2026 Young Firm of the Year • UNUM Collaborative
Congratulations to 2026 Young Firm of the Year
UNUM Collaborative
The Award
This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a firm that has produced notable architecture for at least a decade. Award-winning firms have set an example both in design and leadership in the state. Criteria include an outstanding portfolio as a product of the firm’s collaborative environment. Through its work it has made a significant impact on its community and/or the architecture profession. Demonstrates a commitment to training future architects. Additionally, they exhibit a culture that embraces diversity and is widely known for the quality of its work, ability to work with clients and collaboration as a team by architects, designers, educators, and the public. They are known for the application of innovative technologies and/or progressive methodologies and developed works to achieve resilient and sustainable design goals.
Presented by Will Otte, AIA
Principal at Rowland+Broughton Architecture / Urban Design / Interior Design
2026 AIA Colorado West Director
UNUM Collaborative
In fewer than ten years, UNUM Collaborative has created a compelling body of work while building a studio culture rooted in curiosity, craft, and shared authorship.
The firm’s project types range across restaurants, homes, hospitality, and adaptive-reuse developments and throughout that range, UNUM brings an uncompromising commitment to material exploration, technical resolution, and the human experience of space. Projects such as Lady Jane, York Street Yards, and ChoLon Lakehouse demonstration a holistic design approach that connects architecture, interiors, acoustics, environmental thinking, and human behavior into beautiful design solutions that are cherished by their communities.
The jury was also impressed by the collaborative practice behind the portfolio. UNUM operates
as an open studio where team members participate in project conversations, charrettes, and
design decisions across all scales. The firm invests in its people through workplace flexibility,
strong benefits, educational experiences, and a culture that treats experimentation as essential
to meaningful work.
For showing what a small, young practice can accomplish through rigor, collaboration, and a clear
design point of view, the jury is pleased to name UNUM Collaborative as the 2026 AIA Colorado
Young Firm of the Year.
Congratulations!
Why the jury selected UNUM Collaborative
- Produced a remarkably strong and varied portfolio within the firm’s first decade.
- Distinguished its work through material craft, inventive detailing, and memorable spatial experiences.
- Demonstrated design strength across hospitality, residential, adaptive reuse, retail, entertainment, and community gathering spaces.
- Created well-loved Colorado projects including ChoLon LoDo, Lady Jane, and York Street Yards.
- Uses a holistic design approach that connects architecture, interiors, engineering, acoustics, environmental thinking, and human behavior.
- Builds collaboration into daily practice through an open studio, whole-team charrettes, and transparent project conversations.
- Gives staff exposure to projects as a whole rather than limiting team members to narrowly defined roles.
- Invests in employees through competitive benefits, flexibility, retreats, and design-focused learning experiences.
- Prioritizes adaptive reuse, longevity, high performance, and spaces that foster social interaction and belonging.
- Presented the most complete combination of design ambition, technical execution, studio culture, and emerging influence among the nominees.
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
2026 Citizen Architect of the Year • Jordan Lockner, AIA
Congratulations to 2026 Citizen Architect of the Year
Jordan Lockner, AIA
The Award
Recognizes the individual achievements of an AIA member in Colorado who has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and has significantly contributed to the public good through sustained volunteer efforts.
Presented by David Tryba , AIA
Founder, Tryba Architects
2025 AIA Colorado 25-Year Award Recipient
Jordan Lockner, AIA, Owner/Principal Architect at Collab Architecture Studio
Jordan Lockner has built his practice around a clear conviction: architecture is a form of public service.
As founding principal of Collab Architecture, Jordan has aligned design work, firm culture, and civic responsibility around strengthening Colorado communities. Under his leadership, Collab has supported more than 26 nonprofit and community organizations through architectural services, donated goods, mentorship, and volunteer time—contributions valued at more than $700,000. The work addresses affordable housing, child advocacy, domestic violence, food insecurity, recreation, and access to essential services.
Jordan’s impact is especially evident in partnerships with CASA of Larimer County and Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity. Whether expanding a historic home for child advocacy services or helping advance Hope Springs and an innovative 3D-printed Habitat home, he contributes far beyond a conventional project scope by strengthening engagement, fundraising, partnerships, and long-term organizational capacity.
Through nonprofit board service, mentorship, and a practice model that treats community investment as core work, Jordan shows how architects can use their skills and influence to build belonging, dignity, and opportunity. The jury is proud to recognize Jordan Lockner as the 2026 AIA Colorado Citizen Architect of the Year.
Congratulations!
Why the jury selected Jordan
- Built Collab Architecture around the mission to “design for good” and the belief that architecture carries a civic obligation.
- Supported more than 26 nonprofit and community-based organizations across Colorado.
- Helped direct more than $700,000 in in-kind and community-impact contributions, including donated goods, mentorship, and volunteer service.
- Uses architectural expertise to address affordable housing, child advocacy, domestic violence, food insecurity, recreation, and essential services.
- Serves on the boards of CASA of Larimer County and NOCO Unify and contributes to additional community and mentorship organizations.
- Led work that expanded CASA’s historic Harmony House while keeping the organization’s mission and community at the center.
- Helped advance Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity’s Hope Springs community and exploration of Colorado’s first 3D-printed Habitat home.
- Extends his role beyond design by supporting stakeholder engagement, fundraising, events, and strategic partnerships.
- Creates meaningful project and leadership opportunities for interns and emerging professionals.
- Fully met the jury’s understanding of a citizen architect by consistently aligning professional practice, volunteer leadership, and the public good.
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
2026 Associate of the Year • Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA
Congratulations to 2026 Associate of the Year
Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA
The Award
Recognizes the individual achievements of an AIA member in Colorado who has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and has significantly contributed to the public good through sustained volunteer efforts.
Presented by Rebekah Wagoner , AIA
Senior Associate at Gensler
2023 AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year
Margarita Gonzalez Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Founder and Principal, Minidwell
Margarita Gonzalez brings an extraordinary global perspective to Colorado architecture and uses it to expand access, representation, and opportunity within the profession.
Her path has crossed Colombia, Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and Colorado, encompassing architectural practice, urban studies, research, and more than two decades of teaching. In Denver, Margarita applies that experience through design practice and through her work with high school students earning concurrent college credit. By introducing young people to design thinking, technical skills, sustainability, and career pathways, she is helping students see a place for themselves in architecture before they enter college.
Margarita also contributes actively to AIA Colorado through its JEDI Committee, Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community, and Practice and Design Conference. Her presentations and programs on equitable practice invite the profession to examine how design and workplace culture can better serve diverse communities.
The jury was inspired by the breadth of her experience, the clarity of her commitment to education, and the resilience required to build a new professional path in Colorado. For demonstrating the distinctive impact an Associate member can have through teaching, design, and service, the jury is pleased to recognize Margarita Gonzalez as the 2026 AIA Colorado Associate of the Year.
Congratulations!
Why the jury selected Margarita
- Brings a distinctive international background spanning practice, research, and education in Colombia, Spain, France, Saudi Arabia, and Colorado.
- Holds advanced education in architecture, architectural design, history, and urban studies, including a PhD.
