Dennis Jerome Kobza, Sr., AIA (1933 – 2022) resident of Palo Alto was born in Ulysses, Nebraska. At 12 years old, Dennis tragically lost his father and stepped up to help support his mother in the family business. He later joined the Air Force, serving as a radio and radar operator on B-29 bombers. After his military service, Dennis moved to San Francisco to study at the Heald School of Architecture.

In 1965, Dennis founded his architectural firm, specializing in pioneering concrete tilt-up designs that played a crucial role in the rapid technological growth of Silicon Valley. He led a variety of commercial projects including corporate campuses, biotech facilities, distribution and warehousing centers, medical offices, redevelopment, and more.

The firm’s philosophy was to approach each project with designs that effectively integrate functional, pragmatic, and creative architectural solutions.

In 1983, he designed and built his own home, one of the first on the West Coast to incorporate a solar energy system. Three years later, in 1986, he constructed his office building in Mountain View, where he continued to work for the remainder of his career.

Throughout his life, Dennis was actively involved in community service, dedicating over five decades to the Mountain View Rotary and maintaining a lifelong membership with the Palo Alto Elks.