Author: Jon Bell

The Practice Simulation Lab session at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, led by Alexandra Oetzel, AIA, and Seth Duke, AIA, was a dynamic and condensed workshop inspired by the GAPS Practice Innovation Lab. Supported by the AIA College of Fellows and AIA Ohio Architects Forum, the session aimed to simulate the creation and management of architectural firms under diverse conditions. Participants, grouped into teams of 4-5 individuals, began by crafting a firm manifesto, focusing on values such as ecological, political, pedagogical, or ethical priorities. Teams also considered ownership structures like ESOPs and S Corps, firm sizes, and operational strategies.

The workshop introduced challenges to test adaptability and strategic thinking. One scenario involved contributing to a $500 million innovation district at high altitude, requiring firms to address thin oxygen, optional WiFi, and liability coverage. Another challenge simulated a construction disaster, prompting discussions on legal obligations, PR strategies, and rebuilding trust. The final scenario focused on succession planning, exploring mentorship, leadership continuity, and responses to retirement or untimely demise of founding members.

Participants shared their firm names, values, and strategies, showcasing diverse approaches such as vertically integrated firms, community-focused housing projects, and distributed design-build companies. The session emphasized creativity, collaboration, and long-term planning, with speakers encouraging attendees to apply these principles in their professional lives. Resources and contact information were provided for further exploration.

Simulation-Based Learning Accelerates Practice Development

Interactive workshop simulations that compress real-world practice challenges into short timeframes help architects explore firm formation, risk management, and succession planning in a safe environment, enabling rapid iteration and learning from diverse approaches.

This is a workshop… We’re going to be under some simulated conditions and constraints that you will have to respond to… This is a safe space. Think about what your expertise is.

Distributed Practice Models Leverage Geographic Diversity

Distributed architectural practices with multiple small offices (10-20 people each) can combine local expertise with shared knowledge, particularly when located near universities to facilitate research partnerships and post-occupancy evaluation studies.

We are a distributed group of design build companies. Each office is about 10 to 20 people… We are located near universities around the country. So we are doing a lot of post occupancy evaluation and research into how the construction went, which we’re feeding into a relationship with university

Build Practice Foundations Through Three Core Elements

Successful architectural practices require establishing three fundamental components: a clear manifesto defining values and vision, specific expertise areas and knowledge-building goals, and concrete organizational structures including ownership, leadership, staffing, and location decisions.

Succession Planning Requires Cultural Transformation

Successful succession planning involves shifting from founder-led identity to team-driven, mission-focused practice. This requires developing leadership continuity plans, transparent communication with staff and clients, and preserving core values while empowering new generations of leadership.

You need to shift ultimately from this sort of founder led identity to a team driven, mission focused practice… your focus over time is going to be on preserving, creating or developing a culture, a culture that potentially changes, that is always looking at empowering new generations of leadership.

Professional Liability Scales with Project Size and Scope

Taking on larger projects significantly impacts professional liability exposure, requiring higher coverage limits and sometimes project-specific insurance policies. Firms must carefully consider their scope of work and partnering strategies when scaling up to major projects.

Your insurer is going to require of course a higher coverage limit and sometimes even project specific policies as you move forward.

Specialized Expertise Enables Strategic Project Selection

Firms should clearly define their areas of expertise and specialization to make strategic decisions about project scope and partnerships. Understanding what you don’t specialize in is as important as knowing your strengths when approaching large-scale opportunities.

Think about what your expertise is. What are you specializing in? What are you not specializing in? What knowledge are you trying to build and share? Who are the partners that you’re building your firm with?

Employee Ownership Models Enable Sustainable Growth

Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and similar collective ownership structures provide alternatives to traditional partnership models, supporting both succession planning and collaborative decision-making while maintaining firm values and culture over time.

Restorative Design Integrates Research and Construction

Restorative design practices focus on improving both environmental and construction industry outcomes through significant project research, post-occupancy evaluation, and partnerships with academic institutions to develop better building models and methodologies.

We are focused on restorative design and we mean that in a way that is also about the construction industry. We do significant research in our projects… We’re trying to really work on building a better model of building.

Legal Obligations Follow Contractual Relationships

Architects’ legal obligations are primarily to fulfill contract terms with owners, not contractors. While contractors generally cannot sue architects directly for breach, they can file equity claims if they can prove design errors, making clear scope definition and professional relationships crucial.

Your legal obligation is to fulfill the terms of your contract with the owner, not the contractor. Since you have no direct contractual relationship with the contractor, they generally can’t sue you directly for a breach contractor.

Vertical Integration Addresses Housing Affordability

Firms can tackle affordable housing challenges through vertical integration, combining developer, architect, and builder roles. Innovative approaches include long-term land leases with municipalities and capital reserve programs that transfer well-maintained projects back to communities.

We started with attainable housing that’s really our foundation… thought would be to try to work with local municipalities where we get a long term land lease for a dollar, say 50 years, we turn the project back over to that entity free of charge. Basically would have a capital reserve program to maintain it.

At the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, the session “The Power of Small + Simple: Achieving Big Impacts for Net-Zero Projects,” presented by Tom Hootman, AIA, Scott Bishop, Assoc. AIA, and Saeed Amirchaghmaghi, explored the Smith Road Office Building as a replicable model for achieving Net Zero energy in small-scale architecture. This 5,000-square-foot pilot project, completed in 2024 for Denver Parks and Recreation, demonstrated how intentional design can meet ambitious sustainability goals. Studio Completiva is the architect of record and Form & Flow the building performance consultant.

Guided by the City of Denver’s Net Zero energy definition, the project prioritized energy efficiency, all-electric systems, and renewable energy integration. The team employed an integrated design process and a passive-first approach, focusing on climate-responsive orientation, robust thermal envelopes, and energy-efficient materials. Tools like Ladybug Tools and Autodesk Forma supported performance modeling, while energy targets were set based on roof PV capacity.

Construction challenges, including a mineral wool shortage, led to material substitutions like Tyvek weather barriers and foam insulation. Cascadia clips reduced thermal bridging, while passive strategies such as solar heating, cross-ventilation, and thermal mass enhanced energy efficiency. The building achieved 94% spatial daylight autonomy, supported by operable windows, low-power lighting systems, and simple, cost-effective interiors.

The mechanical systems featured a geothermal array with seven boreholes, dedicated outdoor air systems (DOAS), and energy recovery ventilation (ERV) for improved air quality. Lifecycle cost analysis revealed geothermal as the most cost-effective option, aligning with Denver Parks and Rec’s long-term goals. Embodied carbon reduction was achieved through wood construction, recycled cladding, and low VOC materials.

Energy model results showed the building’s performance closely matched predictions, with PV panels set to achieve net-positive energy generation. Maintenance feedback indicated successful operation, supported by the Egauge dashboard for real-time monitoring. The project served as a prototype for Denver Parks and Recreation, inspiring future Net Zero designs for larger facilities like recreation centers.

This session underscored the replicability of these strategies, offering architects a practical toolkit for achieving sustainability in small-scale projects. By leveraging integrated design, passive-first principles, and innovative systems, the Smith Road Office Building exemplifies how thoughtful architecture can drive impactful climate action.

Use Performance Modeling for Early Design Decisions

Tools like Ladybug in Grasshopper enable rapid evaluation of passive strategies without full energy modeling. This allows architects to test solar gains, shading effectiveness, and thermal performance during schematic design when changes are still cost-effective.

