Author: Jon Bell

In this Newsletter:

• Licensing renewal bill heads to Governor
• Practice Resources for Emerging Professionals
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions May 3rd
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions May 3rd
• Jeopardy CEU and Happy Hour in Fort Collins May 16th
• The Future of Local Sustainability Codes May 30th
• National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory Tour May 31st
• Member News
• Denver Art Museum events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight

Licensing renewal bill for Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors heads to Governor

We’re pleased to announce that the bill reauthorizing our practice act is on its way to Governor Polis for his signature! Changes between the new and current law are minimal, focusing on administrative procedures, cleaning up outdated language, and creating continuing education requirements for land surveyors. The practice of architecture itself (alongside the practices of engineering and land surveying) will retain current definitions and scope. Our next sunset review, required periodically for all licensed professionals in Colorado, will be in nine years.

Practice Resources for Emerging Professionals

Are you new to the profession and looking for tools and resources? The AIA Colorado website has new resource page specifically created for you. Use this page as an FAQ and resource listing to find questions and uncover answers and suggestions as you roll up your sleeves and dive in. If you have a question that isn’t answered or know of a resource that needs to be added, share it using the form at the bottom of the page!

View resource page.

Also, join a study group! Organized by the J.E.D.I. committee, meet up with others who are studying for the same tests. More info here.

Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the commercial provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will focus on those provisions that have the highest impact on a building’s energy efficiency as we look at what has changed in the code. Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.
RSVP here

Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the residential provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will look at the different ways to navigate through the code, highlighting all of the flexibility built in so that designers, builders, and homeowners have more options of how to meet the end goal of an energy efficient and resilient building.Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.
RSVP here

CEU jeopardy game and happy hour in Fort Collins

May 16th, join members in the North at Odell Brewing’s Community Room in Fort Collins for a fun and interactive jeopardy style game discussing basic hardware while earning 1 HSW|LU with Allegion. Followed by happy hour.
RSVP here

The Future of Local Sustainability Codes

Thursday May 30th, join members in the West for a panel discussion and Q&A opportunity with Roaring Fork building officials, construction industry leaders, and elected officials about the current state and future goals for sustainability codes. This panel event is a forum to discuss what’s working, and how construction industry professionals can be a part of the next steps.
RSVP here

National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory Private Group Tour

Friday May 31st, join AIA members in the North for a private tour covering the architectural history of the iconic NCAR Mesa Laboratory, designed by modernist architect, I.M. Pei. The building was completed in 1966, and in 1997 received the AIA Colorado Twenty-five Year Award. The tour will also cover the atmospheric science, climate science, and current research being conducted at the National Science Foundation NCAR.
RSVP here

Upcoming events in June:

• Business of Architecture Roundtable: Contracts + Legal Documents • June 4
• Colorado Night at AIA24 • June 6
• West Virtual Connect • June 11
• Metro Denver Economic Outlook • June 12
• Code Class: 2021 International Existing Building Code Overview • June 28

Joey Pruett, AIA, of A21 Architecture, recently discussed how he got his start in the Swiss Alps and the influences that have shaped his work in an interview with Angelbau.

Anderson Hallas Architects announces that Laine McLaughlin, AIA, has been promoted to Senior Project Manager. Congrats, Laine!

Upcoming events at Denver Art Museum:

• Talk with Dixon Lu, Associate Partner of MAD Architects. May 4, 2024 – 11am–12 pm. Dixon Lu serves as an Associate Partner at MAD Architects’ Los Angeles office and has overseen the management of the firm’s U.S. projects, including One River North, presently in construction in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. Buy tickets here.
• Luncheon By Design 2024, May 9, 2024 – 11:30 am–1:30 pm, in celebration of the upcoming exhibition Biophilia: Nature Reimagined, features a presentation by Jeanne Gang, FAIA, founding partner of Studio Gang, whose projects include Denver’s new Populus hotel. Buy tickets here.

AIA24

We often talk about the future. This conference is where the AEC industry gathers to define it, design it, and connect across industries to build it. Join us in Washington, D.C., June 5–8, 2024, for the architecture and design event of the year!

View conference website

Colorado Night at AIA24

Enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni at Colorado Night at AIA24. Join us!