- Has taught architecture for more than two decades across several countries and educational settings.
- Introduces Denver high school students to architecture while helping them earn concurrent college credit.
- Expands access to design thinking, sustainable design, technical skills, and architecture career pathways.
- Founded Minidwell to bring a diverse global perspective and small-scale design solutions to the Denver community.
- Contributed to the Notre Dame Parish and School Plaza, shaped through community engagement as a gathering and learning space.
- Has served AIA Colorado through the JEDI Committee, Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community, and Practice and Design Conference Committee.
- Organizes and presents programs that advance equitable and inclusive professional practice.
- Distinguished herself through the cumulative impact of education, service, resilience, and a nontraditional path toward U.S. licensure.
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
2026 Educator of the Year • Mark Broyles, AIA
Congratulations to 2026 Educator of the Year
Mark Broyles, AIA
The Award
Recognizes an individual with at least a decade of experience in architectural education who made significant impact on the profession.
Presented by Erik Sommerfeld, AIA
ColoradoBuildingWorkshop at the University of Colorado Denver
2025 Educator of the Year
Mark Broyles AIA, Architect, Chair and Associate Professor, Architectural Technology at Community College of Denver
For more than a decade, Mark Broyles has helped students at the Community College of Denver turn an interest in buildings into a meaningful path toward architecture.
As Department Chair and Associate Professor of Architectural Technology, Mark teaches across the full arc of architectural learning—from drawing theory, history, and visual thinking to digital tools, commercial construction documents, and design development. He helps students understand not only how buildings are imagined, but how they are assembled, communicated, and made real. Drawing on 35 years of practice as an architect and urban designer, he connects classroom lessons to the judgment, collaboration, and technical responsibility the profession requires.
Mark’s impact is especially significant because he creates accessible pathways into architecture. Under his leadership, students can prepare for direct employment, develop stackable technical skills, pursue internships, or transfer into a four-year architecture program. His teaching balances design thinking with building science, sustainability, hand drawing, digital fluency, and professional readiness—giving students multiple ways to see themselves in the built-environment professions.
The jury recognized an educator whose influence is felt steadily and often quietly through the careers he has helped launch. For expanding opportunity, connecting education with practice, and preparing students to lead a changing profession, the jury is honored to recognize Mark Broyles as the 2026 AIA Colorado Educator of the Year.
Congratulations!
Why the jury selected Mark
- Has taught architectural technology at the Community College of Denver since 2013.
- Leads the program as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Architectural Technology.
- Teaches a broad curriculum spanning architectural drawing theory, construction documents, history, SketchUp, and design development.
- Brings 35 years of professional experience as an architect and urban designer into the classroom.
- Connects design ideas with the technical knowledge required to assemble, document, and deliver buildings.
- Helps students prepare for direct employment as architectural technologists and other built-environment professionals.
- Supports an articulated transfer pathway into the University of Colorado Denver’s architecture program.
- Advances an accessible, community-college pathway into a profession that can otherwise be difficult to enter.
- Balances building science, sustainability, digital technology, collaborative design thinking, hand drawing, and visual communication.
- Has made a sustained, quietly influential contribution by mentoring students and helping launch the next generation of Colorado practitioners.
A note from Mark shared at the Awards Celebration:
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
2026 Impact Award • Institute for the Built Environment at CSU
Congratulations to 2026 Impact Award recipient
Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University
The Award
This award recognizes a group or organization in Colorado that has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture and/or enhanced the role of practitioners.
Presented by Chris Aronson, AIA
Principal at Vaught Frye Larson Aronson Architects
2026 AIA Colorado North Director
Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University
Brian Dunbar, Executive Director
Josie Plaut, Co-Director
For more than three decades, the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University has helped Colorado imagine and create, healthier, more sustainable, and more resilient places.
Established in 1994, the Institute serves as a bridge between university research, professional practice, and the communities that architecture is meant to support. It brings together faculty, students, practitioners, owners, and public partners to turn complex ideas into practical progress. Through healthy green building guidance, community engagement, sustainability programs, and applied research, the Institute has strengthened hundreds of projects, organizations, and teams.
Its impact is also measured in people. The Institute includes CSU students in every project, giving emerging professionals meaningful, paid experience while connecting them with mentors and real-world challenges. That model prepares future leaders who understand that sustainability is not a specialty added at the end of a project, but a collaborative responsibility woven through design, construction, operations, health, equity, and community life.
By translating research into action and helping practitioners work across disciplines toward shared goals, the Institute has elevated sustainable practice throughout Colorado and beyond. The jury is proud to present the 2026 AIA Colorado Impact Award to the Institute for the Built Environment at Colorado State University.
Congratulations!
Why the jury selected The Institute for the Built Environment
- Has advanced healthy, thriving, and sustainable places since its establishment at Colorado State University in 1994.
- Connects university research with professional practice and community needs.
- Builds interdisciplinary teams of faculty, students, industry professionals, owners, and public partners.
- Has strengthened hundreds of projects, organizations, and teams through research, facilitation, and technical guidance.
- Supports project teams and communities through healthy green building expertise, place-based sustainability, climate-transition, equity, and resilience strategies.
- Translates applied research and social science into useful strategies, resources, and better project outcomes.
- Engages at least one CSU student in every project, providing meaningful paid experience and direct mentorship.
- Prepares future practitioners to lead by making collaboration, evidence, and whole-systems thinking central across architecture, construction, sustainability, public health, and community development.
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
AIA Colorado Announces 2026 Design Award Winners
Seventeen projects recognized for
Design Excellence
DENVER — September 18, 2026 — AIA Colorado announced the recipients of its 2026 Design Awards at the Design + Honor Awards Celebration on September 17 in Denver. Seventeen projects received recognition across three award levels: three Awards of Excellence, six Awards of Merit, and eight Honorable Mentions. Bluff Lake Nature Center also received Sustainability Recognition.
The winning projects reflect the breadth of work by Colorado’s architecture community, encompassing homes, educational facilities, community destinations, preservation projects, and unbuilt proposals. Located across Colorado and beyond, the projects demonstrate the many ways architecture responds to place, serves communities, and shapes everyday experience.
The annual Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community.
Watch the 2026 Design Awards Video
Explore all 17 winning projects in the full-length awards video.