Doing a full energy model is too time consuming. It takes too long. And looking at the EUI of like, subtleties of like the how much overhang do you have really? Is too much noise, you want to dial into what. What are you impacting? So in this case, it’s very literal. This is the summer months. Anytime the temperature is over to 75 degrees, we know the exact solar radiation amount hitting the each of those penetrations.

Passive Design Over Active Systems

Investing in passive strategies like climate-responsive orientation, high-performance envelopes, and building science fundamentals creates a foundation that reduces mechanical system requirements and provides long-term value throughout the building’s life.

Passive design, climate responsive design, orienting your building, those simple things that we should be doing, that sometimes we’re not. But also paying attention to building science… all that really trumps the active systems, right? But it also sets the stage for really different active systems and smaller active systems.

Wood Framing Doubles Thermal Performance

Switching from steel to wood framing eliminates thermal bridging and can double the effective R-value of wall assemblies while often reducing costs. This simple change provides significant energy and embodied carbon benefits for small commercial buildings.

When you put R19, R21 in a cavity, you’re not getting an R21 wall. But you might be getting an R7 wall with steel thermal bridge, the conductivity of steel. So you’re not getting a lot of value for that. We use wood… we could actually save money by going wood, why not? And of course we get an embodied carbon benefit… But we also double our value in that cavity.

Lifecycle Analysis Drives System Selection

Evaluating mechanical systems through 25-year lifecycle costs including maintenance, not just first cost, often reveals that higher-performance systems like geothermal provide better long-term value, especially when combined with PV.

We got some first cost estimates from our cost estimator and we estimated some maintenance costs with a mechanical engineer over a 25-year period and did a lifecycle analysis… It turned out you have the lowest cost is just a very inexpensive air source heat pump… The second lowest cost was the geothermal with PV.

Simple Finishes Enable Performance Investments

Choosing simple, elegant interior finishes like polished concrete floors and exposed ceilings frees up budget for high-performance envelope and systems while providing thermal mass and celebrating structural elements.

There are no fancy finishes. Not having that many fancy finishes helped us to compensate for having bigger windows or having a more robust HVAC system. But even with those simple finishes, we were able to achieve a lot because when we have that concrete floor, its actually polished, so it brings the daylight in, but it also acts as a thermal mass.

Interior Air Sealing Outperforms Exterior Barriers

Atomized acrylic sealant applied from the interior can achieve better air barrier performance than traditional exterior methods like Tyvek, often at no additional cost while providing measurable results through blower door testing.

Studio Completiva had recent success using a atomized acrylic sealant. So they spray it from the interior… our target was 0.2. So that’s a CFM per square foot of envelope at 75 pa of pressure… we actually were able to hit 0.15. We were able to get it even a bit better. That was a nice move. And there was no cost change to do that.

Shoebox Massing Simplifies Thermal Control

Simple rectangular building forms make it easier to create continuous thermal envelopes and control heat loss. Complex geometries create more opportunities for thermal bridging and air leakage, increasing both energy use and construction costs.

What is a shoebox mass? It’s essentially a simplified version of your building… with a simple rectangle, simple mass, and want to emphasize that it makes it easier to control your thermal envelope. With a passive first approach, you want to wrap your building like you would a jacket.

Post-Occupancy Monitoring Validates Performance

Installing simple, cost-effective energy monitoring systems like eGauge enables real-time performance tracking and validates energy models. The Smith Road building performed within 12% of predicted energy use in its first year.

Within the zero energy project, it doesn’t end with design, it has to be operated as one. So they need to be paying attention to energy and having a simple dashboard… This is actually another Colorado product called eGauge that I particularly like because it’s so simple and it’s really cost effective, especially in small building.

High-Performance Windows Enable Passive Strategies

Investing in windows that exceed code requirements (U-0.14 vs code baseline) with non-conductive frames enables effective passive solar heating in winter while maintaining comfort, supporting natural ventilation strategies year-round.

Exterior windows have a U value of 0.14 and solar heat gain coefficient of 0.28, which is way better than the code. It actually meets the passive house prescriptive requirement… if you go with like uPVC in this case or fiberglass, you reduce that thermal bridging.

Material Choices Reduce Embodied Carbon

Simple material substitutions like calcium silicate masonry instead of CMU, recycled plastic composite cladding, and wood framing can significantly reduce embodied carbon without complex lifecycle assessments or major cost impacts.

So that wasn’t necessarily in our scope of work. It was a zero energy building. We didn’t do a whole building life cycle assessment. We didn’t invest in that. But we made decisions based on embodied carbon throughout the whole project. And it’s really not that hard. There are Environmental Product Declarations on everything. We use DC3, easy tool to compare and find products.

Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, Director of the ColoradoBuildingWorkshop, presented “Anywhere Specific: The Power of Collaboration” at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, showcasing the program’s ethos, achievements, and innovative approach to architectural education. The Colorado Building Workshop, a Masters of Architecture program at the University of Colorado Denver, has completed 22 community-based projects, constructing 54 structures with 61 community partners over 17 years. Faculty members Will Koning and Andy Paddock, alongside collaborators like Scott Lawrence (University of Idaho) and JD Signum (Sawhorse 7), have been instrumental in its success.

Sommerfeld emphasized the program’s focus on societal issues, including food deserts, human waste, forest fires, and overfishing. Notable projects include the Longs Peak privies, addressing waste management in high-altitude backcountry locations, and a research station in Antarctica, supporting scientists studying pinnipeds, seabirds, and krill. The program’s ethos is encapsulated by Renzo Piano’s quote on the unity of science and art, inspiring students to integrate context, material, and structure into their designs.

Operating near the Continental Divide, the program has tackled diverse climates, from the high deserts of Bluff, Utah, to the extreme elevations of Leadville, Colorado. It has pioneered innovative solutions, such as Engelmann spruce CLT panels for wildfire mitigation and rodent-resistant cabins for Cottonwood Gulch Expeditions. The program’s 19-week timeline includes intensive spring semester work and a three-week summer build, fostering collaboration among engineers, contractors, and material representatives.

Sommerfeld shared the program’s evolution, from humble beginnings with $25,000 budgets to complex endeavors like business incubators in Denver. Balancing budgets through project funding, tuition, and donations, the program operates as a self-sustaining entity within the university. Its commitment to addressing societal issues while fostering creativity and innovation has made it a hallmark of architectural education, preparing students for real-world challenges in diverse contexts.

‘Mundane’ Typologies Contain Complex Architectural Problems

Projects that seem mundane or that traditional architecture firms wouldn’t pursue often contain sophisticated design challenges and societal issues. These projects provide valuable learning opportunities while addressing real community needs.

We really focus in many ways on these mundane typologies, project types that architects wouldn’t do, as a way to bridge between what is an educational model and then ultimately the profession that they’re going to be entering into. So a lot of these projects are really underfunded or would be things that maybe architecture firms wouldn’t be taking on, but they aren’t really mundane problems in many ways.

Design-Build Programs Must Be Financially Sustainable Businesses

Successful academic design-build programs require careful financial management across multiple revenue streams including project funding, student tuition, university fees, and donor support. The program must operate profitably to be sustainable long-term.