Architecture firm billings retreat further in March

The AIA/Deltek Architectural Billings Index (ABI) March score declined to 43.6. This marked the 14th consecutive month of declining billings at firms as inflation, supply chain issues, and other economic challenges continue to affect business. Read at AIA.

Discover the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), a leading authority in structural steel design and innovation since 1921. For over a century, AISC has set the standards for steel construction and continues to drive industry advancements. Visit us at booth 1319 during the AIA 24 conference in Washington, D.C., next month to explore our new Architecture Center and learn about the wealth of resources available to architects.

Have questions about designing with structural steel? Look no further! AISC’s Designing with Structural Steel: A Guide for Architects is a resource, straight from the technical experts who write Chapter 22 (Steel) of the International Building Code. It offers a comprehensive look at designing your next project with a structural steel framing system, from sound isolation and architecturally exposed structural steel (AESS) to sustainability and resilience.

Elevate your projects with steel. Click here to learn more about AISC and the invaluable resources available to architects.

Executing low-carbon concrete symposium

Explore currently available means and methods contractors and ready mix producers can take to achieve the project carbon targets set by developers architects, engineers, and policymakers to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete. Join National Ready Mixed Concrete Association for a day of education, discussion, and networking to explore the current state of the market and identify opportunities to collaborate on implementing low-carbon concrete solutions. Earn 6 AIA-CES HSW Learning Units.

Learn more 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:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

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.

In this Newsletter:

• New Design Award Category
• AEF announcing Travel Scholarships recipients
• A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado April 18th
• Farm and Market tour April 25th
• Awards Information Session April 30th
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions May 3rd
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions May 3rd
• The Future of Local Sustainability Codes May 30th
• National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory Tour May 31st
• Architect-ing Podcast episodes
• Denver Art Museum events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight
• Premier Partner and Allied member events

Announcing a new design award category!

Introduced and active in this 2024 awards cycle, the awards committee is pleased to announce the Research & Development Award! This new award seeks to celebrate the work that we do that doesn’t fall into traditional categories of built (or even unbuilt) projects. It recognizes the investigations that forward the art and science of Architecture.

“So what sort of things would fit into this category?” A comparative study of embodied carbon in your project. Pioneering a new product or material assembly. Creating original building forms or performance using cutting edge modeling technology. Studying or improving fire resistance in envelop design. Or creating a new building code to reflect those ignition resistant design strategies. More examples can include fabrication, building components or systems, sustainable strategies, construction details, design process, social/community impact, and research-focused faculty or student work.

Learn more about this new design award category today as you continue working on your own submissions. If you have questions about your own submissions, join us April 30th for an informational session. The deadline to apply for the Design + Honor Awards is rapidly approaching and we can’t encourage you enough to not wait until the last minute!

The Architectural Education Foundation, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to support educational and experiential endeavors. While academic awards will be announced by the respective campuses, we would like to congratulate the following recipients of the 2024 Architectural Educational Foundation Travel Scholarships:

• Pratiksha Achari, Assoc. AIA – Virginia E. and Robert K. Fuller, AIA, Traveling Scholarship and Hobart D. Wagener, FAIA, Traveling Scholarship
• Joel Miller, AIA – Virginia E. and Robert K. Fuller, AIA, Traveling Scholarship
• Jenny Smith, AIA – Florence G. and Arthur A. Fisher, FAIA, Traveling Scholarship 
• Bunny Tucker, AIA – Hobart D. Wagener, FAIA, Traveling Scholarship

Last week, members enjoyed a tour of Louie Louie’s Piano Bar in Colorado Springs. Thank you to Echo Architecture + Interiors for leading the tour as well as our South Advisors Joey Bahnsen, AIA, and Tyler Wurr, AIA!

