Colorado Architecture News | 03.19.25
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 03.19.25
In this Newsletter:
- Denver’s Single Stair Housing Competition winners announced
- Watch Committee on the Environment’s Session 1
- Designing for Extreme Weather: Antarctica event
- Architects’ Ski Day
- More projects requested for ByDesign: Architecture show
- March 27 AWARDED: Denver Water tour
- April 9 AWARDED: Freyer–Newman Center for Science, Art and Education
- April 14 Modern Architecture Shaped the Progressive Spirit of Boulder
- April 17 Empower Architecture with Passive House
- April 17 School of Mines Walking Tour
- April 18 Code Class: Starting Over with the 2024 IECC
- April 24 The Amp tour
- April 30 Art Studios tour
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: AISC
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Single Stair Competition Winners Announced
One of the key items that AIA Colorado is advocating for this legislative session relates to building code changes to allow taller single-stair residential buildings statewide. For background on this issue, see the policy brief written by Sean Jursnick, AIA, architect at SAR+, and Peter LiFari, Executive Director of Maiker Housing Partners, “The Single-Stair Solution: A Path to More Affordable, Diverse, and Sustainable Housing.”
Winners were recently announced for the Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge and a fantastic event took place at SAR+ to celebrate the announcements. The competition drew global attention, with 211 designers from 45 countries participating.
Governor Polis attended the event and made the case for legalizing single-stair apartments as smart for supply, safety, and affordability. Councilman Darrell Watson served on the jury panel as well as delivered a message at the event.
Here are the winners of the competition:
- Student Award: Outside-Inn
- First Place: Detached Living
- Second Place: Brick & Bloom
- Third Place: Red Rocks Rising
- Sustainability Award: Beyond the Invisible
Watch AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment’s Session 1: “People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide for Realizing Architecture’s Potential” with Corey Squire, AIA. The presentation, followed by Q&A, is available to view here.
Members thoroughly enjoyed the event “Designing in Extreme Environments: Antarctica,” held at OZ Architecture’s offices. Rick Peterson, FAIA, shared about the work OZ Architecture has undertaken for the new McMurdo Station. Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, Colorado Building Workshop, shared about the process and many iterations the teams went through while designing and building Holt Watters Field Camp, a 2024 Design Award of Merit Recipient. Brandon “Shaggy” Neahusan, of Bespoke Project Solutions, who served as general contractor for the research facility project, unpacked the arduous journey the facility made from Colorado to Antarctica. Thank you to OZ Architecture for hosting! See more photos from the event here.
Last week, architects from a variety of Western Slope communities gathered at the base of Snowmass Ski Resort for Architects’ Ski Day. Leading the way was Maura Trumble, AIA, of CCY Architects and 2024’s AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year, guiding the group on an informal tour of several CCY projects at the base and on mountain, offering insights while skiing between stops.
Filming is happening soon for ByDesign: Architecture
As our list of projects in pre-production keeps growing, the producers of the hit series ByDesign: Architecture are thrilled with the projects AIA Colorado members are bringing forward — and they want more. As the ByDesign team makes travel and filming arrangements, they are seeking additional projects that can be added while they are here later this Spring and Summer. If you’ve been thinking about this and are interested in taking that first step – now’s the time to get your work to them for consideration! See the newly updated list of projects in production and learn more here.
AIA Colorado Events
Step inside excellence with AWARDED, a new series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award honorees. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart.
March 27 • AWARDED: Denver Water tour
Step inside excellence with AWARDED, a new series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award winners. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart.
Thursday, March 27th, join members for an in-depth exploration of Denver’s cutting-edge Water System facility, where we’ll take a closer look at the innovative design features that make this building a model of sustainability and energy efficiency. This tour is an opportunity for attendees to witness firsthand how sustainable building practices are integrated to create a high-performance environment that promotes occupant health, safety, and long-term resilience. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
April 9 • AWARDED: Freyer–Newman Center for Science, Art and Education
Wednesday, April 9th, join AIA members for a tour of the LEED Gold certified building situated within a botanical garden, offering a diverse range of facilities, including herbaria, laboratories, art galleries, classrooms, office spaces, a library, an auditorium, a coffee shop, and a parking garage. Inspired by adjacent historic structures, the design revolves around a central atrium, tree-like structural columns, and a skylight that fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
Additional upcoming AWARDED tours include 1 Line on May 14th and True Nature Healing Arts Kiva on June 11th.
April 14 • Modern Architecture Shaped the Progressive Spirit of Boulder
Monday, April 14th, join AIA members and University of Colorado ENVD students for a presentation illustrating the story of the introduction of Modern Architecture in Boulder and its widespread use over a period of 40 years, from the 1930s to the 1970s. The influence of these innovative environments led to the evolution of Boulder from a conservative town to a hotbed of experimentation in many aspects of society. More information and RSVP here.
April 17 • Empowering Architecture with Passive House
Thursday, April 17th, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for a presentation on the Passive House methodology, combining architectural design and building science to solve climate, energy, and comfort with the architecture. This event has been approved for 1 LU|HSWMore information and RSVP here.
April 17 • Colorado School of Mines tour
Thursday, April 17th, join AIA members for a walking tour of the Colorado School of Mines campus with an emphasis on design for research and innovation facilities, visiting multiple facilities on the R1 research university. This tour has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
April 18 • Code Class: Starting over with the 2024 IECC
Friday, April 18th, attend code class and learn about the updates to IECC that occur every three years. This class has been approved for 7 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
April 24 • The Amp tour
Thursday, April 24th, join AIA and IIDA members to explore the architecture and interior design of the IIDA BEST Award winning project: The Amp. Tour is only available for AIA and IIDA members and has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
April 30 • Art Studios tour
Wednesday, April 30th, join the Denver Local Advisors, JNS Architecture + Interior Design, and Nichols Partnership for an architectural tour of Art Studios, located in Denver. This tour been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
Member News
Catch up with Arch11, 2024’s Firm of the Year, in the latest edition of Denver Life here.
Congratulations to the many AIA member architects and firms who are 2025’s Top Mountain Architects as listed by Mountain Living magazine.
Studio B’s Three Gables home was recently featured in Enki magazine.
Partner News
2025 Architectural Education Foundation scholarships close Monday, March 31st
The Architectural Education Foundation, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to support your educational endeavors and gain more experience. Since 1961, they have awarded more than $800,000 to more than 250 students, architects, and teachers. Thanks to their support, we’re pleased to announce the availability of academic and travel scholarships for 2025. More info and apply here.
Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series
- José Ibarra, CU Denver CAP, Assistant Professor, Monday, April 7, 12:15pm
- Amy Ford, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), City and County of Denver, Executive Director, April 14, 12:15pm
- Andrew Zitcer and Vincent Russell, Drexel University, Director of the Urban Strategy Graduate Program, and Associate Professor of Arts AdministrationWestern Carolina University, Assistant Professor and the Liberal Studies Program Coordinator in the Department of Communication, April 28, 12:15pm
- Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Leveraging Public Sector Skills in the Private Sector: Panel Discussion
Tuesday, March 25, from Noon – 1pm, join AIA|DC for an insightful panel discussion that will delve into how professionals can effectively transition their valuable public sector experience to thrive in the private sector. Topics include
- Transferring Skills: Identifying and articulating transferable skills from public to private sector roles.
