Engaging Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Workshop
ENGAGE 2023 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE: INNOVATION LAB
Engaging Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Workshop, a Collaborative Presentation by NOMA Colorado, EBECC (Equity in the Built Environment – A Colorado Coalition), and AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee.
Presented on November 16, 2023, by Adriana Medina-López-Portillo, Ph.D., CPC, ELI-MP, Trainer and Consultant, Pangea Training, Jason Pugh, AIA, NOMAC, AICP, LEED AP, Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gensler, Mei-Ling Krabbe, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, Workplace Strategist, Stantec, Raphael Chavez, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, Project Architect, HDR, and Patricia Joseph Gill, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, NOMA President, The Abo Group at ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference.
This breakout session focused on five topics lead by 5 BIPOC facilitators in a small group setting. The room was set up with chairs in a circular configuration to share individual experiences and perspectives on each topic. The groups rotated twice during the time allotted.
Allyship: Facilitate by Mei-Ling Krabbe
Allyship is intentional, actionable commitment to speak up about bias. This discussion focused on barriers to being an ally that includes lack of awareness and empathy. In order to be a good ally one must be intentional, actionable and committed to continue allyship education.
Types of Bias: Facilitated by Jason Pugh, AIA
Bias is typically described in terms of racial, gender, age and implicit (unconscious bias) but this session explored other types of bias. Maternal bias occurs when women return from maternity leave and have to prove themselves all over again. “Prove it again” bias is when a group has to prove themselves more than others. Tightrope bias is when a group needs to be more politically savvy in order to succeed. And “tug-of-war” bias is where support or bias against a group can fuel conflict within that group.
Inclusivity: Facilitated by Patricia Joseph Gill, AIA
In this session, the group shared times in their life when they felt included. The sharing reflected empathy, recognition, and acceptance of differences, and support, care, and compassion. The group also shared times when they felt excluded. These were times when empathy and acceptance were not present.
Intercultural Competence: Facilitated by Adrina Madina-Lopez-Portilla
Intercultural competence is essential to creating an environment where talent from all backgrounds can thrive. A person’s experience of cultural differences both informs and constrains how the individual interacts with others. Moving beyond these person-specific constraints requires the development of intercultural competence.
Mentorship: Facilitated by Raphael Chavez, AIA
Being a good mentor means providing guidance, encouragement, feedback, and/or skills development to a student, an emerging candidate or professional. Successful mentoring programs create a supportive culture, establishes clear structures, and ensures accountability.
In summary, the participants in this session were challenged to be more Engaged in J.E.D.I. by adopting the following pledges:
- Focus on being a better ally.
- Using Mentimeter in my faculty meetings to include more voices.
- Publish and enable more diverse voices.
- Standing firm for the needs of myself and others.
- Encourage myself and others to be more aware of biases that we may encounter.
- To continue my personal growth of inclusion but to work harder at educating my peers as well.
- Being aware of my “excluded” moments to better move towards “inclusive” memories and actions with those around me.
- I pledge to advocate for inclusiveness for all underrepresented groups.
- I promise to interrupt and challenge bias in all forms when it shows up, both against me or others!
- Consciously providing more accessible designs and engaging more in local communities.
- Use my personal inclusive or exclusive feelings and experiences with my team so they feel included and connected.
- Making my practice a model of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Listen with an open heart before responding. Be aware of judgment and how it impacts the world broadly.
- Ally: Make sure students understand the different career options/pathways.
- Mentorship: Engage students in community design so the community can have a better understanding of what designers do.
- I plead to actively maintain a relationship with younger designers and architects in my office as a mentor.
- Continue to advocate for J.E.D.I. in the architecture profession and work towards diversifying the profession through increased opportunities to promote architecture as a career pathway for youth.
Drawn Out: Ideation + Sketch Solutions for Mental Health Environments
ENGAGE 2023 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE: INNOVATION LAB
Drawn Out: Ideation + Sketch Solutions for Mental Health Environments
Presented Friday, November 17, 2023, by Stephen Parker, AIA, and Shahad Sadeq, Assoc. AIA, at ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference.
Elevate, Educate, Advocate
These are the three words that began the presentation on design strategies for mental health facilities. The question was asked: how can we as a profession use our collective knowledge and expertise to address the critical issue of mental health?
This workshop was conducted in two parts. Part one was to listen to a patient’s experience of checking in and residing in a mental health clinic. Part two was a hands-on sketching session that considered the experience of a woman with post-partum depression.
Listen
Shahad graciously told her experience of walking into the “best” psychiatric clinic in Dallas as she struggled with a nervous breakdown. She detailed personal, yet common, experiences of everyday life in a prototypical facility that falls short of the unique needs of a mental health patient. This included spaces, objects, and social dynamics which were both simple and complex such as: doors and door locks, temperature control, color and light temperature, food and exercise options for holistic health, and group spaces that can trigger sensitivities in other patients. These issues were all framed by acknowledging the challenge that mental health care facilities face in the form of budget and staffing shortages.