A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado

Thursday, April 18th, attend an overview of the process of decarbonizing buildings, with a focus on meeting benchmarking and building performance standards requirements for Denver and Colorado. Discussion will include the workflow needed to provide the planning, analysis, funding, and scheduling required to meet 2030 targets for energy-use and/or greenhouse gas emissions reductions.
RSVP here

Farm and Market tour

Thursday, April 25th, join Denver AIA members, OZ Architecture, and Farm and Market owners for a tour of the unique neighborhood farm, restaurant, and market.
RSVP here

2024 Awards Information Session

Have questions about the Awards submission process? Join us Tuesday, April 30th at Noon, for an informational session to answer questions you may have about the submission process.
RSVP here

Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the commercial provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will focus on those provisions that have the highest impact on a building’s energy efficiency as we look at what has changed in the code. Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.
RSVP here

Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the residential provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will look at the different ways to navigate through the code, highlighting all of the flexibility built in so that designers, builders, and homeowners have more options of how to meet the end goal of an energy efficient and resilient building.Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.
RSVP here

The Future of Local Sustainability Codes

Thursday May 30th, join members in the West for a panel discussion and Q&A opportunity with Roaring Fork building officials, construction industry leaders, and elected officials about the current state and future goals for sustainability codes. This panel event is a forum to discuss what’s working, and how construction industry professionals can be a part of the next steps.
RSVP here

National Center for Atmospheric Research Mesa Laboratory Private Group Tour

Friday May 31st, join AIA members in the North for a private tour covering the architectural history of the iconic NCAR Mesa Laboratory, designed by modernist architect, I.M. Pei. The building was completed in 1966, and in 1997 received the AIA Colorado Twenty-five Year Award. The tour will also cover the atmospheric science, climate science, and current research being conducted at the National Science Foundation NCAR.
RSVP here

Upcoming events in June:

• Business of Architecture Roundtable: Contracts + Legal Documents • June 4
• Colorado Night at AIA24 • June 6
• West Virtual Connect • June 11
• Metro Denver Economic Outlook • June 12
• Code Class: 2021 International Existing Building Code Overview • June 28

Recent Architect-ing Podcasts

• Harvey Hine, AIA, of HMH Architecture + Interiors joins host and Colorado architect Adam Wagoner, AIA, on a recent episode. Harvey shares about his life experiences that have led him to his career in architecture, including his experiences growing up in Vienna, Austria, and emphasizes the importance of intuition in architecture and shares his thoughts on the role of artificial intelligence in the industry.
• Morgan Law and Steve Scribner, AIA, of Shape Architecture join Adam Wagoner, AIA, discussing their unique approach to sustainability, including Passive House and Net Zero concepts. The two delve into their personal and professional journeys sharing their unique paths from construction to architecture.
• Listen to episodes at: Apple Podcast • Spotify • Amazon Music • Pandora • Castbox

“If downtown Denver building owners convert empty offices to residential, will people move in?” Gensler’s Denver office has worked with the City of Denver towards converting underutilized offices into apartments and you can read about it at the Colorado Sun.

Upcoming events at Denver Art Museum:

• Talk with Dixon Lu, Associate Partner of MAD Architects. May 4, 2024 – 11am–12 pm. Dixon Lu serves as an Associate Partner at MAD Architects’ Los Angeles office and has overseen the management of the firm’s U.S. projects, including One River North, presently in construction in Denver’s RiNo neighborhood. Buy tickets here.
• Luncheon By Design 2024, May 9, 2024 – 11:30 am–1:30 pm, in celebration of the upcoming exhibition Biophilia: Nature Reimagined, features a presentation by Jeanne Gang, FAIA, founding partner of Studio Gang, whose projects include Denver’s new Populus hotel. Buy tickets here.

AIA24

We often talk about the future. This conference is where the AEC industry gathers to define it, design it, and connect across industries to build it. Join us in Washington, D.C., June 5–8, 2024, for the architecture and design event of the year!

View conference website

Colorado Night at AIA24

Enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni at Colorado Night at AIA24. Join us!

Young Architects Forum April Newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read more

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, KL&A Engineers and Builders, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

KL&A is a firm built around the idea that structural engineers should return to a master builder role by taking ownership of structural systems. A collaborative approach and project centric behaviors are our differentiators, facilitating a more engaging design and construction process. Our philosophy of personal responsibility has generated a corporate culture of problem solving and innovation. We are engineers first and foremost, which we leverage on our steel detailing and steel construction projects. We also take great pride in our sustainability efforts, utilizing mass timber to minimize embodied carbon in our structures, and providing Life Cycle Assessments on our committed projects.

Learn More about KL&A Engineers and Builders.