I am in fact, running a kind of design firm and construction firm within the university. It is a business. It needs to be profitable in some ways. It doesn’t need to take from the university, it needs to give back to the university. And I’m doing that through charging the clients money for the projects themselves.

Successful Projects Generate Repeat Client Relationships

Quality work that solves real problems leads to clients returning with additional projects, creating sustainable business relationships and validating the effectiveness of design solutions.

So that’s always heartwarming that our students did a good enough job, that we have clients that are kind of calling us back… they want us to come back and do the same thing that those cabins that they have now… And apparently, they’ve been really successful.

Science and Art Require the Same Energy and Language

Technical problem-solving and creative design are not separate disciplines but complementary approaches that enhance each other when integrated effectively in architectural practice.

I thought it was sort of important to bring in this quote from Renzo Piano, which succinctly puts it that he can’t see any sort of separation between those two functions. And in many ways, they speak the same language and they require the same energy. And we push our students many ways to take that on as well.

Extreme Projects Provide Extraordinary Learning Opportunities

Taking on projects in challenging environments like Antarctica pushes students and faculty to develop innovative solutions while creating unforgettable educational experiences that demonstrate the power of architecture to serve communities anywhere.

Unfortunately, because of the way that the school year worked, they still had a year left in their education. But I did get an opportunity to reach out to the alumni of the program and give them an opportunity to apply to be some of the construction crew that went down… So these are some of the lucky individuals that applied to be part of that program and got to spend four weeks each time in Antarctica, building in this, incredible place.

Mock-ups Are Essential for Testing and Learning

Physical mock-ups serve multiple purposes: testing construction methods, educating students, bringing in consultants for guidance, and proving concepts before full-scale construction. They’re particularly valuable for identifying failures early.

In this particular case, we had a snip panel construction, structurally non insulated panels… And it was a failure, like epic, epic failure. But it failed at the mock up level. It failed in the university. And we were able to pivot to prefabricated wall framing.

Community Collaboration Creates Educational Villages

Effective design-build education relies on building a community of professionals including engineers, contractors, and material representatives who contribute their expertise. This collaborative approach mirrors how communities come together to educate and support development.

We’ve engaged numerous engineers and contractors, material reps, to basically come and educate students. Almost like a village comes together to sort of educate or raise a child.

Project Complexity Should Grow Gradually Over Time

Successful design-build programs develop their capabilities incrementally, starting with simple projects and gradually taking on more complex challenges as the team’s skills and reputation grow.

The projects that we started with were very humble. And I think it’s really important to kind of understand that this didn’t happen over overnight. This is over a 17 year period… some of our first projects were as simple as working on the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art for just about four or five thousand dollars.

Extreme Logistics Require Complete Prefabrication

Projects in remote or extreme environments demand comprehensive prefabrication strategies where every component is planned, tested, and packaged before arrival on site. This level of preparation is essential for project success.

We would prefabricate everything with the students in Denver, every last nut, bolt, screw, piece of flashing, and then we would ship it all the way to Livingston Island… It all had to fit on a 16 foot Zodiac because we needed to figure out a way to break these pieces down and get it to the site and then rebuild it in as little as four weeks.

Engineering Collaboration Enables Architectural Innovation

Close collaboration with structural engineers can transform architectural concepts into structural systems, creating opportunities for innovation that neither discipline could achieve alone.

Our engineer got really excited about the idea that these steel plates, while architectural in our minds as architects holding the rock, could actually be part of the structural system and that we could move beyond the sort of gravity system… and start to think about how in folding architecture… we could begin to understand how those lateral loads could transfer from one wall to the other wall and essentially stiffen the entire box.

The “Learning from Leaders: Honor Awards Panel” session at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference brought together award-winning architects and professionals to explore the evolving role of architecture in shaping communities and addressing societal challenges. Moderated by William Logan and Vanessa Kauffman Zimmerly of Modern In Denver, recognized for their contributions to design journalism and as AIA Colorado Impact Award winners, the panel featured distinguished recipients: Kevin Nguyen, AIA (AIA Colorado Architect of the Year), Kaylyn Kirby, AIA (AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year), Keith Hayes, AIA (AIA Colorado Firm of the Year, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture), Rick Sommerfeld, AIA (AIA Colorado Educator of the Year), and Sean Jursnick, AIA (AIA Colorado Citizen Architect).

The panelists shared their journeys, highlighting themes of mentorship, collaboration, and community impact. Kevin Nguyen, AIA, emphasized architecture’s ability to enhance creative capacities, while Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, reflected on overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering connections through advocacy. Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, discussed vulnerability and iterative learning in his design-build program, which bridges academia and professional practice, sharing anecdotes about unique projects like a toilet on Long’s Peak and affordable housing on Navajo Nation. Sean Jursnick, AIA, underscored curiosity and communication as tools for addressing the housing crisis, citing his work on housing advocacy and design competitions that engage policymakers. Keith Hayes, AIA, attributed his firm’s 50-year longevity to soft skills, conflict resolution, and collaboration with consultants like Group 14, KL&A, Martin/Martin, JVA, and AE Design.

The discussion highlighted Colorado’s unique design community, characterized by collaboration, a shared love for the outdoors, and a commitment to sustainability. Panelists noted the slower pace of life in Colorado fosters thoughtful design and connection, contrasting with the competitive environments of coastal cities.

Amidst uncertainty, including economic challenges and technological advancements like AI, the speakers emphasized adaptability and the power of connection. They advocated for architects to leverage their unique skill sets in addressing broader issues, from housing advocacy to sustainability, while embracing metrics to quantify the value of design. The session underscored the collective responsibility of architects to shape a better future through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, inspiring attendees to say “yes” to opportunities and embrace discomfort as a path to growth.

The Transformative Power of Saying Yes

Career trajectories can fundamentally change when architects embrace opportunities by saying yes more often than no, even when facing uncertainty or discomfort.

Curiosity and Questions Drive Professional Growth

Sustained professional development comes from maintaining curiosity, asking deeper questions about societal issues, and not being afraid to reach out to experts while remaining humble about what you don’t know.

“For me, I think one intangible that I found stood out being here, being recognized for housing advocacy, was my curiosity and asking questions, trying to understand things deeper, seeing a lot of conversations happening out in the world broadly, that I thought the architecture profession could contribute to.” – Sean Jursnick, AIA

Using Metrics to Defend Architectural Value

Architects must take control of defining and measuring the value of their work through quantifiable metrics, using research and post-occupancy evaluation to justify design decisions beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

Soft Skills and Conflict Resolution as Core Competencies

Success in architecture heavily depends on developing soft skills, particularly conflict resolution and the courage to have difficult conversations, since much of the work involves navigating relationships with diverse stakeholders.

“There’s a lot of conflict in architecture, and I’m really lucky that one of our former partners, Ron Schneider, really took that Bull by the horns and made sure that we were all trained in conflict resolution… some days, I swear to God, it’s just about being willing to pick up the phone and it could be a hard conversation on the other end.” – Keith Hayes, AIA

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength

Effective architectural education and leadership involves showing vulnerability and admitting when you don’t have all the answers, creating authentic learning environments where problems are solved collaboratively.

“I think that the older I get, the less I know. And I’m trying to be more vulnerable with my students, to sort of show them that, you know, in a way, we’re working through the problem together, and we have a tendency to take on projects that we’ve never done before.” – Rick Sommerfeld, AIA

Architecture as Community Building, Not Just Building Design

The most fulfilling and impactful architectural work comes from understanding that the profession is fundamentally about community engagement and translating people’s stories into meaningful spaces.