- Adapting to Change: Strategies for adapting to the cultural and operational differences between sectors.
- Networking: Building and leveraging professional networks to facilitate career transitions.
- Success Stories: Real-life examples of successful transitions and lessons learned.
Learn more and RSVP here.
NOMA Colorado’s Career Coaching Seminar
Tuesday, March 25th, from 5 – 7pm, join NOMA Colorado for the first installment of our Career Coaching Seminar Series, featuring Jeff Visnic. This three-part series is designed to help you navigate your professional journey with confidence and clarity. In Part 1: Finding Your Purpose, Jeff will guide attendees through the process of identifying their “why”—the driving force behind their career aspirations. Whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or seasoned industry expert, this session will provide valuable insights into aligning your career with your passions and long-term goals. Learn more and RSVP here.
Career Corner
The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:
NEWS AT NATIONAL
New research explores perceptions and opportunities of artificial intelligence in architecture
A new study published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) quantifies current adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the profession, as well as the opportunities and concerns about its increased use in the design and construction sector. Read at AIA.
Architecture Firm Billings Continue to Decline; Broader Economy Remains Generally Positive
The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) continues to weaken posting a score of 45.5 for February, indicating that a majority of firms are still experiencing declining firm billings. Read at AIA.
Call for Proposals: 2025 AIA College of Fellows Latrobe Prize
The Latrobe Prize is awarded to a groundbreaking research proposal with the potential to tackle significant challenges in architecture and the built environment. Learn more at AIA.
AIA25 Registration now open
AIA25 is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for inspiration. Over four dynamic days, experience visionary keynotes, industry-leading continuing education, architect-led tours, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Explore the industry’s largest expo and connect with the ideas, people, and innovations shaping the future of architecture and design.
Registration just opened for the premier AEC industry event happening June 4–7 in Boston. Save $200 with early bird discounts through April 9 + spread the word to prospective AIA members in your firm: Join AIA in 2025 as a new member, then unlock your $159 New Member Pass to attend AIA 2025 in Boston. Register here.
Explore the conference schedule here. We will also be announcing to registered attendees a Colorado networking gathering in Boston. Last year’s DC networking event drew over 100 attendees with affiliations to Colorado!
Premier Partner Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural-steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service tothe steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information.
Learn More about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
Looking for Additional Resources?
Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2025 Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
- Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
- 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
- November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
People, Planet, Design
Join the 2025 AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment for the session “People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide for Realizing Architecture’s Potential” with Corey Squire, AIA. Why do some firms consistently create healthy, high-performing buildings, while for others sustainability remains a struggle? Do they have the right clients? The ones with big budgets and ambitions? Or have they just figured out how to prioritize what’s important? This session explores how a practice can meaningfully address climate, health, and equity on every project. Using Corey’s book, People, Planet, Design, as a guide, this talk will present a practical path for realizing every project’s potential.
Speaker Bio: Corey Squire, AIA, is Sustainability Director at Bora Architecture & Interior in Portland Oregon, and a member of the AIA’s Strategic Council. He lectures nationally on a range of sustainability-related topics and was a creator of AIA Framework for Design Excellence, a resource that’s actively redefining excellence in the built environment. Corey is the author of the recently published book, People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide to Realizing Architecture’s Potential.
Colorado Architecture News | 03.05.25
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 03.05.25
In this Newsletter:
- AIA Leadership Summit recap
- Advocacy Update
- More projects requested for ByDesign: Architecture show
- DBIA and AIA event at HDR
- North Section happy hour
- March 5 Business of Architecture roundtable discussion
- March 6 Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica event
- March 11 West Virtual Connect: Prefabrication
- March 12 COTE webinar: People, Planet, Design
- March 13 Architect’s Ski Day and happy hour
- March 24 AWARDED: Denver Water tour
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: AISC
AIA COLORADO NEWS
AIA Leadership Summit 2025 is the premier advocacy and leadership training event for AIA chapter leaders. Held annually in Washington D.C., the event is always one of AIA’s best attended leadership events—offering attendees a unique platform to engage in critical policy discussions with lawmakers while enhancing their leadership skills.
One component of the Leadership Summit experience is Hill Day, providing architect members with a platform to directly advocate for legislation impacting the profession before Members of Congress and Congressional staff. AIA Colorado leaders met with congressional staff from several offices, including representatives from the offices of Sen. Bennet, Sen. Hickenlooper, Rep. Hurd, Rep. DeGette, and Rep. Negus, sharing on the issues affecting the industry today.
Read about the experiences from several of AIA Colorado’s members here.
AIA Colorado Advocacy Update
It’s been a busy year at the capitol as we approach the halfway point of the 2025 legislative session. AIA Colorado has already taken support or amend positions on bills for accessibility code adoption, grants for schoolyard improvements, codes for factory-built structures, and new funding sources for state construction projects. We’re now focusing our attention and evaluating positions for bills that will update building energy performance standards for large buildings, reducing liability exposure for multifamily residential projects, evaluating the impact on bills intending to protect homeowners, and allow taller single-stair residential buildings statewide. More updates to come as these bills get further through the legislative process and if you have any questions, please reach out to AIA Colorado’s advocacy engagement director Nikolaus Remus, AIA.
More projects to be filmed in Colorado for upcoming seasons of ByDesign: Architecture
Our list of projects in pre-production keeps growing and the producers of the hit series ByDesign: Architecture are thrilled with the projects AIA Colorado members are bringing forward. If you’ve been thinking about this and are interested in taking that first step – now’s the time! The production team will be in Colorado soon and would love to add your project to their upcoming production schedules. See the newly updated list of projects in production and learn more here.
On February 20th, Design-Build Institute of American (DBIA) led a great session titled “Putting Design Back into Design-Build: Successful Tactics for the Design Team” unpacking how successful projects happen when there is a respectful and collaborative partnership rather than defending individual disciplines. Many thanks to presenters Greg Gidez, FAIA, Virginia McAllister, AIA, and Tim Barr for leading the session and to HDR for hosting the event at their Denver offices!
AIA Colorado North Section members enjoying connecting at the happy hour in Fort Collins last week. We have several events coming up this Spring and are looking forward to these opportunities for members to connect!
AIA Colorado Events
March 5 • Business of Architecture roundtable discussion: Financial & Fractional CFOs
Wednesday, March 5th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion discussing topics such as:
- How to read and interpret balance sheets and profit & loss statements
- Best financial practices for architecture firms
- How to achieve more profit
This is a hybrid event, taking place in person at Neoera’s office in Denver and via Teams. More information and RSVP here.
View all four of the Business of Architecture’s 2025 roundtable discussion sessions here.
