Colorado Architecture News | 05.20.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
05.20.26
In this Newsletter:
We have many events coming up in late May and throughout June, so be sure to explore all upcoming opportunities to connect, learn, and engage! In this newsletter:
- Housing Matters event recap
- 2026 Resiliency Fair recap
- Colorado ByDesign Premiere event
- Design + Honor Awards: submission window closes June 26
- May 26: Firm visit and happy hour at Tryba Architects
- May 27: 2026 Legislative Session Recap
- May 28: Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
- June 2: Colorado ByDesign Premiere event
- June 3: EP/YA South Section Happy Hour
- June 4: EP/YA Denver Section Happy Hour
- June 11: CRAN VR Workshop and Happy Hour
- June 11: Colorado Night at AIA26
- June 16: Business of Architecture: People Management
- June 17: Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication
- June 18: Pancratia Hall Lofts tour
- June 23: Equity in Practice Series: Career Advancement, Community Engagement, and Measuring Progress
- Premier Partner spotlight: Marvin
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
Last week, AIA Colorado’s Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community gathered architects, planners, policymakers, and community members at OZ Architecture for Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact, an evening focused on one pressing question: What is the real impact of a design competition?
Centered around the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, the event showcased how speculative design ideas can move beyond conceptual exercises and begin shaping real policy conversations in Denver and beyond. Through presentations from three winning teams and a response from the City and County of Denver, the evening explored how thoughtful design can address housing affordability while preserving neighborhood character, expanding housing choice, and strengthening communities. Catch up with a recap from the event here.
2026 Resiliency Fair recap
As Colorado continues to face growing challenges tied to drought, wildfire, water scarcity, and climate uncertainty, architects and landscape architects are increasingly being called upon to design resilient communities together. The AIA Colorado and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming 2026 Resiliency Fair brought together professionals from across disciplines to explore collaborative approaches to resilient design, policy, and planning.
Through keynote presentations, expert-led discussions, and peer conversations, attendees examined how design professionals can better align buildings, landscapes, and community systems to address Colorado’s evolving environmental realities. Catch up with the keynote and breakout session recaps here.
Colorado ByDesign Broadcast Premiere
Colorado architecture is stepping into the spotlight with the launch of Colorado ByDesign, the newest regional edition of the internationally recognized ByDesign television series. The series will officially premiere on CBS Colorado (KCNC TV Channel 4 Denver) and CBS News Streaming Colorado, beginning June 13th with a five-week local broadcast run, featuring projects and stories from AIA Colorado member architects whose work is shaping communities across the state.
Colorado ByDesign Premiere Event
Join AIA Colorado, the featured architects, and ByDesign’s Executive Producer Mike Chapman on June 2nd, at 5pm at SmithGroup for a special launch celebration recognizing this exciting moment for Colorado design. More info about the event and RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
May 26 • Firm Visit: Tryba Architects
Tuesday, May 26th, starting at 4:30pm, join members for an informal open house and happy hour as Tryba opens their doors to AIA Colorado members. You’ll have the opportunity to tour the award-winning office, learn about the projects they are currently working on, and hear directly from the team about their design philosophy and creative process. RSVP here.
May 27 • 2026 Legislative Session Recap
Wednesday, May 27, at Noon, join Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Advocacy Engagement Director at AIA Colorado, and Brittany Goldsmith, AIA, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, for a 2026 Legislative Session Recap to highlight key outcomes from this year’s State Capitol activity. They will share insights on the bills tracked, supported, and opposed, along with their outcomes. This session was shaped by a significant budget deficit and a strong focus on housing and climate policy, including increased state involvement in land use decisions. Join us to better understand what these changes mean for the profession and the future of Colorado’s built environment. RSVP here.
May 28 • Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
Designing great architecture starts long before anyone picks up a pen, mouse, or trace paper, it starts with people! Thursday, May 28th, at Noon, in the second session of AIA Colorado’s three-part Equity in Practice Series, AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee invites you to dive into Chapters 4–6 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice where we’ll be talking about the big three: recruitment, negotiation, and mentorship. (A trio just as essential to your career as coffee, deadlines and asking “Is this PDF the final-final version?”). To be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
June 2 • Colorado ByDesign Premiere Event
Tuesday, June 2nd, at 5pm, join AIA Colorado, the featured architects, and ByDesign’s Executive Producer Mike Chapman at SmithGroup for a special launch celebration recognizing this exciting moment for Colorado design. More info about the event and RSVP here.
June 3 • South Section EP/YA happy hour
Wednesday, June 3rd, at 4:30, at Phantom Canyon, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado South members and the EP/YA Council for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.
June 4 • Denver Section EP/YA happy hour
Thursday, June 4th, at 4pm, at Schoolyard Beer Garden, Join AIA Colorado Denver members and EP/YA Council for a happy hour and connect with other emerging professions. RSVP here.
June 11 • Colorado Night at AIA26
Thursday, June 11th, at 6pm, enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26! Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. RSVP here.
June 16 • Business of Architecture: People Management
Tuesday, June 16th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion regarding people management. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. More info and RSVP here.
June 17 • Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication
Wednesday, June 17th, at Noon, join members for a panel discussion with media and storytelling professionals to learn how architecture firms get published, what editors are actually looking for, and why some stories get picked up while others don’t. More info and RSVP here.
June 18 • Pancratia Hall Lofts tour
Thursday, June 18th, at 4pm, join members for a tour of Pancratia Hall Lofts, an adaptive reuse of a 1930 National Register historic landmark on Denver’s Loretto Heights campus. Tour approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
June 23 • Equity in Practice Series: Career Advancement, Community Engagement, and Measuring Progress
Tuesday June 23rd, at Noon, join members and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee as we journey through Chapters 7-9 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, which ask heavy questions: Are we growing equitably? Are we engaging communities meaningfully? And how do we know if we’re actually making progress . . . or just making more spreadsheets? Session to be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
June 24 • West Virtual Connect: Legislative Update
Wednesday, June 24th, at Noon, join members in the West for a time to gather virtually. This session will recap key legislation from the recent session and explore how new laws may impact licensure, practice, liability, housing, and the built environment. AIA Colorado’s advocacy team will provide context and answer your questions, with a focus on implications for architects practicing in Western Colorado. More info and RSVP here.
NEWS
AIA COLORADO MEMBERS
Clifford S. Nakata, FAIA (1929 – 2016), founder of CSNA, in Colorado Springs, is currently honored in the Pikes Peak Avenue Cultural Corridor banner program, shining a spotlight on some of the diverse people who have helped shape the community throughout its history. These banners are displayed on Pikes Peak Avenue between Cascade Avenue and Wahsatch Avenue.
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
Register for AIA26 today
Join us in San Diego, June 10–13! AIA26 delivers what architects need now: Fresh insights, powerful connections, and real solutions for a changing industry. Join us in San Diego to engage with the ideas, people, products, and experiences defining the next era of practice. Register here.
Thursday, June 11th, join us for Colorado Night and enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26. RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO’S
PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Marvin is a fourth- and fifth-generation family-owned and -led business headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota, with almost 9,000 employees across 16 cities in North America. The Marvin portfolio of products for builders, architects and homeowners is designed to provide exceptional solutions for any project with a focus on creating better ways of living. Marvin products are distributed nationally through a network of independent dealers and are also exported internationally.
Visit marvin.com/architectural-resources to learn more.
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2026 Awards Celebration:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- 2026 Practice + Design Conference:
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
Calls for Proposals:
- Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window closes June 26
- Conference Call for Presentations
- Submission window closes July 31
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.
2026 Resiliency Fair Recap
May 15, 2026
Alliance Center, Denver
As Colorado continues to face growing challenges tied to drought, wildfire, water scarcity, and climate uncertainty, architects and landscape architects are increasingly being called upon to design resilient communities together. The AIA Colorado and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming 2026 Resiliency Fair brought together professionals from across disciplines to explore collaborative approaches to resilient design, policy, and planning.
Through keynote presentations, expert-led discussions, and peer conversations, attendees examined how design professionals can better align buildings, landscapes, and community systems to address Colorado’s evolving environmental realities.