Executing low-carbon concrete symposium

Explore currently available means and methods contractors and ready mix producers can take to achieve the project carbon targets set by developers architects, engineers, and policymakers to reduce the embodied carbon of concrete. Join National Ready Mixed Concrete Association for a day of education, discussion, and networking to explore the current state of the market and identify opportunities to collaborate on implementing low-carbon concrete solutions. Earn 6 AIA-CES HSW Learning Units.

Learn more here

Active shooter tabletop exercise

Wednesday, April 24th from 1 – 5pm, join IMEG for an Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise, where you’ll collaborate with colleagues to navigate through a scenario, identifying roles, evaluating response plans, and creating personalized crisis management roadmaps. This AIA-approved event aims to enhance safety and preparedness in emergent situations, offering 3.5 LU/HSWs credits.

RSVP here

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

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.

In this Newsletter:

• Membership Matters
• New Housing Committee applications available
• AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit – call for project tour nominations
• Meet the Jurors for the 2024 Design Awards
• Code Class: Accessibility Update April 5th
• Louie Louie’s Piano Bar tour April 11th
• A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado April 18th
• Farm and Market tour
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions May 3rd
• Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions May 3rd
• CAP Spring lecture series
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight
• Premier Partner events

Thank You for making 2023 such a great year, as well as for your continued involvement into this year. We had a record number of members, allied members, and premier partners last year and we’re grateful for your commitment to AIA Colorado’s mission: Elevating the architecture profession to design a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.

Update on HB24-1329: Sunset Architects Engineers & Land Surveyors

We’re pleased to announce that our sunset bill has passed in the House where it was introduced. During the bill’s committee hearing, 2024 president Julianne Scherer, AIA, offered testimony in support of the bill from the perspective of a firm principal. Past AIA Colorado board member and current National Associates Committee representative, Kari Lawson, AIA, spoke to her experience as a recently licensed architect. Government Affairs Committee secretary Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA, spoke to how one qualifies to begin taking the licensing exams. This strong team of members effectively covered all the points we wanted to make on the importance of licensing architects. Now, we have to repeat the same process in the Senate where the next committee hearing is scheduled later this month.

Seeking applicants for new Housing Committee

A new AIA Colorado Housing Committee is launching this Spring that will focus on Colorado’s unprecedented and complex housing crisis. This new committee will meet regularly and seek to lay the groundwork so our association can lead and be responsive to equitable housing solutions. The deadline to apply is April 14th. Read more about the committee, its goals for 2024, and apply today!

AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit – call for project tour nominations

The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health is pleased to announce that for the first time, the annual Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) will be held in Denver this year from July 26-28th. This conference, jointly hosted by the AAH and ACHA (American College of Healthcare Architects), brings together approximately 200 leaders in healthcare design from the U.S. and around the world for two days of presentations and panel discussions addressing the forces that shape the future of healthcare. Each year, the final day of the conference (Sunday, July 28th) is reserved for project tours of healthcare facilities in the area. If your firm would like to submit a project for consideration, please follow the link to learn more and submit an application. The deadline to apply is Friday, April 12th, at 5pm.

Meet the Jurors for the 2024 Design Awards

The Awards Committee is thrilled to introduce our esteemed 2024 Design Awards jury lineup and we anticipate their review of your exceptional work during AIA24 in Washington, D.C. this June. We’ve assembled a dynamic group of industry leaders renowned for their expertise, diversity of practices, and global perspectives. Their unwavering commitment to excellence and shared values sets a remarkable standard.

Code Class: 2021 Accessibility Update

Friday, April 5th, join this seminar that will discuss the changes to Chapter 11 of the 2021 IBC and the 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard. Class will meet at Galvanize Boulder and please sign up through Eventbrite in advance.

RSVP here

Louie’s Louie’s Piano Bar tour

Thursday, April 11th, join members in the South for a tour in the “Trolley Block”, a recent rehabilitation of the historic trolley maintenance facility located on South Tejon between Cimmaron and Moreno. Tour led by Echo Architecture.