March 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica
Thursday, March 6th, OZ Architecture will lead a presentation and discussion of the firm’s work over the past decade supporting climate change research in Antarctica, the world’s coldest, windiest, driest and most remote continent. The session will include the Director of University of Colorado’s design-build program, the Colorado Building Workshop, and general contractor Bespoke Project Solutions. The program will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization. Submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
March 11 • West Virtual Connect: Prefabrication
Tuesday, March 11th, join AIA Colorado West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a time of conversation. The topic will be prefabrication use in the mountains and rural areas. There will be a brief presentation by John Riley, COO of Peak3, to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. RSVP here.
March 12 • People, Planet, Design webinar
Wednesday, March 12th, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for an informative webinar presentation titled “People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide for Realizing Architecture’s Potential” by Corey Squire, AIA. This session will explore how a practice can meaningfully address climate, health, and equity on every project. This has been approved for 1 LU. More information and RSVP here.
March 13 • Architects’ Ski Day and Après Happy Hour
Thursday, March 13th, join AIA members for a day on the slopes of Snowmass, informally touring a variety of projects located mountainside and in Snowmass Village, followed by après happy hour at the base of the mountain. More information and RSVP here.
March 27 • AWARDED: Denver Water tour
Step inside excellence with AWARDED, a new series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award winners. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart.
Thursday, March 27th, join members for an in-depth exploration of Denver’s cutting-edge Water System facility, where we’ll take a closer look at the innovative design features that make this building a model of sustainability and energy efficiency. This tour is an opportunity for attendees to witness firsthand how sustainable building practices are integrated to create a high-performance environment that promotes occupant health, safety, and long-term resilience. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
Member News
DAJ Design’s new residential project in Boulder is featured on the cover of the March issue of 5280 Magazine. See the home and read the accompanying “10 Tips for Connecting Interior Spaces to the Great Outdoors” here.
Congratulations to the many AIA member architects and firms who are listed in the Colorado Homes and Lifestyles 2025 Top Architects!
Partner News
2025 Architectural Education Foundation scholarships are now open
The Architectural Education Foundation, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to support your educational endeavors and gain more experience. Since 1961, they have awarded more than $800,000 to more than 250 students, architects, and teachers. Thanks to their support, we’re pleased to announce the availability of academic and travel scholarships for 2025. More info and apply here.
Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series
- Mariana Ordóñez Grajales and Jesica Amescua Carrera, Comunal: Taller de Arquitectura, Founders. Monday, March 10, 12:15pm
- Zeina Koreitem, Southern California Institute of Architecture, Faculty, MILLIØNS, Co-Founder. Monday, March 17, 12:15pm
- José Ibarra, CU Denver CAP, Assistant Professor, Monday, April 7, 12:15pm
- Amy Ford, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), City and County of Denver, Executive Director, April 14, 12:15pm
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge Awards Event
Thursday, March 6, at 4:30pm, join for an evening celebrating the incredible designs submitted to this year’s challenge. These projects push the limits of mid-rise housing in Colorado, rethinking building codes to create more vibrant, walkable urban neighborhoods.
The event will showcase innovative housing designs and include the announcement of competition awards, testimonials from select jurors, and a keynote address by Darrell Watson, offering valuable insights into the future of housing policy and urban design. Join us for this inspiring celebration of creativity and progress! RSVP here.
Decoding Design: Activating Health & Wellbeing through Architecture & Interiors
Tuesday, March 11, at 4:30pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation and AIA Colorado members to hear from two thought leaders in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics who will each explain their research and findings, and describe the interactions of our “ancient” brain wiring, our neurotransmitters, our nervous systems, and the universal appeal of achieving homeostasis in our public and private spaces. AIA members canregister as members to receive a discount. This session has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. Learn more and RSVP here.
Career Corner
The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:
NEWS AT NATIONAL
Young Architects Forum February newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read here.
Check your inboxes in the next few weeks for the launch of this year’s Future Forward Grant cycle. This $10k grant supports emerging and early career professionals in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture. Learn more here.
Architecture firm billings continue to tighten into 2025
While most architecture firms saw billings decline in January, the proportion experiencing a decrease was slightly lower than in December. Inquiries for new projects continued to rise at a steady, slow pace, but the value of newly signed design contracts dropped for the eleventh month in a row, as clients stayed cautious amid ongoing economic uncertainty. Read at AIA.
Architects are excited about the potential of AI, but concerns abound
In a profession where innovation meets responsibility for public health, safety, and welfare, artificial intelligence (AI) sits at that intersection—offering both opportunity and cause for hesitation. Findings in a new AIA research study, Artificial Intelligence Adoption in Architecture, underscore this dichotomy, revealing how AI is used in the profession today and the sentiment around its use in the future. This duality is clear throughout the research, but most notably in this finding: 78% of respondents want to learn more about the potential of AI in the industry, and the same percent noted they have concerns about AI. Read at AIA.
Leading by Example
Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President, reflects on the success of last week’s Leadership Summit and her goals for the profession and unpacks the theme of “thrive” as she looks towards 2025 and beyond. Read her thoughts at AIA here.
AIA25 Book your hotel with AIA & save!
Get the guaranteed lowest hotel rates in Boston—plus the option to extend your stay at the same rate for up to three days before and after AIA25 (subject to availability). Rates start as low as $279/night—book your room in AIA’s official hotel block today!
Premier Partner Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural-steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service tothe steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information.
Learn More about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).
Looking for Additional Resources?
Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2025 Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
- Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
- 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
- November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
AIA Leadership Summit 2025
AIA Leadership Summit 2025 is the premier advocacy and leadership training event for AIA chapter leaders. The annual event is always one of AIA’s best attended leadership events—offering attendees a unique platform to engage in critical policy discussions with lawmakers while enhancing their leadership skills.
One component of the Leadership Summit experience is Hill Day, providing architect members with a platform to directly advocate for legislation impacting the profession before Members of Congress and Congressional staff. AIA Colorado leaders met with congressional staff from several offices, sharing on the issues affecting the industry today.
AIA Colorado’s representation included:
- Scott Rodwin, AIA, AIA Colorado President
- Andy Rockmore, AIA, AIA Colorado President-Elect
- Sarah Broughton, FAIA, Strategic Council Representative
- Huili Feng, AIA, North Director
- Andi Korber, AIA, West Director
- Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA, Government Affairs Committee member
- Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado CEO
- Nikolaus Remus, AIA, AIA Colorado Advocacy Engagement Director
The following are a few highlights and takeaways from the AIA Colorado delegation:
“We just wrapped up an incredible three days in DC at the AIA Leadership Summit with my fellow AIA Colorado members and leaders from across the country! I’m proud of what our group has accomplished—engaging in breakout sessions, gaining leadership insights from inspiring keynote speakers, and advocating for our profession on Capitol Hill. Sharing our personal experiences on the impact of federal policy with congressmen, house representatives, and industry advocates during Hill Day was truly impactful. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, connect, and help shape the future of our profession.
My key takeaways from the summit:
- Complaining is not a strategy. Taking action on the things you can control is.
- There is power in numbers. Showing up is an act of advocacy too.
- Psychological safety is essential for improving performance in any working environment.”