Anne Miller, AICP, Director, Colorado Resiliency Office
KEYNOTE
Anne Miller’s keynote offered a comprehensive look at how Colorado is approaching resilience as a statewide, systems-level challenge, and what that means for architects, planners, landscape architects, and community leaders.
As Director of the Colorado Resiliency Office, Miller framed resilience not simply as disaster recovery, but as “the ability of communities to rebound and positively adapt or thrive” amid changing conditions, climate impacts, and economic and social disruptions. She emphasized that resilience work requires long-term thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and design imagination, areas where architects and designers play a critical role.
Miller traced the origins of Colorado’s resiliency framework back to the devastating 2013 Front Range floods, which exposed the need for a more coordinated statewide approach. Colorado became one of the nation’s first states to establish a resiliency office, and today remains a national leader in resilience planning.
A major focus of the presentation was the ongoing update to the Colorado Resiliency Framework, the state’s five-year strategic resilience plan. The framework integrates climate adaptation, hazard mitigation, housing, infrastructure, land use, water planning, and equity into a unified strategy. Key priorities include:
- Strategic growth and land-use planning to reduce risk
- Nature-based solutions for wildfire and flood mitigation
- Resilient and affordable housing
- Water security and drought preparedness
- Critical infrastructure resilience
- Economic resilience and workforce readiness
Miller repeatedly emphasized the importance of “co-benefits”, projects that solve multiple challenges at once. She highlighted the Native American Housing Circle project in Denver as an example of resilience-centered design, combining affordable housing, cultural responsiveness, energy efficiency, and community partnerships.
The presentation also explored how climate projections are reshaping Colorado’s planning priorities. Updated state mapping and climate preparedness efforts show increasing exposure to heat, wildfire, water scarcity, and air quality impacts across much of the state, particularly eastern Colorado. Miller encouraged designers to think beyond individual buildings and consider resilience at the community scale.
One topic of particular interest was the growing network of “resilience hubs”, trusted community spaces that provide services during normal operations but can also serve as gathering and support centers during emergencies or power outages. Miller suggested these hubs present important opportunities for architects and designers to rethink the role of civic and community buildings.
Wildfire resilience and rebuilding practices were also central themes. Miller discussed lessons learned from the Marshall Fire recovery effort, including the use of passive house standards, improved filtration systems, defensible landscaping, and higher energy-efficiency standards to create healthier and more resilient homes. She noted that some passive homes experienced dramatically less smoke intrusion during the fire event.
Additional discussion focused on Colorado’s new wildfire resilience codes, drought-response planning, insurance challenges tied to hail and wildfire risk, and emerging programs supporting fortified roofs and resilient building practices.
Throughout the keynote, Miller reinforced that resilience depends on collaboration and interconnected systems rather than isolated efforts. She closed with an analogy to fungal networks in forests, decentralized systems built on resource sharing and interconnection, as a model for how communities, agencies, and design professionals can work together to build Colorado’s adaptive future.
Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Code
Breakout Session
Speakers:
- Jeffrey Woodruff, AIA, Architect, Cloud Hill Design, Pitkin Co. Commissioner
- David Lowrey, Chief Fire Marshall at Boulder Fire Rescue
- Aaron Johnson, WUI Professional Development Educator at CO Fire & Life Safety
- Jason Newsome, Landscape Architect/Urban Designer, CIVITAS
- Anne Ness, AIA, Architect at Anderson Hallas Architects
The “WUI Code – Lessons Learned” breakout session brought together architects, fire officials, landscape architects, and state code educators to discuss how Colorado’s new Wildfire Resiliency Code and Map are reshaping design and development practices across the state in wildland/urban interface (WUI) areas.
Panelists explored the origins of the statewide code, which was developed over an intensive two-year process involving architects, fire marshals, builders, planners, and resilience experts. Jeffrey Woodruff, AIA, who served on the statewide wildfire resiliency code board, described the balancing act between improving public safety and addressing concerns around construction costs, implementation, and development feasibility.
A recurring theme throughout the session was that the code is not intended to eliminate good design, but rather to encourage more integrated and thoughtful approaches to resilient communities. Speakers emphasized that wildfire resilience cannot rely solely on hardened buildings, that landscape design, vegetation management, site planning, and coordination with local authorities are equally critical.
David Lowrey from Boulder Fire Rescue and the Division of Fire Prevention and Control explained how local jurisdictions are adapting and enforcing the code differently depending on local conditions, staffing, and existing regulations. Boulder, which has had WUI regulations in place for more than a decade, has recently strengthened its landscaping and defensible space requirements based on evolving wildfire science and post-Marshall Fire lessons learned.
Landscape architect Jason Newsome discussed how the code is already changing the design process, particularly on dense urban and mixed-use sites where defensible space, tree spacing, circulation, open space requirements, and wildfire setbacks can conflict with traditional urban design goals. Rather than viewing the code as restrictive, panelists encouraged designers to treat the requirements as creative constraints that can shape stronger and more resilient projects.
The conversation also highlighted the growing importance of early coordination between architects, landscape architects, fire officials, and Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). Speakers repeatedly stressed that successful projects depend on engaging code officials early in the design process to navigate material choices, vegetation strategies, defensible space requirements, and site-specific interpretations of the code.
Panelists noted that Colorado’s WUI map and hazard classifications are still evolving and will continue to be refined over time as jurisdictions gather more localized data and experience implementing the code. Designers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the state mapping tools, ignition-resistant planting guides, and local amendments that may apply to specific projects.
Throughout the session, speakers reinforced that wildfire resilience is ultimately about community-scale thinking. While requirements around noncombustible zones, fire-resistant materials, and defensible landscaping may introduce new complexities, the panel emphasized that resilient design and beautiful places are not mutually exclusive. Instead, the new code presents an opportunity for architects and landscape architects to collaborate more closely and rethink how Colorado communities are designed in an era of increasing wildfire risk.
Policy and Materials/Practice
Panel Discussions
Panelist Group A:
- Aaron Johnson, WUI Professional Development Educator at CO Fire & Life Safety
- Anne Ness, AIA, Architect at Anderson Hallas Architects
- Anne Miller, AICP, Director, Colorado Resiliency Office
- Sara Tabatabaie, Teaching Assistant Professor at CU Boulder
- Jared Tanaka, Environmental Program Manager, Douglas County Biochar Project
Panelist Group B:
- Dr. Khai Nguyen, Climate Resilience Senior Specialist, Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, Resiliency
- David Lowrey, Chief Fire Marshall at Boulder Fire Rescue
- Jeffrey Woodruff, AIA, Architect, Cloud Hill Design, Pitkin Co. Commissioner
- Marissa Sterrett, Sustainable Landscapes Services Manager at Denver Botanical Gardens
- Abigale Purvis, Governor’s Office of Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery
The Policy Topic Room explored how Colorado’s designers, policymakers, researchers, and public agencies must work together to address intensifying drought, wildfire, heat, and climate risk across the built environment. Participants emphasized that climate hazards can no longer be treated as isolated issues; drought, heat, wildfire, and water scarcity interact as interconnected systems that multiply impacts across communities and ecosystems.
Speakers discussed how Colorado is already experiencing the realities projected in climate models, including prolonged drought, record-setting wildfires, declining snowpack, and increasing pressure on water resources. While acknowledging uncertainty in future projections, panelists agreed that the broader trajectory is clear: hotter, drier conditions will require major shifts in planning, design, and policy.
A recurring theme was the urgent need to accelerate collaboration between academia, practitioners, industry, and government agencies. Participants noted that valuable research and resilience strategies often take years to become adopted standards, leaving many current codes and regulations outdated for today’s climate realities. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating research directly into policy and practice more quickly, while also creating shared systems for exchanging data, lessons learned, and performance outcomes.
The panel also explored how resilience is increasingly becoming an expected baseline rather than an optional enhancement. Speakers discussed how resilient design strategies, including wildfire-resistant construction, defensible space, adaptive landscapes, energy resilience, water-conscious planning, and retrofit approaches, can create broader community benefits while reducing long-term risk and recovery costs.
