Anne Mooney, FAIA
GENERATE 2024 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE
A Way of Working
Presented by Anne Mooney, FAIA, Co-Founder, Sparano + Mooney Architecture at GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference.
Article by Andrea Malta, Senior, College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver
At the heart of the 2024 AIA Generate Conference, Anne Mooney delivered a keynote that was both
insightful and inspiring. Titled “A Way of Working,” she shared the philosophy and methodology that
define her architectural approach, illustrating these principles through an exploration of five
projects at different scales and settings from Sparano + Mooney. Mooney described how she
grounds her projects in strong ideas and translates those ideas into meaningful architectural
designs. Her way of working involves slowing down to move beyond preconceptions, allowing time
to uncover the unique potential within every project.
Mooney’s approach is exemplified in her design of Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, where
her dedication to thoughtful design is evident. She began with in-depth research, immersing herself
in the life of Saint Joseph to guide her project decisions. A hallmark of her process is the use of
physical models, which allow for a tangible exploration of scale and early design concepts. Her
work involved studying Roman Catholic church precedents and poche studies, which influenced
the development of small chapels integrated into the building’s oval shape. Materiality played a
central role in the design; budget constraints prompted creative thinking and presented unique
opportunities. Elements like the tinted windows inspired by the 12 apostles and aligned with the
sun, the preservation of the existing church on the site, and the thoughtful sloping of the floor to
remove the hierarchy between the altar and congregation, all exemplify how the design reflects the
unique value architects bring to a project.
Mooney then transitioned to a smaller-scale project: a residence where the client’s desire was to
have a sanctuary, an escape from how busy life gets. This posed its own challenges, particularly
given the dense neighborhood context, but the outcome was a design that felt both protective and
inviting. The final form emerged as a unified mass with splits in the volume. What I found especially
inspiring about this talk was the attention to the smallest details. For example, a physical section
model was created, with a fallen tree trunk used as the base. The trunk, with a natural split, aligned
perfectly with the central division of the pool, reflecting how Mooney’s design process is deeply
rooted in thoughtful integration even in its early stages.
Next, Mooney discussed her work on the Kimball Art Center in Park City, where research played a
key role in shaping the design. She drew inspiration from Park City’s logging history, grounding the
project in the idea of dense tree colonies characteristic of the area. The program was organized to
reflect the organic growth patterns of these tree colonies, where educational programs were placed
in the lower area and everything else merged from it above. The design resulted in a glazed skin that
celebrates the 330 sunny days of Park City in the exterior, with a solid wood inner core in the
interior. A key takeaway from this talk was Mooney’s reflection that “Buildings outlast their current
use,” highlighting the importance of designing spaces that can adapt and be reconfigured over time.
As the fourth project, Centro Civico Mexicano Community Center, in Salt Lake City was explored.
The center will serve as a hub for the Spanish speaking community, providing a space for cultural,
educational, and social events. Mooney explained how as a team, they analyzed diagrams of a well-
known Mexican song, that got recorded by 12 different singers in different genres to generate a
conceptual construct using the language of the cassette to give form to the hall of the center. The
iteration process incorporated various forms of public art, and Mooney emphasized the importance
of physical models, as they are often preferred over digital renders and drawings in conveying the
design’s essence to clients.
Lastly, Mooney presented the Wabi-Sabi residence in Emigration Canyon, located above Salt Lake
City, where the unique mountainous context dictated the scale of the project, rather than the usual
city-based considerations. She emphasized the importance of analyzing conceptual pieces, to avoid defaulting to previous design solutions. Something that often becomes a challenge, even as a
student. She reinforced her commitment to making site-specific, client-specific projects. The Wabi-
Sabi residence resulted in two hinged volumes over the site, anchored to the street. Careful
attention to materiality and waste reduction influenced the scale and volume of the spaces. The
residence sits quietly in its surroundings, offering stunning views of the canyon as well as distant
city lights depending on the program.
Mooney closed her keynote with a powerful reminder that architecture is a collaborative effort,
framing it as a team sport—a brilliant perspective that highlights the importance of collective
engagement in design. Lastly, she mentioned that there are a lot of things in this profession that are
beyond our control, but there are still many aspects that we can control, and the way we work is
one of them. By consciously shaping our approach, we have the power to influence both the
process and the outcomes in meaningful ways.
GENERATE 2024 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE
Tech Connect
Tech Connect 2024 was a 1-day event prior to the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference, held in Keystone, CO, focused specifically on the changing landscapes in artificial intelligence and its rapid impact on our profession.
The three presentations were:
- “How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics and the built environment”
- “Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI”
- “Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations”
- Arjun Kaicker, AIA
Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations
Arjun Kaicker, AIA
Summary thoughts by Craig Lawrence, AIA, Partner/Principal at Rowland+Broughton
Empathy might not be the first thing we think of when we think of AI. The simple mention of “AI” in the context of architecture very likely conjures feelings of being behind in adoption of this cryptic and seemingly opaque technology, or looming clouds of uncertainty and intimidation.
What if, instead of anxiety, “AI” fostered a sense of empathy: feelings of connection and collaboration, of personalization, flexibility, adaptability, and environmental evolution?
In the thoughtful hands of Arjun Kaicker, AIA, and his team at Zaha Hadid Architects, AI and other forms of computational design are envisioned and practiced as ways to deeply understand the occupant experience and their needs.
In a case study of workplace design, AI-powered iterative and generative design was demonstrated as a way to solve complex spatial problems and catalyze innovation. In a fascinating example of generative iteration, the ZHA team quickly studied hundreds of office floor layouts to optimize and balance such workplace needs as collaboration, sunlight, and activity.
Using AI’s interpretive capabilities, they next built programmatic profiles of potential users, and plugged that data into predictive simulations via “agents” to demonstrate how occupants may actually use a space over time. The resulting workspaces were less rigid, more adaptable, and more responsive to the needs of the occupants, both now, and in the future.
There is no doubt AI looms large over our industry. Questions of how to adopt, what it can or can’t do, authenticity, and a myriad of other issues, certainly tend to cast long shadows.
However, the application of the technology demonstrated by Kaicker casts AI in a different light. It has the ability to usher in an era of greater exploration, less rigidity, and more collaboration between designers, stakeholders, occupants, and even the environment. Rather than a thing fixed in time and space, our built environment has the potential to be predictive, adaptive, and democratic. Our design processes have the potential to be more informed, intentional, and responsive. There is no better time than now to jump in, experiment, and discover how these tools can lead to better architectural practice and more just outcomes for the occupants of our built world.
About Arjun
Arjun Kaicker, AIA, NCARB, ARB, RIBA, LEED AP
Co-Head of Workplace Analytics and Insights, Zaha Hadid Architects
Arjun is an architect with 25 years’ experience in user-centered Workplace Design, from initial office building design to interior and product design. At Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA), Arjun has worked on over 100 projects globally, and while a partner at Foster+Partners projects included Hearst Tower and 425 Park Avenue in New York and Apple Park in California. Arjun’s recent work spearheading innovations in design AI and algorithm driven analytics is helping ZHA develop ever more rigorous, user-centered and adaptive architecture and design
Tech Connect 2024: Matthew Goldsberry, AIA
GENERATE 2024 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE
Tech Connect
Tech Connect 2024 was a 1-day event prior to the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference, held in Keystone, CO, focused specifically on the changing landscapes in artificial intelligence and its rapid impact on our profession.
The three presentations were:
- “How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics and the built environment”
- “Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI”
- Matthew Goldsberry, Assoc. AIA
- “Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations”
Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI
Matthew Goldsberry, Assoc. AIA
Summary thoughts by Julianne Scherer, AIA, Managing Principal, HDR
Drawing from HDR’s investigation in creating a custom AI image generator designed specifically for architectural design, Matthew Goldsberry offers the following recommendations for firms interested in a similar exploration:
- Begin building an organized digital library of your firm’s architectural photos, renderings, and drawings. Even if you’re not ready for AI implementation, having a well-organized visual database will be valuable when you are.