The Generosity of the Architectural Community

The architecture profession is characterized by remarkable generosity, where experienced practitioners are willing to share knowledge and support emerging professionals, creating a supportive network that extends nationally and internationally.

Architects’ Unique Role in Policy and Advocacy

Architects possess distinctive communication and visualization skills that make them uniquely qualified to influence policy and advocate for community needs, particularly in areas like housing where their expertise can shape better outcomes.

Strategic Team Building Through Personality Awareness

Long-term firm success requires intentional team composition based on understanding different personality types and working styles, ensuring all necessary skills and perspectives are represented on project teams.

Colorado’s Collaborative Architecture Culture

Colorado’s architecture community stands out for its collaborative rather than competitive nature, fostered by shared values around environmental stewardship and a right-sized professional community that encourages mutual support.

The session “Regulation & Resilience in Custom Residential Architecture,” held during the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, brought together architects, collaborators, and industry leaders to address the evolving challenges in custom residential design. Organized by AIA Colorado’s Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN), the session focused on the intersection of regulation and resilience, emphasizing their impact on sustainability, equity, and safety. CRAN, co-chaired by Brandon Herbst, Assoc . AIA, and Blake Sullivan, AIA, connects architects specializing in custom residential projects to share strategies and elevate practice.

Moderated by Blake Sullivan, AIA, the panel featured Craig Lawrence, AIA, Bunny Tucker, AIA, and Brian Sipes, AIA, who offered diverse perspectives on resilience in architecture. Resilience was defined as the ability of homes to endure, adapt, and sustain occupants over time, with Passive House construction highlighted for its passive survivability, airtightness, and energy efficiency. Panelists discussed the integration of resilient materials, such as thermally modified wood, Rockwool insulation, and T-stud framing, which enhance fire resistance and durability while meeting Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) regulations.

The session explored the impact of regulations, including energy codes and WUI requirements, on project delivery. While regulations were seen as drivers of innovation and safety, challenges such as interdepartmental conflicts in zoning and building codes were noted. Insurance challenges in WUI zones were discussed, with panelists advocating for preferred rates for resilient designs. Passive House certification costs, averaging $20,000, were highlighted as a worthwhile investment for verified performance, and Denver’s legislation supporting multifamily Passive House projects was praised as a step toward scaling resilience.

Equity and community building emerged as key themes, with strategies to improve air quality and acoustic privacy in affordable housing developments. Panelists emphasized the psychological aspects of resilience, with homes serving as spaces for safety and recovery. Architects were urged to act as consensus builders, integrating complex systems and advocating for smart regulations. Future goals included achieving cost-neutral Passive House construction, advancing energy modeling in renovations, and scaling resilient design to positively impact communities.

The session concluded with a call to action for architects to embrace interconnected complexity, advocate for stringent yet smart regulations, and prioritize resilience as a fundamental aspect of design. Panelists encouraged architects to lead the way in creating durable, high-performance homes that benefit both individual clients and broader communities.

Luxury Market as Technology Incubator

High-end residential projects serve as testing grounds for resilient technologies and strategies that can later be adapted and scaled for affordable housing, similar to how the space race drove innovation that benefited broader society.

We kind of look at it sometimes like the 1960s space race. And we use our luxury home experience like NASA did to develop the technologies or experiment and play with the technologies and then we make it a point to find community-based projects, affordable housing projects… and donate our fees and our knowledge to try to bring those along.

Air Sealing Success Depends on Contractor Education

The critical gap between designing high-performance envelopes and achieving them lies in contractor execution. Architects must actively educate builders, facilitate proper sequencing, and maintain involvement throughout construction to ensure air sealing details are properly implemented.

We can as designers draw a dashed line on an assembly and say air barrier… and then your GC gets it and they’re just like nope. And that’s a real problem to overcome… where we can add value and where we become critical in the construction process is by helping to educate, helping to bring consensus around these systems.

Airtightness Provides Multi-Hazard Protection

Beyond energy efficiency, extreme airtightness (under 1 ACH) protects homes from multiple environmental threats including wildfire smoke infiltration, poor air quality from distant fires, and toxic exposure during disasters, enabling occupants to shelter in place safely.

We’ve seen many homes on the periphery, avoid infiltration of smoke and toxicity into their homes and high levels of damage… there was an example of a house that was renovated to passive house standards in Louisville where all of the neighboring homes were required to evacuate for extensive periods of time… but they were able to go right back after the fire.

Innovation Through Creative Problem-Solving

Advancing community-wide resilience requires architects to develop new tools and approaches, such as simplified energy modeling for renovations and cost-neutral passive house construction methods, while leveraging emerging financial incentives and rebate programs.

I want to find a way to get passive house level construction to be cost neutral with business as usual because at the end of the day the finances are driving the work… finding creative financing strategies too, whether it’s insurance, banking… finding a way to get those first costs leveled out for the client would allow us to really scale up this movement.

Architects as Orchestrators of Complex Systems

Resilient design requires architects to function as conductors who integrate diverse expertise – from fire chiefs to MEP consultants to building scientists – rather than just aesthetic designers, orchestrating all stakeholders toward comprehensive solutions.

Architect is the orchestra… the chief conductor… you’re bringing up a little bit of this and you’re telling them to be a little quiet and you’re changing the pace and that’s exactly what you just described, is we are going out, we’re finding the information, and we’re orchestrating that successful solution.

Client Education Through Integrated Design Approach

Rather than presenting resilience as an add-on cost, successful architects integrate high-performance strategies into their standard design process, sometimes implementing them without explicit client requests when they align with other project goals.

Sometimes we just sneak it in anyway… you look for the intersection of those different aspects of the project, and you get there by bringing the energy efficiency along with the durability, or you get there by other methods, and you just make it an integrated part of the design.

Insurance Companies Drive Real-World Standards

While building codes set minimum requirements, insurance companies are becoming the true drivers of resilient construction standards, making coverage increasingly difficult to obtain and pushing architects to exceed code requirements for client protection.

The WUI code, state WUI code’s great, but the insurance companies are getting more and more resilient and just getting coverage in our area is becoming difficult. So we as architects have to be ahead of the curve.

High Performance Design Achievable Across Price Points

Custom passive house construction can be delivered within market-rate construction costs ($400-665/sq ft in Colorado) by integrating high-performance strategies from the design concept phase, using simple forms for energy efficiency, and prioritizing sophisticated mechanical systems over elaborate finishes.

We designed and built custom passive houses within that range. So we’ve got one that’s under construction right now in Glade Park that’s coming in under $400 a square foot, and then several in the Denver metro area that are between 500 and 665 dollars a square foot.

Regulations as Design Opportunities, Not Obstacles

Successful architects view building codes and WUI regulations as minimum baselines that create opportunities for innovation, rather than constraints, by staying ahead of regulatory curves and finding creative solutions that exceed requirements.

I don’t see regulations in general as ever a hindrance… true resilient home would be sort of ahead of those regulations. So we always look at, as I know many of you do too, that the code is the minimum. Anything less would be against the law.