Equity and affordability emerged as critical concerns throughout the conversation. Panelists acknowledged that vulnerable and lower-income communities are often located in higher-risk areas while simultaneously lacking access to resilient infrastructure, shade, tree canopy, and long-term maintenance resources. The group discussed the importance of developing adaptable, lower-cost resilience solutions that can be implemented equitably across communities.
The conversation concluded with discussion around practical implementation tools, including grants, local resilience funding, insurance challenges, retrofit strategies, and neighborhood-scale mitigation efforts. Speakers stressed that while no single solution exists, meaningful progress depends on proactive planning, interdisciplinary collaboration, updated policy frameworks, and designing for the future climate Colorado is expected to face, not the one it has historically known.
Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
EVENT RECAP
Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
On May 13, 2026, AIA Colorado’s Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community gathered architects, planners, policymakers, and community members at OZ Architecture for Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact, an evening focused on one pressing question: What is the real impact of a design competition?
Centered around the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, the event showcased how speculative design ideas can move beyond conceptual exercises and begin shaping real policy conversations in Denver and beyond. Through presentations from three winning teams and a response from the City and County of Denver, the evening explored how thoughtful design can address housing affordability while preserving neighborhood character, expanding housing choice, and strengthening communities.
Thanks to Koning Eizenberg Architecture and Schmidt Design Group for sponsoring this event and to OZ Architecture for hosting!
The event opened with remarks from Troy Fosler, AIA, Principal at Koning Eizenberg Architecture and Chair of AIA Colorado’s Regional & Urban Design Knowledge Community, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the collaborative effort behind the program. Terra Mazzeo, AIA, architect and urbanist and organizer of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, framed the competition around four central goals: elevating international perspectives, amplifying emerging voices, leading with design excellence, and generating ideas with real policy potential.
Mazzeo emphasized that the challenge was never intended to remain theoretical. Instead, it was designed to test how architecture and urban design can meaningfully contribute to the future of housing policy in Denver.
The evening’s first presentation came from Australian architect and researcher Damian Madigan, PhD, GAICD, FRAIA, Associate Professor of Architecture at Adelaide University and Registered Architect, who joined virtually from Adelaide to present his internationally recognized “Bluefield Housing” model and his Denver competition proposal, X-MU-X. Madigan described how his work seeks to increase housing density within established suburban neighborhoods without relying on demolition-driven redevelopment.
Rather than replacing older homes, Madigan’s approach focuses on “co-located housing” — adapting existing residential lots to support multiple dwellings while preserving neighborhood character, mature landscapes, and social connections. His proposal demonstrated how a single historic home could evolve into multiple independently owned housing units arranged around shared gardens and community-oriented outdoor space.
Madigan argued that many cities, including Adelaide and Denver, face similar challenges despite their geographic differences: rising housing costs, limited land supply, and a lack of diverse housing types within established neighborhoods. His work ultimately helped influence housing policy reform in South Australia, where co-located housing was recently adopted into the planning code as a permitted form of infill development.
The second presentation, “ReFrame,” came from a team of emerging Denver architects — Meghan Kress, Assoc. AIA, Maggie Krantz, Assoc. AIA, and Sean Pike — who explored how higher-density housing could be integrated into existing neighborhoods through carefully scaled urban design and sustainable construction strategies.
Focusing on a Five Points site, the team proposed a six-unit housing concept organized around shared outdoor space and interconnected pedestrian circulation. Their designs prioritized cross ventilation, passive design, stormwater management, mass timber construction, and flexible living arrangements that could support multigenerational households and aging in place.
Rather than treating affordability and sustainability as competing priorities, the team emphasized that thoughtful design decisions can allow both to reinforce one another. Their proposal challenged assumptions that higher density must sacrifice neighborhood scale, greenery, or quality of life.
The final design presentation came from Radix Design, represented by Alex St. Angelo, AIA, Ozi Friedrich, AIA, and Archer Squire whose proposal “Alley Town La Alma” focused on the untapped potential of Denver’s residential alley network.
Working within the La Alma/Lincoln Park neighborhood, the team identified nearly 400 linear miles of residential alleys across Denver as an overlooked urban asset capable of supporting incremental, neighborhood-scaled housing growth. Their proposal introduced a new “alley house” housing type that would front directly onto alleys, transforming underutilized service corridors into active social spaces.
The project proposed modest zoning reforms, pre-approved design libraries, and incremental development strategies that would empower existing homeowners to add housing while preserving existing structures and neighborhood identity. By focusing on small-scale, distributed growth rather than large redevelopment projects, the team demonstrated how density could be added without displacing existing communities.
The evening concluded with a presentation from Rob Haigh, Senior City Planner with the City and County of Denver, who shared updates on the City’s Unlocking Housing Choices initiative. Haigh explained how Denver is actively studying zoning reforms intended to expand missing middle housing options in low-scale residential neighborhoods while discouraging demolition and improving housing attainability.
He outlined several emerging strategies under consideration, including revised building forms, incentives for preserving existing homes while adding additional housing units, and pathways for allowing more housing types in single-unit residential districts. Throughout his presentation, Haigh repeatedly referenced ideas explored by the competition teams, reinforcing the direct relationship between speculative design work and evolving public policy conversations.
The event concluded with a Q+A audience discussion focused on accessibility, parking, transit, neighborhood commercial activity, public housing, and the future redevelopment surrounding the proposed Denver Broncos stadium district. Speakers emphasized that while no single proposal offers a complete solution to the housing crisis, design competitions create space to test ideas, challenge assumptions, and explore alternatives that might otherwise never enter the policy conversation.
As Mazzeo noted in her closing remarks, the purpose of the competition was not to declare perfect solutions, but to ask “what if?” — what if cities reconsidered outdated zoning assumptions, what if density and neighborhood character could coexist, and what if design leadership helped shape a more attainable future for housing in Denver.
The evening ultimately demonstrated that design competitions can do far more than generate visionary drawings. They can elevate emerging voices, build public dialogue, influence policy thinking, and help cities imagine new pathways toward housing affordability, sustainability, and community resilience.
Colorado Architecture News | 05.06.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
05.06.26
In this Newsletter:
- 2026 Resiliency Fair
- EP/YA Leadership Council Q1 Updates
- West Virtual Connect recap
- J.E.D.I.’s Equity in Practice session 1 recap
- May 13: Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
- May 15: 2026 Resiliency Fair
- May 27: 2026 Legislative Session Recap
- May 28: Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
- June 3: EP/YA South Section Happy Hour
- June 4: EP/YA Denver Section Happy Hour
- June 11: Colorado Night at AIA26
- June 16: Business of Architecture: People Management
- June 17: Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication
- Premier Partner spotlight: Marvin
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
2026 Resiliency Fair
As climate change reshapes Colorado’s water systems and increases wildfire risk, resilient design requires deeper collaboration between architects and landscape architects. The AIA Colorado and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming Resiliency Fair brings members together to explore integrated strategies for drought and wildfire response.
Next week, Friday, May 15th, from 2 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center for a program featuring a keynote from Colorado Resiliency Office Director Anne Miller, AICP, who will share updates on the state’s resiliency framework, including its 5-year update and the role of resiliency hubs in strengthening communities. Attendees will engage in small-group discussions with experts on topics like the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and local policy approaches, followed by a panel on how design professionals can better align resilience strategies with client needs.
Registration is required and limited to 30 AIA members. Event is $25 for AIA members, $40 non-member rate, and $10 for students. Approved for 2 LU|HSW.
More info and RSVP here.
EP/YA Leadership Council Q1 Updates
The AIA Colorado Emerging Professionals / Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council is building strong momentum in 2026, continuing its work to connect, support, and elevate early-career professionals across the state. Serving as a hub for students, Associate AIA members, and newly licensed architects, the council strengthens the pathway from education to practice and into leadership through national engagement, mentorship, and community-building initiatives. Read more for Q1 highlights from NAC, YAF, Ascend, CKLDP, and RFI Run Club here.
West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness recap
In our first West Connect session of 2026, members explored how firms and communities can better prepare for disasters such as wildfires and floods. Moderated by Molly Wheelock, Assoc. AIA, Andi Korber, AIA, the session featured perspectives from Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Paola Capo, and Scott Rodwin, AIA, each offering a distinct lens on preparedness “before, during, and after” disaster events. Read the recap here.