How do these challenges begin to be solved? It starts with “dignity driven” solutions that give patients agency in their experiences.
Sketch
After listening to a personal experience articulated the way many patients may not be able to, the audience was asked to break out into small groups and consider the following design strategies: empathy, experiential (right type/amount of stimuli), social integrators, recovery integrated, cultural competency (i.e. access to the sky is important for many indigenous cultures), patient autonomy, co-production, nature as therapy, play, voice and choice, art as therapy, reduced barriers between patient and care-giver, and care-giver burnout.
In small groups, while considering the design strategies above, the audience discuss, wrote, and sketched graphic solutions to the following four questions for a mother with post-partum depression:
- What does she say and do?
- What does she think and feel?
- What does she hear?
- What does she see?
This profound exercise where a collective group of people sit down with pen and paper to discuss, empathize, and consider what another human’s experience might look and feel like suggests a critical methodology that we as designers should follow to design dignified spaces for our vulnerable family friends, and neighbors. The sketch session then forced us all to graphically illustrate potential solutions that might be realized in the built environment as solutions, or at the least, provide a higher sensitivity to the patients that rely on these facilities.
The results of the workshop, in addition to providing a sense of discovery for the audience, also gave the presenters additional information and data for their evolving research. This diverse panel of nationally-recognized designers and planners continue to embark on their research, experiments, and prototyping that endeavor to synthesize new design solutions for the mental health built environment.
ENGAGE 2023 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE: INNOVATION LAB
Designing to Meet and Exceed the New Energy Codes
Presented on November 17, 2023 by Elizabeth Gillmor, President and Founder of Energetics Consulting Engineers, LLC, at ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference.
Ms. Gillmor provided important information about current and upcoming energy codes that impact the design and operation of new and existing buildings throughout the state of Colorado. She reviewed the latest changes in the energy codes, the impact of energy codes on climate change, the different compliance paths for meeting energy code requirements, and what to look out for during design and construction phases. She included valuable guidelines and resources to help architects succeed in conforming to the state’s energy codes.
Both new and existing commercial and residential projects are affected by the changing energy codes, so staying current on state and local energy code requirements and amendments is important. Ms. Gillmor led attendees through state and local commercial and residential energy code requirements and compliance paths, including the variety of prescriptive and performance methods, and the residential ERI Method.
Attendees also learned about 2021 IECC Commercial C406 Efficiency Points, Residential R408 Efficiency Points, and EUI Targets. The “Colorado Model Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code” that became available in July 2023 will start coming into play in 2024 as jurisdictions adopt new codes. Three main parts of Colorado’s new code requirements are requiring buildings to be electric ready and solar ready, and provide electric vehicle charging stations. She also presented how one may avoid some of the electric ready requirements for large commercial buildings that demonstrate a substantial cost differential (>1% MEP costs).
Electric power, transportation, and buildings are the top three contributors to carbon emissions. Low emissions electricity is coming fast as Xcel Energy works on meeting 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050. Electric energy is the only path to zero emissions, and designing for all-electric or even electric ready buildings gets more fuel uses on an ever-improving grid. The more building electrification one includes in a project, the easier it is for a project to comply with the codes. Some requirements include meeting certain energy efficiency requirements by a certain date, so one must pay attention to upcoming deadlines to implement changes early enough to meet those deadlines.
Ms. Gilmor presented how to conform to energy code requirements successfully and efficiently during the SD and DD phases, permitting phase, and construction phase. She encouraged attendees to start discussions early with the design team about a project’s energy code requirements and other sustainability goals to evaluate which compliance path is best, identify potential architectural and structural impacts, plan for compliance, and make the topic a part of regular project meetings. If a design team has a good early plan, the permitting process is much easier.
Prior to submitting for permitting, it is important to check the design and specifications for compliance with new energy code requirements. One needs to keep energy compliance in mind during the construction phase as well, to protect the critical elements of compliance during submittal review and coordinate required testing and inspections with the contractor. For example, the 2021 IECC and beyond requires air leakage testing for almost all building types, commercial and residential.
A building’s size, type, age, and jurisdiction in which it resides all influence which energy code requirements apply to a project. It is important for architects to stay up to date on energy code changes and new requirements as they frequently change and improve. To design a building efficiently, one must identify all energy code requirements early in the design process to understand which requirements could impact the design and construction of a building and its systems.
ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference: Innovation Lab
Colorado’s First Zero Energy Outpatient Medical Center – RTA Architects
Presented on November 17, 2023 by Corey Chinn, LEED AP, Mechanical Engineer, Commissioning Manager, Farnsworth Group, Inc., Jessica Massie, IIDA, RA, NCIDQ, NCARB, CHID, Senior Associate, RTA Architects, and Kevin Gould, AIA, Principal Architect, RTA Architects, at ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference.
