Congratulations, Dr. Vigor Lam!

We're proud to celebrate Dr. Vigor Lam, who just earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Colorado State University — all while working full-time at Jacobs, being a Founder of BuildIT along with Co-Chairing our 2026 Founders Day event that hit historic attendance and managing to have a personal life as well! In short – he makes us all look like we are standing still while he is planting the seeds to transform key aspects of our AEC industry for future generations. 

Vigor’s research takes on a question our AEC Industry doesn't ask enough: how do the buildings we design and construct shape whether students feel like they belong? His work shows that campus spaces are never neutral — the way a building comes together signals who it's really for, and for students who've too often felt like outsiders, thoughtful design can be the difference between just showing up and truly thriving.

To Dr. Vigor Lam, thank you for being a constant source of inspiration to so many.  Your ability to engage, build community, and create an immense impact are some of the reasons BuildIT chose you to receive our 2024 Built Community Impact Award.  We couldn’t have chosen a more deserving individual.

Onward and upward, Dr. Lam!