2024 President’s Award • Dr. Lydia Prado, PhD
Congratulations to Dr. Lydia Prado, PhD!
2024 President’s Award recipient
The Award
This Award recognizes a community member in Colorado who has significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture from a vantage point outside of a firm or a traditional practice career.
Dr. Lydia Prado, PhD – as awarded by Julianne Scherer, AIA, 2024 AIA Colorado President
The official title of our recipient is Executive Director of Lifespan Local, but her unofficial role is place maker. Under her leadership, Lifespan Local is revolutionizing mental health care in Colorado, centering services in the context of community well-being and addressing connections between physical health, mental health and–of special relevance to this audience–creating spaces that enable people to influence the decisions that affect their own lives.
An accidental developer, she saw that the social determinants of health are primarily architecture challenges: lack of dignified housing, unsafe community gathering spaces, under-resourced healthy eating and living options, developments that don’t engage neighbors or end users. Rather than issue a challenge or publish research, she committed to testing whether better outcomes are possible through better places, partnering with architects to make it happen at the Dahlia Campus and Westwood Redeemer.
Sometimes it takes a non-architect to remind us of the power we have been given and the impact our decisions have on the health of communities. For proving that design makes a difference in the lives of Southwest Denver residents, I’m humbled and honored to recognize Dr. Lydia Prado with the 2024 AIA Colorado Presidents Award.
Dr. Lydia Prado is the Executive Director of Lifespan Local, which activates community-driven solutions to collectively identified challenges by partnering across sectors, breaking barriers and elevating community voices. By maximizing sustainable assets within a neighborhood, Lifespan Local is able to reimagine what is possible, creating community spaces where health and wellness thrive.
Dr. Prado approaches her work from a systems and strengths-based perspective, with an emphasis on diversity, equity and community-based leadership. Dr. Prado is a place-maker, convening partners with a shared commitment to healthy living and social change.
Before starting Lifespan Local, Dr. Prado spent 17 years with the Mental Health Center of Denver as the Vice President of Child & Family Services. She is the project visionary behind the Mental Health Center of Denver’s Dahlia Campus for Health & Well-Being, an innovative community center in Northeast Park Hill that promotes well-being across the lifespan. The site features an inclusive preschool, a full service dental clinic for children, a one acre urban farm, 5,400 sq ft aquaponics greenhouse, horticultural therapy spaces, community gardens, teaching kitchen, community room, gymnasium and a full array of mental health services for all ages.
2024 Impact Award • ACE Mentorship Program of Colorado
Congratulations to ACE Mentorship Program of Colorado!
2024 Impact Award recipient
The Award
This award recognizes a group or organization in Colorado that has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture and/or enhanced the role of practitioners.
ACE Mentorship Program of Colorado – as awarded by Joey Bahnsen, AIA, 2024 AIA Colorado Board Member and South Director
Vanessa Valerio accepted the award on behalf of ACE Mentorship Program of Colorado.
This year, ACE Mentor Program of Colorado was selected as the standout nomination for their continued involvement, engagement, and inspiration of high school students hoping to enter the AEC industry. Through organizations like ACE, the architecture industry continues to have a pipeline of innovative leaders and designers entering college programs throughout the United States, but especially right here in Colorado.
It goes without saying that the Jury had a difficult time deliberating between several deserving organizations but the impact that ACE Colorado has made locally and on a national level is truly amazing. ACE Mentor Program of Colorado gave out over $50,000 in scholarships to high school seniors in 2024, hosted students from across the country at CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning for 2 weeks of summer camps and continues to engage industry professionals and AIA Colorado members to create connections with high school students, teachers, and families that will last a lifetime.
ACE Colorado has continued to be a leader in virtual teaching sessions to reach students in rural areas of the state and extend opportunities to students in other states that don’t have ACE. Often an example for excellence to other ACE affiliates, ACE Colorado continues to innovate and inspire high school students and the industry professionals that act as mentors.
ACE Mentor Program of Colorado has proven that the reach and impact of local architects, designers, engineers, and contractors can be felt across the entire country. Please give a round of applause for ACE Mentor Program of Colorado for being selected as this year’s AIA Colorado Impact Award recipient.
ACE Mentor Program of Colorado serves high school students who want to explore careers in architecture, construction, and engineering. Throughout the year, the ACE program, which meets two hours per week for 17 weeks introduces participants to building industry professions by having them plan and design mock projects on real sites and work with professionals in the design and build industries.
2024 25-Year Award • Coors Field
Congratulations to the Colorado Rockies and Coors Field!