Awards of Excellence
Sentinel Rock
- Firm: Piché Architecture
- Architect of record and design architect: Mike Piché, AIA
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Category: Historic Preservation and Restoration under 5,000 square feet
Vonnegut Cabins
- Firm: ColoradoBuildingWorkshop at the University of Colorado Denver
- Architect of record: Erik Sommerfeld, AIA
- Design architects: The students of the University of Colorado Denver
- Location: Thoreau, New Mexico
- Category: Historic Preservation and Restoration under 5,000 square feet
Colorado School of Mines East Classroom Building
- Firm: OZ Architecture
- Architect of record and design architect: David Schafer, AIA
- Location: Golden, Colorado
- Category: New Construction over 15,000 square feet
Awards of Merit
Camp Meeker
- Firm: Renée del Gaudio Architecture
- Architect of record and design architect: Renée del Gaudio, AIA
- Location: Allenspark, Colorado
- Category: New Construction under 5,000 square feet
MOLLIE Aspen
- Firm: CCY Architects
- Architect of record: John Cottle, FAIA
- Design architect: Todd Kennedy, AIA
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- Category: New Construction over 15,000 square feet
Aspen Distillers
- Firm: Anderson Mason Dale Architects
- Architect of record: David Pfeifer, AIA
- Design architects: David Pfeifer, AIA; Stephan Hall, AIA; Luc Bamberger, AIA
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- Category: New Construction 5,000–15,000 square feet
Riverbank House
- Firm: F&M Architects
- Architect of record: Flynn Stewart-Severy, AIA
- Design architect: Eric Sechrist, AIA
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- Category: New Construction 5,000–15,000 square feet
Denchu Den
- Firm: Roth Sheppard Architects
- Architect of record and design architect: Adam Harding, AIA
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Category: Interior Architecture
Parkside Villa
- Firm: Studio B Architecture + Interiors
- Architect of record: Mike Piché, AIA
- Design architect: Robby Cuthbert, AIA
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Category: Renovation and Remodel 5,000–15,000 square feet
Honorable Mention
Bluff Lake Nature Center
Also receiving Sustainability Recognition
- Firm: Shape Architecture Studio
- Architect of record: Steve Scribner, AIA
- Design architect: Bunny Tucker, AIA
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Category: New Construction over 5,000 square feet
The Legacy at the National Western Center
- Firm: Tryba Architects
- Architect of record and design architect: David Tryba, FAIA
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Category: New Construction over 15,000 square feet
Georgia State University Convocation Center
- Firm: Perkins&Will
- Architect of record and design architect: Don Dethlefs, FAIA
- Associate architect: The S/L/A/M Collaborative
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia
- Category: New Construction over 15,000 square feet
the.PAVILION
- Firm: BOSS.architecture
- Architect of record and design architect: Kevin Stephenson, AIA
- Location: Lakewood, Colorado
- Category: New Construction under 5,000 square feet
Johnson’s Station
- Firm: F9 Productions
- Architect of record: Alex Gore, AIA
- Design architect: Alex Gresh, AIA
- Location: Longmont, Colorado
- Category: Historic Preservation and Restoration 5,000–15,000 square feet
WeStreet Ice Center
- Firm: Perkins&Will
- Architect of record and design architect: Don Dethlefs, FAIA
- Location: Tulsa, Oklahoma
- Category: Renovation and Remodel over 15,000 square feet
Where the Earth Breathes
- Firm: CCY Architects
- Architect of record: Will Young
- Design architects: Alexis Campion, Assoc. AIA; Joy Mullappally, Assoc. AIA; Mason Limke
- Location: Hverfjall, Iceland
- Category: Unbuilt
Pitkin County Solid Waste Center – Scale House
- Firm: HDR
- Architect of record: Richard McKinley, AIA
- Design architect: James Braam, AIA
- Location: Aspen, Colorado
- Category: Unbuilt
About
AIA Colorado
AIA Colorado is the Colorado chapter of the American Institute of Architects, working to elevate the architecture profession to design a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.
Business of Architecture: Design Build recap
Business of Architecture Knowledge Community
Design Build discussion recap
Design-build has evolved from an alternative delivery model into one of the most widely used approaches in the industry. During this AIA Colorado Business of Architecture discussion, architects, contractors, landscape architects, consultants, and integrated design-build practitioners explored why the model continues to grow, and what makes it successful.
The discussion featured insights from Greg Gidez, FAIA, a former national board chair of the Design-Build Institute of America, John Kudrycki, AIA, Principal at Fentress Studios, and Mark Wilcox of DHM Design. Participants represented a broad range of experience, from architects beginning their first design-build projects to professionals who have worked within the model for decades.
Why Design Build?
Research has shown that design-build can reduce project costs and accelerate delivery compared with traditional design-bid-build and construction-manager-at-risk models. However, the speakers emphasized that its benefits extend beyond speed and cost.
At its best, design-build replaces the traditional separation between designers and builders with a collaborative process in which design, budget, constructability, procurement, and scheduling are considered together. Designers gain earlier access to real-time cost and construction knowledge, while builders gain a better understanding of the project’s design intent.
This collaboration also shifts the team’s mindset. Rather than developing a design and pricing it afterward, the team designs within an established budget from the beginning.
Key Takeaways:
- Design-build can improve project speed, cost control, and overall value.
- The model allows design, budget, schedule, and constructability to be evaluated together.
- Successful teams design to the budget rather than budgeting after the design is complete.
- The greatest benefit may be a more collaborative and less adversarial working environment.
“During design, builders and trade partners support the design process. During construction, designers support the building process. It’s one team working together.”
— Greg Gidez, FAIA
Relationships Come First
The clearest message of the discussion was that successful design-build projects depend on the people involved. The delivery model cannot compensate for partners who do not communicate, respect one another’s expertise, or share responsibility for the project’s outcome.
Strong design-build relationships are often developed over multiple projects. Repeated collaboration helps architects, builders, consultants, and trade partners understand how one another works and creates the trust needed to make decisions quickly.
A capable design-build partner should also have a strong preconstruction process. Estimators, superintendents, and key trade partners need to participate early enough to influence decisions, not simply price a completed set of drawings.
Key Takeaways
- Choose partners whose cultures, working styles, and expectations are compatible.
- Treat designers and consultants as professional partners, not simply as subcontractors.
- Look for builders with robust preconstruction capabilities.
- Approach design-build partnerships as long-term relationships rather than one-time transactions.
- Establish mutual respect for both the design and construction processes.
“The real critical issue is your partner and your relationship with that partner. Design-build is not a one-time thing; it’s a long-term relationship.”
— John Kudrycki, AIA
“When you pick your builder, make sure they respect and understand the design process. That professional respect will take the team a long way.”
— Greg Gidez, FAIA
Early Collaboration Creates Value
The group discussed how early input from builders and specialty trades can improve constructability, reduce waste, address long-lead items, and uncover savings that can be reinvested in the visible or experiential parts of a project.
Examples ranged from selecting readily available building systems to repositioning a building so it could be constructed with one tower crane rather than two. In another example, changing a foundation system shortened the schedule by approximately 10 months, allowing the resulting savings to fund improvements elsewhere in the project.
Co-location can further strengthen collaboration. Greg described projects in which owners, architects, engineers, builders, and stakeholders worked together in the same space. Beyond accelerating decisions, the experience gave younger staff direct exposure to conversations about design, cost, sequencing, and owner priorities, accelerating their professional development.
Key Takeaways
- Engage specialty trades early enough to influence design, procurement, and constructability.
- Include estimators and superintendents in design conversations.
- Look for savings in construction systems, logistics, sequencing, and hidden building components.
- Reinvest those savings in improvements that support the owner’s goals and the project’s design quality.
- Consider co-location for complex projects that require frequent, rapid decisions.
- Use collaborative projects as learning opportunities for emerging professionals.
“The hidden parts of the building are where you can often save money—and then spend that money on the visible parts of the building.”