- Trial existing AI visualization tools, such as Midjourney or DALL-E, to understand their basic capabilities and limitations for architectural work. This gives you practical experience without major investment.
- Document your current visualization workflow and identify pain points where AI could help most – especially in early design phases and client presentations.
Additional actions include the following:
- Experiment with the practical Integration of these AI tools including: how to integrate them with existing software (BIM, rendering programs); identify best practices for using AI in client presentations; and examine ways to maintain consistency between AI-generated images and final designs.
- Advance your technical understanding of AI tools including: basic principles of architectural-focused AI image generation; data management and organization for AI training; and ethical considerations and copyright issues in AI-generated architectural imagery.
About Matthew
Matt Goldsberry, Assoc. AIA, HDR
Matt oversees the applied research and implementation of advanced computational design workflows. He is the director of Data-Driven Design and is responsible for developing new computational tools and workflows to facilitate design exploration, automated analysis, and advanced data management. Matt is also a Lecturer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he teaches courses on advanced geometry and building information modeling. Matt holds a Master of Architecture degree from the University of California Los Angeles and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Tech Connect 2024: Randy Deutsch, FAIA
GENERATE 2024 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE
Tech Connect
Tech Connect 2024 was a 1-day event prior to the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference, held in Keystone, CO, focused specifically on the changing landscapes in artificial intelligence and its rapid impact on our profession.
The three presentations were:
- “How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics and the built environment”
- Randy Deutsch, FAIA
- “Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI”
- “Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations”
How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics and the built environment
Randy Deutsch, FAIA
Summary thoughts by Andy Rockmore, AIA, Principal at SAR+
It’s only been two years since the introduction of AI image generators like Midjourney. AI proved that images can be created not by people, but by using descriptive words. This free software generated billions of images in seconds of seductive buildings. Until recently, AI didn’t know the AI-generated image was a building; now it does. AI can almost immediately spit out floor plans, structural framing options (based on discoverable geotech reports), and unlimited program configurations. All the while, Architects continue to take on more production and risk, while accepting less time and lower fees.
So let’s stop asking AI to do the things we do well, and have it do the things we don’t do so well. How can we let go of some historically important tasks, so we can adapt to our highest and best value, creating space and time for holistic, human-centered design?
Professor Deutsch offered a few impactful pro tips:
- Use AI to start the explorative concept design process. A few ChatGPT prompts or questions, stating the problem, will generate information that puts you in the middle of the problem, rather than being stuck at the start.
- AI can run exhaustive iterations of everything from office building core locations to whole master plan configurations in seconds, giving confidence that all options have been analyzed, and removing, or at least isolating, subjective preferences.
When AI does more and more of our tasks, when construction knowledge is baked into our design tools, when our clients are undertaking their own test-fits, what do we do with more time? We design. We improve the quality of our work, we continue to search for balance between work and life, and knowing our profession as we do, we likely take on even more work.
No doubt Architects will continue pushing AI to accomplish tasks a computer can do more efficiently, accurately, and quickly. However, fortunately, what AI will always need us to do, is what makes us authentically human beings: continue creating possibilities, orchestrating people and relationships, using our innate empathy, and translating and synthesizing an ever complex world.
About Randy
For over thirty years, Randy Deutsch, FAIA has been an architect and educator, author, international keynote speaker, and AI researcher. As a licensed architect, Randy designed over 100 large, complex sustainable projects for which he received the AIA Young Architect Award Chicago. In the last decade, Randy has authored 6 books, most recently Convergence: The Redesign of Design; Superusers: Design Technology Specialists and the Future of Practice (a “Best Future of Technology Book of All Time” recipient); Think Like an Architect: How to develop critical, creative and collaborative problem-solving skills; and Adapt As an Architect: A Midcareer Companion.
In addition to teaching at University of Illinois at Chicago starting in 2001 and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign starting in 2012, until 2019 Randy served as Associate Director for Graduate Studies in the School of Architecture. He previously served on AIA Chicago Board as Director and Vice President; on Architect Magazine’s 2018 R+D jury; led an annual Executive Education program at Harvard GSD; and served on the 2023 AIA National Design Awards jury. In 2020, his team received an NSF Grant and DPI Seed Grant for planning a first-of-its-kind institute for the application of AI in design, construction and operations of buildings and infrastructure.
In 2020, Randy was elevated to Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council. As a book author, international keynoter, workshop leader, administrator, mentor and educator Randy currently leads a graduate AI studio and aims to help current & future design professionals understand impacts of emerging technology on future practice, to plan for and navigate a fast-moving, uncertain future with confidence.
More about Randy www.randydeutsch.com
Colorado Architecture News | 11.06.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 11.06.24
In this Newsletter:
- There’s still time to join us at GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference and Tech Connect 1-Day event!
- 2025 Call for Volunteers submission window now open
- 2025 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program applications open
- 2025 Ascend program applications open
- Add your firm to the AIA Colorado firm directory
- COTE’s third AIA 2030 Commitment session event available to watch
- AEF celebrates scholarship recipients
- Nov. 21: AAHKC happy hour networking event
- Dec. 3: Business of Architecture Roundtable: Remote Work Do’s and Don’ts
- Dec. 6: Code Class: Getting the IECC Out of the Code Book and Into Everyday Life
- Dec 6. Denver Section Holiday Happy Hour at OZ Architecture
- Dec 10: West Virtual Connect: Managing the Cost Spike
- Dec 11: North Section Holiday Happy Hour in Boulder
- Dec 18: West Section Holiday Happy Hour in Aspen
- Dec 18: South Section Holiday Happy Hour in Colorado Springs
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: JVA, Inc.
AIA COLORADO NEWS
PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE IS NEXT WEEK!
It’s almost time to gear up for the keynotes, breakout sessions, learning labs, community, sold out expo floor, and networking that will make this year’s conference one to remember! Featuring keynote presentations by Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIA, AIA President-Elect Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, Julie Snow, FAIA, and Anne Mooney, FAIA!
Registration is still available for this year’s special edition of Tech Connect, taking placeNovember 13th, and GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference taking placeNovember 14 – 15. Earn 1 LU|HSW & 2 LU at Tech Connect and 9 LU|HSW & 4.5 LU at GENERATE!
Late registration ends Tuesday, November 12th, and on-site registration will be available for an additional $50. Room rates through the AIA Colorado room block are still available, so make sure to pick up the phone and call Keystone in order to get the best rate!
Tech Connect 1-Day
Join us Wednesday, November 13th, from 2 – 6pm, at Keystone Conference Center, for a special event featuring three presentations that you will not want to miss:
- “How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical, and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics, and the built environment”
- Randy Deutsch, FAIA, University of Illinois
- “Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI”
- Matt Goldsberry, Assoc. AIA, HDR
- “Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations”
- Arjun Kaicker, AIA, Zaha Hadid Architects
Register for Tech Connect at the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference registration website.
2025 Call for Volunteers
Volunteering with AIA Colorado is a great way to use leadership skills, meet like-minded colleagues, expand your network, and shape the profession. As you consider involvement, note that many committee meetings take place via video conference, allowing geographical participation from across the state. Commitments for committee participation are for one calendar year and committee chair positions are appointed annually. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics.
Apply today to join one of the following committees:
- Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAHKC)
- Awards Committee
- Business of Architecture Knowledge Community
- College of Fellows Nominating Committee
- Committee on the Environment (COTE)
- Conference Committee
- Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
- Housing Committee
- Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee
- Local Advisory Councils (Denver, North, South, West)
- Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community
- Colorado Sesquicentennial Task Force
Also, do you have an idea to bring like-minded colleagues together outside of these opportunities? Would you like to submit an inquiry or pilot program for consideration? If so, you are welcome to submit an application to form a new group through the same submission platform.
Before applying, review all volunteer opportunities and descriptions. The application deadline is Wednesday, December 4th, at 5pm.