During Day 1 Innovation Labs, RTA Architects and Farnsworth Group presented a case study of the Pueblo Community Health Center’s New East Side Clinic. According to the New Buildings Institute (NBI), this project is the first verified Zero Energy outpatient clinic in North America. During the session, a joint presentation was given by RTA’s Kevin Gould and Jessica Massie and Farnsworth Group’s Corey Chinn to exhibit the collaboration and key strategies that led to the success of the project.
The Pueblo Community Health Center provides medical, behavioral health, dental services, and pharmacy services to the poor and underserved population of Pueblo. Determined to be an area of greatest need, Pueblo’s East Side planned to build a replacement facility starting in 2017.
At the project outset, three project pillars were identified: Board Vision, Community Vision, and the Business Case.
Board Vision
Evidence of climate change’s adverse effects on human health and health systems was presented from the New England Journal of Medicine, stating that substantial increases in morbidity and mortality could be expected as an effect of climate change and that vulnerable populations would be disproportionately affected.
Community Vision
As a city, Pueblo has established a goal of being powered by 100% renewable energy sources by 2035. They are only the 22nd city in the U.S. to commit to completely renewable energy sources.
Business Case
The Business Case started by setting goals while the evidence and solutions took shape while going through the design process.
The New East Side Clinic was designed as a replacement to the Colorado Clinic building, and it entailed 63,896 SF of space at a cost of $24 million. The original energy target for the project was to have a 50% energy-use reduction over the Colorado Energy Star Benchmarking. Using that target as a launch point, the team then described what it took to reach net zero. The following are the key take aways:
- Zero energy doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Sustainable design + energy efficiency + renewable energy = potential for a zero-energy project.
- For every step of the design process (i.e. pre-design through construction documents) the entire team should write down the vision and evaluate where they stand. The constant check-in will help create the downward trajectory of energy use.
- The whole is greater than the sum of parts – energy savings comes from every member of the team.
- Results equal real owner savings than can be reinvested.
Through the leadership of the design team, discipline-specific performance goals were set and tracked. This integrated approach to reach the energy goals was continuously modeled during the entire process to reach initial energy goals. With this approach beginning early in the project, reaching the energy goal was achieved with time to spare to exceed it.
Adding to an already energy efficient design, on-site renewable energy sources were then added to achieve zero energy. The two major applications included a photo-voltaic (PV) array and a ground source heat pump. The additional investments exemplified the take-ways list above. Although the ground source heat pump was an expensive initial investment, it eliminated roof top mechanical units which made room for additional PV. As a bonus, it reduced the amount of PV required due to the energy savings. Ultimately, the money saved by the owner in energy cost outweighed the initial investment, making a strong business case for the initial vision.
As a conclusion, the modeling revealed that Zero Energy building design cost 6.25% more than traditional construction, but it improved its ROI from the 13-year baseline down to a 7-year ROI. The result was a New Buildings Institute Zero Energy verification, not certification that has been supported by 12 months of utility bills to verify success.
This project has become a building of pride for the Pueblo community and has generated momentum for future building projects in the community.
J.E.D.I. DPS 8th Grade Career Fair
On November 14th and 15th, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Committee, NOMA Colorado, CU Denver CAP, and other AIA Colorado members participated in the DPS 8th Grade Career Fair. Over the two-days, 2000+ middle school students participated in the event which introduced them to a wide range of career paths and post-secondary options.
The event continues the J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline’s efforts to introduce school-age students to architecture to expand career pathway exploration and diversify the profession. Students attending the recent fair interacted with architects who shared physical and digital models, plan sets, and design books. “Future Architect” stickers, provided in both English and Spanish by AIA Colorado, were given to students and five architecture books (donated by J.E.D.I CO committee members) were raffled off and given to school libraries. Curiosity about architecture abounded and questions were asked about salary, educational preparation, internship availability, and the challenges architects face.
The 8th Grade career fair is an annual DPS event serving the entire school district and an integral part of their Career and College Success program. Thank you to our many volunteers who staffed our table and shared their experience and enthusiasm for architecture with the students:
- Jonas Sayer, AIA, Anderson Mason Dale
- Jeana Delamarter, CU Denver College of Arch and Planning
- Chris Klein, AIA, Davis Partnership Architects
- Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, SG Consultants
- Ivan Patino, Tryba Architects
- Matt Weaver, AIA, Anderson Mason Dale
- John Graham, AIA Anderson Mason Dale
- Linnaea Stuart, AIA, Arch11
- Sole Moreno Velasco, Arch11
Colorado Architecture News | 11.15.23
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 11.15.23
AIA COLORADO NEWS
ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference Begins Today!