2024 25-Year Award recipient
The Award
This award showcases buildings that set a precedent and stand the test of time. Recognizing a built structure that has catalyzed, reimagined, and advanced communities in Colorado, enhancing the public’s appreciation and beneficial use of architecture. These honorees continue to set standards of design excellence and architectural significance. Eligible nominations must be: located in Colorado, built at least 25 years prior to the date of submittal, and still in active use.
Coors Field – as awarded by Scott Rodwin, AIA, 2024 AIA Colorado President-Elect.
Kevin Kahn, Chief Customer Officer & Vice President, Ballpark Operations, Colorado Rockies, accepted the award on behalf of the Colorado Rockies.
We’ve had many examples of truly remarkable projects since first giving this award in 1994. On this 30th anniversary of the AIA Colorado 25 Year Award, we honor an organization that themselves just celebrated 30 years in business in 2023. But this is no ordinary business, and their headquarters is anything but a traditional corporate campus. It may be one of the most successful recruiting wins to locate a national expansion franchise that this state has ever seen and changed its neighborhood for generations to come.
This year’s award goes to Coors Field. Opened April 1995 and designed by HOK Sport (now Populous), it set the precedent for the “Modern Retro” baseball park movement along with Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore in 1992. Like Camden Yards, Coors Field set itself in the heart of the urban environment instead of in a sea of parking lots, and thoroughly integrated brick and traditional building materials instead of the sterile “concrete donut” multipurpose stadiums which were the precedent.
The design hearkens back to beloved historic ballparks like Fenway Park in Boston, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and Ebbets Field in Brooklyn while creating new fan experiences like the introduction of a field level “open concourse” that allowed viewing of the field while at concession stands or just circulating in the stadium. A design feature now ubiquitous in sports stadium and arena design.
A late decision was made to keep LoDo’s Student Movers building standing and link it into the ballpark to house Major League Baseball’s first in-stadium brewpub (where brewers later created the first Blue Moon wheat beer, now a Coors flagship brand).
Perhaps more important than the design attributes and first of its kind innovations is the positive neighborhood impact we take for granted today. Before Coors Field, there was no Lower Downtown as we now know it. The area was a largely neglected and notoriously run-down swath of viaducts bypassing crumbling brick warehouses.
Joining Larimer Square, the Buell Theatre and the Wynkoop Brewery as development pioneers, the decision to construct Coors Field brought more infrastructure investment which eventually encompassed Union Station.
A growth cycle with loft-living warehouse redevelopments breaking ground simultaneous with the ballpark’s construction suggested the hint of a potentially viable new 24-hour urban neighborhood.
But the critical piece of the puzzle was 10s of thousands of fans that began flooding into LoDo once the Rockies started playing at Coors Field in 1995, crowding the now thriving hub of bars, restaurants and retail establishments on Blake Street and beyond.
Without Coors Field, Denver would not have the spark which brought new life to LoDo.
Without LoDo, we wouldn’t enjoy the vibrancy of adjacent neighborhoods—with their alphabet soup names–like LoHi, RiNo, SoBo, SloHi.
Coors Field is a shining example of the everyday extraordinary—a building for playing baseball that became a catalyst for city building.
Home of the Colorado Rockies, Coors Field is a 50,000 seat baseball stadium, situated in the now-revitalized LoDo neighborhood of Denver.
2024 Distinguished Achievement and Service Award • Marvin Sparn, FAIA
Marvin Sparn, FAIA
2024 Distinguished Achievement and Service Award recipient
The Award
This Award recognizes a community member in Colorado who has significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture throughout their career and professional life.
This was presented on behalf of AIA Colorado by Steve Loos, FAIA and accepting on behalf of Marvin, Mark Sparn and Marla Sparn Meehl.