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) aims to train the next generation of leaders in architecture through a series of nine half-day sessions. The curriculum focuses on honing skills like:
- Entrepreneurship and firm management
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Negotiation skills
- Client development
- Community leadership
- Understanding industry trends
Each year, this competitive program accepts 16 emerging professionals to collaborate, learn together, and develop as leaders in architecture. This program is ideal for members who are eager to advance in their career and either have not yet become a licensed architect, or have been licensed for 10 years or less.
Applications for the 2025 Class are now available with the window to apply closing Friday, December 6th.
Ascend Mentorship Program
The Ascend Program connects emerging architecture professionals with mid-career architects through mentorship as an intentional first step into the profession. These connections will support EP’s in the early stage of their careers, guiding through challenges, setting goals, and developing the skill set to succeed. Ascend groups are organized locally. Program Outcomes:
- Guidance
- Awareness and identification of culture of architecture profession. Training on professional etiquette and expectations. Negotiate the adjustments from academia to profession.
- Support, Problem Solving
- Preparing for and dealing with challenges in the working environment.
- Career Planning, Goal Setting
- Understanding the different career paths in architecture. Setting goals in a career and developing a pathway to achieve those goals.
Mentors and Mentees for the 2025 program are now invited to apply. Mentors and Mentees are invited to apply no later than Wednesday, December 11, 2024.
Add your firm to the new AIA Colorado firm directory!
AIA Colorado staff often receives inquiries from clients looking to hire architects from firms of all sizes across Colorado. Our goal with this Firm Member Directory is to help you get discovered and connect with potential projects. We’re excited to launch this new directory, currently in its beta phase. This means we’re still fine-tuning the features and gathering feedback to ensure it meets your needs. Join now and pay nothing for the rest of the year! See the directory here and join here.
AEF celebrates scholarship recipients
This past October 23rd, representatives from the Architectural Education Foundation (AEF) celebrated several scholarship recipients at the College of Architecture and Planning Scholarship Breakfast. The honored recipients are:
- Toni Alexander & Abigail Arredondo: FAIA Colorado Fellows Scholarship
- Andrea Malta Zuniga (pictured above): C. Gordon Sweet AIA Scholarship
- Fritz Carpenter: Michael Kephart AIA Scholarship
- Rachel Randolph: De Von M. Carlson FAIA Scholarship
- Sophia Ostendorf: Priscilla & William Muchow FAIA Scholarship
- Toby Underhill: Temple Hoyne Buell FAIA Scholarship
- Berenice Ibarra: Robert K. Fuller FAIA Scholarship
- Dania Morelli: Flodie and John Anderson FAIA Scholarship
AEF, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to advance the interest of the profession of architecture in the State of Colorado. Learn more about AEF and donate to the organization here.
Member News
Congratulations to Ekman Design Studio for winning “Best Residential Folly” at the Palladio Awards honoring outstanding achievement in traditional design for their Humboldt Pool Pavilion and Folly project in Denver. To our knowledge, this national recognition is a first for a Colorado firm.
Creating the Regenerative School, the new book co-authored by Alan Ford, FAIA, was recently featured in the magazine Learning by Design. See an online version of the coverage here.
AIA Colorado Events
AAHKC Happy Hour
Thursday, November 21st, 5:30 – 7:30pm, hosted at HDR, join the Colorado Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAHKC) for a happy hour networking event.
Business of Architecture Roundtable: Remote Work Do’s and Don’ts
Tuesday, December 3rd, 5:30 – 8pm, join the AIA Colorado Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion of remote work do’s and don’ts.
Topics to be discussed include:
- Should our practices be fully remote, fully in-person, or hybrid
- Setting employer and employee expectations
- Incentivizing employees to come to the office
- Remote work policy creation
Event will be held in person at Neoera’s office in Denver with virtual attendance available.
Code Class: Getting the IECC Out of the Code Book and Into Everyday Life
Friday, December 6th, starting at 9am, let’s talk about the process that is needed to get projects compliant with the energy code. We will take a look at plan examples and field pictures, view good examples and some with have room for improvement. We’ll discuss what details are needed to be placed on the plans to give the project the opportunity to be successful. We will also discuss the available tools and resources to assist with energy compliance with any project. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been approved for 6.0 AIA LU|HSW.
Denver Section Holiday Happy Hour
Friday, December 6th, from 4 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado Denver Section members for a Holiday Happy Hour hosted by OZ Architecture, where members can tour the firm’s recent remodel/expansion, connect, and celebrate the season. Light food and drink will be provided. Please RSVP so that we can be prepared, and we will look forward to seeing you!
West Virtual Connect: Managing the Cost Spike
Tuesday, December 10th, from 8 – 9:30am, join Western Slope members for a time of conversation. The topic for this call will be “Managing the Cost Spike while Maintaining Design Integrity”. There will be a brief presentation followed by Q&A. Many of us are facing the same challenges day after day and we gather regularly to share concerns, goals, and ideas for Western Colorado AIA membership. Hopefully, these conversations will create a springboard for more to come. This will be a virtual gathering and the Zoom link will be included in the confirmation email.
North Section Holiday Happy Hour
Wednesday, December 11th, from 4 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado members in the North for a Holiday Happy Hour at T-ZERO Lounge in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel, downtown Boulder. Please RSVP beforehand!
West Section Holiday Happy Hour
Wednesday, December 18th, 5:30 – 7:30pm join fellow Western Slope members for a Holiday Happy Hour hosted at Forum Phi’s Aspen office. Light food and drink will be provided. Please RSVP so that we can be prepared, and we will look forward to seeing you!
South Section Holiday Happy Hour
Wednesday, December 18th, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA Colorado members in the South for a Holiday Happy Hour at Ivywild School in Colorado Springs. Head upstairs to the Study Hall event space and look forward to a time to connect and celebrate the season. Please RSVP beforehand!
Partner News
Framework emerging professional networking happy hour
This afternoon, November 6th, starting at 5:30pm, join the Framework Emerging Professional group for a networking happy hour at Rino Beer Garden. Framework is a community of emerging professionals in architecture that allows individuals to build their network, grow in the profession, gain personable skills, and most importantly, have FUN.
CAP Fall lecture series
- Thursday, November 7, 6pm – Thomas Phifer, Thomas Phifer and Partners, Founder
Lecture will be held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Path to Fellowship session at Keystone
Immediately following the closure of this year’s Practice + Design Conference, starting at 4:30pm, Friday, November 15th, join the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region members for an event to learn about Fellowship, the path to apply, and meet Fellows from Colorado who can help guide you on your Fellowship journey. Panelists include Ron Abo, FAIA (2023), Will Babbington, FAIA (2024), Phil Gerou, FAIA (1993), Greg Gidez, FAIA (2022), and Jon Sparer, FAIA (2018). Session will take place at Keystone Conference Center and there is no need to RSVP beforehand and no charge to attend.
Beyond the Facade: Inside the Work of Davis Partnership Architects
Thursday, November 14th, 4:30 – 6pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation and Davis Partnership Architects for a tour of Davis’ historic office building and a presentation of the inner workings of two major buildings in Denver: The Freyer Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens and One River North. Presentations will cover the overview of the buildings and the process of bringing these projects to life. Following the presentations, join for a tour the historic building where Davis works, The Bindery on Blake. More info and purchase tickets here.
Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB)
Licensed architects residing in the City and County of Denver, and retailers from the Cherry Creek North District, are encouraged to apply for two openings on the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB). Learn more and apply here.
Energize Denver December Feedback Sessions
The Energize Denver program is updating its rules and regulations to add additional flexibility options for meeting the 2030 targets. This session is designed to present the second draft of changes and gather feedback to refine the design of the options.