We’re at Keystone Resort enjoying presentations about Artificial Intelligence’s role in our workplace, hearing keynotes from Tom Kundig, FAIA, Dave Goldberg, FAIA, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, and Laura Britton, AIA, Dean Maltz, AIA, and Greg Kingsley, Ph D, PE, and learning from 12 separate Innovation Labs.
Bummed to be missing out? You’re welcome to join us as there are a few walk up registrations available.
2024 AIA Colorado Call for Volunteers
AIA Colorado seeks member volunteers to serve on committees that embody the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Deeper involvement with AIA Colorado is a great way to build your leadership skills, gain experience outside your workplace, network with peers, and even meet clients. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics. Included is the opportunity to share your suggestion for a new proposed member group. Learn more about each committee’s responsibilities, goals, and anticipated time commitments for this upcoming year. The call for committee volunteers is open now through December 3rd.
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
For those looking to level up their leadership skills, this is it. Each year, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program accepts 16 future firm leaders to collaborate, learn together, and develop in their careers. Applications are now open until December 11th.
ASCEND Mentoring Program
The Ascend Program connects emerging architecture professionals with mid-career architects through mentorship as an intentional first step into the profession. These connections will support EP’s in the early stage of their careers, guiding through challenges, setting goals, and developing the skill set to succeed. Ascend groups are organized locally. Mentors and Mentees are invited to apply no later than December 11, 2023.
2023 Compensation & Benefits Report
We have printed and bound copies of this year’s report at the AIA Colorado office. Current members are welcome to view the report and will need to make an appointment with staff in order to view the report at the AIA Colorado offices. Please email membership@aiacolorado.org to make an appointment.
AIA COLORADO EVENTS
Trojan Arena Tour – School District Eight
November 21st, join AIA Colorado South members and CRP Architects for a tour of the newly constructed Trojan Arena. This tour has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
PARTNER NEWS AND EVENTS
Mayor’s Design Awards – Last Chance To Nominate A Project
Mayor Mike Johnston and Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards. The nominating period will be open through the Fall, and Mayor Johnston will present the first Mayor’s Design Awards of his administration in early 2024. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, November 17, 2023. Start a Nomination
Denver Important Building Code Dates To Remember
January 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date must have partially electrified space and water heating systems for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. For requirements, see Denver Energy Code C403.2.4 for space heating and C404.10 for water heating.
February 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects must document compliance with both Accessible EV Installed spaces and Universal EV Installed spaces as required by Chapter 11 of the Denver Commercial Building Code. View a Summary of These Requirements
Denver Adaptive Reuse Projects May Qualify for Assistance
Denver is piloting an adaptive reuse program in two locations: Upper Downtown and East Colfax Avenue. These pilot programs will support projects undergoing conversion to a new use or purpose by providing direct assistance to business owners, developers, and property owners as they navigate the City and County of Denver’s review and permitting system. More details on the program here.
City of Westminster has proposed adoption of the 2021 ICC Building Codes
Westminster’s full code update proposal is available for review on the city website, which includes 2021 versions of ICC building codes as well as the latest version of the NEC and the Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Read Code published by the state. The city is requesting input from the public and comments or questions regarding the proposed changes can be submitted using this survey link. A digital version of the I-Codes is available here. The State of Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code is available to view here. The city will also be hosting a live webinar on Tuesday, December 5th to answer questions or take comments regarding the proposed amendments and adoption. Use this link to register.
NEWS AT NATIONAL
NOMA Celebrates Record-Breaking Annual Conference in Portland
On October 11-15, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) gathered over 1,500 members, supporters, and students in Portland, Oregon, for its annual conference. Read More at Architectural Record
American Institute of Architects Announces New Chief Advocacy Officer
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is excited to announce the appointment of Alexander Cochran, ESQ., as the new Chief Advocacy Officer. Read More
The Rise of Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, to 2024 AIA President Shows There Is Still A Long Way To Go For Black Women In Architecture
They have worked for decades to make their way in a profession that remains overwhelmingly white and male, but there are signs of change. Read at NY Times
Best Practices For Enhancing Drawings And Specifications
Why are accurate construction specifications so important? Clear and concise drawings and specifications prevent unnecessary RFIs, change orders, rework, and other delays. Here are tips to improve the process from AIA partner Deltek. Read at AIA
Top Five Ways To Recruit And Retain A High Performing Team
Jennifer Keegan, AIA, Director, Building & Roofing Science at GAF, and her colleague Andrea Wagner Watts, Building Science Education Manager, share their best practices for attracting – and keeping – top AEC industry talent. Read At AIA
COP28: AIA to attend the 2023 United Nations Conference on Climate Change
In 2021, AIA was granted nongovernmental organization (NGO) observer status by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and sent six delegates to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26), an annual gathering of world leaders who are parties to the UNFCCC, in Glasgow, Scotland. In 2023, AIA will have an eight-person delegation at COP28 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, emphasizing the importance of the built environment in three critical areas.
