The GSD remembers Denise de Castro (MArch ’03), who passed away alongside her husband, Tony Ortoll, on April 8, 2026, at the age of 50.
Denise was the principal architect of DEQA Design Collaborative, where she embraced a human-centered, collaborative design process. Denise’s portfolio of work ranges from resort to residential, restaurant to retail; she designed at all scales, and her impact will continue to be felt in the countless places she shaped with curiosity and optimism.
A beloved member of the design community, Denise will be remembered for her generous nature and unwavering belief that design has the potential to positively impact lives and culture, and that, together, we can build a better everyday.
In a memorial on PeopleAsia, Jar Concengco writes, “Although we won’t get the chance to see Denise’s full potential as she intended, she leaves an important and meaningful legacy behind–that design is not frivolous. It’s powerful, and everyone should have access to it.”
Learn more about Denise’s life and legacy.
Share your professional updates or those of your fellow GSD alumni:
The GSD’s extraordinary alumni community is made up of thought leaders who continually innovate across disciplines. They are regularly recognized around the world by the design industry, news media, and professional peers alike. We encourage our alumni to share their professional successes with our community.