At the time of Marvin’s passing, several Fellows shared with the AIA Colorado community:
“I had the good fortune to work with Marvin for about 40 years through AIA Colorado. As many know, Marv was elected president in 1991 and shortly after, due to great staffing difficulties, he and his wife, Yvonne, took over the day-to-day operation of the organization. For nearly a year, they basically ran AIA Colorado, a daunting task, especially as a volunteer! Marv was elevated to Fellowship in 1996 in recognition of his Service to the Profession. He was instrumental in helping start the AIA Colorado College of Fellows Scholarship Fund, which just recently awarded its first two student scholarships from its $100,000 endowment. From 1998 through 2001, Marvin represent the AIA Western Mountain Region as a Director on the National AIA Board. And in 2001 was awarded the AIA/WMR Silver Medal, the highest honor the six-state region of the AIA can bestow. Marvin was a great personal friend and a prodigious friend to the AIA. His passing should be a reminder of the example he set as a tireless advocate of the profession.” — Phil Gerou, FAIA
“Marvin was the most prolific supporter and attendee of Fellows and AIA activities I have known. He was always there. For those that don’t know even a little about him historically, AIA Colorado was on the verge of bankruptcy when he was president decades ago. He essentially “gave up” his practice to save it and did so successfully when there were only two staff people, one full time, and did it almost alone. Marvin is a true example of selflessness for the benefit of many. One of many examples.” — Gary Desmond, FAIA
“I will always miss his generous and welcoming friendship. His dedication to a more balanced and equitable architectural presence throughout our communities will be missed.” — Blake Chambliss, FAIA
Utilizing the GI Bill, Marv attended the University of Colorado, graduating with a BS in Architectural Engineering/Architecture in 1957/1959. His career in architecture began with his presidency of the Student Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) at the University of Colorado. While in that leadership position, he arranged for Frank Lloyd Wright’s campus visit, thus foreshadowing his lifelong dedication to the architectural profession. Marv was a recognized architect in Colorado and a Fellow of the AIA. He was honored as a ‘Living Treasure’ for his extensive involvement in the AIA and the architectural profession. Marv served as the Treasurer and President of the Colorado North Chapter of the AIA, holding each position twice. He was also a former President of AIA Colorado and a former Treasurer of the AIA Western Mountain Region (WMR). Marv was elected as Regional Director for the WMR Board of Directors. A founding member and former Chairman, Marv was a long-standing active participant on the AIA Colorado Governmental Affairs Committee. He served as Chair of the AIA Colorado Legislative Subcommittee and the Education Fund Board of Trustees. Additionally, Marv coordinated the AIA Colorado Education Fund’s Devon M. Carlson Lectureship and co-chaired the AIA Colorado Fellowship Task Force.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Implementation & Case Studies
September 11th, AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) led a session unpacking 2030 Commitment implementation & case studies. Hear from COTE and AIA members as they present multiple aspects to the 2030 Commitment.
A few of the topics discussed include:
- An overview of Session #1, including 2030 Commitment current goals and benchmarks.
- Examples case study projects targeting net zero energy and water efficiency.
- Key tools and resources used during project development to support goals for efficiency and meeting AIA 2030 benchmarks.
- Understand how fluctuations in modeling impact and support decision making during the design process.
- The benefits of having an integrated team support the project at all phases of development.
A brief Q+A session followed the presentation.
Colorado Architecture News | 09.04.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 09.04.24
In this Newsletter:
- Design + Honor Awards event Thursday, Sept. 12th
- AIA Colorado opposes Boulder County house site plan review moratorium
- Health Horizon 24 half-day symposium
- Design Like a Girl volunteer opportunities
- AIA membership dues auto-renewal program
- Practice + Design Conference attendee registration and Expo Hall open
- Wild Bear Nature Center tour Sept. 5th
- West Virtual Connect Sept. 10th
- AIA 2030 Commitment: Implementation & Case Studies Sept 11th
- Member news
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: AISC
AIA COLORADO NEWS
2024 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
Thursday, September 12th, join AIA Colorado members as we unveil the recipients of the 2024 Design + Honor Awards and celebrate the exemplary work of Colorado architects.
We look forward to welcoming you at 5:30pm to Mile High Station where you’ll enjoy delicious food and signature craft cocktails, and an event program beginning right at 7pm. Mile High Soul Club will be spinning vinyl records and photographers will be on hand to capture photos of winners and attendees on the red carpet in front of the photo wall.
Connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, and expand your industry contacts as we celebrate this year’s Award recipients. We sincerely hope that your whole team, clients, friends, and family can join in the celebration. It will be a fantastic event and we’re looking forward to it.
Buy your tickets soon as Late Registration goes into effect August 31st!
AIA Colorado opposes Boulder County house site plan review moratorium
Boulder County is proposing to reduce the maximum allowed size of houses in unincorporated portions of the county. While this policy is being finalized, the County is proposing a moratorium on applications for houses greater than the nearby median home size. AIA Colorado believes a moratorium will do immediate harm to all our members affected. Existing projects not ready to be immediately submitted for review will go on hold and in many cases be cancelled entirely. If the final policy adoption results in widespread inability of property owners to proceed with their preferred house projects, it will result in long-term negative consequences for architects affected.
If your architecture practice does residential work in unincorporated Boulder County, we encourage you to review the proposed changes and public meeting details here, then share how the moratorium will affect you. In person and online testimony on the moratorium (not the final policy details) will be accepted at a September 17th public meeting with the Boulder County Commissioners. You may submit letters to them ahead of time to Ethan Abner, County Planner (longrange@bouldercounty.gov) by 5pm, September 16th.
If you have questions about this effort or are looking for advice on how to effectively participate in the upcoming public meeting, please contact Nikolaus Remus at 303-228-3914 or nikolaus@aiacolorado.org.