Passive House Standards Enhance Wildfire Survival

Passive house construction naturally provides wildfire resistance through airtightness that prevents ember infiltration, non-combustible materials like rock wool insulation, and thermal envelopes that prevent ignition – creating a powerful synergy between energy efficiency and fire safety.

There is a growing and already large body of knowledge, and very dramatic visual evidence from the Palisade fire that building to passive house standards makes you more fire resistant… that house didn’t ingest embers, and that was 99% of why it survived, then the next 1% was its thermal envelope prevented ignition.

At the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, Rafael Chavez, AIA, presented “Rewiring the Framework for Architectural Education,” offering insights into transforming the profession by engaging students earlier in their educational journey. Chavez, a licensed architect and project architect at HDR, also known as DJ Chavo and Coach Chavo, began with an interactive warm-up, leveraging his certified personal trainer credentials to energize the audience. He shared his academic background at the University of Illinois and recounted his formative work experience in Guam during the recession, which shaped his global perspective.

Chavez introduced the NCARB by the Numbers report, revealing a 12.9-year average licensure timeline and a decline in registered architects, alongside promising diversity trends. He proposed shifting the starting line for architectural education to high school, highlighting Colorado’s integration of career clusters and the CEC Early College program led by Margarita Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA. This program equips students with certifications in tools like Revit and SketchUp and fosters collaboration and design thinking. 

Chavez detailed the Denver Public Schools Launch Internship Program, which provides paid internships through firm donations ($500 for spring/fall, $1700 for summer). He emphasized its impact on graduation rates, with participants achieving a 90% rate compared to the district’s 77%. Weekly intern presentations were highlighted as a key strategy for building communication skills, alongside technical fluency. Chavez shared the success story of Shap, a former intern who mastered design tools, created advanced models, and enrolled at USC with full funding. 

Comparing the Launch Program to ACE and CAL initiatives, Chavez noted its tailored focus on architecture and its ability to foster meaningful mentorship. He showcased HDR’s investment in interns, including success stories of former participants joining the firm as professionals. Chavez concluded by urging firms to host high school interns, emphasizing the importance of equity in action and the need to cultivate the next generation of architects through early engagement and mentorship.

Cultural Fluency Deserves Equal Investment

Architecture firms invest heavily in technical training for staff but often overlook cultural fluency. The profession needs to recognize and address barriers faced by diverse students, including language challenges, family financial pressures, and lack of exposure to the field.

You know, we really invest in technical fluency in our offices, in our studios as a profession. But sometimes cultural fluency is a bit, I would say, overlooked… These are a lot of the things that we hear from students that are coming from these high schools from, from these programs. The most common example, I didn’t know about architecture. Next one, a really big one. I need to support my family sometimes.

Shift the Starting Line to High School

Rather than waiting until college to introduce students to architecture, the profession should engage high school students through structured programs. This early intervention can address diversity issues and better prepare students for architectural careers before they make college decisions.

Typically we’re starting with college interns coming into the industry and beginning their first internship as a freshman in college. I’m really proposing on shifting that starting line. NCARB has a set date which is basically after you graduate high school on when you can start that NCARB profile. And I want to suggest that we shift that now.

Industry Needs More Participation

Despite the success of existing programs, only 16 architecture firms participate in Denver Public Schools’ career development program. The profession needs significantly more firms to engage in high school outreach to address the talent pipeline and diversity challenges.

Now the question I want to ask everyone, has anyone hosted an architecture intern in the high school level in their studio or how many? We need more of that. We need more of that investment in the community because I think there is this stigma behind what high school students are capable of.

Early Professional Networks Transform Careers

70% of students in the program report increased professional networks, giving them mentors and industry connections before college. This early networking provides crucial support during challenging academic periods and career decision-making.

70% of the students who participated in the coach and launch program have reported an increase in their professional network. By the time these students are graduating, they already have connections in the industry, and they have connections and people and mentors that they can talk to if they have any questions or are in college and not having the support they need.

Remarkable Program Completion Rates

Denver Public Schools’ Launch Internship Program achieved a 90% completion rate with over 400 unique enrollments, demonstrating that when properly structured and supported, high school students are highly committed to completing architectural internships.

During the 2023 and 2024 DPS report, the Launch Internship Program had over 400 unique enrollments and they had a 90% completion rate with the program. That is, that’s like unheard of for a high schooler.

Minimal Time Investment Required

Successful high school internship programs require only one champion in the office dedicating 1-2 hours per week. The key is creating structured curricula that replicate college-level design studios while maintaining proactive student engagement and regular presentations.

What does that time commitment look like on the company side? It really just takes one person. It takes one champion in the office… And really, you’re only spending around, like, one to two hours max per week with these interns.

Internships Dramatically Improve Graduation Rates

Students participating in the Launch program show significantly higher high school graduation rates (90%) compared to the district average (77%), while also improving in core academic subjects like math, reading, and writing through real-world application.

Two key points on this one that I think is very interesting is the networking… And I mentioned before the launch graduation rate, the district is on the bottom. It’s 90% for Denver Public Schools students who went through the launch program. That is a huge increase of students graduating from their peers that aren’t participating in these internships.

Concrete Success Stories Validate Approach

Multiple program alumni have successfully entered prestigious architecture programs, using their internship projects as portfolio pieces. Notable successes include students accepted to USC, Cal Poly, and University of New Mexico, with some receiving full scholarships.

Kate was a Summer intern in 2022 and she was able to get into Cal Poly architecture program after her internship program… Then there’s Shap. I don’t know how he did it, but aside from him submitting to USC architecture program and using the project to submit as a portfolio, he was able to submit and find funding for school. He had all four years paid after he was accepted.

Alarming Diversity Gap in Architecture Licensure

NCARB data reveals a significant disparity in architecture licensure completion rates, with 35% of white candidates and 45% of candidates of color not finishing within the typical 10-year period. Additionally, all demographic groups except white males and females are performing below average on licensure exams.

Looking at the 10 year span, that typical span for architects in the NCARB program trying to get license, looking at white candidates versus candidates of color, there is a big discrepancy between how many are getting licensed, and finishing that program. It’s nearly double.

High School Architecture Programs Show Promise

Programs like CEC Early College in Denver demonstrate that high school students can successfully engage with architectural concepts, tools, and design processes. Students complete two-year programs covering fundamentals through advanced software like Revit and SketchUp, often achieving certifications.

Their class structure is broken down into a two year program. You can enroll as early as a freshman, but typically you’ll see around the sophomore through senior level high schoolers get started on these on this program essentially is broken down into four semesters. Starting from kicking off with the fundamentals of architecture and design and then introducing all our tool sets such as Revit, SketchUp, AutoCAD and they even go after certifications in those programs by the time they graduate.

At the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, the session “The Power of Place: Reclaiming Equity Through Design in Native Communities” showcased how thoughtful design can honor traditions, address challenges, and foster meaningful connections. Led by Joe Cruz, AIA, Chris Le, Assoc. AIA, and Trisha Parekh, Assoc. AIA, from Mead & Hunt, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in infrastructure, aviation, water, and community development, the discussion centered on three impactful projects: the Crazy Horse Memorial master plan update, the Durango Airport Expansion, and the Plaza Biage Dormitory in Shiprock, New Mexico.