Public Sessions
- December 3, 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. (register)
- December 4, 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. (register)
- December 5, 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (register)
Service Provider Sessions
Manufacturing, Agricultural, and Industrial Buildings
- December 4, 12:00-1:00pm (register)
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
AIA Firm Survey Report 2024
Newly updated for 2024,?The Business of Architecture: AIA Firm Survey Report is the only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession. With data from more than 1,200 firms—more than double that of 2022—this essential resource includes metrics to measure practice, evaluate performance, and set strategy. Free for AIA members! Get it at AIA
Young Architects Forum October Newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Highlights in this newsletter include:
- Align Mentorship program applications are open (Pairs YAs + EPs with Fellows)
- 2025 Young Architect Award submissions open
12+ AIA Awards are now open for submission
AIA Awards is launching a new application process for 2025 awards. AIA is streamlining its award submission timeline and improving the submission process by implementing a common submission form for all project-based AIA awards. The common submission form will offer a more cohesive and user-friendly experience for applicants and allow project-based submissions for multiple categories in a single application. This approach reduces the administrative burden on both applicants and the AIA. Learn more and start your submission at AIA.
Business conditions continue to worsen at architecture firms, ABI data shows
September marked the twentieth consecutive month of declining billings for architecture firms, according to the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). Read at AIA.
Call for Proposals to present at AIA25 closes October 23rd
Submit your proposal for an educational session or architectural tour at AIA25 in Boston! AIA is looking for ahead-of-the-curve educational content from a diversity of voices, career stages, and industries. Start submission here.
Watch Season 2 Episode 1 of America ByDesign: Architecture
America ByDesign: Architecture Season 2 is a magazine-style half hour television program exclusively showcasing some of the best of American architecture from AIA members. From awe-inspiring architectural homes on the lake, to design that reflects culture and learning, to architecture centered on sustainability and collaboration. AIA has exclusive first access to each episode in the series for the AIA community – ahead of the general broadcast. Just as AIA believes “design belongs to everyone”, ByDesign is committed to showcasing design in technology, living, science and architecture to everyone. As associates and members of AIA are passionate about excellence in design, a collaborative partnership with the ByDesign series is a natural fit!
Premier Partner Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, JVA, Incorporated, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
JVA is a consulting engineering firm with offices in Boulder, Fort Collins, Winter Park,
Glenwood Springs, and Denver, Colorado. Since 1956, JVA has provided engineering
services to architects, owners, building departments, and general contractors in Colorado
and nationwide. Our Structural, Civil, and Environmental engineering departments offer
highly skilled engineers who complement your experience to fully meet your design and
construction needs. We take pride in our commitment to provide excellent service.
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:
Save the Date:
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Breaking Boundaries with Embodied Carbon
AIA 2030 Commitment
Breaking Boundaries with Embodied Carbon
Monday evening, October 28th, AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) led a session exploring embodied carbon within the context of building design and construction. A few of the topics discussed included:
- Understanding operational carbon and embodied carbon within the context of building design and construction.
- Identify key tools, benchmarks, and metrics for measuring and tracking embodied carbon in buildings.
- Understanding how to engage your project team in the discussion of carbon reduction strategies.
- Gain insight to the benefits and impacts of reducing embodied, operational, and refrigerant carbon through case study projects.
- Illustrate the benefits of participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment and supporting the effort to reduce emissions and change the practice of architecture.
A Q+A session followed the presentation.
Colorado Architecture News | 10.16.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 10.16.24
In this Newsletter:
- GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference is less than 1 month away!
- Tech Connect 1-Day event
- Call for Nominations | 2025 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
- New AIA Colorado firm directory
- J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
- October 17th: emerging professional happy hour
- October 22nd: affordable housing in Denver event
- October 24th: historic preservation tour of Larimer Square
- October 25th: Code Class: 2021 IBC Multi-Family Construction
- October 28th: AIA 2030 Commitment session #3
- November 21st: AAHKC happy hour networking event
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: K3 Technologies
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Conference is less than 1 month away!
Featuring keynote presentations by Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIA, AIA President-Elect Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, Julie Snow, FAIA, and Anne Mooney, FAIA, it’s time to gear up for the keynotes, breakout sessions, learning labs, community, sold out expo floor, and networking that will make this year’s conference one to remember!
Registration is still available for this year’s special edition of Tech Connect, taking placeNovember 13th, and GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference taking placeNovember 14 – 15. Regular registration, and the conference room block, ends Oct 31st,so don’t delay!
Tech Connect 1-Day
Join us Wednesday, November 13th, from 2 – 6pm, at Keystone Conference Center, for a special event featuring three presentations that you will not want to miss:
- “How AI changes architecture: the productive, ethical, and innovative intersection of technology, computation, robotics, and the built environment”
- Randy Deutsch, FAIA, University of Illinois
- “Building an image generator: principles and practices in AI”
- Matt Goldsberry, Assoc. AIA, HDR
- “Transforming workplace design with AI: insights and innovations”
- Arjun Kaicker, AIA, Zaha Hadid Architects
Register for Tech Connect at the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference registration website.
Call for Nominations | 2025 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
We are seeking AIA Colorado members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute.
Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends—to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice. AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven, and competency-based slate of candidates. For more information, go here.
Add your firm to the new AIA Colorado firm directory!
AIA Colorado staff often receives inquiries from clients looking to hire architects from firms of all sizes across Colorado. Our goal with this Firm Member Directory is to help you get discovered and connect with potential projects. We’re excited to launch this new directory, currently in its beta phase. This means we’re still fine-tuning the features and gathering feedback to ensure it meets your needs. Join now and pay nothing for the rest of the year! See the directory here and join here.
J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
The J.E.D.I. Committee invites neurodivergent members to share their unique perspectives for an upcoming profile. If you’re neurodivergent experiences have influenced your work in architecture and design, we want to hear your story. Help us raise awareness and inspire positive change within our community! To get involved, please contact AIA Colorado Communications Director, Jon Bell.
AIA Colorado Events
Emerging Professional AE Happy Hour with SEAC
October 17th, from 5 – 7pm, join emerging professional members from AIA Colorado and Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) for a happy hour at Wynkoop Brewery.
Affordable Housing in Denver: Tour and Panel Discussion
Tuesday, October 22nd, from 4 – 5:45pm, the AIA Colorado Denver Local Advisors will be hosting a tour and panel discussion on the topic of affordable housing in Denver. The event will offer three 30-minute simultaneous site tours of projects in the Sun Valley neighborhood and be followed by a panel discussion highlighting the opportunities and challenges our community has in setting up affordable projects as we all aim to solve the housing issues in Denver. The panel will focus on how affordable projects come to life and the challenges of making them a reality. A reception and Q&A with the panel and tour hosts will follow. This will be an exclusive event for AIAColorado members and reservations are limited! Event has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
Historic Preservation Tour – Larimer Square
Thursday, October 24, at 4pm, join Denver Local Advisors for a tour of the historic preservation and restoration to Denver’s Larimer Square. The tour will look at the $20 million-dollar exterior restoration and preservation improvements of the downtown historic 1400 block of Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets. Constructed between 1860 and 1880, the block includes 18 historic building facades, containing over 50,000 sq ft of interior space, and pedestrian streetscape. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
Code Class: 2021 IBC Multi-Family Construction
Friday, October 25, at 8am, attend an overview of the requirements for multi-family dwellings in the International Building Code. Type V-A construction may be the most difficult type of construction to build a structure by. This seminar discusses the design, construction and inspection of Group R-2 occupancies including, building planning, fire-resistive rated construction, fire protection requirements and means of egress requirements. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been for approval for 7.0 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hours.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Breaking Boundaries with Embodied Carbon
Monday, October 28th, 5 – 6:30pm, in-person at The Alliance Center or attending virtually, join the AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment (COTE) for the third member education session.
A few of the topics discussed will include:
- Understanding operational carbon and embodied carbon within the context of building design and construction.
- Identify key tools, benchmarks, and metrics for measuring and tracking embodied carbon in buildings.
- Understanding how to engage your project team in the discussion of carbon reduction strategies.
- Gain insight to the benefits and impacts of reducing embodied, operational, and refrigerant carbon through case study projects.