Equity in Practice Session 1 recap
AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee launched the Equity in Practice series with a session exploring intercultural competence, workplace culture, and compensation as key drivers of equity in the profession. Co-chairs Sarah Morasso, AIA, and Alexander Person, AIA, and Maria Pelaez, Assoc. AIA, emphasized that building inclusive, high-performing firms requires both individual awareness of bias and intentional, firm-wide systems that support equitable practices. Read the recap and key takeaways here.
AIA Colorado members in the South recently took advantage of the unique opportunity to follow the lifecycle of precast concrete from fabrication to installation, with a direct tie to the ongoing Palmer High School project by RTA Architects and Perkins Eastman.
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
May 13 • Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
What’s the real impact of a design competition? Wednesday, May 13th, from 4:30 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado’s Regional and Urban Housing Design Committee for a conversation that moves beyond ideas into policy and real-world change. Featuring the top three winners of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, this event explores how design competitions elevate new voices and influence the future of our cities. Hear from Australian architect Damian Madigan, Denver-based teams behind ReFrame and Alley Town La Alma, and the City and County of Denver on how these ideas connect to the Unlocking Housing Choices initiative. Hosted at OZ Architecture, in Denver, be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing in Denver. RSVP here.
May 27 • 2026 Legislative Session Recap
Wednesday, May 27, at Noon, join Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Advocacy Engagement Director at AIA Colorado, and Brittany Goldsmith, AIA, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, for a 2026 Legislative Session Recap to highlight key outcomes from this year’s State Capitol activity. He will share insights on the bills tracked, supported, and opposed, along with their outcomes. This session was shaped by a significant budget deficit and a strong focus on housing and climate policy, including increased state involvement in land use decisions. Join us to better understand what these changes mean for the profession and the future of Colorado’s built environment. RSVP here.
May 28 • Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
Designing great architecture starts long before anyone picks up a pen, mouse, or trace paper, it starts with people! Thursday, May 28th, at Noon, in the second session of AIA Colorado’s three-part Equity in Practice Series, AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee invites you to dive into Chapters 4–6 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice where we’ll be talking about the big three: recruitment, negotiation, and mentorship. (A trio just as essential to your career as coffee, deadlines and asking “Is this PDF the final-final version?”). To be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
June 3 • South Section EP/YA happy hour
Wednesday, June 3rd, at 4:30, at Phantom Canyon, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado South members and the EP/YA Council for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.
June 4 • Denver Section EP/YA happy hour
Thursday, June 4th, at 4pm, at Schoolyard Beer Garden, Join AIA Colorado Denver members and EP/YA Council for a happy hour and connect with other emerging professions. RSVP here.
June 11 • Colorado Night at AIA26
Thursday, June 11th, at 6pm, enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26! Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. RSVP here.
June 16 • Business of Architecture: People Management
Tuesday, June 16th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion regarding people management. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. More info and RSVP here.
June 17 • Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication
Wednesday, June 17th, at Noon, join members for a panel discussion with media and storytelling professionals to learn how architecture firms get published, what editors are actually looking for, and why some stories get picked up while others don’t. More info and RSVP here.
NEWS
AIA COLORADO MEMBERS
Congratulations to SAR+’s Christina LoConte, AIA, Alastair Huber, AIA, and Macy Huffaker, AIA! Read more about their recent elevationss as well as additional promotions at the office here.
Scott Rodwin, AIA, Rodwin Architecture, past president of AIA Colorado, recently penned an opinion article for Boulder’s Daily Camera, ‘Abundance and the built environment.’ Read the article without a paywall here.
NEWS & EVENTS FROM THE
COMMUNITY
Building Policy Collaborative | Power ahead Colorado webinar
Tuesday, May 19th, 10 – 11am, join a webinar hosted by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) introducing Power Ahead Colorado and the Building Policy Collaborative (BPC). The BPC is a regional initiative to improve building performance and advance alignment on building codes and policies across the Denver Metro Area through a voluntary partnership of local governments coordinating future code and policy updates. The presentation will focus on the BPC’s policy and code goals and the anticipated timelines for policy development.
Attendees will walk away with:
- Am overview of the BPC initiative and regional direction
- A preview the policy roadmap and timeline
- An understanding of how and when industry partners will be engaged in the future as policies are developed
Register here.
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
How firms can direct AI instead of reacting to it
Mahya Salehi, AIA, on the ways AI helps her firm design homes. Read at AIA.
AIA/Deltek ABI signaling market stabilization with near flat billing activity
Architecture firm billings held steady in March, indicating market stability despite global economic concerns. Read more at AIA.
AIA26 registration is now open
Join us in San Diego, June 10–13, for four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo. Save hundreds with early registration rates now through April 10! Register here.
Thursday, June 11th, join us for Colorado Night and enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26. RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO’S
PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
Marvin is a fourth- and fifth-generation family-owned and -led business headquartered in Warroad, Minnesota, with almost 9,000 employees across 16 cities in North America. The Marvin portfolio of products for builders, architects and homeowners is designed to provide exceptional solutions for any project with a focus on creating better ways of living. Marvin products are distributed nationally through a network of independent dealers and are also exported internationally.
Visit marvin.com/architectural-resources to learn more.
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2026 Awards Celebration:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- 2026 Practice + Design Conference:
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
Calls for Proposals:
- Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window closes June 26
- Conference Call for Presentations
- Submission window closes July 31
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.
EP/YA Leadership Council: Q1 Updates
The AIA Colorado Emerging Professionals / Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council continues to build momentum in 2026, advancing its mission to connect, support, and elevate early-career professionals across the state. As a central hub for students, Associate AIA members, and newly licensed architects, the council plays a critical role in strengthening the pipeline from education to practice to leadership.
This quarter, EP/YA leaders have been actively engaging across a range of programs and initiatives—from national representation through NAC and YAF to local impact through mentorship, leadership development, and community-building efforts. Below is a snapshot of Q1 highlights from the council’s key programs and activities, reflecting the breadth of opportunities available and the growing energy behind this community.
Upcoming
Events
June 3 • South Section EP/YA happy hour
Wednesday, June 3rd, at 4:30, at Phantom Canyon, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado South members and the EP/YA Council for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.
June 4 • Denver Section EP/YA happy hour
Thursday, June 4th, at 4pm, at Schoolyard Beer Garden, Join AIA Colorado Denver members and EP/YA Council for a happy hour and connect with other emerging professions. RSVP here.
Q1 2026 Update
National Associates Committee (NAC)
National Associates Committee Representative: Mo Zaina, Assoc. AIA
- The NAC held its Annual Meeting at AIA’s GCAD Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in February 2026, bringing together State/Territory Associate Representatives (STARs) from across the country.
- Colorado’s own Mo Zaina, Assoc. AIA, serves as the 2026 STAR and is also a Co-Deputy on the NAC’s Advocacy workgroup.
- The AIA Board officially ratified its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, built around four goals: Practice, Advocacy, Climate, and Equity (PACE).
- The NAC’s Advocacy workgroup is developing a national framework to guide associate-led efforts, focusing on equity in the built environment, student-to-practice connections, and positioning associates as citizen experts.
- A new Associates Resources Guide is in development to centralize career development tools, mentorship opportunities, and alternative pathway support.
- The VALUE workgroup is building a “Bridging the Gap” resource for early-career professionals transitioning into the profession, expected to be completed in Q2.
- The Climate Action workgroup is developing a Business Case Toolkit to help associates communicate the value of climate-responsive design within their firms.
- An AI Task Force is developing guidance and educational resources to help members adopt AI responsibly and ethically in practice.
- The NEXUS Mentorship Program completed its 2025-2026 cohort, pairing Associate members with FAIA volunteer mentors for six months of personalized professional development.
- Upcoming event: “What’s NAC’ing?” – a virtual session on July 25, 2026 at 4PM EST focused on demystifying the AIA National Associate Award. Last year, 3 of 4 award winners attended a similar session – a great opportunity for Colorado associates!
- NAC will have a presence at AIA26 in the Expo Hall – follow #AIANAC on social media for updates.