Thank you to Board President-Elect Scott Rodwin, AIA for bringing this to AIA Colorado’s attention as an affected architect. Members are also welcome to contact Scott with questions or concerns about this effort.
Design Like a Girl
After a successful program launch last school year, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee is looking forward to offering the program to students this year and is seeking mentors to participate in the workshops this year. Design Like a Girl introduces a diverse cohort of middle school girls to architecture and allied design professions. Three full-day workshops, on Fridays throughout the 2024-2025 school year, allow students to learn first-hand about these dynamic careers from local professional women and design students. The committee is seeking female-identifying design professionals and students to guide, instruct, and inspire participants throughout each workshop. Multiple volunteer options are available. More info and signup here.
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.
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. Early registration is now open through August 31st. If you already know that you’re planning to attend, lock in your registration today and save!
Conference Expo Hall open
Know a company that serves your firm and clients really well? The AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference expo hall is now open and only a few booths remain!
AIA Colorado Events
Wild Bear Nature Center Tour
Thursday, September 5th, join AIA members for a tour of the Wild Bear Nature Center led by Arch11. The architecture of Nederland’s Wild Bear Nature Center aligns with the center’s curriculum as a teaching tool revealing phenomena and fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world. The net-positive design weaves together core values of the Institution: Education, Sustainability, Stewardship, and Community. From project siting to the selection and detailing of materials, the design is bound to the situation of place; both natural and human centric. The building, as a living organism, will provide opportunities to teach about the natural, its physical properties and how we inhabit it. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
RSVP for Sept 5th
West Virtual Connect
Tuesday, September 10th, join West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with other Western Slope members for a time of conversation. Many of us are facing the same challenges day after day and we will gather quarterly to share concerns, goals, and ideas for Western Colorado AIA membership.
Watch Session #1: Getting Started with the AIA 2030 Commitment here.
AIA 2030 Commitment Session #2: Implementation & Case Studies
Wednesday, September 11th, join the AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment for Member Education Session #2: Implementation & Case Studies. Don’t worry if you missed Session #1, there will be helpful information and discussion whether you are already participating in the AIA 2030 Commitment or are looking to join. A few of the topics discussed will include: A few of the topics discussed will include:
- An overview of Session #1, including 2030 Commitment current goals and benchmarks.
- Examples case study projects targeting net zero energy and water efficiency.
- Key tools and resources used during project development to support goals for efficiency and meeting AIA 2030 benchmarks.
- Understand how fluctuations in modeling impact and support decision making during the design process.
- The benefits of having an integrated team support the project at all phases of development.
A Q+A session will follow the presentation. This virtual Zoom session has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.
Partner News
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.
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! Events will be held:
- Basalt: Monday, September, 9th
- Gypsum: Wednesday September, 11th
- Vail: Thursday, September, 19th
- Glenwood Springs: Tuesday, October 1st
- Carbondale: Wednesday, October 2nd
Learn more and RSVP here.
Colorado Green Building Guild’s Green Home Tour
Saturday, September 14th, the CGBG Green Home Tour is a self-guided event that features a series of in-person open houses with unique sustainable features. Attendees can look forward to a diverse collection of architectural styles across newly constructed homes, remodels, energy retrofits, multi-family projects, all electric homes, and certified Passive House projects. Previous tours have hosted over 400 attendees including curious college students, industry professionals, and homeowners who are eager to see latest in high performance construction and learn about the techniques that make the magic happen. At the tour you can expect:
- Homes of different sizes and shapes, that strive to be healthier, more energy efficient, and more resilient
- Information about the details that make them successful, and project representatives that can answer questions
- A choose-your-own adventure, visiting homes at your leisure
- A great after-party full of your favorite local CGBG members and friends
Visit the event website here. Buy tickets here.
Upcoming CAP Fall lecture series
- Monday, September 16, 6pm – Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, CU Denver CAP, Colorado Building Workshop, Associate Professor and Director
- 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
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.
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: September 23-27
Back by popular demand, AIA Trust Week is back! 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, 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.
Young Architects Forum August newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read here.
Submissions are open for variety of 2025 awards
Submissions are currently open for the 2025 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education, Architecture Firm Award, Edward C. Kemper Award, Fellowship, Gold Medal, Honorary Fellowship, and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. Begin your submissions here.
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
Allied Membership
Friday, September 6th, Living Design Studios (LDSI) is hosting “Metalpalooza”, a metalworking event that will include demos, competitions, networking, a sculpture unveiling, festivities for kids of all ages, dinner, and music to mark the 30th anniversary of the company. Part of the event includes a two hour class covering project talks, a tour, blacksmithing demo, a patina demo, and a panel on architecture and technology (2 AIA CES). Learn more about Metalpalooze and 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 Dates:
- 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. View awards event sponsorship opportunities.