- Illustrate the benefits of participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment and supporting the effort to reduce emissions and change the practice of architecture.
A Q+A session will follow the presentation. This session has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. Watch Session #1 here and Session #2 here.
AAHKC Happy Hour
Thursday, November 21st, 5:30 – 7:30pm, hosted at HDR, join the Colorado Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAHKC) for a happy hour networking event.
Partner News
Path to Fellowship session at Keystone
Immediately following the closure of this year’s Practice + Design Conference, starting at 4:30pm, Friday, November 15th, join the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region members for an event to learn about Fellowship, the path to apply, and meet Fellows from Colorado who can help guide you on your Fellowship journey. Panelists include Ron Abo, FAIA (2023), Will Babbington, FAIA (2024), Phil Gerou, FAIA (1993), Greg Gidez, FAIA (2022), and Jon Sparer, FAIA (2018). Session will take place at Keystone Conference Center and there is no need to RSVP beforehand and no charge to attend.
Call for Entries: Western Mountain Region Fellows Design & Honor Awards program
Following this year’s Practice + Design Conference, join the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region members for an evening celebrating the 2024 AIA COF WMR Design & Honor Awards program. The inaugural design award gala will take place at Keystone Conference Center Friday evening, November 15th. Celebrating the best architectural designs and service achievements from AIA members in the AIA COF WMR states and those AIA members who have worked on projects in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. Learn more about the AIA COF WMR design award program and Practice + Design conference registration for WMR members here.
Entry deadline: October 23rd, at 10 pm. Start your submission here.
ACE Mentor of Colorado: Volunteers Needed
Wednesday, October 23rd, from 5-7pm,at Stoney’s Bar and Grill (1111 Lincoln St, Denver), join 2024 AIA Colorado Impact Award organization recipient ACE Colorado to learn more about the need for mentors, guest speakers, and committee members to help serve Colorado high school students in the architecture, construction, and engineering fields. Build your skills, connect with the future workforce, connect with other pros, and enhance your career! RSVP here
City of Denver Zoning Board of Adjustment seeking applicants
The City and County of Denver mayor’s office and City Council are seeking applicants to fill a vacancy on the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment hears and decides cases regarding the Denver Zoning Code and Former Chapter 59. It is quasi-judicial, responsible for conducting formal legal proceedings, subject to legal standards and court review. The appointed candidate will serve a term effective January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. Learn more and apply here.
Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB)
Licensed architects residing in the City and County of Denver, and retailers from the Cherry Creek North District, are encouraged to apply for two openings on the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB). Learn more and apply here.
Upcoming CAP Fall lecture series
- Thursday, October 24, 12pm – Jorge Otero-Pailos, Columbia GSAPP, Professor, Director of the Master of Science in Historic Preservation and PhD in Historic Preservation Program
- Thursday, November 7, 6pm – Thomas Phifer, Thomas Phifer and Partners, Founder
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Nominations now open for 2025 Mayor’s Design Awards!
Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, urban design, and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, artists, and others for their creative contributions to Denver’s built environment through excellence and innovation. Many different types of projects are eligible. Mayor Mike Johnston and the Department of Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards to be handed out in early 2025. Nominations are due Friday, November 1, 2024. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony early next year. Nominate a project here.
Architect-ing Podcast features Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA
The founder of PAU (Practice for Architecture and Urbanism) joins host and the 2024 AIA Colorado Architect of the Year, Adam Wagoner, AIA, on the show to discuss his journey from Calcutta to becoming a prominent figure in architecture and urbanism.
Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora
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
2024 YAF Report
We’re thrilled to have AIA Colorado member Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Semple Brown Design, on the Young Architects Forum, which represents approximately 20,000 of AIA’s nearly 100,000 members, serving alongside talented and passionate leaders in the AIA. Catch up on YAF’s 2024 Priority Areas, Goals, Accomplishments, and learn more about the work that transpires throughout the year here.
AIA Disaster Assistance Program updates
Architects play a crucial role in disaster response, and AIA proudly supports chapters and members in aiding their communities during crises. Read at AIA
NCARB and AIA release new guidance for developing ethics and public welfare-related CE courses
Over the past several years, interest in social determinants of health and ethics-related CE courses has grown, leading to questions regarding if and how these topics qualify for HSW credit. Developed jointly by AIA and NCARB, Ethics and Public Welfare Topics: A Guide to HSW Course Development confirms that both AIA and NCARB accept ethics, sociology, and public welfare content within the framework of HSW CE credit. Read at AIA
Five high-impact quotes from WLS 2024
Over 800 women gathered in Chicago last week for AIA’s 15th Women’s Leadership Summit! Read at AIA
Call for Proposals to present at AIA25 closes October 23rd
Submit your proposal for an educational session or architectural tour at AIA25 in Boston! AIA is looking for ahead-of-the-curve educational content from a diversity of voices, career stages, and industries. Start submission here.
Watch Season 2 Episode 1 of America ByDesign: Architecture
America ByDesign: Architecture Season 2 is a magazine-style half hour television program exclusively showcasing some of the best of American architecture from AIA members. From awe-inspiring architectural homes on the lake, to design that reflects culture and learning, to architecture centered on sustainability and collaboration. AIA has exclusive first access to each episode in the series for the AIA community – ahead of the general broadcast. Just as AIA believes “design belongs to everyone”, ByDesign is committed to showcasing design in technology, living, science and architecture to everyone. As associates and members of AIA are passionate about excellence in design, a collaborative partnership with the ByDesign series is a natural fit!
Premier Partner at AIA24
Please welcome the newest AIA Colorado Premier Partners, K3 Technology, as we look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
K3 Technology, a Denver based Information Technology Solutions Provider (ITSP/MSP) that was recently named a Colorado Company to Watch and recognized as one of Americas Fastest Growing Companies on the Inc. 5000 list. While many technology providers have a “come one, come all’ approach, we have a dedicated focus on the AECO and Creative industries. Why? Because we don’t think technology should be a bolt-on item to your business, it should be integrated into making you a better, more efficient, more profitable company. The only way to do that is by trying to understand your business as well as you do, and we can’t do that if we spread ourselves across multiple industries. View K3 Technology Website
Allied Member News
Congratulations to Jacqueline Pons-Bunney, Esq., of W&D Law, for being invited, and accepted, to the prestigious legal panel of arbitrators and mediators for the American Arbitration Association, International Centre for Dispute Resolution, Complex Construction Division (“AAA”). Read at W&D website.
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:
Save the Date:
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.
Colorado Architecture News | 10.02.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 10.02.24
In this Newsletter:
- Practice + Design Conference schedule release
- ARCpac and ARCsdc announce 2024 recipients of campaign contributions
- Call for Nominations | 2025 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
- New AIA Colorado firm directory
- J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
- Health Horizon 24 half-day symposium
- AEF and AIA Colorado celebrate scholarship recipients
- October 17th: emerging professional happy hour
- October 22nd: affordable housing in Denver event
- October 24th: historic preservation tour of Larimer Square
- October 25th: Code Class: 2021 IBC Multi-Family Construction
- October 28th: AIA 2030 Commitment session #3
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: K3 Technologies
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Full conference schedule now available
View all sessions for this year’s Tech Connect, taking place November 13th, and GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference November 14 – 15. We are pleased to share with you the keynote speakers, breakout session details, and Tech Connect event info. Regularly priced registration is open through October 31st.
ARCpac and ARCsdc announce 2024 recipients of campaign contributions
ARCpac and ARCsdc accept contributions from AIA members and use these funds to support state legislative race candidates who support the architecture profession. Issues affecting the architects at the capitol are non-partisan and we have allies on both sides of the aisle. Read on for the list of candidates supported in 2024.
Call for Nominations | 2025 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
We are seeking AIA Colorado members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute.
Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends—to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice. AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity, and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven, and competency-based slate of candidates. For more information, go here.
Add your firm to the new AIA Colorado firm directory!