Q1 2026 Update
Young Architects Forum (YAF)
AIA Colorado Representative: Lauren Falcon, AIA
YAF Strategy Director (Advisory Committee): Kaylyn Kirby, AIA
Annual Meeting
The Young Architects Forum (YAF) Annual Meeting took place at AIA’s new Global Headquarters in DC February 9 – 11 ahead of AIA Leadership Summit. This event gathers YAF representatives from all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Washington DC, the International component, and Advisory Committee to meet, plan, and kick off the year around the 2026 Priority Areas – Navigating Career Evolution, Shaping the Future, and Cultivating Wellbeing. Young Architects make up 20,000 AIA members and this group serves as representation of that member group on the national level, advocating for their needs and advancing the profession.
YAF 2025 Report
Future Forward Grant
2026 Grant closed April 17th.
Published framework from 2024 grant recipients: It Takes a Village is available here.
Connections Q1 Practice in Motion
YAF at AIA 2026 in San Diego
- Bridging Generations: Young Architects Forum
- Saturday June 13th
- EV356
- From Licensed to Leading: The Business Skills That Shape Your Next 10 Years
- Wednesday June 10th
- WK160
- YAF Meet Up
- Friday June 12th
- EV357
Q1 2026 Update
Ascend Mentorship Program
The 2026 Ascend cohort is underway, with two sessions already completed. Mentors and mentees have begun building relationships both through one-on-one meetings between sessions and through structured discussions during full group gatherings.
The program also gained national visibility this February when it was presented at the AIA Leadership Summit in a session titled “From Guidance to Growth: Tools for Inclusive & Impactful Mentorship Programs.”
Q1 2026 Update
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP)
The 2026 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) cohort kicked off with its first session focused on public speaking and communication, bringing together emerging professionals for a series of hands-on workshops and a panel discussion with Colorado architecture leaders. The session emphasized the critical role communication plays in shaping both individual careers and the broader impact of design practice.
Timothy McCracken, Head of Acting at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts, led an interactive workshop exploring how acting techniques can enhance public speaking. Participants examined how tone, pacing, body language, and physical presence contribute to effective communication, and were encouraged to let go of self-consciousness in favor of authenticity. In a second workshop, Mark Hageman, AIA, of Davis Partnership Architects shared a framework for crafting strong, concise introductions, highlighting the importance of clearly articulating one’s role, value, and credibility in under 45 seconds. Cohort members then put this into practice by writing, rehearsing, and delivering their own introductions.
The session concluded with a panel moderated by Ana White of BOSS Architecture, featuring Brad Tomecek, FAIA, Stephen Dynia, FAIA, and Chris Wineman. The discussion focused on how architects communicate design vision to different audiences, with a consistent theme emerging: architecture is fundamentally a service industry. Listening carefully, approaching clients with empathy, and communicating in ways that resonate with their perspectives are essential to building trust and leading effectively. Panelists also encouraged participants to seek out opportunities to observe client interactions, avoid over-reliance on notes or slides, and treat every project as a chance to demonstrate professionalism and care.
Session 2 focused on business development and entrepreneurship, examining how architecture firms secure work, build client relationships, and sustain long term practice. A panel discussion featured James Childs, AIA, NCARB, of HNTB; Brandon Herbst, AIA, of Rowland + Broughton; Adam Wagoner, AIA, of High, Low, Buffalo; Alexis Jarvis of SideCar Public Relations; and Alexander Person III, AIA, of SmithGroup. Panelists shared personal career paths shaped by different economic conditions, emphasizing that architecture is both a creative and service-based profession and that long term success is driven by trust, referrals, and consistent relationship building rather than linear career trajectories.
The session also included a workshop led by Leeds Mallinckrodt Reese of HNTB, offering a behind the scenes look at how firms pursue and win work through marketing, branding, proposals, and interviews. Participants explored the distinction between business development and marketing leadership, practiced strategies for translating complex design ideas into clear narratives, and discussed how storytelling, graphics, and conversational interviews build client confidence. The session concluded with a keynote presentation by Jesse T. Adkins, AIA, of SAR+, who addressed resilience, failure, and values driven leadership, encouraging participants to embrace risk, maintain perspective, and build careers rooted in authenticity, curiosity, and long term intention.
The cohort will reconvene on May 15, 2026 for Session 3 Community Engagement led by Gina Frenette, Assoc. AIA, and Kelly Ryan, AIA, with support from ExCom member Colin D’Emilio, AIA, focusing on the architect’s role in engaging communities and building inclusive meaningful relationships.
Q1 2026 Update
RFI (Run For It) Run Club
Run For It (RFI) Run Club is a growing community that brings together emerging and established professionals across architecture, engineering, real estate, and construction in downtown Denver. While members share a common interest in movement, the run itself is often just the starting point—creating space to connect beyond the workplace.
After each run, participants often gather for food or drinks, using the time to swap stories, build relationships, and support one another in both professional and personal pursuits. The club fosters a welcoming, cross-disciplinary environment that strengthens connections across the built environment community.
Runs typically take place at 6pm on Mondays, with routes and starting locations rotating every two to three weeks. Participants are encouraged to follow along on Instagram and Strava to stay up to date on upcoming runs and details.
Looking ahead, the club aims to expand its impact by partnering with local firms to pair runs and happy hours with office tours and additional activities, further deepening connections within the community.
Equity in Practice: Session 1
Session 1
Intercultural Competence, Workplace Culture, and Compensation
AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee kicked off its three-part Equity in Practice series with a session focused on intercultural competence, workplace culture, and compensation, three interconnected forces shaping equity in the profession. This series is based on AIA’s Guide for Equitable Practice.
Co-chairs Sarah Morasso, AIA, and Alexander Person, AIA, framed the conversation by emphasizing that architecture is not neutral, and that advancing equity requires both individual reflection and systemic change.
Session
Recap
Sarah Morasso opened with an overview of intercultural competence, highlighting it as a learnable skill that goes beyond awareness to actively working across difference. She explored how identity and bias—both explicit and implicit—show up in practice, and how unchecked bias can limit creativity, shrink talent pipelines, and ultimately impact design outcomes. Attendees were encouraged to assess their own firms using practical tools and to build awareness through reflection, relationship-building, and ongoing learning.
Maria Pelaez, Assoc. AIA, led the session on workplace culture, describing it as a shared, often unspoken system of values, behaviors, and norms that shape daily experiences. She emphasized that culture is co-created and extends beyond formal policies, with both visible and invisible factors influencing inclusion and engagement. The discussion underscored the importance of aligning stated values with actual practices, encouraging participants to evaluate how their firm’s culture supports—or undermines—equity.
The final segment returned to Sarah Morasso, who addressed compensation as a critical equity issue. She outlined the components of total compensation—direct, indirect, and non-financial—and examined persistent pay gaps across demographics within architecture. The session emphasized the importance of transparency, regular audits, and clear compensation philosophies at the firm level, alongside individual strategies like self-advocacy and informed negotiation.
Throughout the session, speakers reinforced that equity work is an ongoing journey rather than a one-time initiative. Attendees were encouraged to use the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice as a foundation for dialogue and change within their firms, and to continue the conversation in the upcoming sessions in the series.
Key
Takeaways
Unchecked Bias Is a Design Issue, Not Just an HR Problem
When bias limits who gets to practice, who gets heard in design conversations, and whose needs get centered in projects, it undermines architecture’s fundamental purpose of serving people. Bias affects the quality of work, the health of firms, and the integrity of the entire profession.
Architecture exists to serve people—communities, clients, and the public. If bias limits who gets to practice, who gets heard in design conversations, and whose needs get centered, then we’re failing at the fundamental purpose of why we do this. Unchecked bias isn’t just a personal issue or an HR issue, it’s also a design issue.
Use AIA Guides as Leverage for Workplace Change
The Guides for Equitable Practice provide a formal standard that employees can reference when advocating for change. Rather than appearing to complain, employees can position themselves as educated on professional standards and concerned about the firm falling behind.
