and why thoughtful design matters.”
His abilities, especially in leadership, stand out to others.
“Beyond his production abilities, we see Jorge as a natural leader,” said Mark Gier, vice president of Architecture at CSHQA. “He has been a CSHQA associate for several years and was appointed to the senior associate role last fall. This position is reserved for those we believe have what it takes to become future leaders of the company.”
Basulto said that his family has been an incredible supporter of him and has played an integral part in his success.
He explained, “Much of what motivates me comes from my family. Everything I have worked towards is rooted in the foundation they’ve given me, and my desire to make them proud continues to motivate the work I do and the goals I set for myself.”
Outside of work, Basulto has been part of the American Institute of Architects and served as Idaho’s Young Architect Forum (YAF) representative.
In a nomination letter for Basulto, Kelly Christian, senior marketing coordinator for CSHQA said, “What makes Jorge exceptional isn’t just what he’s accomplished but how he approaches his work — leading with curiosity, building relationships through authentic engagement, and recognizing that architecture’s purpose is ultimately about people’s experiences in the spaces we create.”
Christian went on to say that Basulto “embodies the balance between technical excellence and human connection that defines tomorrow’s leaders. Jorge has distinguished himself through exceptional project work, professional leadership, and a genuine commitment to advancing the architectural profession.”
Basulto is truly passionate about his field of work and looks forward to continued growth with his team in the future.
“I have never been one to seek attention or stand out, preferring to help the team succeed,” he said. “In a field where collaboration matters so much, I focus my energy on supporting others, ensuring we meet our goals and have fun while doing so.”