2023 Justice Facilities Review Awards
The year’s best in justice facility design, presented by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice. See Award Recipients
Greenwashing In Architecture: Identifying False Sustainable Strategies
Amid our ongoing battle against climate change, the need for authentic decarbonization strategies has never been more urgent. Read at Arch Daily
Premier Partner Spotlight
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
Looking for Additional Resources?
HCM Design Discovery Day
The Hord Coplan Macht Design Discovery Day event is an important part of the firm’s strong
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through engaging students from underserved
communities in the design profession. The Denver office recently held their first Design Discovery Day
event and welcomed 15 local high school students who were eager to explore the world of design.
The event offered participants a glimpse into the various facets of HCM’s work. Educational sessions,
spotlights on past and current projects, a construction site tour, and an office tour were just a few of the
engaging activities that provided students with an immersive understanding of the design profession.
Small group breakout sessions with HCM designers from diverse market sectors allowed students to
interact directly with professionals, gaining insights into the different realms of design. These sessions
not only demystified the profession but also sparked inspiration and curiosity among the participants.
Design Discovery Day is more than just an annual event for HCM; it is a pivotal first step in reaching out
to underserved communities. The firm recognizes the importance of fostering diversity at the roots and
is actively involved in initiatives aimed at enrolling and supporting students from Historically Black
Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Through scholarship and
mentorship programs, HCM is committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for
individuals from these communities to thrive in the design field.
Colorado Architecture News | 11.01.23
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 11.01.23
THE WEEK IN WORDS
“AIA has been a wonderful part of my career.”
— Cheri Gerou, FAIA, 2023 AIA Colorado Distinguished Achievement Award
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Late Registration Now Available
We get it. Sometimes you miss a deadline, but you don’t want to miss out on the architectural event of the year. Late Registration for both the Pre-Conference Technology Deep Dive and ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference is now available through November 8th!
In just 2 weeks, we’ll be at Keystone Resort enjoying presentations about Artificial Intelligence’s role in our workplace, hearing keynotes from Tom Kundig, FAIA, Dave Goldberg, FAIA, Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, and Laura Britton, AIA, Dean Maltz, AIA, and Greg Kingsley, Ph D, PE, and learning from 12 separate Innovation Labs. Register today for one of the last spots available!
2024 AIA Colorado Call for Volunteers
AIA Colorado seeks member volunteers to serve on committees that embody the mission, vision, and values of the organization. Deeper involvement with AIA Colorado is a great way to build your leadership skills, gain experience outside your workplace, network with peers, and even meet clients. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics. Included is the opportunity to share your suggestion for a new proposed member group. Learn more about each committee’s responsibilities, goals, and anticipated time commitments for this upcoming year. The call for committee volunteers is open now until November 30th.
Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
For those looking to level up their leadership skills, this is it. Each year, the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program accepts 16 future firm leaders to collaborate, learn together, and develop in their careers. Applications are now open until December 11th.
ASCEND Mentoring Program
The Ascend Program connects emerging architecture professionals with mid-career architects through mentorship as an intentional first step into the profession. These connections will support EP’s in the early stage of their careers, guiding through challenges, setting goals, and developing the skill set to succeed. Ascend groups are organized locally. Mentors and Mentees are invited to apply no later than December 11, 2023.
2023 Compensation & Benefits Report
We have printed and bound copies of this year’s report at the AIA Colorado office. Current members are welcome to view the report and will need to make an appointment with staff in order to view the report at the AIA Colorado offices. Please email membership@aiacolorado.org to make an appointment.
AIA COLORADO EVENTS
Trojan Arena Tour – School District Eight
November 21st, join AIA Colorado South members and CRP Architects for a tour of the newly constructed Trojan Arena. This tour has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
AIA Colorado Member News
CCY Architects announces the promotion of Simon Elliot and Matt Smith to Principal.
PARTNER NEWS AND EVENTS
ARE Trivia Night
Thursday November 2nd, join NOMA Colorado for a Jeopardy style question game where participants will team up in groups or work independently to choose from a board of available questions. The game will be broken into 6 categories to reflect the six ARE exams with questions ranging in difficulty (100-500) for a total of 30 questions per game. Sign Up Here
Heat Pump Happy Hour
Tuesday November 7th, join Denver Climate Action, Sustainability, & Resiliency for a happy hour dedicated to building electrification technology. The evening will feature an industry panel discussion on how heat pump installation makes dollars and cents for contractors and building owners. You’ll also get an overview of equipment rebates currently available in the Denver-Boulder market. Sign Up Here.