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.
Getting Started with the AIA 2030 Commitment
June 20, 2024, AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) led a session unpacking the 2030 Commitment. Hear from COTE and AIA members as they present multiple aspects to the 2030 Commitment.
A few of the topics discussed include:
- An understanding of the origins and current requirements of the AIA 2030 Commitment. What is it and how to become a signatory.
- Examples of successful and implemented Sustainability Action Plans. They aren’t just a paper weight!
- Compare how different size firms have found success with joining the 2030 Commitment and tracking performance data on projects.
- Investigate the online data collection platform called the DDx and what types of metrics firms are asked to collect on their projects in regard to operational and embodied carbon.
A brief Q+A session followed the presentation.
Colorado Architecture News | 08.21.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 08.21.24
In this Newsletter:
- Design + Honor Awards event Thursday, Sept. 12th
- Early registration for attendees and expo hall
- Design Like a Girl volunteer opportunities
- Watch Academy of Architecture for Heath Knowledge Community event on YouTube
- Wild Bear Nature Center tour August 22nd and Sept. 5th
- Business of Architecture Roundtable: Practice Structure + Organization Sept. 3rd
- West Virtual Connect Sept. 10th
- AIA 2030 Commitment: Implementation & Case Studies Sept 11th
- Member news
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: JVA Consulting Engineers
AIA COLORADO NEWS
2024 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
Thursday, September 12th, join AIA Colorado members as we unveil the recipients of the 2024 Design + Honor Awards and celebrate the exemplary work of Colorado architects.
We look forward to welcoming you at 5:30pm to Mile High Station where you’ll enjoy delicious food and signature craft cocktails, and an event program beginning right at 7pm. Mile High Soul Club will be spinning vinyl records and photographers will be on hand to capture photos of winners and attendees on the red carpet in front of the photo wall.
Connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, and expand your industry contacts as we celebrate this year’s Award recipients. We sincerely hope that your whole team, clients, friends, and family can join in the celebration. It will be a fantastic event and we’re looking forward to it.
Buy your tickets soon as Late Registration goes into effect August 31st!
Conference early 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. Early registration is now open through August 31st. If you already know that you’re planning to attend, lock in your registration today and save!
Conference Expo Hall open
Know a company that serves your firm and clients really well? The AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference expo hall is now open and only a few booths remain! The open floor plan of AIA Colorado’s Practice + Design Conference Expo Hall has been a huge success year after year, allowing architects and exhibitors fantastic opportunities to create genuine learning and connection.!
Design Like a Girl
After a successful program launch last school year, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee is looking forward to offering the program to students this year and is seeking mentors to participate in the workshops this year. Design Like a Girl introduces a diverse cohort of middle school girls to architecture and allied design professions. Three full-day workshops, on Fridays throughout the 2024-2025 school year, allow students to learn first-hand about these dynamic careers from local professional women and design students. The committee is seeking female-identifying design professionals and students to guide, instruct, and inspire participants throughout each workshop. Multiple volunteer options are available. More info and signup here.
Did you miss the Academy of Architecture for Heath Knowledge Community event last week and want to watch it? Great news! You can watch it here.
AIA Colorado Events
Wild Bear Nature Center Tour
Thursday, August 22nd, or Thursday, September 5th, join AIA members for a tour of the Wild Bear Nature Center led by Arch11. The architecture of Nederland’s Wild Bear Nature Center aligns with the center’s curriculum as a teaching tool revealing phenomena and fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world. The net-positive design weaves together core values of the Institution: Education, Sustainability, Stewardship, and Community. From project siting to the selection and detailing of materials, the design is bound to the situation of place; both natural and human centric. The building, as a living organism, will provide opportunities to teach about the natural, its physical properties and how we inhabit it. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
Join August 22nd Waitlist | RSVP for Sept 5th
Business of Architecture Roundtable: Practice Structure + Organization
Tuesday, September 3rd, join the AIA Colorado Business of Architecture Committee for a discussion of practice structure + organization. Topics to be discussed include:
- Starting a firm. How to decide whether to be a sole proprietor, LLC or Corporation
- Firm organization – roles, responsibilities
- Managing a remote workforce
West Virtual Connect
Tuesday, September 10th, join West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with other Western Slope members for a time of conversation. Many of us are facing the same challenges day after day and we will gather quarterly to share concerns, goals, and ideas for Western Colorado AIA membership.
