Integrated Campus for Youth Experiencing Homelessness Recognized for General Excellence

DENVER, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Mothership, Urban Peak's integrated campus designed with dignity by Shopworks Architecture, received an honorable mention in the Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards for 2026 in the General Excellence category.

Now in its 15th year, the Innovation by Design Awards celebrate the designers and businesses addressing today's most urgent challenges while anticipating the problems of tomorrow. The program is one of the most prestigious design competitions in the industry, spotlighting work that exemplifies originality, beauty, sustainability, user insight, cultural significance and measurable business impact.

The Mothership is a first-of-its-kind integrated campus housing a comprehensive ecosystem of services and support designed to meet the distinct developmental needs of youth ages 12 to 24 experiencing homelessness. Leveraging trauma-informed design to create spaces that provide a sense of safety, respect, community and dignity, the campus combines a 24/7 emergency shelter, transitional housing, strengths-based case management, year-round day services (including meals, showers, storage, laundry, and recreation spaces), medical and behavioral health clinics, education and employment support and creative therapeutic spaces—all under one roof.

"This recognition is a testament to the hard work and innovation of the team behind The Mothership. While the accolades are nice validation, the real reward is the transformative impact we see every day," said Christina Carlson, CEO of Urban Peak. "At The Mothership, youth experiencing homelessness are achieving positive, permanent housing three times faster than before, and their basic needs are being met four times faster, which allows them to focus on long-term self-sufficiency more quickly."

Honorees were selected by a panel of top designers, business executives from leading organizations and Fast Company editors.

"The Innovation by Design Awards have always recognized the ideas that challenge convention and show what's possible when design is treated as a strategic force, not an afterthought. Congratulations to this year's honorees, who demonstrate how thoughtful design can solve meaningful problems and create new possibilities for people and businesses," said Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company.

To see the complete list, go to fastcompany.com/innovation-by-design/list, and read about the winners in the Fall issue of Fast Company magazine on newsstands September 22, 2026.

About Urban Peak

Urban Peak, a Denver-based non-profit organization, ignites the potential in youth to exit homelessness and create self-determined, fulfilled lives. To move from homelessness to safety and stability, youth require intensive, strengths-based case management; access to physical, mental and behavioral health care; education and employment opportunities; 24/7 crisis support; and a place to call home. Urban Peak provides a full convergence of services solely focused on youth ages 12 through 24 who are experiencing homelessness. Learn more at https://www.urbanpeak.org.

About Shopworks Architecture

Shopworks Architecture was founded in Denver, Colorado in 2012, with the intention of creating life-affirming spaces through life-affirming processes. Today, Shopworks' portfolio is largely comprised of affordable and supportive housing developments along with shelters and social service settings. The firm continues to partner with community members across the country in the cocreation of environments that seek to honor the dignity and daily realities of human life. A critical and evolving component of its design process has centered on the exploration of trauma-informed and dignified design practices. In-house, and with partners from other firms and institutions, it began studying these practices, seeking input from individuals with lived experience to directly inform how the built environment can serve and sustain or hinder and harm occupants. Shopworks continues to test and iterate on these ideas as a team and, importantly, as part of a global community of research and practice. Learn more at https://shopworksarc.com.

About Fast Company

Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc., and can be found online at www.fastcompany.com.

Media Contact

Sarah Sparks, Feed Media for Urban Peak, 1 303-521-1852, sarah@feedmedia.com, https://www.urbanpeak.org

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SOURCE Urban Peak