2026 Citizen Architect of the Year • Jordan Lockner, AIA

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 David Tryba , AIA
Founder, Tryba Architects
2025 AIA Colorado 25-Year Award Recipient

Jordan Lockner, AIA, Owner/Principal Architect at Collab Architecture Studio

Jordan Lockner has built his practice around a clear conviction: architecture is a form of public service.

As founding principal of Collab Architecture, Jordan has aligned design work, firm culture, and civic responsibility around strengthening Colorado communities. Under his leadership, Collab has supported more than 26 nonprofit and community organizations through architectural services, donated goods, mentorship, and volunteer time—contributions valued at more than $700,000. The work addresses affordable housing, child advocacy, domestic violence, food insecurity, recreation, and access to essential services.

Jordan’s impact is especially evident in partnerships with CASA of Larimer County and Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity. Whether expanding a historic home for child advocacy services or helping advance Hope Springs and an innovative 3D-printed Habitat home, he contributes far beyond a conventional project scope by strengthening engagement, fundraising, partnerships, and long-term organizational capacity.

Through nonprofit board service, mentorship, and a practice model that treats community investment as core work, Jordan shows how architects can use their skills and influence to build belonging, dignity, and opportunity. The jury is proud to recognize Jordan Lockner as the 2026 AIA Colorado Citizen Architect of the Year.

Congratulations!

Why the jury selected Jordan

• Built Collab Architecture around the mission to “design for good” and the belief that architecture carries a civic obligation.
• Supported more than 26 nonprofit and community-based organizations across Colorado.
• Helped direct more than $700,000 in in-kind and community-impact contributions, including donated goods, mentorship, and volunteer service.
• Uses architectural expertise to address affordable housing, child advocacy, domestic violence, food insecurity, recreation, and essential services.
• Serves on the boards of CASA of Larimer County and NOCO Unify and contributes to additional community and mentorship organizations.
• Led work that expanded CASA’s historic Harmony House while keeping the organization’s mission and community at the center.
• Helped advance Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity’s Hope Springs community and exploration of Colorado’s first 3D-printed Habitat home.
• Extends his role beyond design by supporting stakeholder engagement, fundraising, events, and strategic partnerships.
• Creates meaningful project and leadership opportunities for interns and emerging professionals.
• Fully met the jury’s understanding of a citizen architect by consistently aligning professional practice, volunteer leadership, and the public good.

The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.