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The Award
Recognizes the individual achievements of an AIA member in Colorado who has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and has significantly contributed to the public good through sustained volunteer efforts.
Presented by Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA,
Stantec
2024 Jason Pettigrew Honoree
Sean Jursnick, AIA, SAR+
AIA Colorado is proud to present the Citizen Architect Award to Sean Jursnick, AIA, recognizing his exceptional dedication to both the architectural profession and the broader community.
Sean exemplifies what it means to be a Citizen Architect—someone who transcends the traditional boundaries of practice to effect meaningful change. His visionary leadership in housing reform, particularly through his advocacy for single-stair legislation, has reshaped the conversation around attainable housing in Colorado and beyond, and in our 2025 legislative session we saw the passage of Colorado’s Smart Stair Bill, which would not have been possible without the work and dedication from Sean.
His efforts have extended far beyond design. Sean has engaged in civic collaboration, published thought-provoking articles, and met with legislators across the country to share the potential of single-stair residential construction. By championing a single, transformative idea and pursuing it with unwavering commitment, Sean has demonstrated how architecture can be a powerful tool for social impact. He recently led Denver’s Single-Stair Housing Challenge, uniting designers, policymakers, and community advocates, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: creating accessible, inclusive housing solutions for all.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sean both in practice and through our shared involvement with the AIA Colorado Government Affairs Committee. His ability to translate global insights into local action is inspiring. What began as an idea sparked during his travels abroad has evolved into a movement—one that is changing policy, influencing design, and improving lives.
When we think of a Citizen Architect, we envision someone who leads with purpose, collaborates with compassion, and builds with a vision for a better future. Sean Jursnick embodies all of these qualities. It is a true honor, on behalf of AIA Colorado, to recognize his contributions and celebrate his impact today.