AIA Colorado staff often receives inquiries from clients looking to hire architects from firms of all sizes across Colorado. Our goal with this Firm Member Directory is to help you get discovered and connect with potential projects. We’re excited to launch this new directory, currently in its beta phase. This means we’re still fine-tuning the features and gathering feedback to ensure it meets your needs. Join now and pay nothing for the rest of the year! See the directory here and join here.
J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
The J.E.D.I. Committee invites neurodivergent members to share their unique perspectives for an upcoming profile. If you’re neurodivergent experiences have influenced your work in architecture and design, we want to hear your story. Help us raise awareness and inspire positive change within our community! To get involved, please contact AIA Colorado Communications Director, Jon Bell.
Health Horizons 2024
This October 15th, join the Academy of Architecture for Health and Women in Healthcare for an engaging half-day symposium on the future of healthcare. We will explore emerging industry-wide issues including challenges faced by nurses and clinicians, increasing costs and construction schedules, and technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Together, we will discuss both the challenges and opportunities ahead, seeking to navigate these changes while prioritizing the human experience.
This event, held at the CSU Spur facility in Denver, is tailored for those in care delivery and healthcare facility design and construction, with continuing education credits provided for a variety of disciplines. The day starts with networking and a light breakfast, followed by guest presentations and a lively panel discussion. After a brief break, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a design thinking workshop and envision the future of healthcare together. More info and register here.
AEF celebrates scholarship recipients
On September 12th, representatives from the Architectural Education Foundation (AEF) celebrated several scholarship recipients at a luncheon at the University of Colorado at Boulder. The honored recipients are:
- Jose Banuelos: Colorado North AIA Scholarship
- Nathan Quintero: Garry G. Landin AIA Scholarship
- Mia Winstead: Oscar R. Sanchez AIAS Scholarship
AEF, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to advance the interest of the profession of architecture in the State of Colorado. See a list of past recipients here and learn more about AEF and donate to the organization here.
AIA Colorado Events
Emerging Professional AE Happy Hour with SEAC
October 17th, from 5 – 7pm, join emerging professional members from AIA Colorado and Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) for a happy hour at Wynkoop Brewery.
Affordable Housing in Denver: Tour and Panel Discussion
Tuesday, October 22nd, from 4 – 5:45pm, the AIA Colorado Denver Local Advisors will be hosting a tour and panel discussion on the topic of affordable housing in Denver. The event will offer three 30-minute simultaneous site tours of projects in the Sun Valley neighborhood and be followed by a panel discussion highlighting the opportunities and challenges our community has in setting up affordable projects as we all aim to solve the housing issues in Denver. The panel will focus on how affordable projects come to life and the challenges of making them a reality. A reception and Q&A with the panel and tour hosts will follow. This will be an exclusive event for AIAColorado members and reservations are limited! Event has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
Historic Preservation Tour – Larimer Square
Thursday, October 24, at 4pm, join Denver Local Advisors for a tour of the historic preservation and restoration to Denver’s Larimer Square. The tour will look at the $20 million-dollar exterior restoration and preservation improvements of the downtown historic 1400 block of Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets. Constructed between 1860 and 1880, the block includes 18 historic building facades, containing over 50,000 sq ft of interior space, and pedestrian streetscape. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
Code Class: 2021 IBC Multi-Family Construction
Friday, October 25, at 8am, attend an overview of the requirements for multi-family dwellings in the International Building Code. Type V-A construction may be the most difficult type of construction to build a structure by. This seminar discusses the design, construction and inspection of Group R-2 occupancies including, building planning, fire-resistive rated construction, fire protection requirements and means of egress requirements. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been for approval for 7.0 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hours.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Breaking Boundaries with Embodied Carbon
Monday, October 28th, 5 – 6:30pm, at The Alliance Center, join the AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment (COTE) for the third member education session.
A few of the topics discussed will include:
- Understanding operational carbon and embodied carbon within the context of building design and construction.
- Identify key tools, benchmarks, and metrics for measuring and tracking embodied carbon in buildings.
- Understanding how to engage your project team in the discussion of carbon reduction strategies.
- Gain insight to the benefits and impacts of reducing embodied, operational, and refrigerant carbon through case study projects.
- Illustrate the benefits of participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment and supporting the effort to reduce emissions and change the practice of architecture.
A Q+A session will follow the presentation. Watch Session #1 here and Session #2 here.
MEMBER NEWS
Join Alan Ford, FAIA and his co-authors, Tuesday, October 8th, from 4 – 6pm, for a book launch party at Run for the Roses, located in Denver’s Dairy Block, to celebrate the release of “Creating the Regenerative School.” For more info and to RSVP, email Beth@PowersProducts.com.
Partner News
Upcoming CAP Fall lecture series
- Thursday, October 3, 12pm – Brittany Utting and Daniel “DJ” Jacobs, Rice University, Assistant Professor and University of Houston, Instructional Assistant Professor HOME-Office, Founders
- Thursday, October 10, 12pm – Kate Yeh Chiu, Materials and Applications, Executive Director yyyy-mm-dd, Co-Founder
- Thursday, October 24, 12pm – Jorge Otero-Pailos, Columbia GSAPP, Professor, Director of the Master of Science in Historic Preservation and PhD in Historic Preservation Program
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Where is Denver’s Chinatown?
From October 9, 2024 – August 9, 2025, History Colorado Center invites visitors to uncover the history of the neighborhood, discover what happened to it, and help imagine what it might become. Once located in the area known today as Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver’s Chinatown was one of the largest in the American West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It provided a welcoming space for Chinese people in Colorado who built a community and celebrated their culture against a backdrop of frequent ignorance, hostility, and violence. The exhibition will invite visitors into this thriving cultural community through historic personal family photographs and objects, artifacts from the museum collection, a portrayal of a typical home, and artistic reimaginings of the neighborhood. More info here.
Mindful Materials Denver Event
October 23rd, come discover new materials, learn about the power of collaboration to scale our individual work to reduce the embodied impacts of the built environment, and learn about Gensler’s Product Sustainability Standards. Event is in-person at Gensler’s Denver office and offers 1 LU|HSW. Register here.
Nominations now open for 2025 Mayor’s Design Awards!
Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, urban design, and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, artists, and others for their creative contributions to Denver’s built environment through excellence and innovation. Many different types of projects are eligible. Mayor Mike Johnston and the Department of Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards to be handed out in early 2025. Nominations are due Friday, November 1, 2024. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony early next year. Nominate a project 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
Women’s Leadership Summit 2024
Registration is open! Get your ticket to the industry’s premier leadership training event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership positions in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. WLS convenes the industry’s largest network of women who are breaking down barriers and manifesting the careers they want—while making a difference in the world. You’ll meet, network with, and learn from an extraordinary lineup of renowned speakers, trailblazing leaders, and industry experts who will share pathbreaking ideas to tackle challenges and lead change. Register at AIA
Recent disaster: Hurricane Helene response and recovery
Hurricane Helene recently swept through the southeastern United States, rapidly intensifying to a Category 4 storm before making landfall on the Florida panhandle. Its powerful winds and heavy rains caused widespread damage in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas, reaching inland communities far from the coast. In its wake, Helene left many communities without power, homes destroyed, and, tragically, lives lost. AIA is actively working with state and local chapters to support impacted communities. See updates on you can help here.
AIA Membership Demographics Report
This report is a benchmark to measure changes in AIA’s member demographics. It includes member-reported data for all AIA membership categories plus demographics for the AIA Board of Directors, AIA Strategic Council, and AIA headquarters staff. View at AIA
Call for Proposals to present at AIA25 closes October 23rd
Submit your proposal for an educational session or architectural tour at AIA25 in Boston! AIA is looking for ahead-of-the-curve educational content from a diversity of voices, career stages, and industries. Start submission here.
