The University of Washington annually recognizes 100 outstanding Huskies who have made a significant impact through their leadership, scholarship and commitment to cultivating a sense of community and belonging on campus.
We are pleased to share that Johann Castro-Salgado—an undergraduate student from the Department of Architecture—has been honored as part of the 2026 Husky 100! He joins six other students from the college who were selected to be a part of the cohort this year.
About Johann Castro-Salgado, B.A. Arch Design ‘26
Johann Castro-Salgado is from Covington, Washington, graduating this spring with a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design and a minor in Urban Ecological Design. He is finishing the program one year ahead of the typical track, as he earned his associates degree through the Running Start program in high school, where he completed the pre-architecture series required to be admitted into the program. When he was introduced to the discipline, he quickly developed a passion for it.
“What began as an interest in buildings evolved into an appreciation for architecture’s ability to create emotional connection and a sense of belonging,” he says, “I saw how design impacts humans on multiple scales and I dreamed of designing spaces that could foster community and significance.”
Johann’s Impact at the UW
Johann builds meaningful connections between students, our Professionals Advisory Council, and the broader design community. As a Design Mentor within UW AIAS, he generously shares his knowledge and experience with younger peers, fostering a culture of support and growth.
Thoughtful, patient, and kind, Johann brings an exceptional level of professionalism to everything he does. This degree of maturity is rare among undergraduate students and has enabled him to make a substantial impact on our community early in his education and career.
Johann has been an active community-builder in architecture and at the UW.
He is involved with the UW Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS UW), serving his second term as a Co-Professional Liaison. In this role, he connects students to industry professionals and academics through the UW Architecture Professional Advisory Council and faculty meetings in order to advocate for support and progress in the mission of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion. Through the Project Pipeline Initiative, Johann serves as a Design Mentor to empower middle and high school students — many from underrepresented backgrounds — through architecture.
“Over five days, we encourage students to analyze their surroundings, identify inequities and imagine solutions,” explains Johann. “This work has shown me that mentorship is not just about teaching design; it is about helping young people see themselves as changemakers.”
In 2025, Johann and other fellow members of the club were recognized for their dedication to building a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive field of architecture by being named NOMAS National Chapter of The Year. This award highlights excellence in guidance, advocacy and community engagement among more than 120 chapters across the country.
Rick Mohler, Chair of the Department of Architecture, emphasizes the impact Johann had on the community, “Johann builds meaningful connections between students, our Professionals Advisory Council, and the broader design community. As a Design Mentor within UW AIAS, he generously shares his knowledge and experience with younger peers, fostering a culture of support and growth.”
Additionally, Johann also serves as a Design Mentor for the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), where he guides prospective architecture students as they navigate the College of Built Environments and helps foster an inclusive, welcoming experience for those entering the field.
Reflections as a Husky
Leadership rooted in equity, mentorship and community-driven design has helped me bridge students and professionals to expand belonging within the architectural field. As a first-generation college student, these experiences carry personal meaning, shaping how I advocate for underrepresented voices to feel empowered through the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at UW, the National Organization of Minority Architects Northwest, the UW American Institute of Architecture Students and community-centered course studios. My journey reflects a sustained commitment to resilience, service and designing with communities in ways that honor their stories and strengthen their futures.
Johann is a student who consistently centers people and community in his work, a commitment reflected in his leadership and engagement at the UW and one that continues to shape his approach to architecture.
“Thoughtful, patient, and kind, Johann brings an exceptional level of professionalism to everything he does,” Rick says, “This degree of maturity is rare among undergraduate students and has enabled him to make a substantial impact on our community early in his education and career.”
Reflecting on his experience, Johann expresses how essential it is to seek out connection at the UW, “Getting involved in student organizations is a meaningful way to get connected with like-minded peers and build community in your education and respective field.”
This perspective is grounded in a lesson he carries with him from an early mentor — that architecture is meant to be enjoyed and, at its core, is about people and the experiences they have within a space.
Congratulations, Johann, on being honored as part of the 2026 Husky 100!