Any institution or firm that operates with AIA protection, this is a standard. The Guides for Equitable Practice are there. It being a formal document gives you a really good starting point to say, ‘Hey, have you read this?’ If you see particular issues that go against what the guides have to say, it’s not like you’re coming up with some fresh ideas out of nowhere. It turns more into, ‘I’m educated on what the standards for our professional organization are, and I’m concerned that we’re gonna fall behind.’
Workplace Culture Is Co-Created Through Daily Habits
Workplace culture isn’t the same as policies or rules—it’s created by everyday habits and behaviors. Everyone’s actions contribute to and impact the collective environment, meaning each person has agency to strengthen or weaken their workplace culture.
Workplace culture is something co-created. Your behavior is going to always impact and contribute to everyone else’s behavior. And workplace culture is also not the same as policies or rules in a place. It’s something that is created by everyday habits.
Use the DIVE Method When Encountering Unfamiliar Behaviors
When you encounter behavior that feels unfamiliar or confusing, use the DIVE framework: Describe what you actually observe (just facts), Interpret with multiple possible explanations, Verify your interpretations with others, and Evaluate against your values and theirs.
There’s this practice tool called DIVE that’s pretty useful when you encounter a behavior that feels unfamiliar or confusing.
- Describe what you actually hear—just facts.
- Interpret—come up with several possible explanations, not just the first one that comes to mind.
- Verify—check your interpretations with others.
- Evaluate—weigh those interpretations against your values and theirs.
AIA Code of Ethics Requires Fair Compensation
The AIA Code of Ethics, specifically Canon 5 Ethical Standard 5.1, states that members should provide a fair and equitable working environment, compensate people fairly, and support their professional development. This isn’t aspirational language—it’s a professional standard AIA members are held to.
The AIA Code of Ethics is pretty direct on this, specifically Canon 5 Ethical Standard 5.1. It states that members should provide a fair and equitable working environment, compensate people fairly, and support their professional development. Not just aspirational language, it’s a professional standard that we’re held to within AIA.
Intercultural Competence Is a Learnable Skill, Not an Innate Trait
Intercultural competence—the ability to understand cultural differences and act on that understanding—is both knowledge and skill that can be taught, practiced, and improved over time. No one is expected to have it all figured out, making it an accessible goal for all professionals.
The good news is that it’s learnable. Intercultural competence is both knowledge and skill, which means it can be taught, practiced, and improved over time. None of us are expected to have it all figured out.
Negative Workplace Culture Drives 50% Voluntary Turnover
When workplace culture is negative, organizations experience up to 50% voluntary turnover. These turnover costs include recruiting, training, low productivity, lost experience, and low morale—making culture a critical business concern, not just a feel-good initiative.
When work culture is negative, there’s like a 50% voluntary turnover, and turnovers can translate into costs. These costs can be recruiting, training, low productivity, lost experience, low morale. And those costs are very high.
Total Compensation Has Three Distinct Components
Compensation includes direct financial (salary, bonuses), indirect financial (time off, health insurance, retirement contributions), and non-financial elements (advancement opportunities, recognition, autonomy, flexibility). When evaluating pay equity, all three components must be examined, not just the salary line.
Total compensation is the full picture—direct, indirect, and non-financial, all combined. And when we start evaluating equity in pay, we have to look at all of them, not just the salary line.
The Iceberg Model Reveals Hidden Cultural Dynamics
Like an iceberg, most of culture is invisible—values, religious beliefs, gender roles, and assumptions about how the world works lie beneath the surface. Understanding this hidden dimension is essential because we can’t change what we’re not aware of, especially when it comes to recognizing biases.
If you think of an iceberg, only a small portion is visible above the surface. Things like food, music, language, family structure—and everything underneath, there’s a lot more, like values, religious beliefs, gender roles, assumptions about how the world works. Most of culture is invisible.
Architecture Pay Gaps Widen Throughout Careers
In architecture, white men earn more than men of color, who earn more than white women, with women of color earning the least. Average salaries for men exceed women’s at every experience level, with starting pay differences of a few thousand dollars diverging to approximately 15% by late career.
On average, in architecture, white men earn more than men of color, who earn more than white women, and women of color earning the least. Average salaries for men are higher than women’s at every year of experience, with average starting pay difference within a few thousand dollars, then increasingly diverging to approximately 15% pay gap in late career.
Join
Upcoming Sessions
Equity in Practice Series: Session 2 – Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
Participants will examine how hiring practices, career negotiation dynamics, and mentorship structures influence workplace equity and professional development. The session will explore how bias, unequal access to opportunities, and informal networks can shape career trajectories—and how firms can intentionally create more transparent, supportive systems that strengthen both individuals and organizations.
Equity in Practice Series: Session 3 – Career Advancement, Community Engagement, and Measuring Progress
We’ll examine how systems within firms and institutions influence career mobility, professional development, and leadership opportunities. The session will also explore how architects engage with communities in ways that acknowledge historical inequities and support more inclusive design processes that reflect the needs and experiences of the people architecture serves.
In addition, the course will introduce strategies for measuring progress toward equity within organizations—highlighting the importance of accountability, data, and continuous evaluation in building more inclusive workplaces and design practices.
West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness
Event Recap: Disaster Preparedness
Preparing Our Firms and Communities
AIA Colorado West Virtual Connect (Virtual Event) | April 21, 2026
The first West Virtual Connect session of 2026 brought together architects and industry leaders from across Colorado’s western region to focus on a topic that is becoming increasingly central to practice: disaster preparedness. With wildfire risk intensifying, flood events recurring, and climate-driven disruptions reshaping both policy and practice, the conversation centered on how architects and firms can prepare not just buildings, but themselves, their systems, and their communities, for moments of crisis.
Moderated by Molly Wheelock, Assoc. AIA, Studio MW, and Andi Korber, AIA, Land+Shelter, the session featured perspectives from AIA Colorado, AIA National, and Scott Rodwin, AIA, Rodwin Architects, each offering a distinct lens on preparedness “before, during, and after” disaster events.
Before:
Building Capacity Before Crisis
Nick Remus, AIA, Advocacy Engagement Director, AIA Colorado, opened with reflections from the “After the Flames” conference, where the architecture profession was notably underrepresented but increasingly essential. The conference reinforced a key theme: architects must be engaged in disaster ecosystems before events occur, not only after.
He also outlined ongoing state-level policy and preparedness efforts, including wildfire resiliency code implementation, legislative debates around delaying enforcement, and proposals for disaster mitigation funding mechanisms. While progress is underway, Nick emphasized that capacity gaps remain, particularly at the local government level, and that coordination between jurisdictions, agencies, and practitioners is still uneven.
Paola Capo, AIA National, expanded the conversation into firm preparedness, focusing on business continuity planning as an underutilized but critical tool for architecture firms. She emphasized that continuity planning is not just about emergency response, it is about protecting operations, maintaining client trust, and preserving firm stability during disruption.
She also highlighted the AIA’s Safety Assessment Program (SAP), which trains architects to assess building safety after disasters in coordination with emergency management agencies. These trained professionals play a key role in re-entry decisions, helping communities safely return to buildings while accelerating recovery timelines.
A central takeaway from this segment was that preparedness is not only technical, it’s relational. Firms that are embedded in local emergency management networks before disaster strikes are significantly better positioned to respond effectively.
During:
Capacity, Ethics, and the Reality of Response
Scott Rodwin, AIA, provided a grounded account of what disaster response looks like from a practicing firm’s perspective, drawing on his experience following the Marshall Fire. His firm received an overwhelming surge of inquiries, far exceeding their normal project capacity, and was forced to make deliberate decisions about how many clients they could realistically take on without compromising quality or ethics.
He described this as the “lifeboat problem”: the challenge of balancing urgency, compassion, and professional capacity in a moment when demand spikes dramatically and expectations are often unclear or unrealistic.
Rodwin emphasized that post-disaster clients are fundamentally different from typical clients. They are often in emotional crisis, displaced, and overwhelmed. In this context, architects become not just designers, but listeners, counselors, and stabilizers, helping people move from shock toward a sense of direction and possibility.
He also stressed the importance of setting realistic expectations early, particularly around cost, timelines, and construction capacity. One of the most common sources of conflict post-disaster, he noted, is misinformation about rebuild costs and timelines that cannot be met given real-world constraints in labor and materials.