RSVP here

A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado

Thursday, April 18th, attend an overview of the process of decarbonizing buildings, with a focus on meeting benchmarking and building performance standards requirements for Denver and Colorado. Discussion will include the workflow needed to provide the planning, analysis, funding, and scheduling required to meet 2030 targets for energy-use and/or greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RSVP here

Farm and Market tour

Thursday, April 25th, join Denver AIA members, OZ Architecture, and Farm and Market owners for a tour of the unique neighborhood farm, restaurant, and market.

RSVP here

Code Class: IECC Overview – Commercial Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the commercial provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will focus on those provisions that have the highest impact on a building’s energy efficiency as we look at what has changed in the code. Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.

RSVP here

Code Class: IECC Overview – Residential Provisions

May 3rd, this free webinar, sponsored by the Colorado Energy Office, will take a high level overview of the residential provisions of the latest edition of the International Energy Conservation Code. We will look at the different ways to navigate through the code, highlighting all of the flexibility built in so that designers, builders, and homeowners have more options of how to meet the end goal of an energy efficient and resilient building.Course submitted for 1.5 AIA CES Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) learning unit hour.

RSVP here

Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series

• Ken Andrews, AIA, Arch11, Principal Architect Monday April 8, 12pm
• Amaia Sanchez-Velasco, Jorge Valiente Oriol, and Gonzalo Valiente Oriol, Grandeza Studio, Co-Principals Wednesday April 17, 12pm

Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

AIA’s Year in Review 2023

Explore important AIA firsts, expanded membership demographics, community developments, advocacy wins, key organization milestones, awards given and received, and more in AIA’s annual review. See at AIA

ABI February 2024: Pace of billings decline continues to slow

Although architecture firm billings declined for the thirteenth consecutive month in February, the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score of 49.5 for the month means that the share of firms reporting a decline in billings was nearly equal to the share of firms that reported an increase in billings. Read more at AIA

2024 AIA Future Forward grant

Presented by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), this grant supports students, emerging professionals, and early career architects in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture. Application deadline is April 19th. Learn more

AIA announces winners of the 2024 Associates Award

AIA has selected five recipients for the AIA Associates Award. The Associates Award is given to individual Associate AIA members to recognize outstanding leaders and creative thinkers for significant contributions to their communities and the architecture profession. Read more at AIA

AIA announces recipients for the Young Architects Award 2024

AIA has selected 30 recipients for the AIA Young Architects Award. The AIA Young Architects Award honors individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.  Complete details for each recipient are available online. Read more at AIA

AIA24

Early registration is available through April 10th for this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture Design, taking place June 5–8. AIA24 will bring together the often-siloed AEC industry in Washington, D.C. to network, share knowledge, gain exposure, and find multidisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing issues. View conference website

Colorado Night at AIA24

Enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni at Colorado Night at AIA24. Join us!

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.

Learn More about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Active shooter tabletop exercise

Wednesday, April 24th from 1 – 5pm, join IMEG for an Active Shooter Tabletop Exercise, where you’ll collaborate with colleagues to navigate through a scenario, identifying roles, evaluating response plans, and creating personalized crisis management roadmaps. This AIA-approved event aims to enhance safety and preparedness in emergent situations, offering 3.5 LU/HSWs credits.

RSVP here

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

Save the Dates:

• 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. 
• 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.

In this Newsletter:

• Design + Honor Awards call for entries now open
• New Housing Committee applications available
• AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit – call for project tour nominations
• Design Like A Girl Workshop
• 1900 Lawrence tour March 21st
• High School Internship roundtable discussion April 3rd
• Code Class April 5th
• Louie Louie’s Piano Bar tour April 11th
• A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado April 18th
• Mayor’s Design Awards
• Apply to join the Denver Code Board of Appeals
• CAP Spring lecture series
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight and allied member news

2024 Design + Honor Awards call for entries is now open!

The annual AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards recognize the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community.

The 2024 Design + Honor Awards call for entries is now open! Learn more about submission requirements for both the Design Awards and Honor Awards and begin your 2024 Award submission. Submission window closes at 5pm, Friday, May 17th.

Applications now available for new Housing Committee

A new AIA Colorado Housing Committee is launching this Spring that will focus on Colorado’s unprecedented and complex housing crisis. This new committee will meet regularly and seek to lay the groundwork so our association can lead and be responsive to equitable housing solutions. Read more about the committee, its goals for 2024, and apply today!

AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit – call for project tour nominations

The AIA Academy of Architecture for Health is pleased to announce that for the first time, the annual Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) will be held in Denver this year from July 26-28th. This conference, jointly hosted by the AAH and ACHA (American College of Healthcare Architects), brings together approximately 200 leaders in healthcare design from the U.S. and around the world for two days of presentations and panel discussions addressing the forces that shape the future of healthcare. Each year, the final day of the conference (Sunday, July 28th) is reserved for project tours of healthcare facilities in the area. If your firm would like to submit a project for consideration, please follow the link to learn more and submit an application.

Design Like A Girl workshop

AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. committee and NOMA Colorado held a second “Design Like a Girl” workshop on February 16th. A group of 19 aspiring middle school designers from various Denver Public Schools were paired with female mentors from the Colorado architecture and engineering community. The day also included a tour of Populus Hotel. Read more about the workshop, those who led and volunteered, well as contact info to get involved for the next workshop, taking place April 19th.

1900 Lawrence Tour

1900 Lawrence tour

The Denver Local Advisors will be hosting a tour of 1900 Lawrence on Thursday, March 21st. This construction tour of the new skyline altering 30-story building offering Class-AA office space that will redefine the work environment in Denver.

Tour is currently at capacity, but a wait list is currently open in case someone cancel’s their RSVP.

Join Waitlist

High School Internship roundtable discussion

At Noon on Wednesday, April 3rd, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee invites you to learn how your firm, large or small, can host internships for High School students who are enrolled in architecture coursework and interested in pursuing architecture careers. Discussion participants will include representatives from HDR, Denver Public Schools, and CEC Early College High School.

RSVP here

Code Class: 2021 Accessibility Update

Friday, April 5th, join this seminar that will discuss the changes to Chapter 11 of the 2021 IBC and the 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard and sign up through Eventbrite in advance.

RSVP here

Louie’s Louie’s Piano Bar tour

Thursday, April 11th, join members in the South for a tour in the “Trolley Block”, a recent rehabilitation of the historic trolley maintenance facility located on South Tejon between Cimmaron and Moreno. Tour led by Echo Architecture.

RSVP here

A Roadmap for Decarbonizing Building Assets in Denver and Colorado

Thursday, April 18th, attend an overview of the process of decarbonizing buildings, with a focus on meeting benchmarking and building performance standards requirements for Denver and Colorado. Discussion will include the workflow needed to provide the planning, analysis, funding, and scheduling required to meet 2030 targets for energy-use and/or greenhouse gas emissions reductions.

RSVP here

Congratulations to the following firms who are recipients of this year’s Mayor’s Design Awards!

• OZ Architecture: Farm & Market: Design + Revive
• Design Workshop: Boulevard One Parks
• Davis Urban Architecture: The Blackwood Building
• JNS Architecture: ART Studios
• Semple Brown: Concord Energy Headquarters (*2023 AIA Colorado Design Award Honorable Mention)
• 4240 Architecture: The Slate Hotel
• Dig Architecture: Central Park Community Streetscapes, Parks and Open Spaces, Central Park Neighborhood
• Tres Birds Workshop: RiNo ArtPark, Arkins Park & Promenade, and Elevated Walkway,
• SAR+: The Mercer
• Semple Brown: Prodigy Globeville Coffee Shop
• OZ Architecture: Aston on South Pearl
• Dig Studio: Market Station
• Santulan Architecture: Santulan Architecture HQ + Tula Apartments
• Beck Group: One Platte

Join the Denver Building Code Board of Appeals

The City and County of Denver is seeking qualified individuals to apply for a seat on the Denver Building Code Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals plays a crucial checks-and-balances role in the application of adopted and amended building codes. The Board consists of six members and three alternates, all appointed by the mayor, with one board member and one alternate need to be architects licensed in the State of Colorado. Apply here

Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series

• Lior Galili, CU Denver CAP, Visiting Assistant Professor Thursday March 28, 12pm
• Ken Andrews, AIA, Arch11, Principal Architect Monday April 8, 12pm
• Amaia Sanchez-Velasco, Jorge Valiente Oriol, and Gonzalo Valiente Oriol, Grandeza Studio, Co-Principals Wednesday April 17, 12pm

Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

Small Firm Exchange

February’s presentation covered how to leverage small firm’s technology and creativity using AI for renderings and presentations to clients as well as architect’s use of AI for productivity and efficiency when generating images. Follow the link to read key takeaways as well as access the link to the presentation. View 1 page summary and link to recorded presentation

2024 AIA Future Forward Grant

Presented by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), this grant supports students, emerging professionals, and early career architects in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture. Join the info session March 28th. Application deadline is April 19th. Learn more

Young Architects Forum March Newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read more

AIA24

Early registration is available through April 10th for this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture Design, taking place June 5–8. AIA24 will bring together the often-siloed AEC industry in Washington, D.C. to network, share knowledge, gain exposure, and find multidisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing issues. View conference website

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, IMEG and look forward totheir ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company they have intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

View IMEG company website

SGH is hosting a continuing education webinar on how institutions can best manage portfolios of aging buildings and infrastructure Tuesday, March 26th. Course is approved for 1 HSW. Learn more and register here.

Tremco CPG, Inc. is hosting an educational lunch event in Durango, Thursday, March 28th, from 10am – 2 pm. Offering 3 AIA course approved HSW Credits on the Full Building Enclosure, learn about the topics and RSVP here.

Creative Living Modern Outdoor Decor is hosting a 1 hour AIA approved course titled “Outdoor Kitchen Design with Stainless Steel Cabinetry” to explore the design of safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen and living areas. Course is being offered April 3rd in Basalt, April 4th in Edwards, and again April 10th at 9am in Boulder. For more information and to RSVP, contact info@clden.com

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

Save the Dates:

• 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. 
• 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.

In this Newsletter:

• AIA Colorado in D.C.
• 2024 Colorado Legislative Update
• 2023 Legislative Awards
• West Virtual Connect March 12th
• oLiv Boulder Tour March 13th
• Happy Hour in Colorado Springs March 15th
• 1900 Lawrence Tour March 21st
• Code Class April 5th
• Will Babbington, FAIA
• Apply to join the Denver Code Board of Appeals
• CAP Spring lecture series
• National news
• Premier Partner and allied member news

“Architects can change the course of history. On fly-in day in February, hundreds of architects convene and flood the Capitol halls visiting congressional members, all discussing three important legislative bills to elicit support. Not only was inside baseball shared, bill support was gained and a bonus topic was planted. A future visioning session with legislators on imagining housing added to the 36% of federally owned buildings and property in Colorado. A sure win for the future!”

— Sarah Broughton, FAIA, Past President

AIA Colorado was in Washington, D.C. for the AIA Leadership Summit and on the Hill discussing issues that are important to Colorado architects. Julianne Scherer, AIA, President, Sarah Broughton, FAIA, Past-President, Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Young Architects Forum Representative, Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, CEO, and Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Advocacy Advancement Director visited the offices of Sen. Bennet, Sen. Hickenlooper, Rep. DeGette, Rep. Pettersen, and Rep. Boebert.

Read more including the issue documents from both AIA National and AIA Colorado.

2024 Colorado Legislative Bills Tracked To Date

This legislative session is one of the most interesting for architects we’ve seen in years and we’ve only just hit the halfway point. Right now, we are actively tracking 11 bills, including the big one, HB24-1329: the state’s review of our profession’s practice act. Catch up on each of the bills with a brief overview of the bill, the position that AIA has taken thus far, and the bills’ current status.

Read here

Government Affairs Committee member Sean Jursnick, AIA, discussed HB24-1239: Single-Exit Stairway Multifamily Structure, the measure to allow taller single stair developments, with the Denver Post.

2023 Legislative Awards

AIA Colorado recently presented our 2023 legislators awards to Senator Dylan Roberts as our 2023 Legislator of the Year and Representative Jenny Willford as our 2023 Outstanding New Legislator.

Read more

ARE Study Groups

What do you need to reach your ARE goals? Access to study materials? A group of peers studying for the same exam as you? We all have the same goal, so why do it alone?

The J.E.D.I. Committee would like to assist in creating a strong network of people, study materials, accountability, and resources beyond what is offered at individual firms. We’re also interested in knowing where everyone is on their exam journey.