The speakers emphasized the importance of listening deeply to Native American communities, whose oral traditions and hidden stories often go unnoticed. Sustainability and resilience were aligned with cultural identity to foster belonging and pride. The Crazy Horse Memorial update tackled representation controversies, incorporating the medicine wheel as a guiding principle and advocating for Native-led design partnerships. The Durango Airport engaged the Southern Ute Tribe, with tribal council member Linda Baker shaping design decisions. Art programs and museum exhibits curated by the tribe enhanced the airport’s connection to the community, while design choices prioritized natural light and views of the San Juan Mountains.

The Plaza Biage Dormitory drew inspiration from the Navajo hogan and the four sacred directions—North, East, South, and West—integrating tilt-up concrete with red pigment to reflect the landscape. Navajo cultural values of stewardship and harmony with nature informed sustainable design choices, including water conservation, energy efficiency, and biophilic elements. Bureau of Indian Affairs design standards guided the dorm’s alignment with cultural identity and wellness. Post-occupancy comfort surveys will ensure the dorm meets student needs.

Through these projects, the session highlighted how equity-focused design can transcend technical metrics, creating spaces that embody cultural identity, pride, and stewardship. By listening, collaborating, and embracing humility, architects and planners can uplift underrepresented communities and build a legacy of resilience and belonging.

Deep Listening as the Foundation of Culturally Responsive Design

Working with Native communities requires moving beyond traditional stakeholder engagement to active, transformative listening that challenges designers’ assumptions and opens space for unheard stories and oral traditions.

Listening isn’t just passive. It’s an active process. It’s about engaging with the people and being open to the perspectives of others and being open to the idea of changing your perspectives. Setting aside your own ego and being able to incorporate everything that you’re hearing.

Cultural Frameworks as Design Organizing Principles

Traditional cultural concepts like the Four Sacred Directions can serve as powerful organizing principles for site planning, moving beyond functional zoning to create spaces that embody cultural meaning and spiritual connection.

The project is grounded in the concept of the four sacred directions… North represents spirituality and wisdom… The east is the direction of new beginnings and learning… The south speaks of vitality and play… And west is associated with gathering and introspection.

Belonging Through Intentional Design Elements

Creating belonging for Native students requires five key design principles: honoring cultural origins, ensuring safety and security, fostering community connections, meaningful representation, and supporting individual flourishing through environmental wellness.

Belonging begins with honoring where you came from… Spaces that reflect Navajo art, stories and traditions. An architecture that mirrors the landscape… It reminds students that who they are is seen, valued and celebrated.

Maintaining Long-term Community Relationships

Successful projects with Native communities require ongoing relationships beyond project completion, including post-occupancy surveys, continued community engagement, and recognition that infrastructure serves communities that will remain long after buildings may change.

Something that’s unique about the Southern Ute and their ideas for their community is that… They’ve always been there. So even if the airport goes away in 50, 100, 200 years, that suddenly you will remain in that space. They’ve always been there.

Sustainability and Cultural Values as Unified Principles

Environmental sustainability and Native cultural values are not separate concepts but complementary approaches that both emphasize stewardship, respect for natural resources, and long-term community resilience.

The principles that guide leads to worship of the environment, natural resources, wellness and community benefit mirror the Navajo worldview. And in that alignment we found shared language, one that transcends metrics and standards and moves towards meaning.

Trust Building Through Genuine Engagement

Authentic engagement with Native communities can unlock unprecedented access and collaboration opportunities, as demonstrated when genuine listening led to access to spaces that had been closed even to foundation leadership.

When they saw that we were bringing our genuine selves and that we were listening, we were granted access to the courtyard house… It had been so closed off that members of the foundation itself had never been in the house. The CEO and the board director had never been in the house.

Representation Through Authentic Cultural Integration

Meaningful representation goes beyond aesthetic elements to include giving communities curatorial control over their own spaces and stories, as demonstrated by giving tribes ‘the keys’ to design their own exhibit areas.

The airport manager basically gave the keys and said, these are your spaces to curate, where whatever you want to put in these spaces to inform people about the airport about, do it, you have the opportunity to do it.

Addressing Controversies Through Transparent Dialogue

Long-standing cultural controversies should be addressed head-on through public dialogue rather than avoided, creating frameworks for ongoing conversation and understanding between different tribal perspectives.

For 77 years, they haven’t really been addressed. And so what we’re hoping for… we set up the framework to address these challenges. They had never been addressed publicly before… let’s address them head on publicly for the future to create dialogue and to kind of demystify some of the challenges.

Stepping Back to Elevate Native Leadership

True equity sometimes means recommending that Native designers lead projects while non-Native firms provide technical support, even when it means stepping away from lucrative design roles.

I made the recommendation that we don’t take the project… What I recommended was that we uplift a Native American designer, and they lead the design conversation for the next phases. But that doesn’t mean lose the project… Bring your other architectural skill sets to bear, support the architectural design through other elements.

Buildings as Living Classrooms for Cultural Values

Sustainable buildings can serve as teaching tools where students learn environmental stewardship through daily interaction with renewable energy, water conservation, and natural systems, making abstract concepts tangible experiences.

The building itself becomes a living classroom, a place where students can touch, see, feel what sustainability means. They learn how the sunlight powers their door through renewable energy, how rainwater will support the native landscape… They’re not just living in a sustainable building, they’re learning from it.

At the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, Elizabeth Gillmor and Adam Berry led the session “The New Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code,” offering an in-depth exploration of Colorado’s progressive energy code landscape. Representing the Colorado Energy Office and the Colorado Energy Code Development Board, the speakers detailed the evolution of energy codes, including the 2019 House Bill 12-1260, which established a statewide minimum energy code, and the subsequent adoption of the 2021 IECC with Electric Ready, Solar Ready provisions. They introduced the Low Energy and Carbon Code, set to become mandatory for jurisdictions adopting new building codes after July 1, 2026, emphasizing its role in advancing electrification, renewable energy integration, and EV readiness.

Colorado’s home rule status allows local governments to tailor code adoption, creating a diverse implementation landscape. Gillmor and Berry highlighted the Low Energy and Carbon Code’s advantages, such as simplified compliance pathways, fuel debiasing to support electrification, and tailored requirements for large homes exceeding 7,500 square feet, which must achieve net zero energy status. They presented case studies, including an affordable housing project in Adams County that avoided costly mandatory solar requirements under the 2024 IECC by adopting the model code, and a grocery store chain that found electrification more cost-effective under the Low Energy and Carbon Code, prompting a shift in their Colorado design standards.

The session also addressed challenges like accessibility requirements for EV infrastructure, demand response capable equipment to manage peak grid loads, and the complexities of transitioning to the 2024 IECC. The speakers emphasized the importance of influencing local jurisdictions during this transitional period to adopt the Low Energy and Carbon Code early, ensuring consistency and alignment with Colorado’s ambitious decarbonization goals.

Attendees were encouraged to leverage resources from the Colorado Energy Office, including bi-weekly webinars, the Colorado Code helpline, and the Energy Code Adoption Toolkit, which offer guidance on compliance, training, and planning. These tools, along with innovative energy modeling pathways and credit structures like C406 and R408, empower professionals to advocate for the adoption of the Low Energy and Carbon Code and contribute to a sustainable built environment in Colorado. By embracing this code, jurisdictions and practitioners can simplify enforcement, reduce costs, and align with the state’s net zero emissions goals, fostering a resilient and energy-efficient future.