— John Kudrycki, AIA
A Different Design Process
Design-build does not necessarily require less design work, but it distributes that work differently. Architects may spend more time during early design aligning the project with its budget, schedule, systems, and construction approach. They may also spend more time responding to field questions as work progresses.
The goal is not simply to produce fewer drawings. It is to produce the information the team needs, when it is needed, while avoiding redundant or unnecessary documentation. A clear Building Information Modeling execution plan, defined deliverables, and a written teaming agreement can help establish expectations before the project begins.
The group also stressed that architects should not present ideas to an owner until the design-build team has evaluated their effects on quality, cost, and schedule. Presenting an unvetted concept can create expectations the team cannot afford to fulfill.
Key Takeaways
- Define responsibilities, deliverables, software, decision-making procedures, and schedules at the outset.
- Use transparent contracts and written teaming agreements.
- Develop a clear BIM execution plan.
- Align documentation with what the construction team needs and when it needs it.
- Avoid unnecessary documentation, but do not confuse fewer drawings with less professional effort.
- Vet concepts for quality, cost, and schedule before presenting them to the owner.
“Never present anything to the owner that has not been vetted for design, quality, cost, and schedule.”
— Greg Gidez, FAIA
“You’re saving drawings, but you’re getting the right things discussed and the right things drawn. It’s more effective.”
— David Kurt
Selecting Projects and Owners
Just as firms should choose their partners carefully, they should also evaluate prospective owners. Successful design-build owners understand the collaborative nature of the process, make timely decisions, and recognize that design may advance alongside procurement and construction.
The discussion distinguished between two-stage best-value selection and progressive design-build. Two-stage selection can require competing teams to develop substantial design proposals before a project is awarded, placing significant financial risk on architects. Participants recommended looking for serious owners who limit shortlists and provide stipends, even when those stipends do not cover the full cost of pursuing the work.
Progressive design-build, by contrast, selects the team primarily on qualifications and brings the owner into the development of the program, design, budget, and scope.
Regardless of the model, the team should reconcile the owner’s original request with its proposed solution before proceeding. This establishes an agreed-upon basis of design and makes later scope changes easier to identify and manage.
Key Takeaways
- Select owners who understand design-build and are prepared to participate collaboratively.
- Prioritize qualifications over price when selecting key team members.
- Review an owner’s request for proposals carefully and confirm that the team can meet its requirements.
- Favor serious procurements with limited shortlists and appropriate stipends.
- Reconcile the owner’s request with the team’s proposed solution before beginning design.
- Establish a clear basis of design against which later changes can be evaluated.
- Understand how contingencies are structured and what they are intended to cover.
- Maintain agreed-upon communication protocols when working directly with owners and stakeholders.
“Choose your owners wisely. You want an owner with the right mindset to work in a collaborative, inclusive environment.”
— Greg Gidez, FAIA
Protecting Design Quality and Profitability
Several participants addressed architects’ concerns that design-build can diminish design quality or reduce fees. The group agreed that this is primarily a matter of selecting the right partner and establishing appropriate expectations.
A good builder respects the design process and helps the architect identify where resources will have the greatest effect. Savings in foundations, logistics, sequencing, or hidden building systems can create room in the budget for architectural enhancements.
Design-build fees should reflect the architect’s full contribution. Producing fewer conventional details does not mean doing less work; time may instead be spent in early coordination, model development, trade-partner collaboration, and construction-phase services. Contractors who use the delivery method to justify disproportionately reducing design fees may not be suitable long-term partners.
Integrated design-build firms also discussed the potential financial rewards and risks of assuming responsibility for both design and construction. Although construction can offer greater profit potential, it also carries greater liability.
Key Takeaways
- Protect design quality by identifying where each project dollar will have the greatest effect.
- Use savings in logistics, sequencing, and building systems to preserve important design elements.
- Structure fees around the architect’s full contribution, not simply the number of drawings produced.
- Account for the additional time required for early coordination and construction-phase support.
- Do not accept reduced fees solely because the project may be built from a less extensive drawing set.
- Recognize that greater control and financial reward also bring greater responsibility and risk.
“The risk is that you’re responsible for everything. When the project is done, there’s no one else to point the finger at.”
— David Kurt
“The business of design-build architecture is: How do I make a profit? How do I minimize my risk? And how do I build relationships for future work?”
— Greg Gidez, FAIA
About The
Business of Architecture Knowledge Committee
Members of this committee help to organize events and learning opportunities around the business side of architecture. Topics might include marketing, HR and legal, when to hire, practice structure and organization, contracts/contract negotiation, remote work, and more.
For 2026, the committee is hosting a series of roundtables and all members are invited to attend and participate either in person or virtually.
RSVP for events at AIA Colorado’s event page.
Colorado Architecture News | 09.16.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
09.16.26
In this Newsletter:
- Design + Honor Awards Celebration: last minute tickets available
- Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
- Out of the Ordinary with John Ronan, FAIA
- Health Horizons 26
- Design Like a Girl seeks mentors
- Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
- Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration
- Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
- Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery
- Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work
- Oct 6 • The All Inn Hotel tour
- Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations
- Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150
- Oct 14 • Firm Visit: Stantec
- Oct 15 • South Section EP/YA happy hour
- Oct 21 • University of Colorado Anschutz Health Sciences Building tour
- Oct 22 • LAWS whiskey house tour
- Oct 27 • Cherry Creek North multi-site tour
- Oct 28 • CRAN Fall Home Tour
- Member Spotlight: Alexander Person, AIA
- Premier Partner Spotlight: Architectural Education Foundation (AEF)
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
Tomorrow night: Celebrate Colorado’s architecture community
The 2026 Design + Honor Awards Celebration is almost here! Join us tomorrow, Thursday, September 17, beginning at 5:30pm, at Mile High Station for an evening honoring the people, projects, and partnerships shaping Colorado’s built environment.
Connect with colleagues, clients, collaborators, emerging professionals, and industry partners while enjoying a curated dinner, craft cocktails, and a live performance by Extreme Strings. Tickets include catered cuisine and your first two craft beverages.
Still hoping to attend? Last-minute walk-up tickets will be available at the door. You can also purchase your ticket online before the event.
Many thanks to event sponsors Martin/Martin, Carpentry Plus, HDR, HNTB, OZ Architecture, and GH Phipps, and to Premier Partners Architectural Education Foundation (AEF), IMEG, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and KL&A.
Can’t join us? Look for complete coverage of the 2026 Design + Honor Award recipients in the next AIA Colorado member newsletter.
Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
“Serving on the AIA Colorado board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. You work alongside inspirational colleagues in one of the highest performing chapters of the Institute. I encourage you to apply or recommend a candidate to the nominating committee.”
— Scott Rodwin, AIA, Immediate Past President and Nominating Committee Chair.
AIA Colorado is seeking members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils.
The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute.
Learn more about the upcoming vacancies and begin your application here.
Out of the Ordinary with John Ronan, FAIA
What can ordinary materials, familiar building types, and everyday constraints become in the hands of an extraordinary designer?