– Huili Feng, AIA, North Director
“The leadership summit was personally inspiring, for I was able to see how our local and state leaders are coming together on a national, even global, level, to collaboratively effect change. We are all working together as one to be stewards to our communities and our profession, and individually with our distinct perspectives and capabilities, given the opportunity to tell our stories and have them hold value in conversations with one another. I was able to see a vast array of what my future could hold in the examples of others, and the compassion for others held within our civic minded efforts. The conference reminded me that we can make a difference, when faced with challenges and opposition, and we have an opportunity to rewrite what the future can look like – it will be done as a community, continuing to respect and listen to one another, sharing and offering resources, fostering creativity and well-being, and holding room at the table.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to join you all at the leadership summit, and as a member of AIA Colorado, extremely proud of our leadership for 2025. I cannot say enough good things about each of you, and how well you unite as a team!”
– Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA
“As I reflect on the trip, I am immensely gratified by our group because each of you embody the best attributes of leadership.
Whether that is presenting a breakout session, sharing your personal examples of federal policy impact, interacting with other attendees or simply being a positive and sincere professional.
I don’t know if you noticed but AIA Colorado attracts national leadership, board candidates and other component leaders. People want to know what we are up to and how we are doing it.
Let’s keep having fun, enjoying our work and making a difference!”
– Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado CEO
Colorado Architecture News | 02.19.25
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 02.19.25
In this Newsletter:
- Architect’s Day and legislative update
- Share your One Good Idea
- Feb 26 happy hour in Fort Collins
- March 5 Business of Architecture roundtable discussion
- March 6 Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica event
- March 11 West Virtual Connect: Prefabrication
- March 12 COTE webinar: People, Planet, Design
- March 13 Architect’s Ski Day and happy hour
- Liz Hallas, FAIA, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG
AIA COLORADO NEWS
AIA Colorado 2025 Day at the Capitol
Building upon our success last year in support of our practice act renewal, AIA Colorado returned to the state capitol this year to meet with legislative allies and share our expertise on policy issues important to the architecture profession. We had a group of twenty members across four different committees to talk about construction defect lawsuit reform and to advocate for taller single-stair multifamily residential buildings in Colorado. Improving access to housing in Colorado is a high priority for both the legislature and the governor. Read the recap and see photos from the day here.
Share your One Good Idea
Scott Rodwin, AIA, 2025 AIA Colorado President, invites AIA members to embrace the theme of his presidency: making every member’s professional life 5% easier. While it may sound like a small, incremental change, achieving it will be neither easy nor insignificant. He is asking each of you to share one good idea that can benefit other members. It can relate to any aspect of the profession, and your level of experience doesn’t matter. We’re going to crowdsource ideas from the most qualified group we know — you. Share your One Good Idea here.
AIA Colorado Events
February 26 • happy hour in Fort Collins
Wednesday, February 26th, 5 – 6:30pm, join AIA Colorado members in the North for a time of fun and conversation at Social. So that we can look forward to seeing you, please RSVP here.
March 5 • Business of Architecture roundtable discussion: Financial & Fractional CFOs
Wednesday, March 5th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion discussing topics such as:
- How to read and interpret balance sheets and profit & loss statements
- Best financial practices for architecture firms
- How to achieve more profit
This is a hybrid event, taking place in person at Neoera’s office in Denver and via Teams. More information and RSVP here.
View all four of the Business of Architecture’s 2025 roundtable discussion sessions here.
March 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica
Thursday, March 6th, OZ Architecture will lead a presentation and discussion of the firm’s work over the past decade supporting climate change research in Antarctica, the world’s coldest, windiest, driest and most remote continent. The session will include the Director of University of Colorado’s design-build program, the Colorado Building Workshop, and general contractor Bespoke Project Solutions. The program will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization. Submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
March 11 • West Virtual Connect: Prefabrication
Tuesday, March 11th, join AIA Colorado West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a time of conversation. The topic will be prefabrication use in the mountains and rural areas. There will be a brief presentation by John Riley, COO of Peak3, to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. RSVP here.
March 12 • People, Planet, Design webinar
Wednesday, March 12th, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for an informative webinar presentation titled “People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide for Realizing Architecture’s Potential” by Corey Squire, AIA. This session will explore how a practice can meaningfully address climate, health, and equity on every project. This has been approved for 1 LU. More information and RSVP here.
March 13 • Architects’ Ski Day and Après Happy Hour
Thursday, March 13th, join AIA members for a day on the slopes of Snowmass, informally touring a variety of projects located mountainside and in Snowmass Village, followed by après happy hour at the base of the mountain. More information and RSVP here.
Member News
AIA elevates Liz Hallas, FAIA, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA, to the College of Fellows
Liz Hallas, FAIA, Anderson Hallas Architects, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA, Fentress Architects, have been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by AIA. Read more about their elevations, including thoughts from their sponsors as well as the chair of the AIA Colorado Fellowship Nominating Committee, here.
“Three Tilting A-Frames Form a Net-Zero Mountain Retreat in Colorado” by Renée del Gaudio Architecture is featured in Dwell.
The current issue of Modern in Denver features multiple AIA member projects and stories:
Design Like a Girl, a program led by AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee, enjoys a writeupcelebrating the sessions led by AIA member volunteers.
2024 AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellence and Sustainability Recognition recipient 1 Line, by One Line Studios, is featured here.
2024 AIA Colorado Design Award of Merit recipient Holtt Watters Field Camp by Colorado Building Workshop and The University of Colorado Denver is featured here.
This issue’s cover features a project by BOSS Architecture.
See Tomecek Studio and Design Workshop’swork to revitalize a three-acre park in Castle Rock connecting City Hall to the downtown core here.
Partner News
Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIA, on Architect-ing
Marlon and Meryati Blackwell, of Marlon Blackwell Architects, join Adam Wagner on the show as he discovers how Marlon’s global journey and deep southern roots shape his architectural voice, and explore Meryati’s transformative experiences from leaving Malaysia for college in Miami to working in London. Delve into their design philosophy, which blends local context with innovative form. Plus the conversation uncovers insights from their presentations at the 2024 AIA Colorado Practice and Design Conference.
Watch this episode on YouTube & listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!
Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series
- Liz Babcock, City and County of Denver, Executive Director, Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR). Monday, February 24, 12:15pm
- Rossana Hu, University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design, Chair and Miller Professor of the Department of Architecture
Neri&Hu Design and Research Office, Co-Founder. Monday, March 3, 12:15pm - Mariana Ordóñez Grajales and Jesica Amescua Carrera, Comunal: Taller de Arquitectura, Founders. Monday, March 10, 12:15pm
- Zeina Koreitem, Southern California Institute of Architecture, Faculty, MILLIØNS, Co-Founder. Monday, March 17, 12:15pm
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Rocky Mountain Region upcoming event
Taking place Thursday, February 20th, from 4 – 6pm, in Denver, join DBIA for “Leveraging Design in Design-Build: Successful Tactics for the Design Team.” Dive into how design can be elevated in the Design-Build delivery method. Registration is free for AIA members. View event flyer here and additional information and registration here.
Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge Awards Event
Thursday, March 6, at 4:30pm, join for an evening celebrating the incredible designs submitted to this year’s challenge. These projects push the limits of mid-rise housing in Colorado, rethinking building codes to create more vibrant, walkable urban neighborhoods.
The event will showcase innovative housing designs and include the announcement of competition awards, testimonials from select jurors, and a keynote address by Darrell Watson, offering valuable insights into the future of housing policy and urban design. Join us for this inspiring celebration of creativity and progress! RSVP here.
Decoding Design: Activating Health & Wellbeing through Architecture & Interiors
Tuesday, March 11, at 4:30pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation and AIA Colorado members to hear from two thought leaders in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics who will each explain their research and findings, and describe the interactions of our “ancient” brain wiring, our neurotransmitters, our nervous systems, and the universal appeal of achieving homeostasis in our public and private spaces. AIA members canregister as members to receive a discount. This session has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. Learn more and RSVP here.
Call for Nominees – Landmark Preservation Commission
Denver Landmark Preservation is currently seeking nominations to fill upcoming vacancies on the Landmark Preservation Commission (LPC). The commission is specifically seeking nominations from property owners or residents of historic landmarks or historic districts, and people who are involved with architecture, design, construction, or planning. A general job description for LPC members can be found here. Please contact Nikolaus Remus, AIA, to be nominated.
The Jeff Harner Awards are open for submissions
The Jeff Harner Awards program was created by Garrett Thornburg in 2007 to honor the memory of Jeff Harnar and help continue his groundbreaking work in the area of contemporary design in the Southwest. In 2018, the award program was expanded to include Unbuilt Work and Landscape Architecture. In 2020, the program was further expanded to include: Contemporary Architecture in the Southwest, Unbuilt Architecture, Unbuilt Landscape Architecture, Student Architecture Award, and Student Landscape Architecture Award. Four of the six Jeff Harner Awards are open to submissions for work designed for the Four Corners states (AZ, CO, NM, UT). The student awards for 2025 expand on the Four Corners states to include work in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion of West Texas, and the Sonoran and Mojave Desert ecoregions of Southern California and Southern Nevada. Submission deadline: March 24, 2025. Learn more and submit here.
Career Corner
The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:
NEWS AT NATIONAL
The Architect’s Journey to Specification
The newly released 2023 report of The Architect’s Journey to Specification details key findings on how architects learn about materials, interact with product manufacturers, and make informed material selections. It’s the only report that reveals the specification habits, needs, and preferences of decision-makers in architecture firms. View at AIA.
10 Must-have leadership skills for running a successful architecture firm
Now perhaps more than ever, architecture needs great leaders to address the changes and challenges facing the profession. Whether you aspire to lead your own firm, are on the path to senior management, or are already helming a company, here are 10 qualities and strategies that five proven practice leaders below have identified as instrumental to their success. Read at AIA.
Premier Partner Spotlight
With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company IMEG intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.
IMEG’s specialties are high-performing building systems, infrastructure, program management and construction-related services, but the secret to the success is found in a deep bench of 1,600 team members. For IMEG, people-centered engineering is about more than the people served — it’s representative of the engaged employee culture they’ve worked hard to create. IMEG believes in investing in their people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement and the ability to develop a niche specialty.
See IMEG’s AIA Continuing Education Courses
Looking for Additional Resources?
Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2025 Design + Honor Awards
- September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
- 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
- November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
- Breakout session submission window opens May 28th.
AIA Elevates Two Colorado Architects to the College of Fellows
Elizabeth Hallas, FAIA, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA, have been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Congratulations to our two new Fellows, Liz Hallas and Thomas Walsh! With just 40% of the submissions being elevated this year, both in Colorado and nationally, to be recognized is well-deserved honor for both of them. This is AIA’s highest distinction short of the Gold Medal. The investiture ceremony at Boston’s Trinity Church will be a highlight of their careers, both of which have already received numerous other accolades. They join 108 other Fellows from Colorado dating back nearly 140 years.
Phillip H. Gerou, FAIA
Chair, AIA Colorado Fellows Nominating Committee
Liz Hallas, FAIA, Principal at Anderson Hallas Architects, Golden, CO
I am deeply honored to have been selected for the College of Fellows and will continue to promote sustainable reinvention of our existing built environment, while advancing equity within our profession.
Elizabeth Hallas, FAIA
Liz is a design leader in sustainable preservation, a mentor for the next generation of preservation architects, and a thought leader in Colorado’s preservation community and nationally through her work on the AIA Historic Resources Committee. Her strong stewardship ethos and exemplary designs for her preservation projects have benefitted the many communities and national parks in which she has worked. Her elevation to fellowship is a well-deserved honor.
Tom Jester, FAIA, Quinn Evans, Principal, Chief Operating Officer
Thom Walsh, FAIA, Principal at Fentress Architects, Denver, CO
Thom Walsh, FAIA, is a respected professional colleague, a consummate collaborator and a globally recognized expert on the airport terminal typology. I have known Thom for many decades and can attest that his work is emblematic of his deep understanding of our role as architects, as mentors and as advocates for the built environment.
Joseph A. Gonzalez, FAIA, Global Director of Design, Ghafari
AIA Fellows are recognized for their exceptional work and contributions to architecture and society. Less than 3% of AIA members hold the prestigious FAIA designation.
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is elevating 83 member-architects and 10 non-member-architects to its College of Fellows, an honor awarded to architects who have made significant contributions to the profession. New Fellows will be honored at the AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA25) in Boston.
The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Prospective candidates must have at least 10 years of AIA architect membership and demonstrated influence in at least one of the following areas:
- Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession.
- Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice.
- Coordinated the building industry, and the profession of architecture.
- Ensured the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment.
- Dedicated oneself to a profession that continually grows in its service to society.
- Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education and training.
Fellows are selected by a 10-member Jury of Fellows. This year’s jury included:
- Chair Carl D’Silva, FAIA, Perkins&Will
- Roderick Ashley, FAIA, Roderick Ashley Architect
- Margaret Carney, FAIA, Cornell University
- Sanford Garner, FAIA, RGCollaborative
- Julie Hiromoto, FAIA, HKS
- John Horky, FAIA, Ripples, by design
- Mary Ann Lazarus, FAIA, Cameron MacAllister
- Marilys Nepomechie, FAIA, Florida International University
- Anne Schopf, FAIA, Mahlum
- Jose Javier Toro, FAIA, Toro Arquitectos
AIA Colorado 2025 Day at the Capitol recap
2025 Day at the Capitol
Building upon our success last year in support of our practice act renewal, AIA Colorado returned to the state capitol this year to meet with legislative allies and share our expertise on policy issues important to the architecture profession. We had a group of twenty members across four different committees to talk about construction defect lawsuit reform and to advocate for taller single-stair multifamily residential buildings in Colorado. Improving access to housing in Colorado is a high priority for both the legislature and the governor.