AIA 2030 Commitment: Implementation & Case Studies
Wednesday, September 11th, join the AIA Colorado Committee on the Environment for Member Education Session #2: Implementation & Case Studies. Don’t worry if you missed Session #1, there will be helpful information and discussion whether you are already participating in the AIA 2030 Commitment or are looking to join. A few of the topics discussed will include: A few of the topics discussed will include:
- An overview of Session #1, including 2030 Commitment current goals and benchmarks.
- Examples case study projects targeting net zero energy and water efficiency.
- Key tools and resources used during project development to support goals for efficiency and meeting AIA 2030 benchmarks.
- Understand how fluctuations in modeling impact and support decision making during the design process.
- The benefits of having an integrated team support the project at all phases of development.
A Q+A session will follow the presentation. This virtual Zoom session has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.
Member News
Huili Feng, AIA, founder of Tumu Studio, was featured in the July/August 2024 edition of Luxe Interiors + Design Magazine. The article, dedicated to showcasing influential women in the design industry, provides a brief look at Huili’s journey as an architect. Read it here.
Holt Watters Field Camp, a project lead by Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, Colorado Building Workshop, and University of Colorado Denver was featured in Architizer as they ask “Building on the Edge: Can Antarctic Architecture Guide Global Sustainable Design? How do you build in the world’s coldest and harshest environment?” Read it here.
Members toured Steel House, a new 12-story office building in the RiNo neighborhood and learned about many of the LEED/well components of the project.
See more photos from the tour here.
North members enjoyed a happy hour at Rosetta Hall with the ULI Boulder committee.
The CKLDP alumni happy hour was a great time gathering scholars from the current and past classes.
Ascend also held their annual reunion last week and enjoyed time with past scholars at SAR+.
Partner News
Upcoming CAP Fall lecture series
- Erin Besler, Princeton University, Assistant Professor, Besler & Sons, Founder Monday, August 26, 12pm
- Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, CU Denver CAP, Colorado Building Workshop, Associate Professor and Director Monday, September 16, 6pm
- M. Elen Deming, North Carolina State University Professor, Director of Doctor of Design Program Monday, September 23, 4pm
Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.
Colorado Green Building Guild’s Green Home Tour
Saturday, September 14th, the CGBG Green Home Tour is a self-guided event that features a series of in-person open houses with unique sustainable features. Attendees can look forward to a diverse collection of architectural styles across newly constructed homes, remodels, energy retrofits, multi-family projects, all electric homes, and certified Passive House projects. Previous tours have hosted over 400 attendees including curious college students, industry professionals, and homeowners who are eager to see latest in high performance construction and learn about the techniques that make the magic happen. At the tour you can expect:
- Homes of different sizes and shapes, that strive to be healthier, more energy efficient, and more resilient
- Information about the details that make them successful, and project representatives that can answer questions
- A choose-your-own adventure, visiting homes at your leisure
- A great after-party full of your favorite local CGBG members and friends
Visit the event website here. Buy tickets here.
Mentor students interested in architecture – deadline to apply extended to August 31st
Northeast Early College is seeking mentors for its students interested in engineering and allied professions like architecture. East High School is also seeking mentors for its Women in STEAM program. Mentoring is an excellent opportunity to impact the lives of high school students who might otherwise not consider architecture a career pathway. The commitment is once per month for 2.5 hours from September through April. If you’re interested, start by reviewing the mentor job description and submit an application. For cohort preference in the application, select any of the following: NEC (Northeast Early College) Engineering Group-Coach, or East High School Women in STEAM Program – 2024-2025 (Note: in the cohort options list, this cohort is labeled CU Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering) or select another mentoring cohort listed here.
The application deadline has been extended to August 9th. Once applied, you will be required to complete a background check and then attend a 2-hour coach-mentor training session taking place later in August. Questions? Contact sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com.
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: 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.
Submissions are open for variety of 2025 awards
Submissions are currently open for the 2025 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education, Architecture Firm Award, Edward C. Kemper Award, Fellowship, Gold Medal, Honorary Fellowship, and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. Begin your submissions here.
2025 AIA/ACSA Intersections Research Conference call for submissions
AIA and ACSA are currently accepting papers for the 2025 Intersections Research Conference: New Housing Paradigms to be held in Austin, Texas January 9-11, 2025 in partnership with University of Texas at Austin. Submissions are due September 4th, 2024. Apply here
Premier Partner at AIA24
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, Incorporated 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.
Learn More About JVA, Incorporated.
Allied Membership
Friday, September 6th, Living Design Studios (LDSI) is hosting “Metalpalooza”, a metalworking event that will include demos, competitions, networking, a sculpture unveiling, festivities for kids of all ages, dinner, and music to mark the 30th anniversary of the company. Part of the event includes a two hour class covering project talks, a tour, blacksmithing demo, a patina demo, and a panel on architecture and technology (2 AIA CES). Learn more about Metalpalooze and 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 Dates:
- 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. View awards event sponsorship opportunities.