At the 2026 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, John Ronan, FAIA, will present Out of the Ordinary,exploring work that finds unexpected architectural possibilities within seemingly ordinary circumstances.
Ready to make your plans? Explore the conference schedule, reserve your hotel room, or learn more about exhibiting and sponsorship opportunities.
Health Horizons 26
October 15th, from 10am – 2:30pm, at McCarthy Building Companies in Denver, AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAH) and Women in Healthcare Denver present their third annual Healthcare Symposium, Health Horizons 2026. Oriented to both AEC & healthcare professionals, the event will explore technological advancements, emerging challenges facing clinicians, and the evolving healthcare landscape. Don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and envision the future of healthcare. Speakers include Donna Lynne, DrPH, President and CEO of Denver Health and Dr. Kati Peditto, Environmental Psychologist & Design Researcher. Lunch provided. Register or secure your sponsorship here.
Design Like a Girl seeks mentors
Design Like a Girl, a design mentoring program that introduces a diverse cohort of middle school girls to architecture and allied design professions, is seeking female-identifying design professionals and students to mentor a diverse cohort of middle school girls interested in exploring careers in architecture and allied design fields. Mentoring takes place across three full-day Friday workshops during the 2026–2027 school year. Participation in all three workshops is encouraged but not required. Partial-day shifts and other flexible volunteer options are available. Program Dates are Friday, October 30th, Friday, February 26th, and Friday, April 30th. Register by October 14th. More information here and sign up here.
Collin Kemberlin, AIA, of Kemberlin Architecture led a tour of Denver’s Historic Evans School, highlighting the transformation of the 1904 landmark into a mixed-use community destination in the Golden Triangle. The project preserves the school’s Renaissance Revival character while introducing retail, offices, a restored auditorium, and the Schoolyard Beer Garden and Café. The tour explored how community engagement, preservation funding, and equitable design are helping bring new life to this long-vacant civic building.
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
Wednesday, September 16th, at 5:30pm, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for an AIA Colorado members only roundtable discussion regarding design build. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. Networking 5:30–6pm and roundtable discussion 6–7:30pm. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration
More than an awards ceremony, this is a celebration of Colorado’s architecture community and the people, ideas, and partnerships that continue to shape the built environment across our state.
Thursday, September 17, starting at 5:30pm, join colleagues, clients, collaborators, emerging professionals, and industry partners for an unforgettable evening at Mile High Station as we recognize the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards while celebrating the collective creativity, leadership, and impact of the architectural profession.
Enjoy craft curated cocktails, an exceptional culinary experience, and a live performance by Extreme Strings, creating an energetic backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and celebrating together. Tickets include catered cuisine and your first two craft beverages. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Grow your impact by sponsoring the event. More info available here.
Buy your tickets here.
Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
Tuesday, September 22nd, starting at 5pm, join alumni of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program for a happy at Schoolyard Beer Garden. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery
Wednesday, September 23rd, at Noon, learn about the architect’s evolving role in wildfires disaster response and rebuild efforts. Architects and local government officials involved in recent Colorado and Los Angeles-area wildfires will share practical lessons from response and rebuilding efforts. Learn how architects can support communities immediately after a fire, help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process, and prepare for the challenges that emerge in the years ahead. Virtual event submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info, meeting the panelists, and RSVP here.
Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work
Thursday, October 1st, at Noon, join members for a candid conversation about what it takes to win work in today’s competitive marketplace. This discussion moves beyond the fundamentals of business development to address the questions experienced practitioners face as they seek better projects, new clients, and sustainable growth. More info, meet the panelists, and RSVP here.
Oct 6 • All Inn Hotel tour
Tuesday, October 6th, starting at 4pm, join members for a tour of The All Inn Hotel. Originally constructed as a luxury motor hotel during the golden age of automobile travel, this property has been thoughtfully reimagined as a contemporary 54-room boutique hotel that celebrates its mid-century heritage while meeting the expectations of today’s hospitality market. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.
Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations
Wednesday, October 7th, starting at 4:30pm, at Number 38 in Denver’s RiNO neighborhood, join Join the AIA Colorado Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) for an evening of connection, candid conversation, and shared learning. This facilitated, peer-to-peer gathering will bring custom residential architects together to exchange practical insights on the business challenges that shape their work. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150
Thursday, October 8th, 4pm, at the Aspen Art Museum, join members of the AIA Colorado Board of Directors for future-focused conversations. We’ll explore what architecture can learn from the past, how housing can respond to changing needs, and how shared spaces can strengthen our communities. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 14 • Firm Visit: Stantec
Wednesday, October 14th, from 4:30 – 6pm, connect with members for an informal open house and happy hour to tour Stantec’s recently renovated office, learn about the projects they are currently working on, and hear directly from the team about their design philosophy and creative process. RSVP here.
Oct 15 • South Section EP/YA happy hour
Thursday, October 15th, at 4:30pm, at Red Leg Brewing Company, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado South members and the EP/YA Council for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.
Oct 21 • University of Colorado Anschutz Health Sciences Building tour
Wednesday, October 21st, at 4pm, join members for tour of the University of Colorado Anschutz Health Sciences Building, a 2023 AIA Colorado Design Award of Merit recipient. Designed by Anderson Mason Dale and ZGF Architects and completed in 2022, the Anschutz Health Sciences Building furthers the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus’s trajectory as one of the leading medical care, translational research, and educational facilities in the world. Tour approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 22 • LAWS whiskey house tour
Thursday, October 22nd, at 5pm, join members for a tour of LAWS whiskey house, a 2025 AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellence recipient. Explore both the architecture crafted by BOSS architecture and the whiskey-making process that sets Laws Whiskey House apart. The tour culminates with a cocktail and unique Q&A session with owner representative and architects from BOSS. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 27 • Cherry Creek North multi-site tour
Tuesday, October 27th, at 4pm, join members for a guided architectural tour of two new commercial office projects in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood: 2nd and Adams and 242 Milwaukee. The tours will explore the design and technical execution of contemporary five-story office buildings, with particular attention to how traditional masonry and high-performance glass systems balance structural demands, energy efficiency, daylight, and occupant well-being. Tours to be led by OZ Architecture and 4240 Architecture. Combined tours approved for 2 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 28 • CRAN Fall Home Tour
Wednesday, October 28th, at 4:30pm, join AIA Colorado’s CRAN to explore a new Boulder home built following demolition of the previous residence. Melton Design/Buildarchitects Richard McSwain, AIA and Alex Parulis will share how the team balanced the homeowners’ goals with Boulder’s stringent zoning requirements and resolved structural, mechanical, and stormwater challenges. Limited to 16 AIA members. Tour to be submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
MEMBER
NEWS
Member Spotlight: Alexander Person, AIA
Meet Alexander Person, AIA, CNU-A, NOMA, Project Manager and Associate at SmithGroup in Denver. Alexander reflects on the places and mentors that shaped his approach to architecture, the meaning behind the River People Health Center, and why he believes the profession’s future holds more humanity in architecture.
Read the Member Spotlight here.