Our biggest advocacy effort this year is working to address construction defect lawsuits that have held back condominium development in Colorado for more than a decade. Too many architects have been named in these lawsuits when there was no design error and this is especially common when homeowner associations bring suit on behalf of every unit owner in a community. The result has been that our liability insurance rates have skyrocketed and condo development is at a standstill. Our goal with a reform bill this year isn’t to take away a homeowners rights to seek legal remedy, but to promote better construction practices and create incentives for owners to allow builders to correct issues without lawsuits being necessary.
The other bill we’re closely tracking is the adoption of taller single-stair residential buildings (now being called “smart stair” buildings) so that we can increase unit density on smaller lot sizes. Providing two exits is standard for buildings taller than 3 stories, but the resulting double-loaded corridors make egress a significant percentage of floor plans. Increasing the height of a single-stair building to five stories would allow more density and better accommodate units with more bedrooms. AIA Colorado is working closely with legislators to evaluate appropriate safety measures that don’t put building occupants at greater risk in an emergency.
Staff Advocacy Engagement Director Nikolaus Remus, AIA, and our lobbyist Jerry Johnson, work year-round building and maintaining relationships with both Democratic and Republican legislators across the state. As a result of these efforts, we were able to confirm 18 legislator meetings ahead of the event representing our strongest allies and legislators with constituents in attendance. As is often the case during the annual legislative session, we had some curve balls thrown at us on legislator availability at the last minute.
First, we learned that the senate was going to spend the entire day debating this year’s big gun bill. Not ideal, but we figured we could pull members off the floor for brief meetings, plus a majority of our meetings were scheduled with representatives. Until we found out that the house was going to spend the morning on resolutions recognizing veterans. Which turned out to be an even bigger hurdle, as no legislator wants to be off the floor for too long during these tributes. Then the senators all went over to the house chambers for the tributes as well.
Thankfully we started before the house began its day. House Speaker Julie McCluskie helped us present our 2024 Outstanding New Legislator award to Rep. William Lindstedt, who carried our licensure bill last year.
We were able to catch a handful off legislators off the floor and Senate President James Coleman made time to meet with us to close out the morning. While it wasn’t how we planned the day, we still had productive discussions and were able to teach members about how things work at the capitol.
Not every AIA Colorado member can take time out of their busy week to participate in our advocacy efforts, but a critical component is to help friends of the architecture profession get elected and re-elected. Please support our efforts by making a contribution to ARCpac, so that AIA Colorado members can continue our campaign support. Individuals and firms can make a contribution of up to $725 every election cycle (which just began in December) but any amount is greatly appreciated.
Colorado Architecture News | 02.05.25
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 02.05.25
In this Newsletter:
- CKLDP Opening Ceremony
- AIA College of Fellows Nominating Committee
- Feb 7 Code Class
- Feb 20 Ice Core Facility tour
- Feb 26 happy hour in Fort Collins
- March 5 Business of Architecture roundtable discussion
- March 6 Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica event
- March 13 Architect’s Ski Day and happy hour
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program: 2025 Opening Ceremony
The 2025 inaugural session of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) was held on January 17th at OZ Architecture. It was an exciting day getting to know the cohort and set the stage for an engaging year of growth and learning. Catch up with the opening ceremony here.
AIA College of Fellows Nominating Committee
Being elected to AIA’s College of Fellows represents the highest individual honor bestowed by the Institute upon its members, second only to the Institute’s Gold Medal. Fellowship elevation signifies recognition for an exemplary career with a broad impact on the architectural profession. Colorado has been fortunate since 1886 to witness 108 of our members elevated to Fellowship, including one new fellow named last year.
Are you interested in pursuing Fellowship? If so, our College of Fellows Nominating Committee would love to hear from you! Learn more here and contact Phil Gerou, FAIA, Chair of the Fellows Nominating Committee, by Feb 20th.
Share your One Good Idea
Scott Rodwin, AIA, 2025 AIA Colorado President, invites AIA members to embrace the theme of his presidency: making every member’s professional life 5% easier. While it may sound like a small, incremental change, achieving it will be neither easy nor insignificant. He is asking each of you to share one good idea that can benefit other members. It can relate to any aspect of the profession, and your level of experience doesn’t matter. We’re going to crowdsource ideas from the most qualified group we know: you.
Share your One Good Idea here.
As you’ve likely heard by now, the ByDesign tv show is filming projects by Colorado architects for upcoming episodes. This week, Mike Chapman, host and Executive Producer of ByDesign, was on set at Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station with Dan Craig, AIA, of SAR+, filming for an upcoming episode!
AIA Colorado Events
February 7 • 2024 IBC Update
This class reviews the changes from the 2021 edition to the 2024 edition of the International Building Code. The background behind many of the changes will be discussed to provide the participant with an understanding of the intent of the changes and how to apply it to their everyday work. This full-day program includes lunch. Approved for 7.0 AIA CES HSW.
Regular priced registration ends Jan 31st. Save money before late registration begins Feb 1st. Register here.
February 20 • GSA-National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility tour
Join the Denver Local Advisors Thursday, February 20th for a tour of a very unique property! Located within a large existing building on the Denver Federal Center campus, the GSA-National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility supports the storage and climate-change research of some 30,000 ice cores from the Arctic and Antarctic. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour of both the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
February 26 • happy hour in Fort Collins
Wednesday, February 26th, 5 – 6:30pm, join AIA Colorado members in the North for a time of fun and conversation at Social. So that we can look forward to seeing you, please RSVP here.
March 5 • Business of Architecture roundtable discussion: Financial & Fractional CFOs
Wednesday, March 5th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion discussing topics such as:
- How to read and interpret balance sheets and profit & loss statements
- Best financial practices for architecture firms
- How to achieve more profit
This is a hybrid event, taking place in person at Neoera’s office in Denver and via Teams. More information and RSVP here.
View all four of the Business of Architecture’s 2025 roundtable discussion sessions here.
March 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments: Antarctica
Thursday, March 6th, OZ Architecture will lead a presentation and discussion of the firm’s work over the past decade supporting climate change research in Antarctica, the world’s coldest, windiest, driest and most remote continent. The session will include the Director of University of Colorado’s design-build program, the Colorado Building Workshop, and general contractor Bespoke Project Solutions. The program will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization. Submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.
March 13 • Architects’ Ski Day and Après Happy Hour
Thursday, March 13th, join AIA members for a day on the slopes of Snowmass, informally touring a variety of projects located mountainside and in Snowmass Village, followed by après happy hour at the base of the mountain. More information and RSVP here.
Partner News
Julie Snow, FAIA on Architect-ing
Recorded live at the 2024 Practice + Design Conference, Julie Snow, FAIA, and Principal and architect at Snow Kreilich Architects joins Adam Wagoner, AIA, for a compelling discussion about the intricacies of architectural practice. She is an acclaimed voice for modern architecture and her work has earned her firm national recognition including the 2018 AIA National Firm Award. Julie has held teaching positions in architecture at Harvard, the University of Southern California, and the University of Minnesota. She emphasizes the importance of small ideas and process of refinement, sharing insights from her extensive experience, which includes projects like City Park Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri. She reflects on her career journey, including early influences, pivotal projects like an urban soccer stadium, working with visionary clients across the globe and offers a thoughtful look at how architecture can transform everyday experiences and environments.