Colorado Removes Mandatory Commercial Solar Unlike National Code

Colorado specifically removed the 2024 IECC’s mandatory solar requirement for commercial buildings over 5,000 sq ft, recognizing that the state’s grid is already moving toward 100% renewable electricity by 2040. This saves projects significant costs while aligning with state energy goals.

When looking at the consideration of do we want to require every commercial building above 5,000 square feet to have a solar array when we are considering that the grid is already moving towards a largely renewable status anyway? And the answer was no, we don’t want to require that.

Strategic Communication Can Influence Jurisdictional Adoption

When advocating for the new code with jurisdictions, practitioners should emphasize benefits like Colorado-specific optimization, simplified compliance, and reduced learning burden for staff, rather than focusing on cost savings which may not resonate with officials.

Never, never, never say, I want to use this code because it’s cheaper. Even if it is, don’t ever say that… It’s better for Colorado because it is. It’s better for your building because it is… It’s going to make the jurisdiction’s life easier if they don’t have to learn both the 2024 IECC and the model code.

Critical Transition Period Creates Unique Advocacy Opportunities

Practitioners are in a unique position to influence jurisdictional code adoption during the transition period before July 1, 2026, when the Low Energy and Carbon Code becomes mandatory. This creates unprecedented opportunities for professionals to advocate for better codes in their communities.

You as consultants have a weird amount of power right now. And I really want to encourage you to exercise it to advocate for your practice, your clients, your community… we are here in this funny time. I just want to encourage everyone to use the resources, make sure knowledge is power, make sure you understand how this will impact you and utilize it to your advantage.

Jurisdictional Coordination Reduces Practitioner Complexity

Since most practitioners work across multiple jurisdictions, advocating for consistent code adoption reduces complexity and costs. The new code will eventually become mandatory anyway, so early adoption creates consistency and avoids the need to learn multiple systems.

How many of you work in only one jurisdiction? Yeah. Okay. We got one hand out of the whole room. So the other thing that this does is that your neighbors, your neighboring jurisdictions are going to be adopting this code because they’re going to have to soon. And it’s easier for us as practitioners to work with the same code.

Simplified Compliance Pathways Reduce Design Complexity

The new code eliminates the confusing dual-table credit system from 2024 IECC, combining all credits into a single table. It also removes unpopular requirements like occupancy-controlled receptacles, focusing on measures that actually work in practice.

2024 IECC… you may have noticed there are now two tables and you would have to choose credits from your standard C406 table and the renewable energy and load management credit table, which is a beast. The model code gets rid of that… everybody hates them and nobody uses them. Like what a waste of money, right? Let’s just not make people waste money and let’s spend it on something else.

Demand Response Requirements Prepare Buildings for Grid Management

New demand response capable equipment requirements prepare buildings for smart grid integration without forcing participation. This allows utilities to manage peak loads while giving building owners the choice to participate in programs that can reduce their energy costs.

This code requires demand response capable equipment. And I think it’s really important to clarify that this only requires the equipment itself to be capable of participating in a demand response program. The choice of whether or not to participate in a demand response program will still live with the customer as it always has.

Real Projects Show Dramatic Cost Savings Under New Code

Case studies demonstrate substantial savings: an affordable housing project avoided a $250,000 solar requirement, and a grocery store saved $400,000 while achieving better compliance. These aren’t theoretical benefits but proven results from actual projects.

We panicked because of that mandatory solar requirement that would have killed this project. There was no money for mandatory solar… it was going to be a $250,000 solar array. Killed the project… So we approached Adams county and we said, hey, do you think we could utilize this model low energy carbon code? Because I think it would be a really good fit for this project.

Tiered Residential Requirements Address Colorado’s Diverse Housing Market

The new code creates three tiers for residential buildings based on size: under 5,000 sq ft (similar to 2024 IECC), 5,000-7,500 sq ft (7-10% more efficient), and over 7,500 sq ft (net zero required). This addresses the reality that Colorado has both modest homes and massive luxury properties that shouldn’t be regulated identically.

We have to recognize in a state like Colorado, we have a lot of communities that see homes much, much, much, much larger than that… 30, 40, 50,000 square feet. We’re not really talking about a residential building anymore at that point. We’re really talking about a commercial building in reality.

Fuel Debiasing Makes Electrification Easier and More Cost-Effective

The code eliminates the historical penalty for electrification by comparing all buildings to the same gas baseline rather than like-for-like equipment. This means heat pumps get credit for their actual efficiency improvements, making electric buildings easier and often cheaper to design.

Now all buildings are considered equal. All buildings have the same baseline and you are complying via a site energy metric… if you use a heat pump that has, say a 3.0 cop that is three times more efficient than gas. So by comparing to a gas baseline, you are rewarded for that energy improvement without having to worry about energy costs.

Comprehensive Support Resources Available at No Cost

Colorado provides extensive free resources including bi-weekly webinars, custom training sessions, a code helpline with 2-3 day response times, new planning tools for credit calculations, and grants for jurisdictions. These resources support both practitioners and jurisdictions during the transition.

We provide all kinds of different on demand training… All you have to do is ask. We will build a training, we will provide the training and we can record it for you for later viewing if you want. All at no cost to you. So all of this is free CEUs.

At the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, Yvonne Castillo Esq. of Victor Insurance Managers delivered an insightful session titled “The Climate Innovation Imperative: Risk, Resilience, and the Standard of Care.” Castillo, representing Victor Insurance, the largest underwriting manager for design firms globally, highlighted the firm’s partnership with CNA Insurance and its pioneering role in professional liability policies for architects since the 1950s. As head of the Risk Advisory Department, she emphasized the growing importance of understanding and mitigating liability risks in the face of climate-driven hazards.

The session began with a review of foundational climate science, including NOAA’s atmospheric carbon dioxide data and NASA’s temperature data, which reveal alarming trends in emissions and global warming. Castillo connected these findings to NOAA’s tracking of billion-dollar disaster events, illustrating the rising frequency and costs of climate-related disasters. She underscored the need for architects to consider future climate conditions—extreme heat, flooding, drought, and storm surges—when designing assets intended to last decades.

Studies like the AIA Resiliency in the Built Environment and HGA/University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation studies were discussed, revealing gaps in stakeholder understanding and the industry’s slow adoption of climate projection data. Castillo also referenced ACEC’s guidance clarifying that building codes, often based on outdated weather data, are insufficient for addressing future climate risks.

Legal cases provided critical insights into how courts are addressing climate-related negligence claims. The Barnett vs City of Yonkers case highlighted timing in negligence analysis, while the Conservation Law Foundation vs ExxonMobil case emphasized the expectation to consider foreseeable severe weather. The Battery Park City Neighborhood Association vs Battery Park City Authority case and Argos Properties vs City Council of Virginia Beach case demonstrated judicial support for long-term planning based on climate data. Conversely, the Save the Colorado vs US Army Corps of Engineers case showcased the risks of ignoring future climate conditions, leading to halted construction and legal challenges.

Castillo recommended tools like the AIA Trust Climate Screening Service, LEED V5 climate risk assessments, and portals such as Argonne National Laboratory’s ClimRR, NOAA’s Climate Explorer, USDA Wildfire Risk Portal, and NOAA Sea Level Rise Viewer. She stressed the importance of informed consent provisions in contracts, documenting client decisions to decline resiliency measures, and defining scope and limitations to protect against liability. The session also addressed challenges to the Act of God defense and used a school of fish metaphor to explain the evolving standard of care. Castillo concluded with practical strategies for integrating climate data into design practices while safeguarding professional responsibilities.