Rowland+Broughton Architecture and Interior Design promotes Brandon Herbst, AIA, to Principal. Brandon is currently co-chair of AIA Colorado’s CRAN committee. Congrats!
Kari Lawson, AIA, HDR, and AIA Colorado Secretary, has been selected for the 2026–2027 Next to Lead Cohort. Next to Lead is a national leadership development program designed for diverse women in architecture who aspire to serve in leadership roles within the AIA.
COMMUNITY
NEWS
Colorado Green Building Guild 10th Annual Green Home Tour
Saturday, September 19th, from 10am – 7pm, enjoy a self-guided tour of sustainable and high-performance homes across Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins, paired with the Building Better Expo showcasing the products, practices, and professionals behind sustainable building in Colorado. Attendees can expect to meet some of the homeowners, direct access to the builders and designers who created the homes, and a chance to see green building principles in action. The day wraps with an after party at Relish in Louisville. Hosted by the Colorado Green Building Guild (CGBG), tickets are $15 for a single home tour and $30 for unlimited and available here. All tickets include the expo and after party. AIA Members can use the discount code “AIA” for reduced ticket costs! ($10/$20) If you are interested in volunteering, email jessica@bossarch.com.
CAP’s Fall 2026 Lecture and Exhibition Series
All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Fall schedule here.
- Monday, September 28 • Nels Bjarke – Western Water Assessment & CIRES, Research Scientist
- Monday, October 5 • David Godshall – Terremoto, Design Director
- Monday, October 12 • Shin Bin Tan – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Assistant Professor
- Thursday, October 22 • Kevin Hirth – CU Denver CAP, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, KEVIN HIRTH Co., Founder
- Tuesday, November 3 • Liaohui Guo – Atelier Guo, Principal Architect
- Thursday, November 12 • Annabelle Selldorf, FAIA – Selldorf Architects, Founder
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
Registration is open for AIA Trust Week 2026
AIA Trust Week returns September 28–October 2 with nine free virtual sessions focused on issues shaping architecture practice today, including AI, cybersecurity, climate resilience, legal risk, professional liability, healthcare, retirement, employee benefits, and more. All sessions are free and eligible for AIA Continuing Education credit. Explore the schedule and register at AIA Trust.
Registration for Firm Management Symposium 2026 is open!
Firm Management Symposium, new from AIA, delivers focused, high-value learning on the fundamentals that drive firm success all in 1.5 days! The agenda is designed around winning work, driving results, and getting paid. Strengthen your business, navigate AI, and more! The event will take place at the AIA Global Campus, Oct. 1-2. Be part of the FMS community, designed for small and mid-sized firms, and leave with tools you can apply right away. Register at AIA.
Women’s Leadership Summit 2026
Women’s Leadership Summit, powered by AIA, brings together the largest network of women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. This year, the event will take place in Kansas City, MO, from November 1-3. Be part of the WLS community dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment. Learn more and register at AIA.
AIA COLORADO’S
PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, Architectural Education Foundation, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to more than 250 recipients. The AEF is more than just an educational fund, it’s a lifeline for aspiring architects and educators, providing the support they need to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of architectural practice.
Every donation to the AEF fuels the future of architectural innovation. Whether it’s helping a student return to school or funding groundbreaking research, each contribution empowers the next generation of architects to design the world we live in.
Contributions not only advance the profession today but also help build a lasting legacy in the field of architecture.
Make your secure donation and help create a lasting impact!
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- Tickets available here
2026 Practice + Design Conference
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
- Conference sponsorship information
- Expo Hall registration
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.
Member Spotlight: Alexander Person, AIA
AIA Colorado Member Spotlight celebrates the architects who are shaping Colorado’s built environment and strengthening our profession. Through conversations about design, leadership, career paths, and the communities they serve, this series offers a personal look at the people behind the projects and the ideas that continue to move architecture forward.
AIA Colorado Member Spotlight
Alexander Person, AIA
Title: Project Manager / Associate
Firm: SmithGroup
Location: Denver, CO
Years in practice: 23
Credentials: AIA, CNU-A, NOMA
Introduction
Growing up in a military family, Alexander Person, AIA, CNU-A, NOMA, became accustomed to new cities, new landscapes, and new ways of understanding a place. From the civic monuments of Washington, D.C., to the shaded arcades of Panama City and brick warehouses of Omaha, those experiences sparked a curiosity about what buildings reveal about the people who create them.
Today, Alexander is a Project Manager and Associate at SmithGroup in Denver, with 23 years of experience and a practice spanning higher education, science and technology, housing, and urban design. His commitment to places that feel intuitive, enduring, and deeply human also informs his involvement with NOMA Colorado and AIA Colorado, where he contributes through leadership and mentorship.
In this Member Spotlight, Alexander reflects on the places and mentors that shaped his approach, a healthcare project close to his heart, the human qualities he believes will define architecture’s future, and why AIA Colorado offers opportunities to practice being an architect.
The Conversation
Tell us about your journey to becoming an architect. What shaped you along the way?
As a military brat in the 1980s, I saw much of the United States and two other countries by the time I could drive. Every few years brought a new city, a new landscape, and a new collection of buildings that quietly told stories about the people who lived there.
In Washington, D.C., I was surrounded by the permanence and symbolism of neoclassical monuments and civic buildings. The architecture spoke the language of democracy and national identity, crafted from stone and marble to project endurance, order, and aspiration. Even as a child, it was hard not to feel that these buildings were trying to say something bigger than themselves.
In Panama City, Panama, I encountered a city shaped by connection. Its architecture reflected centuries of cultural exchange and economic opportunity. The colonial character of Casco Viejo spoke to the city’s historical roots, while its skyline embodied its aspirations. Tropical conditions encouraged shaded arcades, balconies, and buildings designed to capture breezes and shelter people from intense sun and rain. Panama City taught me that architecture can be both an archive and a forecast, preserving the memory of a place while revealing its aspirations for the future.
In Omaha, Nebraska, I found a landscape built from the optimism and grit of the American heartland. Brick warehouses, sturdy commercial buildings, and unpretentious neighborhoods reflected the city’s growth as a railroad and agricultural hub. The architecture wasn’t concerned with grandeur as much as usefulness, craftsmanship, and community, values that continue to resonate with me today.
Looking back, I realize I wasn’t just noticing buildings. I was becoming curious about why places looked the way they did and what they revealed about the people who created them. Those early moves taught me that architecture is never simply about shelter; it’s a physical expression of geography, culture, history, and human ambition.
That curiosity eventually led me to architecture. More than two decades into the profession, I still find myself asking the same question I did as a kid staring out the car window in a new town: “What story is this place trying to tell?” Fortunately, I’ve managed to turn that habit into a career.
“What story is this place trying to tell?”
How would you describe your design philosophy in a few sentences?
Early in my career, I worked under three phenomenal architects, Joe Lear, Lupe Canto, and Arne Emerson, who all influenced my philosophy of architecture.
They taught me that great design is manifested in the moments that aren’t obvious, that designing with constructability in mind is nonnegotiable, and that architecture responds to political and economic climates as well as geographic ones. They also showed me that interrogating the program can reveal inspiring solutions.