Watch this episode on YouTube & listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!
Evelyn Lee, FAIA on Architect-ing
Recorded live at the 2024 Practice + Design Conference, Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2024 National AIA President and founder of the Practice of Architecture, joins host Adam Wagoner to discuss redefining architectural practice through the intersection of design, business, and technology. Evelyn shares her unique career journey from architecture to business school and tech companies like Slack, before establishing Practice of Architecture. She explores the concept of portfolio careers, pro bono work, and her innovative strategies for the future of architectural practice.
Watch this episode on YouTube & listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!
Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series
- Joseph Altshuler, Assoc. AIA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Assistant Professor, Could Be Design, Principal and Co-Founder
- Monday, February 10, 12:15pm
- Maria Novotná, Slovak Technical University in Bratislava, PhD StudentCU Denver CAP, Visiting Scholar
- Monday, February 17, 2025
- Liz Babcock, City and County of Denver, Executive Director, Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR)
- Monday, February 24, 12:15pm
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) Rocky Mountain Region upcoming event
Taking place February 20th, from 4 – 6pm, in Denver, join DBIA for “Putting Design Back into Design-Build: Successful Tactics for the Design Team”. Dive into how “Design” can be elevated in the Design-Build delivery method. Registration is free for AIA members. More information and registration here.
Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge Awards Event
Thursday, March 6, at 4:30pm, join for an evening celebrating the incredible designs submitted to this year’s challenge. These projects push the limits of mid-rise housing in Colorado, rethinking building codes to create more vibrant, walkable urban neighborhoods.
The event will showcase innovative housing designs and include the announcement of competition awards, testimonials from select jurors, and a keynote address by Darrell Watson, offering valuable insights into the future of housing policy and urban design. Join us for this inspiring celebration of creativity and progress! RSVP here.
Decoding Design: Activating Health & Wellbeing through Architecture & Interiors
Tuesday, March 11, at 4:30pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation and AIA Colorado members to hear from two thought leaders in the emerging field of neuroaesthetics who will each explain their research and findings, and describe the interactions of our “ancient” brain wiring, our neurotransmitters, our nervous systems, and the universal appeal of achieving homeostasis in our public and private spaces. Learn more and RSVP here.
The Jeff Harner Awards are open for submissions
The Jeff Harner Awards program was created by Garrett Thornburg in 2007 to honor the memory of Jeff Harnar and help continue his groundbreaking work in the area of contemporary design in the Southwest. In 2018, the award program was expanded to include Unbuilt Work and Landscape Architecture. In 2020, the program was further expanded to include: Contemporary Architecture in the Southwest, Unbuilt Architecture, Unbuilt Landscape Architecture, Student Architecture Award, and Student Landscape Architecture Award. Four of the six Jeff Harner Awards are open to submissions for work designed for the Four Corners states (AZ, CO, NM, UT). The student awards for 2025 expand on the Four Corners states to include work in the Chihuahuan Desert ecoregion of West Texas, and the Sonoran and Mojave Desert ecoregions of Southern California and Southern Nevada. Submission deadline: March 24, 2025. Learn more and submit here.
Career Corner
The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:
NEWS AT NATIONAL
The Architect’s Journey to Specification
The newly released 2023 report of The Architect’s Journey to Specification details key findings on how architects learn about materials, interact with product manufacturers, and make informed material selections. It’s the only report that reveals the specification habits, needs, and preferences of decision-makers in architecture firms. View at AIA.
Download the Architect’s Guide to Business Continuity
Will you be able to provide clients with the assurance that work on their project will continue despite a disruption? The Architect’s Guide to Business Continuity helps firms become more resilient with a step-by-step process and accompanying worksheets for assessing and reducing risks associated with disruption. The guide shares lessons learned from previously impacted firms, builds on and adapts business continuity best practices specifically for the building industry, and helps firms remain open in the face of disruption. In addition to a business continuity planning process, the guide includes a preparedness checklist and emergency response checklist to manage disruptions when they do occur. While designed with the architect in mind, this Guide would also benefit other design firms and professional service providers. Download at AIA.
‘There’s going to be more work than anybody can handle’: How architects are banding together to help rebuild L.A.
350 L.A. area designers have found themselves members of “Rebuild LA Architecture,” a workspace in the online communication platform Slack where architects, interior designers, and contractors are sharing resources and information about what it takes to design and build in the aftermath of fire. Read the story at FastCompany.
Demand for smaller, simpler homes in walkable neighborhoods expands
The Home Design Trends Survey for the fourth quarter of 2024, focusing on community and neighborhood design trends, is now available. Read at AIA.
Premier Partner Spotlight
With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company IMEG intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.
IMEG’s specialties are high-performing building systems, infrastructure, program management and construction-related services, but the secret to the success is found in a deep bench of 1,600 team members. For IMEG, people-centered engineering is about more than the people served — it’s representative of the engaged employee culture they’ve worked hard to create. IMEG believes in investing in their people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement and the ability to develop a niche specialty.
See IMEG’s AIA Continuing Education Courses
Looking for Additional Resources?
Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2025 Design + Honor Awards
- September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
- 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
- November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
- Breakout session submission window opens May 28th.
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program: 2025 Opening Ceremony
2025 Opening Ceremony
The 2025 inaugural session of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) was held on January 17th at OZ Architecture. It was an exciting day getting to know the cohort and set the stage for an engaging year of growth and learning.
The first presenter, Rachael Yee, AIA, SmithGroup is the founder of AIA Colorado’s CKLDP and former AIA Colorado President. In addition to an introduction to the program’s history, evolution and purpose, Rachel presented on “Following Your Why”, emphasizing the importance of identifying your purpose in order to foster not only professional growth but also personal transformation, setting an inspiring tone for the sessions to come.
Our second speaker, Jamie Perkins, led an engaging workshop focused on defining the 2025 Scholar Group’s goals, values, and expectations for the year. Participants engaged in discussions to identify key objectives they wanted to achieve as a cohort, including fostering a collaborative environment and embracing diverse perspectives. Core values such as dependability, engagement, and communication were highlighted as central to the group’s culture. The session also covered the importance of establishing clear expectations to guide behavior, communication, and teamwork throughout the program. The workshop was interactive, with participants sharing their insights and contributing to a collective framework that will guide future sessions.
The session concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment to the values and goals established, ensuring alignment as the group moves forward into the next phases of the program.
The next session for the 2025 Class will be Friday March 14th covering Management & Mentorship.
Thank you to sponsors Martin/Martin, McCarthy Construction, and Schluter Systems.
Q1 Letter from the President
Scott Rodwin, AIA
AIA Colorado President
Hello AIA members!
I’d like to begin my term by acknowledging the suffering of those affected by the recent fires in Los Angeles—those who have lost their homes and communities, and the architects who will spend years helping their neighborhoods and clients rebuild and recover. Having been deeply involved in similar efforts here following the Marshall Fire, I understand how overwhelming and challenging the process will be. AIA National has offered its support, and we, as a state organization, do as well.