Premier Partner at AIA24
Please welcome the newest AIA Colorado Premier Partners, K3 Technology, as we look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
K3 Technology, a Denver based Information Technology Solutions Provider (ITSP/MSP) that was recently named a Colorado Company to Watch and recognized as one of Americas Fastest Growing Companies on the Inc. 5000 list. While many technology providers have a “come one, come all’ approach, we have a dedicated focus on the AECO and Creative industries. Why? Because we don’t think technology should be a bolt-on item to your business, it should be integrated into making you a better, more efficient, more profitable company. The only way to do that is by trying to understand your business as well as you do, and we can’t do that if we spread ourselves across multiple industries. View K3 Technology Website
Allied Member Events
NanaWall Walking Tour
Join Allied Member NanaWall for a tour of operable glass systems around McGregor Square. Food, networking, and an AIA credit are all a part of this open-house event taking place Tuesday, October th, from 4 – 6pm, at Tom’s Watch Bar in Denver. RSVP here
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:
Save the Date:
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.
ARCpac and ARCsdc announce 2024 recipients of campaign contributions
ARCpac and ARCsdc announce 2024 recipients of campaign contributions
ARCpac and ARCsdc accept contributions from AIA members and use these funds to support state legislative race candidates who support the architecture profession. Issues affecting the architects at the capitol are non-partisan and we have allies on both sides of the aisle. Below are the candidates supported in 2024.
With the successful effort to renew our practice act in 2024, we’ve greatly expanded the list of contribution recipients this year to include legislators who stepped up to support our bill in committee hearings and who signed on as co-sponsors of this legislation.
Denver Section area candidates:
- Javier Mabrey (D) HD-01
- Meg Froelich (D) HD-03
- Cecilia Espinoza (D) HD-04
- Alex Valdez (D) HD-05
- Sean Camacho (D) HD-06
- Lindsay Gilcrhist (D) HD-08
- Emily Sirota (D) HD-09
- Monica Duran (D) HD-23
- Lisa Feret (D) HD-24
- Brianna Titone (D) HD-27
- Sheila Lieder (D) HD-28
- Shannon Bird (D) HD-29, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- Rebekah Stewart (D) HD-30
- William Lindstedt (D) HD-33, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- Jenny Willford (D) HD-34, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- Michael Carter (D) HD-36
- Chad Clifford (D) HD-37
- Gretchen Rydin (D) HD-38
- Naquetta Ricks (D) HD-40
- Iman Jodeh (D) HD-41
- Robert Marshall (D) HD-43
- Max Brooks (R) HD-45
- Lisa Frizell (R) SD-2
- Dafna Michaelson Jenet (D) SD-21
- Idris Keith (D) SD-28
- Janet Buckner (D) SD-29
- Chris Hansen (D) SD-31, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- James Coleman (D) SD-33, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
North Section Area Candidates:
- Junie Joseph (D) HD-10
- Kyle Brown (D) HD-12
- Dan Woog (R) HD-19
- Carlos Barron (R) HD-48
- Lesley Smith (D) HD-49
- Yara Zokaie (D) HD-52
- Dusty Johnson (R) HD-63
- Cathy Kipp (D) SD-14, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- Sonya Jaquez Lewis (D) SD-17
- Judy Amabile (D) SD-18
South Section Area Candidates:
- Stephanie Vigil (D) HD-16
- Regina English (D) HD-17
- Tisha Mauro (D) HD-46
- Cleave Simpson (R) SD-06, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
- Larry Liston (R) SD-10
- Marc Snyder (D) SD-18
West Section Area Candidates:
- Julie McCluskie (D) HD-13
- Meghan Lukens (D) HD-26
- Elizabeth Velasco (D) HD-57
- Katie Stewart (D) HD-59
- Dylan Roberts (D) SD-08, AIA Colorado Legislative Champion
If you’d like to learn more about any of these contributions, please contact Advocacy Engagement Director Nikolaus Remus, AIA.
Colorado Architecture News | 09.18.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 09.18.24
In this Newsletter:
- Member news: celebrating the 2024 Design + Honor Awards recipients
- Health Horizon 24 half-day symposium
- J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
- AIA membership dues auto-renewal program
- Practice + Design Conference attendee registration open
- October 17th: emerging professional happy hour
- October 22nd: affordable housing in Denver event
- October 24th: historic preservation tour of Larimer Square
- October 25th: code class
- October 28th: AIA 2030 Commitment session #3
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: AISC
MEMBER NEWS
Announcing the 2024 Design + Honor Recipients!
Last week Thursday night, at Mile High Station in Denver, we celebrated 15 Design Award recipients and 8 Honor Awards recipients.
Let’s congratulate the 2024 AIA Colorado Design + Honor Award recipients!
- Architect of the Year: Adam Wagoner, AIA, High, Low, Buffalo.
- Young Architect of the Year: Maura Trumble, AIA, CCY Architects
- Firm of the Year: Arch11
- Young Firm of the Year: Shape Architecture
- President’s Award: Dr. Lydia Prado, PhD, Lifespan Local
- Impact Award: ACE Mentorship Program of Colorado
- 25-Year Award: Coors Field
- Distinguished Achievement and Service Award: Marvin Sparn, FAIA
Watch the Design Awards video to see the recipients of the Awards of Excellence, Awards of Merit, and Honorable Mentions. Read the press release, view photos from the event, and learn more about each of the award winners at aiacolorado.org/awards.
Modern In Denver
Pick up a copy of the current issue of Modern in Denver to see the 8-page awards spread, celebrating the 2024 Design Award recipients! The issue is also available online here.
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Health Horizons 2024
This October 15th, join the Academy of Architecture for Health and Women in Healthcare for an engaging half-day symposium on the future of healthcare. We will explore emerging industry-wide issues including challenges faced by nurses and clinicians, increasing costs and construction schedules, and technological advancements like Artificial Intelligence. Together, we will discuss both the challenges and opportunities ahead, seeking to navigate these changes while prioritizing the human experience.
This event, held at the CSU Spur facility in Denver, is tailored for those in care delivery and healthcare facility design and construction, with continuing education credits provided for a variety of disciplines. The day starts with networking and a light breakfast, followed by guest presentations and a lively panel discussion. After a brief break, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a design thinking workshop and envision the future of healthcare together. More info and register here.
J.E.D.I. seeking neurodiversity member profiles
The J.E.D.I. Committee invites neurodivergent members to share their unique perspectives for an upcoming profile. If you’re neurodivergent experiences have influenced your work in architecture and design, we want to hear your story. Help us raise awareness and inspire positive change within our community! To get involved, please contact AIA Colorado Communications Director, Jon Bell.
AIA membership dues auto-renewal program
Introduced in October 2023, the auto-renewal program offers AIA members a streamlined renewal process and ensures a member will always have an active membership. New and renewing members can enroll in the autorenewal option online before checkout. Members enrolled in autorenewal will have their dues automatically debited on December 31, 2024. The cutoff date for 2025 auto-renewal enrollments is September 30, 2024. Program enrollments occurring between October 1, 2024, and September 30, 2025, will apply to the 2026 renewal year.
Conference registration open
Join us at Keystone Resort for Tech Connect November 13th and GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference November 14 – 15. Stay tuned for upcoming keynote speaker announcements, breakout session details, and Tech Connect event info. Regularly priced registration is open through October 31st.
AIA Colorado Events
Emerging Professional AE Happy Hour with SEAC
October 17th, from 5 – 7pm, join emerging professional members from AIA Colorado and Structural Engineers Association of Colorado (SEAC) for a happy hour at Wynkoop Brewery.
