Mark Leese is the owner of Leese & Associates, an architecture, land planning, and urban design firm that is focused on transit and transportation-related planning and design. He has 40+ years of experience in transit and transit-oriented development planning and design, downtown redevelopment planning, land use planning, and architectural and urban design in both the public and private sectors, including key roles in the planning, design, and development of several Denver neighborhoods and districts, including Cherry Creek North, Lower Downtown, Stapleton, Lowry, and the Central Platte Valley.
His transit planning, station planning, and station design experience in Colorado includes the station and station area planning for all stations along the Northwest Commuter Rail Corridor, Gold Line Commuter Rail Corridor, North Metro Commuter Rail Corridor, US36 BRT Corridor, and the Aspen to Snowmass Transit Competition in Pitkin County. Outside Colorado, his experience includes the DCTA Commuter Rail Corridor in Denton County, TX, FWTA SW2NE Commuter Rail Corridor in Fort Worth, the I-10 West Corridor in Phoenix, AZ, and two segments of the California High Speed Rail project (Fresno to Burbank, CA). He has developed concepts for individual stations, transit hubs, and transportation facilities in Colorado Springs, Boulder, and Denver. His design for the Louisianna-Pearl Station alongside I-25 received numerous awards.
On occasion, the development of a transit-oriented development plan requires the redesign of its affiliated station to improve the integration of the station and associated development. He has completed two-dozen TOD plans for communities and transit agencies across the US, from Pittsburgh to Los Angeles, including 8 in the Denver metro area (Colorado Center Station Area, Denver University Station Area, 112th Avenue Station Area, 124th Avenue Eastlake Station Area, 88th Avenue Station Area, 104th Avenue Station Area).
His professional experience spans from conceptual planning of both redevelopment and greenfield development, to the architectural design of commercial (retail, office, and hotels) and multifamily residential buildings. Along the way he has gained working knowledge in site development, infrastructure planning and design, market feasibility, transportation and mobility, branding, wayfinding, and streetscape design.
His project management experience includes a decade of managing infrastructure and streetscape projects for Denver Public Works during the 1990’s, followed by a decade of managing projects and teams for a large AE firm during the 2000’s. In the 2010’s he managed teams of sub-consultants that included transportation planners, market feasibility and economic analysts, and civil engineers, developing transit-oriented development and redevelopment plans.
Much of his work has centered on developing the placemaking component of a district’s urban design, including public art master plans, streetscape, and wayfinding. Projects that he has been involved with have won awards for excellence in design and planning, including the Denver Mayor’s Design Awards for the Jurassic Leaves at I-25 and Louisiana Avenue, and West Colfax Mobility Enhancements and Wayfinding project.
In addition, Mark Leese is a dynamic meeting facilitator and expert community planner who specializes in working collaboratively with small rural communities to create community development, recovery, and resilience plans. He has worked with numerous small towns and rural communities all over Colorado to revitalize their downtowns and enhance their long-term sustainability and resiliency (pro bono work for Downtown Colorado, Inc. and board member for 16 years).
Since 2012, in addition to managing Leese & Associates LLC, Mark has been a FEMA reservist in the Interagency Recovery Coordination Community Assistance cadre preparing long-term recovery/resilience plans for small rural communities impacted by disasters. In 2023 his team was awarded the Administrator’s Award for “Excellence in Supporting the Mission”.
Jay Branch is the owner of Jay Branch Enterprises, Inc., an architectural and engineering design and drafting firm focused on sports facilities, residential, commercial, and transportation-related projects. He has 30+ years of experience in architectural design, engineering drafting, and project management in both public and private sectors, including key roles in the design and development of professional sports fields and innovative transportation infrastructure. His work emphasizes precision, reliability, and innovation, with a proven track record of meeting tight deadlines and adapting to client needs under pressure.
His sports facility design experience includes irrigation and drainage systems for over 100 college, municipal, and professional football, baseball/softball, soccer, and multipurpose fields across the US. Notable projects encompass professional football stadiums and practice facilities for the Denver Broncos (including Empower Field at Mile High and Dove Valley), Green Bay Packers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Jacksonville Jaguars, LA Rams, San Diego/LA Chargers, and Miami Dolphins. Internationally, he has contributed to FIFA soccer fields for Real Monterrey, Real Madrid, The Vatican, and Roma Stadio. In residential and commercial design, he has delivered custom homes, retail spaces, and office developments, integrating sustainable and functional elements.
As Vice President of Design & Development for Denver West Express, Inc. (DWE), Jay leads the conceptual design of a high-speed alpine commuter rail system connecting Denver International Airport (DIA) to Colorado mountain resort communities, spanning 178 miles with battery electric locomotion, tunnels, and stations. This project addresses I-70 corridor congestion, promotes sustainable tourism, and incorporates advanced engineering for single-track efficiency, with estimated costs of $28.5-$33 billion and a 12-14 year build-out. His contributions draw on extensive research into European alpine railways, US transportation standards, and Colorado-specific demographics, ensuring alignment with federal regulations like FRA and FTA guidelines.
Jay’s professional experience spans from conceptual planning and market analysis to detailed drafting and site development, with working knowledge in infrastructure, sustainability, and stakeholder collaboration. He has served as a primary design subcontractor for Millennium Sports Technologies, Inc., handling high-stakes projects with unwavering commitment, quick responses, and patience amid constant revisions.
In addition, Jay Branch is a dedicated community leader and family man who specializes in fostering teamwork and personal growth. He has served as Cub Scout and Boy Scout leader for 6 years, Meadowood Christian School PTO President for 2 years, and Vice-President/Activities Coordinator for the Rocky Mountain Indian Motorcycle Riders Group for 7 years. As a devoted father to his developmentally disabled daughter, he provides primary care with compassion and strength, earning recognition as “Disabled Child Parents of the Year.” He is also an author with one published book and more in development, and a principled advocate for freedom, markets, and founding values, demonstrated through his civic engagement and conservative mindset. Projects he supports have enhanced community resilience and economic impact, reflecting his ability to lift others while maintaining high standards.
Electrical & Computer Engineering.. (full resume to come)