After:
Systems, Policy, and the Architecture of Recovery
The session highlighted how recovery is shaped as much by systems as by individual effort. Scott shared insights from Boulder County’s Article 19 disaster permitting framework, which enabled expedited review processes and temporarily reallocated permitting staff to prioritize rebuilding efforts after the Marshall Fire.
Key innovations included:
- Accelerated permitting timelines (weeks instead of months)
- Simplified review pathways for rebuilding in place
- Temporary suspension of certain discretionary review steps
- Centralized guidance for homeowners through “rebuilding better” resources
These systemic adjustments demonstrated that recovery speed is often determined not by the absence of rules, but by the ability to adapt them temporarily in response to crisis.
Insurance challenges were another major theme. Scott described widespread underinsurance among homeowners and the critical role architects played in developing “as-was” documentation, detailed cost and scope analyses aligned with insurance frameworks. In many cases, these documents became essential tools in negotiations, significantly affecting settlement outcomes and recovery capacity for homeowners.
Key Themes
Across all presentations and discussion, several themes emerged:
- Preparedness is operational, not theoretical — Firms must define how they function under disruption, not just how buildings perform.
- Relationships are infrastructure — Trust between architects, agencies, and communities is foundational to effective response.
- Capacity is a constraint, not willingness — Ethical limits and system bottlenecks shape what firms can realistically do in crisis.
- Recovery is systemic — Speed and equity in rebuilding depend on permitting systems, funding mechanisms, and coordinated governance.
- Architects play expanded roles in disaster contexts — From designers to translators, advocates, assessors, and stabilizers.
Closing Reflection
The session underscored a growing reality for the profession: disaster preparedness is no longer a specialized topic, it is becoming a core competency of architectural practice in the western United States.
As climate-driven events become more frequent and more complex, the ability of firms and communities to prepare, respond, and recover will depend less on any single solution and more on the strength of their systems, relationships, and readiness to operate under pressure.
The conversation closed with a shared recognition that preparedness begins long before disaster strikes, and that architects have a critical role to play in shaping not just resilient buildings, but resilient communities.
Additional Resources
Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code
Architects’ Guide to Business Continuity
Post-disaster assessment training:
- Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training 2026 | May 20-21
- Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training 2026 | November 18-19
Marshall Fire Recovery Dashboard for Destroyed Residential Properties
Rebuilding Better, a toolkit for those households faced with rebuilding after the 2021 Marshall Fire.
About
West Virtual Connect
Members west of the Front Range convene quarterly in a virtual setting to explore the challenges and opportunities shaping practice in the region.
In 2026, the West Section Advisors are hosting a series of open roundtables, welcoming all members in the West to join and contribute.
RSVP for events at AIA Colorado’s event page.
Colorado Architecture News | 04.15.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
04.15.26
In this Newsletter:
- 2026 Resiliency Fair
- 2026 Design Award Jury announced
- Apr 16: CRAN happy hour
- Apr 21: West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness
- Apr 22: From Shop to Site: Precast Factory Tour in Colorado Springs
- Apr 23: Tour of The Mothership
- Apr 28: Equity in Practice Series: Session 1
- Apr 29: Design + Honor Awards info session
- May 13: Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
- Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
2026 Resiliency Fair
As climate change reshapes Colorado’s water systems and increases wildfire risk, resilient design requires deeper collaboration between architects and landscape architects. The AIA Colorado and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming Resiliency Fair brings members together to explore integrated strategies for drought and wildfire response.
Join us Friday, May 15th, from 2 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center for a program featuring a keynote from Colorado Resiliency Office Director Anne Miller, AICP, who will share updates on the state’s resiliency framework, including its 5-year update and the role of resiliency hubs in strengthening communities. Attendees will engage in small-group discussions with experts on topics like the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and local policy approaches, followed by a panel on how design professionals can better align resilience strategies with client needs.
Registration is required and limited to 30 AIA members. Event is $25 for AIA members, $40 non-member rate, and $10 for students. Submitted for 2 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Meet the 2026 Design Awards Jury
A nationally recognized jury will convene in Denver this July to review your submissions:
- Eddie Jones, FAIA — Founder, Jones Studio, Inc.
- Chandra Robinson — Founder, Chromatográfica
- Ken Wilson, FAIA, FIIDA, FASID, LEED Fellow — Design Principal, Perkins&Will
Learn more about this year’s jury here.
Get Started
Explore award categories, eligibility, submission guidelines, and view award-winning submissions to craft a strong design award submission here.
Be recognized for the difference you’re making in the architecture profession and your community. There is no cost to submit for the Honor Awards and info is available here.
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
Apr 16 • CRAN Happy Hour
Thursday, April 16th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, join the AIA Colorado Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Knowledge Community for a happy hour, in Boulder, on the rooftop of Avanti Food & Beverage. RSVP here.
Apr 21 • West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness
Tuesday, April 21st, at Noon, join fellow Western Slope members for a discussion on preparedness, response, and recovery. Hear insights from colleagues and learn practical strategies to strengthen and support community resilience. RSVP here.
April 22 • From Shop to Site: Precast Factory Tour
Wednesday, April 22nd, at 4:30pm, join AIA Colorado South members for a behind-the-scenes factory tour in Colorado Springs connected to an active project. This experience offers a unique opportunity to follow the lifecycle of precast concrete from fabrication to installation, with a direct tie to the ongoing Palmer High School project by RTA Architects and Perkins Eastman. Attendees will see select panels currently in production and gain insight into how design decisions translate into built components. RSVP here.
Apr 23 • Tour of The Mothership
Thursday, April 23rd, at 4pm, join members for a tour of The Mothership, a 2025 AIA Colorado Design Award Honorable Mention recipient. The unique nature of The Mothership cannot be overstated; there is simply nothing like it in the ecosystem of housing and homeless services for youth, offering an opportunity to immediately access shelter and transition as quickly as possible into one of six dorm-style neighborhood suites. Tour led by Chad Holtzinger, AIA, of Shopworks Architecture. To be submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Apr 28 • Equity in Practice Series: Intercultural Competence, Workplace Culture, Compensation
Designing great architecture starts long before anyone picks up a pen, mouse, or trace paper, it starts with people! Tuesday, April 28th, at Noon, in the first session of AIA Colorado’s three-part Equity in Practice Series, AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee invites you to dive into Chapters 1–3 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice but don’t worry, this isn’t a book club where you pretend you did the reading. We’ll break it down into foundational ideas together. To be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
Apr 29 • Awards info session
The 2026 AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards are officially open for submissions, with entries accepted now through June 26th at noon. This annual program celebrates the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members, recognizing both exceptional design across project types and the individuals and teams making a lasting impact on the profession and their communities.
To support members in preparing strong submissions, the AIA Colorado Awards Committee and AIA Colorado staff will host an upcoming virtual information session on Wednesday, April 29th at noon. This session will provide an overview of the Design and Honor Awards programs, walk through the Submittable platform, and offer practical guidance for first-time applicants and experienced submitters alike. Attendees will also hear directly from architects at BOSS.architecture, four-time 2025 Design Award winners, as they share insights into their successful approach.
Whether you are ready to submit or just beginning to explore the process, this is a valuable opportunity to gain clarity, ask questions, and strengthen your entry ahead of the June deadline. RSVP here.
May 13 • Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
What’s the real impact of a design competition? Wednesday, May 13th, from 4:30 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado’s Regional and Urban Housing Design Committee for a conversation that moves beyond ideas into policy and real-world change. Featuring the top three winners of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, this event explores how design competitions elevate new voices and influence the future of our cities. Hear from Australian architect Damian Madigan, Denver-based teams behind ReFrame and Alley Town La Alma, and the City and County of Denver on how these ideas connect to the Unlocking Housing Choices initiative. Hosted at OZ Architecture, in Denver, be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing in Denver. RSVP here.
NEWS & EVENTS FROM THE
COMMUNITY
Colorado Springs Fire Department quarterly meetings with architects
The Colorado Springs Fire Department would like to extend an invitation to local architects to attend a quarterly meeting for collaboration and discussion of pertinent topics. If you have specific topics that you would like to discuss, please email them to Senior Fire Inspector Jacob Watson at Jacob.Watson@coloradosprings.gov at least two days before the meeting. The next meeting will be Friday, April 24th, from 9 – 11am, at the Fire Construction Services conference room at 2880 International Circle Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
CAP Spring Lecture Series
All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Spring schedule here.