Sign up here

oLiv Boulder Tour

Wednesday, March 13th, join AIA members and prospective members in the North to tour oLiv Boulder, a new mixed-use development in the heart of Boulder.

RSVP here

Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Friday, March 15th, join the AIA Colorado Board, fellow members, and prospective members for a social time at Local Relic.

RSVP here

1900 Lawrence Tour

The Denver Local Advisors will be hosting a tour of 1900 Lawrence on Thursday, March 21st. This construction tour of the new skyline altering 30-story building offering Class-AA office space that will redefine the work environment in Denver.

RSVP here

Code Class: 2021 Accessibility Update

Friday, April 5th, join this seminar that will discuss the changes to Chapter 11 of the 2021 IBC and the 2017 ICC A117.1 Accessibility Standard and sign up through Eventbrite in advance.

RSVP here

AIA elevates Will Babbington, FAIA, to the College of Fellows

Will Babbington, FAIA, of Studio NYL, has been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by AIA.

“Will Babbington shares technologically-advanced strategies for architectural enclosures, enabling collaborators award-winning latitude in their design vision and advancing the Profession’s insight into sustainability and energy efficiency.”
— Fellows Jury Statement

Read more about Will’s recent elevation to the College of Fellows. Congrats!

Join the Denver Building Code Board of Appeals

The City and County of Denver is seeking qualified individuals to apply for a seat on the Denver Building Code Board of Appeals. The Board of Appeals plays a crucial checks-and-balances role in the application of adopted and amended building codes. The Board consists of six members and three alternates, all appointed by the mayor, with one board member and one alternate need to be architects licensed in the State of Colorado. Apply here

Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series

• Lior Galili, CU Denver CAP, Visiting Assistant Professor Thursday March 28, 12pm
• Ken Andrews, AIA, Arch11, Principal Architect Monday April 8, 12pm
• Amaia Sanchez-Velasco, Jorge Valiente Oriol, and Gonzalo Valiente Oriol, Grandeza Studio, Co-Principals Wednesday April 17, 12pm

Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index

The AIA/Deltek Architectural Billings Index (ABI) January score came in at 46.2. This marks the lengthiest period of declining billings since 2010-2011, although the pace of decline is slower. Read more at AIA

Why Firms Need Sustainability Leads

AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) Chair, Marisol Foreman, AIA, writes about why a dedicated sustainability manager plays a key role in navigating the complex intersection of architectural creativity and environmental responsibility. Read here

Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator Training 2024

Taking place March 20-21, this course is Intended for licensed architects, engineers, or certified building inspectors, this training certifies attendees as Building Evaluators in the nationally recognized Safety Assessment Program (SAP). View at AIAU

Five key takeaways from 2024 AIA Leadership Summit

Bringing questions, curiosity, and courage, AIA members from coast to coast traveled to Washington, DC, for the chapter leaders’ premier advocacy and leadership training. Here’s a snapshot of what attendees learned and experienced. Read at AIA

“41% of architects now using AI”

The survey, which is the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) first examination of the industry’s use of artificial intelligence (AI), revealed that 41 per cent of UK architects are already employing the technology “on at least the occasional project”. Read at Dezeen

AIA24

Early registration is available through April 10th for this year’s AIA Conference on Architecture  Design, taking place June 5–8. AIA24 will bring together the often-siloed AEC industry in Washington, D.C. to network, share knowledge, gain exposure, and find multidisciplinary solutions to today’s most pressing issues. View conference website

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, IMEG and look forward totheir ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company they have intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

View IMEG company website

DesignPro Insurance supports the David W. Lakamp Architect Scholarship awarding $5,000 each to two students who demonstrate a strong interest in practice and risk management in the field of architecture. Application closes March 15th.

Join Creative Living Modern Outdoor Decor for a 1 hour AIA approved course titled “Outdoor Kitchen Design with Stainless Steel Cabinetry” to explore the design of safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing outdoor kitchen and living areas. Course is being offered April 3rd in Basalt, and April 4th in Edwards, both dates at the Decorative Materials showroom, and again April 10th at 9am at Highland City Club in Boulder. For more information and RSVP: info@clden.com

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

Save the Dates:

• 2024 Design + Honor Awards Event will be held September 12, 2024 at Mile High Station. 
• 2024 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference will take place November 13-15, 2024 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.