Affordable Housing in Denver: Tour and Panel Discussion
Tuesday, October 22nd, from 4 – 5:45pm, the AIA Colorado Denver Local Advisors will be hosting a tour and panel discussion on the topic of affordable housing in Denver. The event will offer three 30-minute simultaneous site tours of projects in the Sun Valley neighborhood and be followed by a panel discussion highlighting the opportunities and challenges our community has in setting up affordable projects as we all aim to solve the housing issues in Denver. The panel will focus on how affordable projects come to life and the challenges of making them a reality. A reception and Q&A with the panel and tour hosts will follow. This will be an exclusive event for AIAColorado members and reservations are limited! Event has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
Historic Preservation Tour – Larimer Square
Thursday, October 24, at 4pm, join Denver Local Advisors for a tour of the historic preservation and restoration to Denver’s Larimer Square. The tour will look at the $20 million-dollar exterior restoration and preservation improvements of the downtown historic 1400 block of Larimer Street between 14th and 15th Streets. Constructed between 1860 and 1880, the block includes 18 historic building facades, containing over 50,000 sq ft of interior space, and pedestrian streetscape. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
Code Class: 2021 IBC Multi-Family Construction
Friday, October 25, at 8am, attend an overview of the requirements for multi-family dwellings in the International Building Code. Type V-A construction may be the most difficult type of construction to build a structure by. This seminar discusses the design, construction and inspection of Group R-2 occupancies including, building planning, fire-resistive rated construction, fire protection requirements and means of egress requirements. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been for approval for 7.0 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hours.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Breaking Boundaries with Embodied Carbon
Monday, October 28th, 5 – 6:30pm, at The Alliance Center, join the AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment (COTE) for the third member education session.
A few of the topics discussed will include:
- Understanding operational carbon and embodied carbon within the context of building design and construction.
- Identify key tools, benchmarks, and metrics for measuring and tracking embodied carbon in buildings.
- Understanding how to engage your project team in the discussion of carbon reduction strategies.
- Gain insight to the benefits and impacts of reducing embodied, operational, and refrigerant carbon through case study projects.
- Illustrate the benefits of participation in the AIA 2030 Commitment and supporting the effort to reduce emissions and change the practice of architecture.
A Q+A session will follow the presentation.
Watch Session #2: Implementation & Case Studies here.
Partner News
Listen & Learn: Free Mountain Region Net Zero Codes Listen & Learn
Join Walking Mountains, CORE, and CLEER for a series of community discussions on building a sustainable future in Eagle, Pitkin, and Garfield counties. These sessions will explore how our rural Colorado mountain communities can achieve net zero buildings, focusing on the future of energy codes, workforce development, and the resources needed to make it happen. At each session, you’ll discover the innovative work underway to:
- Advance net zero construction through evolving energy codes.
- Identify and fill gaps in our local workforce to support energy-efficient retrofits.
- Develop the future CORE Building Hub—a comprehensive resource center for the building industry.
Following a brief presentation, the floor will open to hear from attendees. Organizers want to hear what you need to help our region meet its climate goals and how to work together over the next decade. The full “Listen and Learn” session will be 1 hour, with an optional half hour of networking after. Be part of the conversation that will shape the future of our mountain communities! Here are the remaining events to be held:
- Vail: Thursday, September, 19th
- Glenwood Springs: Tuesday, October 1st
- Carbondale: Wednesday, October 2nd
Learn more and RSVP here.
Month of Modern
During the month of September, Boulder will be alive with Month of Modern (MoM). Founded in 2014 as a celebration of architecture, design, lifestyle, art and culture—MoM’s mission is to cultivate a conversation about Colorado modern, and present the Boulder region as one of the nation’s most vibrant hubs of modern design. This year’s MoM kicks off Friday, September 6th, with “Architecture after AI” at Bus Stop Gallery. See all of this month’s MoM events here.
Upcoming CAP Fall lecture series
- Monday, September 23, 4pm – M. Elen Deming, North Carolina State University Professor, Director of Doctor of Design Program
- Thursday, October 3, 12pm – Brittany Utting and Daniel “DJ” Jacobs, Rice University, Assistant Professor and University of Houston, Instructional Assistant Professor HOME-Office, Founders
- Thursday, October 10, 12pm – Kate Yeh Chiu, Materials and Applications, Executive Director yyyy-mm-dd, Co-Founder
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Doors open Denver
Denver Architecture Foundation’s signature event is exactly as it sounds – an opportunity to open the doors to the places and spaces that make the Mile High City such a special city in which to live, work, study and play. This year, we will explore Denver’s past, present, and future with our theme Denver Through Time September 26-29. Learn more here.
Doors Open Denver Keynote Lecture: Vishaan Chakrabarti
Thursday Sept 26th, at 2pm, author, urban planner, thought leader, and keynote speaker Vishaan Chakrabarti will present on his newest work “Architecture of Urbanity: Designing for Nature, Culture, and Joy”. Tickets include the keynote, and cocktail reception at the DAM to follow where he will sign books. This is the first stop in the US on his new book tour! Tickets available here.
Doors Open Denver Gala
Saturday Sept 28th, at 6pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation for their first ever gala, held at Populus Hotel. Tickets and information here.
Where is Denver’s Chinatown?
From October 9, 2024 – August 9, 2025, History Colorado Center invites visitors to uncover the history of the neighborhood, discover what happened to it, and help imagine what it might become. Once located in the area known today as Lower Downtown (LoDo), Denver’s Chinatown was one of the largest in the American West during the late 1800s and early 1900s. It provided a welcoming space for Chinese people in Colorado who built a community and celebrated their culture against a backdrop of frequent ignorance, hostility, and violence. The exhibition will invite visitors into this thriving cultural community through historic personal family photographs and objects, artifacts from the museum collection, a portrayal of a typical home, and artistic reimaginings of the neighborhood. More info here.
Mindful Materials Denver Event
October 23rd, come discover new materials, learn about the power of collaboration to scale our individual work to reduce the embodied impacts of the built environment, and learn about Gensler’s Product Sustainability Standards. Event is in-person at Gensler’s Denver office and offers 1 LU|HSW. Register here.
Nominations now open for 2025 Mayor’s Design Awards!
Since 2005, the Mayor’s Design Awards have honored projects throughout the city for excellence in architecture, urban design, and place-making. The awards are presented to Denver homeowners, business owners, nonprofits, artists, and others for their creative contributions to Denver’s built environment through excellence and innovation. Many different types of projects are eligible. Mayor Mike Johnston and the Department of Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards to be handed out in early 2025. Nominations are due Friday, November 1, 2024. Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony early next year. Nominate a project 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
AIA Trust Week 2024
Back by popular demand, AIA Trust Week is back, September 23 – 27! With a free full week of two daily webinars, take advantage of a total of 10 sessions and 15 learning units!
Join AIA to explore what you need in order to start your firm, run your firm, and also – when the time comes – transition your firm to new ownership. This informative week will not only follow information we provide to you for every stage of your career in our guides, but also will feature informative sessions on all of the amazing benefits that are such a great member value you have as an AIA member. Learn from former trustees, plan providers including Victor/CNA, Equitable, Gallagher, LegaLine, and even some guest sessions by our friends at the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA) and well known firm Lee/Shoemaker. 10 learning sessions, each offering 1.5 AIA CEU, all in one great week. See course descriptions and register here.
Women’s Leadership Summit 2024: Building Resilience
This October 8–10, 2024, held in Chicago, Illinois, experience the industry’s premier event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership positions in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. WLS 2024 is three days of networking, education, community, and inspiration designed to change the workplace experience and help create gender equity for women in AEC. Learn more and register here.
Business Conditions Remain Soft at Architecture Firms, ABI data shows
August marked the nineteenth consecutive month of declining billings for architecture firms, according to the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). The pace of decline during August accelerated, posting an ABI score of 45.7, a decrease from 48.2 in July. Read at AIA.
Premier Partner at AIA24
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 to the steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information. View AISC website.
The 2025 Forge Prize
This competition, established by The American Institute of Steel Construction in 2018, recognizes visionary emerging architects, architecture faculty, and graduate students for design concepts that embrace innovations in steel as a primary structural component.
In short: We’re looking for your version of the future. What will people build with, live in, work in, or play in?
The Forge Prize is a unique opportunity to experiment with a conceptual design without limit to scope or complexity–the sky really is the limit here, and the industry is paying attention.
Submissions are due by 11:59 p.m. Central on November 22, 2024. Enter here
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:
Save the Date:
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.