- Monday, April 6: Leyuan Li. Assistant Professor of Architecture, CU Denver. Director, Office for Roundtable. RSVP here
- Thursday, April 9: Louise Bordelon. Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, CU Denver. RSVP here
- Monday, April 20: devin michelle bunten. Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Housing, MIT. RSVP here
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
AIA26 registration is now open
Join us in San Diego, June 10–13, for four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo. Save hundreds with early registration rates now through April 10! Register here.
Thursday, June 11th, join us for Colorado Night and enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26. RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO’S
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.
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2026 Awards Celebration:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- 2026 Practice + Design Conference:
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
Calls for Proposals:
- Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window closes June 26
- Conference Call for Presentations
- Submission window closes July 31
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.
2026 Design Award Jury
Celebrating the exemplary work of Colorado architects.
The AIA Colorado Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community.
The 2026 Design + Honor Awards submission window closes Friday, June 26th, at Noon.
Meet the 2026
Design Award Jury
The jury will gather this July, in Denver, bringing national expertise to review the inspiring projects submitted by AIA Colorado members.
Get Started on your
Award Submissions
Learn more about the 2026 Design Awards, the project categories, eligibility, submission instructions, and view past successful submissions here.
View the 2025 Honor Awards and submission instructions here.
The submission window for the 2026 Design + Honor Awards is now open and closes Friday, June 26th, at noon.
Colorado Architecture News | 04.01.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
04.01.26
In this Newsletter:
- Legislative Session Update
- Apr 14: North Section EP/YA & AIAS happy hour
- Apr 16: CRAN happy hour
- Apr 21: West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness
- Apr 22: From Shop to Site: Precast Factory Tour in Colorado Springs
- Apr 23: Tour of The Mothership
- Apr 28: Equity in Practice Series: Session 1
- Apr 29: Design + Honor Awards info session
- Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
Legislative Session Update
It’s been an interesting year at the state capitol as legislators grapple with an extreme budget deficit while still trying to chip away at challenges such as housing and climate change. It’s been a very active year for housing bills in particular, with a common theme of the state venturing into land use policies typically handled at the city or county government level. AIA Colorado is pleased to share HB26-1001: Housing Developments on Qualifying Properties (or the HOME Act) has been signed into law, we’re currently supporting four bills, and taking an amend position on three additional bills. Catch up with Nikolaus Remus, AIA, AIA Colorado’s Advocacy Engagement Director, here.
AIA Colorado’s Fellows gathered last week at CU’s College of Architecture and Planning for a Spring luncheon celebrating leadership, design excellence, and the lasting impact of members who have advanced to Fellowship. The group enjoyed viewing Mike Winters, FAIA exhibition currently on display at the second-floor gallery.
Semple Brown Design’s project, Asteria Theatre at Colorado Mesa University, is setting a new regional standard for sustainability and technical excellence and was featured on a recent ByDesign episode. Watch the segment here.
Catch up on all Colorado projects that have been featured on the ByDesign tv show here!
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
Apr 14 • North Section EP/YA & AIAS Happy Hour
Tuesday, April 14th, at 5pm, at Attic Bar & Bistro in Boulder, join AIA Colorado North members, the EP/YA Council, and AIAS for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.
Apr 16 • CRAN Happy Hour
Thursday, April 16th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, join the AIA Colorado Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Knowledge Community for a happy hour, in Boulder, on the rooftop of Avanti Food & Beverage. RSVP here.
Apr 21 • West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness
Tuesday, April 21st, at Noon, join fellow Western Slope members for a discussion on preparedness, response, and recovery. Hear insights from colleagues and learn practical strategies to strengthen and support community resilience. RSVP here.
April 22 • From Shop to Site: Precast Factory Tour
Wednesday, April 22nd, at 4:30pm, join AIA Colorado South members for a behind-the-scenes factory tour in Colorado Springs connected to an active project. This experience offers a unique opportunity to follow the lifecycle of precast concrete from fabrication to installation, with a direct tie to the ongoing Palmer High School project by RTA Architects and Perkins Eastman. Attendees will see select panels currently in production and gain insight into how design decisions translate into built components. RSVP here.
Apr 23 • Tour of The Mothership
Thursday, April 23rd, at 4pm, join members for a tour of The Mothership, a 2025 AIA Colorado Design Award Honorable Mention recipient. The unique nature of The Mothership cannot be overstated; there is simply nothing like it in the ecosystem of housing and homeless services for youth, offering an opportunity to immediately access shelter and transition as quickly as possible into one of six dorm-style neighborhood suites. Tour led by Chad Holtzinger, AIA, of Shopworks Architecture. To be submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Apr 28 • Equity in Practice Series: Intercultural Competence, Workplace Culture, Compensation
Designing great architecture starts long before anyone picks up a pen, mouse, or trace paper, it starts with people! Tuesday, April 28th, at Noon, in the first session of AIA Colorado’s three-part Equity in Practice Series, AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee invites you to dive into Chapters 1–3 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice but don’t worry, this isn’t a book club where you pretend you did the reading. We’ll break it down into foundational ideas together. To be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
Apr 29 • Awards info session
The 2026 AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards are officially open for submissions, with entries accepted now through June 26th at noon. This annual program celebrates the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members, recognizing both exceptional design across project types and the individuals and teams making a lasting impact on the profession and their communities.
To support members in preparing strong submissions, the AIA Colorado Awards Committee and AIA Colorado staff will host an upcoming virtual information session on Wednesday, April 29th at noon. This session will provide an overview of the Design and Honor Awards programs, walk through the Submittable platform, and offer practical guidance for first-time applicants and experienced submitters alike. Attendees will also hear directly from architects at BOSS.architecture, four-time 2025 Design Award winners, as they share insights into their successful approach.
Whether you are ready to submit or just beginning to explore the process, this is a valuable opportunity to gain clarity, ask questions, and strengthen your entry ahead of the June deadline. RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO
MEMBER NEWS
At CEC Early College in Denver, educator Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA, is helping address architecture’s gender and diversity gap by preparing students with real-world skills and a pathway into the profession. Her program is inspiring more young women and students of color to pursue careers in architecture and was recently featured on 9News.
NEWS & EVENTS FROM THE
COMMUNITY
CAP Spring Lecture Series
All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Spring schedule here.
- Monday, April 6: Leyuan Li. Assistant Professor of Architecture, CU Denver. Director, Office for Roundtable. RSVP here
- Thursday, April 9: Louise Bordelon. Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, CU Denver. RSVP here
- Monday, April 20: devin michelle bunten. Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Housing, MIT. RSVP here
Community College of Denver Architectural Technology Practitioner-Student Event
April 3rd, from 9am to 1pm, join the Community College of Denver Architectural Technology for April Confluence, a unique practitioner–student event designed to connect architecture professionals with CCD architecture students through meaningful one-on-one mentorship. Between two AIA-approved LU/HSW CEU sessions, attending professionals will participate in informal micro-charrettes where students can seek guidance on their current studio projects, coursework, and career paths. This format creates intentional space for experienced practitioners to share insights, answer questions, and offer perspective that can help shape the next generation of architects. More info and RSVP here.
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
Call for Proposals: Women’s Leadership Summit 2026
Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) brings together the architecture industry’s largest network of women for a premier leadership?experience.?We?seek?bold, engaging proposals?that inspire, educate, and support women at every career stage. Learn more and start your proposal here.
AIA26 registration is now open
Join us in San Diego, June 10–13, for four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo. Save hundreds with early registration rates now through April 10! Register here.
Thursday, June 11th, join us for Colorado Night and enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26. RSVP here.
AIA COLORADO’S
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.
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Save the Dates:
- 2026 Awards Celebration:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- 2026 Practice + Design Conference:
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
Calls for Proposals:
- Design + Honor Awards
- Submission window closes June 26
- Conference Call for Presentations
- Submission window closes July 31
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.