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.
Public Health by Design: Shaping Healthier Environments
AIA Colorado’s Knowledge Community Academy of Architecture for Health presented this virtual event exploring the intersection of public health and design on August 13th, 2024.
Topics discussed include essential public health services, health equity, the social determinants of health (SDOH), strategies to create healthy, equitable communities through case studies on transportation safety, food policy, and housing initiatives. Also discussed is the role of data, community engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing public health outcomes, and how designers can effectively partner with public health professionals on healthcare projects.
Presenters included:
- Bill Mahar, AICP, Principal, Norris Design
- Ynke de Koe, MS, RD, Nutrition Integration Specialist, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Kristin Ellis, MPH, MURP, Workplace Wellness Strategist, Denver Health
- Liz Young-Winne, MURP/AICP, MPH, Built Environment Coordinator, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
- Jack Reed, AIA, LEED GA, Architect at Page, Moderator Tim Neely, AIA, Architect at SLAM Collaborative, Moderator
Colorado Architecture News | 08.07.24
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 08.07.24
In this Newsletter:
- Expo Hall open to current Allied members
- Code Class: 2021 IBC Overview in Castle Rock August 9th
- Public Health by Design: Shaping Healthier Environments August 13th
- Happy hour in Boulder with ULI Boulder Committee August 14th
- Steel House Denver construction tour August 15th
- Wild Bear Nature Center tour August 22nd and September 5th
- Member news
- Partner news
- National news
- Premier Partner spotlight: JVA Consulting Engineers
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Expo Hall now open to current 2024 Allied Members
The Expo Hall is now open to current 2024 Allied members. Don’t delay, as over half of the Expo Hall is already sold!
AIA Colorado Events
Code Class: 2021 IBC Overview
Friday, August 9th, explore the major provisions of the International Building Code. The presentation will include discussions of the provisions addressing the following issues: occupancy classification, types of construction, means of egress, fire sprinklers and fire-resistive-rated construction, administrative provisions and accessibility. This class is designed to provide an introduction to the new provision of the code. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been approved for 6.0 AIA LU|HSW.
RSVP here
Public Health by Design: Shaping Healthier Environments
Tuesday, August 13th, from 11am – Noon, join AIA Colorado’s Knowledge Community Academy of Architecture for Health for a virtual event to explore the intersection of public health. This session will explore the intersection of public health and design. Learn about essential public health services, health equity, and the social determinants of health (SDOH). Discover strategies to create healthy, equitable communities through case studies on transportation safety, food policy, and housing initiatives. Understand the role of data, community engagement, and multidisciplinary collaboration in enhancing public health outcomes, and learn how designers can effectively partner with public health professionals on healthcare projects. This virtual event has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
RSVP here
AIA Colorado & ULI Boulder Happy Hour
August 14th, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA Colorado North members and ULI Boulder Committee members for a happy hour and mixer at Postino’s on Pearl Street.
RSVP here
Steel House Denver Construction Tour
Thursday, August 15th, join the Denver Local Advisors for a construction tour of Steel House, a new 12-story office building coming soon to the RiNo neighborhood. open studio architecture and GE Johnson Construction will conduct a 10-minute introduction and overview of a 12-floor building currently under construction in RiNo. From there, the tour will commence up from level 1 to the 12th floor, to tour a typical floor. We will then proceed to level 6 to review the amenities spaces, including outdoor terraces, basketball court, fitness center, and conference spaces. The tour will highlight LEED/well components of the project. Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
RSVP here
Wild Bear Nature Center Tour
Thursday, August 22nd, or Thursday, September 5th, join AIA members for a tour of the Wild Bear Nature Center led by Arch11. The architecture of Nederland’s Wild Bear Nature Center aligns with the center’s curriculum as a teaching tool revealing phenomena and fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world. The net-positive design weaves together core values of the Institution: Education, Sustainability, Stewardship, and Community. From project siting to the selection and detailing of materials, the design is bound to the situation of place; both natural and human centric. The building, as a living organism, will provide opportunities to teach about the natural, its physical properties and how we inhabit it. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW.
Join August 22nd Waitlist | RSVP for Sept 5th
2024 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
September 12th, join AIA Colorado members as we unveil the recipients of the 2024 Design + Honor Awards and celebrate the exemplary work of Colorado architects.
Connect with like-minded professionals, forge new relationships, and expand your industry contacts as we celebrate this year’s Design + Honor Award recipients. We sincerely hope that your whole team, clients, friends, and family can join in the celebration. It will be a fantastic event and we’re looking forward to it!
