The Award
This Award recognizes a community member in Colorado who has significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture throughout their career and professional life.
This was presented on behalf of AIA Colorado by Steve Loos, FAIA and accepting on behalf of Marvin, Mark Sparn and Marla Sparn Meehl.
At the time of Marvin’s passing, several Fellows shared with the AIA Colorado community:
“I had the good fortune to work with Marvin for about 40 years through AIA Colorado. As many know, Marv was elected president in 1991 and shortly after, due to great staffing difficulties, he and his wife, Yvonne, took over the day-to-day operation of the organization. For nearly a year, they basically ran AIA Colorado, a daunting task, especially as a volunteer! Marv was elevated to Fellowship in 1996 in recognition of his Service to the Profession. He was instrumental in helping start the AIA Colorado College of Fellows Scholarship Fund, which just recently awarded its first two student scholarships from its $100,000 endowment. From 1998 through 2001, Marvin represent the AIA Western Mountain Region as a Director on the National AIA Board. And in 2001 was awarded the AIA/WMR Silver Medal, the highest honor the six-state region of the AIA can bestow. Marvin was a great personal friend and a prodigious friend to the AIA. His passing should be a reminder of the example he set as a tireless advocate of the profession.” — Phil Gerou, FAIA
“Marvin was the most prolific supporter and attendee of Fellows and AIA activities I have known. He was always there. For those that don’t know even a little about him historically, AIA Colorado was on the verge of bankruptcy when he was president decades ago. He essentially “gave up” his practice to save it and did so successfully when there were only two staff people, one full time, and did it almost alone. Marvin is a true example of selflessness for the benefit of many. One of many examples.” — Gary Desmond, FAIA
“I will always miss his generous and welcoming friendship. His dedication to a more balanced and equitable architectural presence throughout our communities will be missed.” — Blake Chambliss, FAIA
Utilizing the GI Bill, Marv attended the University of Colorado, graduating with a BS in Architectural Engineering/Architecture in 1957/1959. His career in architecture began with his presidency of the Student Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the University of Colorado. While in that leadership position, he arranged for Frank Lloyd Wright’s campus visit, thus foreshadowing his lifelong dedication to the architectural profession. Marv was a recognized architect in Colorado and a Fellow of the AIA. He was honored as a ‘Living Treasure’ for his extensive involvement in the AIA and the architectural profession. Marv served as the Treasurer and President of the Colorado North Chapter of the AIA, holding each position twice. He was also a former President of AIA Colorado and a former Treasurer of the AIA Western Mountain Region (WMR). Marv was elected as Regional Director for the WMR Board of Directors. A founding member and former Chairman, Marv was a long-standing active participant on the AIA Colorado Governmental Affairs Committee. He served as Chair of the AIA Colorado Legislative Subcommittee and the Education Fund Board of Trustees. Additionally, Marv coordinated the AIA Colorado Education Fund’s Devon M. Carlson Lectureship and co-chaired the AIA Colorado Fellowship Task Force.