Mayor’s Design Awards
Mayor Mike Johnston and Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards. The nominating period will be open through the Fall, and Mayor Johnston will present the first Mayor’s Design Awards of his administration in early 2024. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, November 17, 2023. Start a Nomination
Networking Event with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade
November 8th, in Colorado Springs, join members from AGC, HBA, CFMA, El Paso County Contractors, ACEC, ULI, and AIA for a networking session with Mayor Yemi from 4pm-7pm at The Warehouse in Colorado Springs. As an AIA member, use discount code “SOCO Partner 2023” to lock in a $30 rate. Look forward to hearing Mayor Yemi’s vision for Colorado Springs and how the design and construction groups can support his vision in the areas of affordable housing, adaptive reuse, land use, and Colorado Springs’ use of Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act funding. Sign Up Here
Important Building Code Dates to Remember
January 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date must have partially electrified space and water heating systems for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. For requirements, see Denver Energy Code C403.2.4 for space heating and C404.10 for water heating. Questions? Email mechplumb.review@denvergov.org
February 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects must document compliance with both Accessible EV Installed spaces and Universal EV Installed spaces as required by Chapter 11 of the Denver Commercial Building Code. View a Summary of These Requirements
The City of Westminster Will Soon Be Considering Adoption of the 2021 International Building and Fire Codes.
The city will be proposing adoption of the following codes:
- International Building Code (IBC), 2021 Edition
- International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Edition
- National Electric Code (NEC), 2023 Edition
- International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2021 Edition
- International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Edition
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 Edition
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2021 Edition
- Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), 2021 Edition
- International Existing Building Code IEBC), 2021 Edition
- International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Edition.
The city will be proposing adoption of the NEC and the IPC as the minimum standards as adopted by the State of Colorado. The adoption of the IECC and the Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code are also required minimum standards of the state as mandated by the passing of HB22-1362 (Building Greenhouse Gas Emissions) in May of 2022.
The proposed adoption and amendments to these codes is available for your review on the city website. Comments or questions regarding the proposed changes can be submitted using this survey link. A digital version of the I-Codes is available here. The State of Colorado Electric Ready and Solar Ready Code is available to view here.
The city will also be hosting live webinars on Thursday, November 2nd and Tuesday, December 5th to answer questions or take comments regarding the proposed amendments and adoption. Use this link to register for the webinars.
NEWS AT NATIONAL
AIA Align Mentorship Program
The YAF-COF Align Mentorship program is a long range initiative that connects young architects with AIA Fellows to facilitate professional and leadership development.
The application deadline has been extended to November 6th. More Info and Apply Here
Young Architects Forum October Newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read More
AIA Releases New ‘By the Numbers’ Publication
The American Institute of Architects’ annual report offers “a detailed analysis of the energy performance of architecture and design firm signatories of the 2030 Commitment.” Read More
The World Has a Concrete Problem. These Quirky Alternatives Want To Be a Solution
Concrete’s massive carbon footprint has fueled a slew of unusual material innovations, but only some of them will have the kind of impact needed to curb CO2 emissions. Read at FastCompany
Bad News for Commercial Real Estate: Architects Report a Big Drop in Business
Architecture firms reported a sharp drop in business in September, indicating that the commercial real estate market could experience more pain soon. Commercial real estate has been hit with a double whammy: Return to office is slow and interest rates are high. Read at CNBC
AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index Reports New Decline in Business Condition
Business conditions at architecture firms declined again in September, the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) reports. The score of 44.8 for September is the lowest score reported since December 2020 during the height of the pandemic. Any score below 50.0 indicates decreasing business conditions and this score indicates a significant increase in firms reporting declining billings. Read More
Premier Partner Spotlight
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
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Colorado Architecture News | 10.18.23
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 10.18.23
THE WEEK IN WORDS
“Tom Kundig is a very genuine and passionate architect whose residential work truly resonates with many of our members. I’ve followed and known Carol Ross Barney since my days working in Chicago – she’s a brilliant architect and veritable force of nature. This event should appeal to a diverse audience and will surely be heralded as a raving success.”
— Michael A Hazard, AIA, Michael Hazard Associates
AIA COLORADO NEWS
Mithun: Design for Positive Change • Dave Goldberg, FAIA
Winner of the 2023 AIA Architecture Firm Award, Mithun is an interdisciplinary collaborative of designers, constantly evolving to address the critical challenges of our future. The practice is driven by a shared mission, Design for Positive Change, that is reflected in the firm’s structure, culture, and award-winning body of work. Hear from Dave Goldberg, FAIA, President of Mithun, about the evolution of the practice, now in its fourth and fifth generation of leadership, and significant work, both built and on-the-boards, nationwide.
We’re just 4 weeks out from the start of ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference and registrations are still available. The cut-off date for regularly priced registrations for both the Pre-Conference session and Conference is October 31st.
Also, when booking your stay, be sure to book through the AIA Colorado room block to ensure best price, most convenient resort location, and the best opportunities to connect with fellow colleagues attending conference.
Openings on 2024 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and National Councils
AIA Colorado members have eight opportunities next year to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors or as state representative to AIA National Councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The National Councils are peer-group networks that provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy of the national level of the Institute. Learn more about the positions at the application link.