On a much brighter note, I’d like to express my gratitude to our Past-President, Julianne Scherer, our 2024 Board of Directors, and our incredible staff for their hard work and dedication. Thanks to their efforts, AIA Colorado had a fantastic year, and the organization is in a strong position as we move into 2025.
The theme of my presidency is simple: to make every member’s professional life 5% easier. While that might sound like a small, incremental change, achieving it would be neither easy nor insignificant.
I know each of you works tirelessly to make your life and work a little better—easier, more lucrative, more stable, more artistically rewarding—and a little less stressful. I believe we all share these goals.
In my office, my partner introduced me to the Japanese concept of Kaizen, or “continuous improvement.” At first, part of me thought, Ugh, that sounds exhausting. But my better, architect-self knows that Kaizen is actually the smartest and most sustainable way to get where we want to be. It’s also how AIA can better support you in achieving your professional goals.
Over the past few years, there’s been a lot of talk about Artificial Intelligence helping us solve problems. But here’s one challenge I think only we humans can tackle: AI doesn’t live our lives. It hasn’t pulled countless all-nighters in school, worked through weekends perfecting a client presentation, or worried about providing for a family on an emerging architect’s salary. It hasn’t had to be scrappy finding a first job or starting a firm. It hasn’t felt the joy of creating a design that fully reflects your talent or the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle to meet a client’s needs. And it hasn’t wrestled with sleepless nights worrying about keeping staff after losing a big client or during an economic slowdown.
We understand those experiences. And that’s why neither I nor the AIA Colorado Board can solve this challenge alone—we need your help.
I’m asking each of you to contribute one good idea. It can be about any aspect of the profession, and it doesn’t matter how much experience you have. We’re going to crowdsource ideas from the most qualified group I know: you.
Together, let’s answer the question, How do we make our profession—and your job—5% easier?
Here’s how it works: Look at your current practice and identify something that’s working especially well for you. It doesn’t need to revolutionize the industry. Even small improvements can make a big difference.
Once we collect your ideas, AIA staff and the Board will organize them and share the best ones with everyone. You’ll be able to pick and choose the suggestions that resonate most with you and your work.
Let’s embrace the spirit of Kaizen and improve our profession collectively. I can’t wait to hear your ideas and share in the wisdom of this incredible community.
So to get your mental engines going, here are some real-life examples:
“We have a semi-annual all staff Visioning mini-retreat twice a year. We take the time to let all staff know what our goals and visions for the year are, and then we engage in a group dialogue to make sure that everyone is on board and understands what we’re trying to achieve and how we’re going to do it.”
“We allow well-behaved dogs in the office. Everyone seems to like having them, and for those staff who can’t easily leave their dogs at home, it makes it much easier and pleasant for them to come back to the office.”
“Every year, our firm identifies pain points for our staff and actively works to try and eliminate them: we have a downtown office; years ago we gave everyone an RTD EcoPass and bought an office bike. This year, we also added parking spaces for everyone who has to drive and comes in at least 3 days a week.”
“I (the Principal) go out to lunch with each of my Senior Associates one-on-one once a month. We talk about our families, our hobbies, our injuries, and sometimes our work, but it’s not a work lunch. It’s about getting to know each other and know what’s going on in each other’s lives. That way, when we have a disagreement or issue at work, we have a basis of trust, friendship and understanding that allows us to weather any kerfuffle or miscommunication. We actually do the same thing routinely with our clients. Sorry, that’s two good ideas…?”
“Our company includes families in at least half of all of our social events each year. It makes it easier to participate when I don’t have to choose between work and family, and has strengthened some of my friendships within the office because our families have bonded.”
‘My firm pays for our AIA membership and 50% of Design conference registration. It makes it financially possible for me (as a young designer) to participate.”
“We have a policy that face to face communication is the best (in-person is preferred, but Zoom is okay). Phone calls are second best. Emails are for sharing and tracking documents. Texts are only for perfunctory confirmations like, “I’ll be there in 5 minutes”. Never ever have project discussions via text. All tone and nuance is lost and that leads quickly to miscommunication.”
“We moved to using keynotes this year. It has really cleaned up and streamlined our Revit drawings.”
“Our firm gives every employee a $200/yr continuing Ed stipend to spend at their discretion.”
“I discuss budget and schedule with a prospective client within the first 30 minutes of their calling. This saves us both a lot wasted time if they don’t have realistic expectations.”
“Once a quarter we bring a chair massage therapist into the office and everyone can sign up for free.”
“We ask our clients to create Inspiration image folders using whatever format or program works for them. It helps us really hone in quickly on the style that they are looking for BEFORE we start designing.”
“We don’t put all of our projects on our website. We only include the ones that we want more of. ‘What you put out is what you get back’”.
“I wish the AIA would hold more events in the spring. I’d like to get my annual Continuing Ed requirements fulfilled earlier in the year so it’s not so stressful in December, and AIA events are the main way I do that. I also like staying connected to the architecture community, and sometimes waiting until the big fall events feels too long. I love coming to the design conference, but some years I’m slammed at work when it’s happening and can’t go. So having something in the spring would be helpful.”
“We just did a 4 month Fitness challenge” in our office. Everyone who wanted to participate got randomly put on a team of five and we self-reported our activity on a Google-drive spreadsheet. We have one staff person who’s running it and they let everyone know each week how the teams are doing. The office is offering a prize to the winning team and the top 3 particpants. It really upped everyone’s activity and health, but mostly it was just fun and team-building.”
“In our office remodel, we added a “pump room” (which also works as a Zoom room). It has made it easier to return to work after having my first child. And I feel good about working someplace that actively supports it’s working moms, and doesn’t make us choose between family and work.”
“I write articles (for free) for our local newspaper about architecture and working with architects. I think it has not only given the public a better understanding of what we do as a profession, but it has directly led to a lot of client inquiries.”
“Our contract states that we have the right to photograph and publicize the project. This sets that expectation up front. It stinks to finish a project and then not get to put it on our website.”
“We have improved our Client Communication Protocols and it has been very beneficial: we send the meeting Agenda to our clients 24 hours ahead of time. They like knowing what’s going to be discussed. Then we email the presentation and a summary of the meeting notes and decisions to them immediately afterwards. This makes it easy for them to circulate it around to everyone who needs to see it, and helps them to remember what we told them. Our contract also says that if they don’t send us written disagreement with the meeting minutes within 48 hours of receiving them, that we are entitled to rely on that information moving forward. This has really helped reduce the ‘convenient forgetfulness’ that some of our clients have.”
“My firm actively encourages, organizes, celebrates and sometimes compensates us for our probono work. It breaks down normal project hierarchy, helps the community, and makes me feel good about my contribution every year.”
After we gather this treasure trove of good ideas we look forward to sharing them with all members, and that this effort will be useful in making your work life a little bit easier, richer, and more satisfying.
Here’s to an awesome 2025 together!
Scott Rodwin
President, AIA Colorado