How do you approach the balance between creativity and constraints such as budget, code, and client needs?
Recently, speed to market has been king, and my projects have used design-build or construction manager at risk delivery methods, which create interesting opportunities.
In this mode, creativity expands to include the constraints of budget and schedule early in the project. Bringing construction expertise into the conversation allows us to collaborate on real-world constraints and adjust before becoming deeply invested in a particular direction.
I believe code should be framed as hard-won design intelligence. It allows creativity to be focused where it matters most, including spatial experience, daylighting, context-appropriate design, and ergonomics.
Tell us about a project you are proud of. What made it meaningful?
The River People Health Center remains one of the projects closest to my heart. It brings together two things I care deeply about: architecture that serves people and architecture that belongs to its place.
The design draws its meaning from the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Community’s relationship to land, water, and wellness, yet its purpose is wonderfully straightforward: helping people heal.
When architecture can honor a culture, support a community, and improve lives without becoming a theme park of symbols, that’s a pretty good day at the office.
River People Health Center, Scottsdale, AZ.
Photographer: Kevin C. Korczyk
How do you measure success in your work?
Success is often visible, but impact is what endures. One is measured by recognition; the other by the difference we leave behind.
Where do you see the future of architecture heading in the next 5 to 10 years?
Art has always moved in cycles between technical mastery and human expression. I believe architecture is approaching a similar inflection point.
As AI and algorithms become increasingly capable of generating and analyzing buildings, architects will spend less time producing drawings and more time interpreting the human condition. Technology will continue to make us more efficient, but our greatest value will remain our ability to translate culture, memory, emotion, and community into built form.
The future isn’t less architecture; it’s more humanity in architecture. Technology will help us design buildings faster, but architects will remain essential because people don’t remember algorithms. They remember how a place made them feel.
“The future isn’t less architecture; it’s more humanity in architecture.”
CSU Hydro Building at the Spur campus, Denver, CO
Photographer: Wade Griffith
Why are you a member of AIA Colorado?
My firm gives me plenty of opportunities to practice architecture; AIA Colorado gives me opportunities to practice being an architect.
That means leadership, mentorship, advocacy, intellectual exchange, and a community of peers who understand both the joys and challenges of the profession. And, admittedly, I’m never going to turn down a good building tour.
Investing in the future of architecture at CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning Portfolio Review Night.
Image courtesy of CAP VRC
What inspires you outside of architecture?
My creative fuel comes from a somewhat eclectic combination of motorcycles, microchips, mountain trails, mindfulness, and modern art.
Motorcycling teaches perspective, hiking encourages observation, technology sparks possibility, self-care cultivates empathy, and modern art challenges convention. These pursuits reinforce my commitment to human-centered design and a belief that the best architecture emerges from curiosity, empathy, and a deep appreciation for how people experience the world.
What are you currently reading, listening to, or learning?
I’m reading Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. As I wrote this, I was listening to Ellie Goulding. I’ve also been learning how to do standing core exercises.
Conversations in the breakroom with my colleagues are truly inspiring and make my I-25 commute well worth it.
Photography: Gray Box Studios
Thank you to Alexander Person, AIA, CNU-A, NOMA, for sharing his story, perspective, and reflections on the places, people, and experiences that shape his approach to architecture as part of the AIA Colorado Member Spotlight series.
Colorado Architecture News | 09.02.26
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects
09.02.26
In this Newsletter:
- Buy your tickets for the Design + Honor Awards Celebration
- Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
- Practice + Design Conference: The State of the State of Colorado
- AIA Colorado Supports Phil Weiser’s Vision for Housing and Development
- Sept 9 • West Virtual Connect: Information Exchange Roundtable
- Sept 10 • Historic Evans School tour
- Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
- Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration
- Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
- Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery
- Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work
- Oct 6 • The All Inn Hotel tour
- Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations
- Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150
- Premier Partner Spotlight: Architectural Education Foundation (AEF)
AIA COLORADO’S
NEWS
Celebrate Design. Celebrate Community.
Ticket prices increase September 4. Reserve your tickets today to secure the current rate.
On Thursday, September 17, at 5:30pm, Colorado’s architecture community comes together at Mile High Station for an evening of design, connection, and celebration.
Join us as we honor the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards and recognize the people, ideas, and partnerships shaping Colorado’s built environment. The evening features craft cocktails, a curated dinner, and a live performance by Extreme Strings.
Many thanks to event sponsors Martin/Martin, HDR, Carpentry Plus, HNTB, OZ Architecture, GH Phipps, and American Institute of Steel Construction and to Premier Partners Architectural Education Foundation, IMEG, American Institute of Steel Construction, Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and KL&A!
Want to deepen your organization’s connection to Colorado’s architecture community? Explore event sponsorship opportunities here. Buy your tickets here.
Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
AIA Colorado is seeking members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils.
The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute.
Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends, to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice.
AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven and competency-based slate of candidates. Learn more about the upcoming vacancies and begin your application here.
Registration is Open
Registration is open for AIA Colorado’s 2026 Practice + Design Conference!
The conference begins Wednesday, November 11, with The State of the State of Colorado, a data-driven look at the economic, demographic, resilience, and policy trends shaping the future of architecture across the state. Four presenters from the public, economic, and planning sectors will explore the forces influencing where people live, how communities grow, what markets demand, and how architects design and lead. The session plans to offer 2 LU|HSW and is included with full conference registration.
With a growing conference schedule, nationally recognized keynote speakers, expanded networking opportunities, and three days dedicated to the future of architectural practice, this year’s conference promises to be one of our strongest yet.
Whether you’re attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring, now is a great time to make your plans and save. Explore the latest conference schedule, reserve your hotel room, and secure your registration today!
Reserve your spot here.
AIA Colorado Supports Phil Weiser’s Vision for Housing and Development
AIA Colorado joined other construction industry representatives this week for a fundraiser event in support of Phil Weiser’s campaign for governor. Weiser shared his vision for reducing barriers to development, tackling our lack of available affordable housing units, and building stronger relationships with local jurisdictions to find solutions to these challenges in a more collaborative manner. Our Architects of Colorado Small Donor Committee, funded by AIA Colorado members, is a proud contributor to Weiser’s campaign. Pictured (L-R) Nikolaus Remus, AIA, AIA Colorado Advocacy Engagement Director, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado CEO, and Jerry Johnson, AIA Colorado lobbyist.
AIA COLORADO’S
EVENTS
Sept 9 • West Virtual Connect: Information Exchange Roundtable
Wednesday, September 9th, at Noon, connect with fellow members in the West. This interactive roundtable is designed for open dialogue and peer learning. Bring your questions and insights as we discuss emerging topics including AI in practice, firm management strategies, insurance and benefits, software tools, and operational best practices. This is a chance to connect with Western Slope colleagues, share lessons learned, and gain practical ideas you can implement immediately. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 10 • Historic Evans School tour
Thursday, September 10th, at 4pm, join members for a guided tour of the Historic Evans School, led by Collin Kemberlin, AIA, Kemberlin Architecture. The Historic Evans School project reimagines a 1904 Denver landmark as a vibrant mixed-use community destination in the Golden Triangle. Through careful adaptive reuse, the former school preserves its Renaissance Revival character while introducing lifestyle retail, office space, a restored historic auditorium event venue, and active public-facing uses such as Schoolyard Beer Garden and Schoolyard Café. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
Wednesday, September 16th, at 5:30pm, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for an AIA Colorado members only roundtable discussion regarding design build. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. Networking 5:30–6pm and roundtable discussion 6–7:30pm. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration
More than an awards ceremony, this is a celebration of Colorado’s architecture community and the people, ideas, and partnerships that continue to shape the built environment across our state.