DORA Recommends Nine Year Continuation of Licensing for Architects
All licensed professions must undergo periodic “sunset” reviews by the state to determine if regulation continues to protect the public. DORA conducted its review of architects, professional engineers, and land surveyors (overseen by the joint AES Board) this year and has released their formal report. We are pleased to share that DORA recommends all three professions continue to be licensed for 9 years until the next sunset review. The Colorado General Assembly must pass a new practice act in the 2024 legislative session to formally extend regulation of the three professions.
AIA Colorado has commitments from legislators in both chambers to carry this bill next year. Between now and January, staff and our Government Affairs Committee will meet with legislators and review how DORA’s recommendations impact our existing practice act. We do not anticipate that substantial changes will be required. Then we’ll shift to getting the bill over the finish line with our allies in the engineering and land surveying professions during the legislative session.
Deadline to Renew Architect License: October 31
Colorado-licensed architects are required to renew licenses in odd-numbered years by October 31, and the DORA AES Board has sent renewal notifications to your email address on file with the state. If you haven’t received the email from dpo-no-reply@state.co.us, you can update your contact info and renew your license via your Online Services account.
Remember, the annual state-required 12 HSW hours of continuing education are per calendar year. You still have until December 31 to finish this year’s hours, but need to contact the AES Board before you renew if you’re deficient in CE hours from previous years.
“15-for-12” Membership Now Available
As of October 1st, new membership is valid for 15 months through December 31, 2024. This applies to new members and those that have been out of membership for 2 years or more.
AIA Colorado Allied Members who renew or join this Fall can also enjoy member benefits, including pricing for the 2023 and 2024 editions of the Practice + Design Conference, through the end of 2024.
Sign Up and View the AIA Colorado Allied Member Directory
2023 Compensation & Benefits Report
We have printed and bound copies of this year’s report at the AIA Colorado office. Current members are welcome to view the report and will need to make an appointment with staff in order to view the report at the AIA Colorado offices. Please email membership@aiacolorado.org to make an appointment.
Design Like A Girl Workshop
On Friday, October 13th, AIA Colorado and NOMA hosted the inaugural workshop for “Design Like a Girl,” a volunteer-led mentoring program focused on introducing middle school girls to the architecture, construction, and engineering fields.
Read about the workshop here.
AIA COLORADO EVENTS
Trojan Arena Tour – School District Eight
November 21st, join AIA Colorado South members and CRP Architects for a tour of the newly constructed Trojan Arena. This tour has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW.
AIA Colorado Member News
Q&A With Vail Town Council Candidate Brian Sipes, AIA
Hear from Brian about his vision for Vail, the path to architecture, and how you, too, can get involved. Read More
PARTNER NEWS AND EVENTS
PRO Housing Grant Application
Community Planning and Development (CPD) is pursuing financial assistance from the federal government through the PRO Housing Grant to identify and remove barriers to affordable housing in Denver. Attend a Public Workshop Thursday, October 19th from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Rooms 4.F.6/4.G.2. Learn more about the grant and its proposed activities here.
Share Your Thoughts on the Cherry Creek and Speer Blvd. Corridor
Do you have thoughts on how to improve Speer Boulevard and the Cherry Creek trail between Colfax Avenue and I-25? Take a short survey to share your input with the city as part of the Cherry Creek and Speer Boulevard Vision and Reconfiguration Feasibility Study. Answer Survey Here
Mayor’s Design Awards
Mayor Mike Johnston and Community Planning and Development are seeking nominations for the Mayor’s Design Awards. The nominating period will be open through the Fall, and Mayor Johnston will present the first Mayor’s Design Awards of his administration in early 2024. Nominations must be submitted by Friday, November 17, 2023. Start a Nomination
Habits of the Anthropocene Conference
The ACADIA Board of Directors and the College of Architecture and Planning at the University of Colorado Denver are excited to announce the 2023 conference Habits of the Anthropocene: Scarcity and Abundance in a Post-Material Economy. This conference will be held in person in Denver, CO from October 26-28th, 2023.
Networking Event with Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade
November 8th, in Colorado Springs, join members from AGC, HBA, CFMA, El Paso County Contractors, ACEC, ULI, and AIA for a networking session with Mayor Yemi from 4pm-7pm at The Warehouse in Colorado Springs. As an AIA member, use discount code “SOCO Partner 2023” to lock in a $30 rate. Look forward to hearing Mayor Yemi’s vision for Colorado Springs and how the design and construction groups can support his vision in the areas of affordable housing, adaptive reuse, land use, and Colorado Springs’ use of Infrastructure Investment Jobs Act funding.