Courts Are Requiring Climate Data Consideration

Recent court cases demonstrate that judges expect professionals to consider available climate projection data in their analysis. The Colorado Gross Reservoir case specifically rejected the argument that climate data is ‘too uncertain’ to use, establishing that professionals should incorporate climate science even without perfect certainty.

The court said, I don’t expect that you have a crystal ball and that you can predict with exact certainty what those future projections are going to look like. But just like you incorporate any technical scientific data in your analysis as engineers, why would you leave out climate data, climate scientific data in that analysis, especially when you’re conducting a feasibility analysis to determine what the best solution to meet future demand is.

Accessible Tools Make Climate Analysis Feasible

Multiple free and affordable tools now exist for climate risk assessment, including NOAA portals, Argonne National Laboratory data, and the AIA Trust’s Climate Screening Service. These tools make climate analysis accessible to firms of all sizes without requiring climate science expertise.

Argonne National Laboratory this is a really, really good free online portal for you to find high resolution hourly climate projection data. It’s free. If you go through the Climater portal, this data is much more finer scale. It’s going to cover hazards like extreme heat, which is going to be important for all of you working here in Colorado. Those impacts on H vac systems, precipitation and a number of other hazards. So you can get some really good high resolution data if you go to that portal. And again, this is not a complicated climate modeling or climate scientific task. Me, I can do it and I’m a lawyer.

‘Client Didn’t Ask’ Is Not a Strong Defense

Relying on the defense that ‘the client never asked for climate analysis’ is legally weak. Courts expect licensed professionals to know more about built environment risks and to proactively address foreseeable hazards, regardless of whether clients specifically request this analysis.

The biggest barrier in using future forward climate data is that clients aren’t asking for it. Okay, so I want to focus on that last bullet point because again, from a professional liability standpoint, that really stood out to me was a big red flag. Because in a negligence case, courts, if you find yourself in a negligence, hopefully none of you have been, but if you find yourself in a litigation where a negligence claim has been lodged against you, the courts and the jurors are likely not going to align with that kind of defense.

Industry Practice is Creating New Standards

The professional standard of care is being shaped by emerging industry practices. As more firms adopt climate-forward approaches, access climate data, and implement resilience measures, these practices become part of what courts consider ‘reasonable’ professional behavior.

So all of these undercurrents that I’m sharing with you today, this essentially represents that our knowledge is changing, we are doing things differently. We don’t have a neat, clean boundary around what is generally accepted practice. And the challenge for you is that as our knowledge of these risks grow, so does the standard of care they run together.

Contracts Must Address Climate Risk Conversations

Architects should include specific contract provisions for climate risk screening, informed consent when clients decline resilience measures, and clear scope limitations. These contractual protections help manage professional liability exposure while ensuring clients understand the risks they’re accepting.

The first thing I would recommend is perhaps you have some sort of climate risk screening clause in your contract, just so that you have the option to say to your client, I’m going to share with you some climate modeling data. It’s credible, this is why it’s credible. And this is a conversation we’re going to have about it. But it doesn’t necessarily mean that this information is going to be incorporated into our professional services agreement, because that’s up to you whether you want to invest in additional resiliency measures.

Documentation is Critical for Risk Management

Architects must document climate risk conversations with clients, including what data was shared, what resilience measures were discussed, and client decisions to decline additional measures. This documentation shifts liability away from the architect when clients choose not to invest in resilience.

You want to document that you had the conversation that you shared, for example, the AIA’s climate screening model, or you looked at NOAA data or the Argonne data. You had that conversation on this date. This was the data that you shared. You might want to even append it to your contract and to say, here’s what we talked about. If you don’t want to invest in these additional resiliency measures that go beyond code, because code does not necessarily address these challenges, that’s fine. But we’re going to document it, we’re going to put it in writing.

Standard of Care is Evolving with Climate Science

The professional standard of care is not static but evolves as knowledge grows. As climate science becomes more accessible and widely understood, courts expect architects to incorporate this knowledge into their practice, similar to how the asbestos case established that timing of knowledge affects liability.

Climate risks. So timing is everything in a negligence analysis on what is reasonable when it comes to the question of what courts think that you could have or should have done to address certain risks. And because timing is so important, this is why I wanted to talk about this with you all relating to climate change and our knowledge of climate risks. Today, if you Google climate change or adaptation or resiliency, you’re going to get more. I can guarantee you more than a billion results are going to pop up.

Climate Knowledge Creates Legal Expectations

The abundance of available climate data fundamentally changes professional liability expectations. Unlike past decades when climate risks were unknown, architects today have access to extensive climate projection data, making the traditional ‘Act of God’ defense increasingly weak in litigation.

Today we have access to a lot of climate forward data. It’s free, it’s online. You can go right now. I can go today. I can look at my location, my house, I can pull up what my house location is going to look like in the year 2050, in the year of 2100, based on credible scientific data and multiple models from scientific communities around the world. So I have that information to me free and I’m not even a design professional. So the fact that this stuff exists and it’s out there and because of this knowledge that you know that we have this wealth of resources to help you understand or at least be able to see at a high level what your projects look like in the future to me, this is going to call into question that act of God defense.

Building Codes Don’t Address Future Climate Conditions

Most building codes are based on historical weather data, sometimes from the 1980s, and don’t account for future climate conditions. Architects understand this limitation, but clients and contractors often mistakenly believe code compliance ensures resilience, creating a dangerous communication gap.

The vast majority of the architects who responded to the survey to one particular question believe that code does not make a building resilient enough for its location and it will not enable buildings to withstand all likely hazards in their locations. Very important point. So most architects recognize that building codes are not addressing resiliency. That’s a very good thing. The problem with that is the other two groups, the clients and the contractors who responded to the survey said the exact opposite.

Government Projects Set Higher Expectations

Courts give wide discretion to government entities using public funds for long-term climate planning, viewing it as fiscally responsible. The Battery Park City case established that prioritizing long-term resilience over short-term disruption serves the public interest and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

The court stated, I lifted one quote here, that the public interest here is incontestable. One of the fundamental purposes of the project is to ensure that it can be enjoyed by generations to come and that the authority properly exercised discretion to prioritize long term planning and public safety, even if it means substantial alterations to the park.

Please note, this presentation was not recorded.

Running a small or mid-sized design firm isn’t easy, especially when two or more partners are at the helm. Learn how to let go of the “everyone does everything” mentality, build your leadership team, and reconcile differences constructively.

Does your business partner occasionally drive you crazy? Do you occasionally drive your business partner crazy? The answer is most likely yes…and yes. Running a small or mid-sized design firm isn’t easy, especially when two or more partners are at the helm. Decision-making can be difficult. Responsibilities can feel unbalanced. Priorities can differ. But the good news is you’re not alone – and there’s no such thing as a perfect partnership.

Or perhaps you’re considering bringing on a new partner, elevating an emerging leader, or even merging with another firm. These options are valid growth strategies – and they are also VERY important decisions for your business and emotional health. In this session, CVG CEO, Todd Reding, discussed the complexities of partnership, including how to know when you’re ready to share leadership responsibilities, what to look for in a business partner, and how to constructively address leadership conflicts.