Thursday, September 17, starting at 5:30pm, join colleagues, clients, collaborators, emerging professionals, and industry partners for an unforgettable evening at Mile High Station as we recognize the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards while celebrating the collective creativity, leadership, and impact of the architectural profession.
Enjoy craft curated cocktails, an exceptional culinary experience, and a live performance by Extreme Strings, creating an energetic backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and celebrating together. Tickets include catered cuisine and your first two craft beverages. We look forward to celebrating with you!
Grow your impact by sponsoring the event. More info available here.
Buy your tickets here.
Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
Tuesday, September 22nd, starting at 5pm, join alumni of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program for a happy at Schoolyard Beer Garden. More info and RSVP here.
Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery
Wednesday, September 23rd, at Noon, learn about the architect’s evolving role in wildfires disaster response and rebuild efforts. Architects and local government officials involved in recent Colorado and Los Angeles-area wildfires will share practical lessons from response and rebuilding efforts. Learn how architects can support communities immediately after a fire, help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process, and prepare for the challenges that emerge in the years ahead. Virtual event submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info, meeting the panelists, and RSVP here.
Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work
Thursday, October 1st, at Noon, join members for a candid conversation about what it takes to win work in today’s competitive marketplace. This discussion moves beyond the fundamentals of business development to address the questions experienced practitioners face as they seek better projects, new clients, and sustainable growth. More info, meet the panelists, and RSVP here.
Oct 6 • All Inn Hotel tour
Tuesday, October 6th, starting at 4pm, join members for a tour of The All Inn Hotel. Originally constructed as a luxury motor hotel during the golden age of automobile travel, this property has been thoughtfully reimagined as a contemporary 54-room boutique hotel that celebrates its mid-century heritage while meeting the expectations of today’s hospitality market. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.
Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations
Wednesday, October 7th, starting at 4:30pm, at Number 38 in Denver’s RiNO neighborhood, join Join the AIA Colorado Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) for an evening of connection, candid conversation, and shared learning. This facilitated, peer-to-peer gathering will bring custom residential architects together to exchange practical insights on the business challenges that shape their work. More info and RSVP here.
Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150
Thursday, October 8th, 4pm, at the Aspen Art Museum, join members of the AIA Colorado Board of Directors for future-focused conversations. We’ll explore what architecture can learn from the past, how housing can respond to changing needs, and how shared spaces can strengthen our communities. More info and RSVP here.
MEMBER
NEWS
Congratulations to Fentress Studios’ founder Curt Fentress, FAIA, on being named one of Denver Post’s 150 most notable people in Colorado history. After moving to Denver in the late 1970s, Curt founded the firm in 1980 and has continued making major contributions to the design of public spaces in both Colorado and beyond.
The S/L/A/M Collaborative and RTA Architects announce merger.
COMMUNITY
NEWS
Colorado Green Building Guild 10th Annual Green Home Tour
Saturday, September 19th, from 10am – 7pm, enjoy a self-guided tour of sustainable and high-performance homes across Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins, paired with the Building Better Expo showcasing the products, practices, and professionals behind sustainable building in Colorado. Attendees can expect to meet some of the homeowners, direct access to the builders and designers who created the homes, and a chance to see green building principles in action. The day wraps with an after party at Relish in Louisville. Hosted by the Colorado Green Building Guild (CGBG), tickets are $15 for a single home tour and $30 for unlimited and available here. All tickets include the expo and after party. AIA Members can use the discount code “AIA” for reduced ticket costs! ($10/$20) If you are interested in volunteering, email jessica@bossarch.com.
CAP’s Fall 2026 Lecture and Exhibition Series
All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Fall schedule here.
- Monday, September 28 • Nels Bjarke – Western Water Assessment & CIRES, Research Scientist
- Monday, October 5 • David Godshall – Terremoto, Design Director
- Monday, October 12 • Shin Bin Tan – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Assistant Professor
- Thursday, October 22 • Kevin Hirth – CU Denver CAP, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, KEVIN HIRTH Co., Founder
- Tuesday, November 3 • Liaohui Guo – Atelier Guo, Principal Architect
- Thursday, November 12 • Annabelle Selldorf, FAIA – Selldorf Architects, Founder
CAREER CORNER
JOB BOARD UPDATES
AIA Colorado Job Board
Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent.
Featured listings:
NEWA FROM
AIA NATIONAL
Registration is open for AIA Trust Week 2026
AIA Trust Week returns September 28–October 2 with nine free virtual sessions focused on issues shaping architecture practice today, including AI, cybersecurity, climate resilience, legal risk, professional liability, healthcare, retirement, employee benefits, and more. All sessions are free and eligible for AIA Continuing Education credit. Explore the schedule and register at AIA Trust.
Artificial intelligence resources from AIA
Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities—and new questions—for the architecture profession. AIA helps architects and firms understand, evaluate, and use AI responsibly with practical tools, education, research, and guidance. Read more at AIA.
Registration for Firm Management Symposium 2026 is open!
Firm Management Symposium, new from AIA, delivers focused, high-value learning on the fundamentals that drive firm success all in 1.5 days! The agenda is designed around winning work, driving results, and getting paid. Strengthen your business, navigate AI, and more! The event will take place at the AIA Global Campus, Oct. 1-2. Be part of the FMS community, designed for small and mid-sized firms, and leave with tools you can apply right away. Register at AIA.
Women’s Leadership Summit 2026
Women’s Leadership Summit, powered by AIA, brings together the largest network of women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. This year, the event will take place in Kansas City, MO, from November 1-3. Be part of the WLS community dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment. Learn more and register at AIA.
AIA COLORADO’S
PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, Architectural Education Foundation, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.
Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to more than 250 recipients. The AEF is more than just an educational fund, it’s a lifeline for aspiring architects and educators, providing the support they need to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of architectural practice.
Every donation to the AEF fuels the future of architectural innovation. Whether it’s helping a student return to school or funding groundbreaking research, each contribution empowers the next generation of architects to design the world we live in.
Contributions not only advance the profession today but also help build a lasting legacy in the field of architecture.
Make your secure donation and help create a lasting impact!
AIA COLORADO’S
ALLIED MEMBERS
Find the Right Expertise
Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.
Helpful Links:
- Mile High Station, Denver, CO
- Thursday, September 17
- Tickets available here
- Awards sponsorship information
2026 Practice + Design Conference
- Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
- November 11 – 13
- Conference sponsorship information
- Expo Hall registration
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
- Add your firm to the directory here.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.