Important Building Code Dates to Remember
January 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date must have partially electrified space and water heating systems for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects. For requirements, see Denver Energy Code C403.2.4 for space heating and C404.10 for water heating. Questions? Email mechplumb.review@denvergov.org
February 1, 2024 – Any building permit plans submitted on or after this date for all commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects must document compliance with both Accessible EV Installed spaces and Universal EV Installed spaces as required by Chapter 11 of the Denver Commercial Building Code. View a Summary of These Requirements
NEWS AT NATIONAL
AIA Align Mentorship Program
The YAF-COF Align Mentorship program is a long range initiative that connects young architects with AIA Fellows to facilitate professional and leadership development.
The Application deadline is October 25th.
Small Firm Exchange Newsletter
The quarterly newsletter includes upcoming events, resources, and what the Small Firm Exchange has been up to.
AIA Releases New ‘By the Numbers’ Publication
The American Institute of Architects’ annual report offers “a detailed analysis of the energy performance of architecture and design firm signatories of the 2030 Commitment.”
How AIA is tackling climate change
Directly addressing the dangers of climate change is among AIA’s top priorities. While work is ongoing, AIA has made headway recently with several crucial updates in the climate change sphere.
AIA Honors & Awards
AIA Awards has several awards open for submission—Housing, COTE Top Ten, and others. AIA Honors & Awards
Premier Partner Spotlight
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, IMEG, and look forward to their 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.
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Design Like A Girl Workshop
On Friday, October 13th, AIA Colorado and NOMA CO hosted the inaugural workshop for “Design Like a Girl,” a volunteer-led mentoring program focused on introducing middle school girls to the architecture, construction, and engineering fields.
The program, consisting of a series of three or four full-day workshops, was originally created in 2016 by Joanna Schmickel, FAIA, of CGS Architects in Washington, DC. The DC program, which is still ongoing, is sponsored by the Washington Architectural Foundation, the public outreach arm of the AIA DC chapter. Joanna had previously expanded the program to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was excited about the opportunity to bring her curriculum and enthusiasm for mentoring to Colorado.
The Colorado chapter of the “Design Like a Girl” program was born as a collaboration between AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee, NOMA Colorado, and Denver Public Schools.
Organizers in Colorado included Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, Brittany Soler, Assoc. AIA, and Patricia Joseph, President of NOMA CO. The organizers of the event are grateful for the collaboration of Sondra Osif with the DPS Spark Early Career Exploration Program, which helped recruit participants, organize transportation for the girls, and provide on-site DPS supervisors.
Joanna and DC mentor Courtney Fuenzalida, AIA (a CU Denver alum), flew to Colorado to lead the first workshop. Subsequent workshops will be led by Sarah Goldblatt and Brittany Soler.
The first workshop, attended by 17 young designers from various Denver middle schools, was held in a classroom at the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning. The University generously provided lunch for the participants and mentors, as well as notebooks, pencils, t-squares, and water bottles for the student designers. Eleven volunteer mentors from AIA Colorado and CU Denver mingled with the girls and assisted with the workshop lessons.
The morning began with a gesture drawing exercise, followed by a lesson introducing the young designers to the concept of plan, section, elevation, and scale. This was followed by an excursion to Larimer Square, where the girls engaged in a scavenger hunt to identify historical architectural features such as cornice, pediment, keystone, and arches.
After lunch, designers were given free rein to create their own architectural models using craft materials and material library samples donated by the mentors. They were tasked with designing an entryway for a building typology of their choice. Programs chosen by the girls included a garden, a zoo, a house, Santa’s workshop, a fairy home, a school of magic, a theater, a dog house, a dog cafe, and more. The classroom was transformed into a bustling architectural studio, and the designers had a great time sifting through and gaining inspiration from the variety of building materials on offer. The workshop concluded with a presentation where each designer had the opportunity to speak about her design to the group.
As a mentor, it was fun and inspiring to witness these young female designers engage with the fundamentals of design. The students came from a variety of backgrounds – some girls had already thought about architecture or design as a career, and some were just curious to see what it was all about. All the girls appeared to enjoy the challenge presented in the lessons and model-making exercise.
Subsequent workshops will be held in February and April 2024, focusing on Engineering/Construction and Interior Design, respectively.
The organizers of this event would like to give a special shoutout to all the mentors and sponsors who made the workshop possible. Sponsors included Anderson Mason Dale Architects, CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning, Ely Merhab, AIA (Verso Architecture and Interiors), and Sarah Goldblatt (SG Consultants/co-chair of AIA CO J.E.D.I committee).
The full list of mentors who participated in the first workshop is below. The program is always seeking more mentors, especially in the engineering industry. If you are interested in joining the program as a mentor, please email Sarah Goldblatt at sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com.
- Carrie Cardona
- Beth Cook
- Sarah Goldblatt
- Anna Friedrich
- Courtney Fuenzalida
- Ely Merheb
- Claire Messer
- Dania Morelli
- Kendall Ruder
- Joanna Schmickel
- Brittany Soler
- Abbey Woods