Member News
Call for Entries: Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge
SAR+ is looking to build on recent momentum surrounding the single stair topic by hosting a competition, inviting participants worldwide to envision how Point Access Blocks can greatly impact the essential missing middle housing in Colorado. Their stated goal to challenge the current constraints and boundaries to potentially reform these restrictive building codes. More information about the competition and registration can be found here.
Partner News
Mentor students interested in architecture – deadline to apply extended to August 9th
Northeast Early College is seeking mentors for its students interested in engineering and allied professions like architecture. East High School is also seeking mentors for its Women in STEAM program. Mentoring is an excellent opportunity to impact the lives of high school students who might otherwise not consider architecture a career pathway. The commitment is once per month for 2.5 hours from September through April. If you’re interested, start by reviewing the mentor job description and submit an application. For cohort preference in the application, select any of the following: NEC (Northeast Early College) Engineering Group-Coach, or East High School Women in STEAM Program – 2024-2025 (Note: in the cohort options list, this cohort is labeled CU Boulder Chemical and Biological Engineering) or select another mentoring cohort listed here.
The application deadline has been extended to August 9th. Once applied, you will be required to complete a background check and then attend a 2-hour coach-mentor training session taking place later in August. Questions? Contact sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com.
Colorado Green Building Guild’s Annual Green Home Tour
Sign up your home to be part of the Colorado Green Building Guild’s Annual Green Home Tour on September 14th! The tour highlights some of the most innovative green building projects in the Front Range and helps to promote the collaborative exchange of ideas on green building in the community. To get involved or sign up your home, fill out this intake form here, or direct questions to admin@cgbg.org. More information about the event can be found here.
Docomomo Modernism Series
Taking place this August, check out their series of walking tours, from Littleton’s Mid Mod Mile to the US Air Force Academy Chapel in Colorado Springs, and connect with others advocating for the preservation, conservation, and adaptive reuse of modern-era architecture. Tour listings and RSVPs here.
City of Denver hosting two virtual town halls on the citywide ADUs project
As part of the Denver’s ongoing effort to expand housing availability and choice, the city is looking at potential updates to the Denver Zoning Code, zoning map, and Former Chapter 59 zoning to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in all residential areas of the city. You’re invited to participate in an upcoming virtual town hall on Zoom to learn more about the proposed zoning code text amendment and what it might mean for your property. The same information will be presented at both town halls. Additionally, a draft of the text amendment will be available for public review and comment in the coming days on the Citywide ADUs project page.
Town Hall #1: Thursday, August 8, 6 pm| Town Hall #2: Wednesday, August 21, 6 pm
Earthworks and Land Art of Herbert Bayer
Join landscape architect Ann Mullins, on a tour of the earthworks and land art of Herbert Bayer on the Bauhaus-inspired, Bayer-designed Aspen Institute Campus. Offered on select Fridays at 11:00 am. More information and registration found here.
Denver Zoning Code text amendment bundle public review draft available
Just like infrastructure needs maintenance to stay in top condition, the Denver Zoning Code also needs regular upgrades to continue to respond to the needs of the city. The goal of text amendment bundles is to keep our zoning code modern, clear, and user-friendly. Review and comment on the public draft 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
Next to Lead Applications Are Open
To create an architecture profession that serves everyone, we must include everyone. That’s why AIA created Next to Lead—an association and professional leadership program that removes barriers to AIA volunteer leadership positions for racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture. Racially and ethnically diverse women who are AIA members and have at least five years of experience in architecture are invited to apply for the upcoming 2024 Next to Lead program! Submissions close August 13. Apply at AIA.
Submissions are open for variety of 2025 awards
Submissions are currently open for the 2025 AIA/ACSA Topaz Medallion for Architectural Education, Architecture Firm Award, Edward C. Kemper Award, Fellowship, Gold Medal, Honorary Fellowship, and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Award. Begin your submissions here.
2025 AIA/ACSA Intersections Research Conference call for submissions
AIA and ACSA are currently accepting papers for the 2025 Intersections Research Conference: New Housing Paradigms to be held in Austin, Texas January 9-11, 2025 in partnership with University of Texas at Austin. Submissions are due September 4th, 2024. Apply here
How today’s 3D-printed projects could shape tomorrow’s urban landscape
What if we could 3D-print entire cities? Speculate on the future applications that emerging 3D printing technologies may unlock. Read at Architizer
Premier Partner at AIA24
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, Incorporated 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.
Learn More About JVA, Incorporated.
Allied Membership
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 Dates:
- 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. View awards event sponsorship opportunities.
- 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO. View conference sponsorship opportunities.