Call for 2026 Volunteers

All current volunteers must submit an application to reaffirm their commitment to serve in 2026.

Some groups will be led by two Co-Leads. Some groups will be guided by a leadership council that includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Committees are sources of knowledge, and we anticipate each group offering educational programming throughout the year. AIA Colorado encourages a mix of online and in-person events, and each committee’s Chair or Co-Lead is asked to develop an outline for the year, including topics to be discussed at accessible member events. The frequency and timing of each group’s events can be tailored to fit the interests and capacity of the volunteers involved.

Committee-organized programming is volunteer-led, with AIA Colorado providing best practices and support to help ensure that events meet quality standards and, when applicable, qualify for AIA Learning Units and HSW credit, when possible. Each committee is encouraged to host panel discussions, site tours, online educational session, networking events, and/or activities that best suit volunteers’ expertise and capabilities!

Ongoing Communications

Each committee plays a vital role in providing insight and value to the entire AIA Colorado membership, not only those directly involved in the group. Throughout the year, committees will be asked to share updates with the broader community through brief summaries of their discussions, articles, webinars, or events.

The Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community provides educational and networking opportunities for members who work on healthcare projects and seek to advance this rapidly evolving area of practice. AIA Colorado members interesting in attending these events need not complete this volunteer application. The steering committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Steering Committee Responsibilities

• Plan and lead regularly occurring meetings open to all AIA Colorado members. Common agenda items include: formal presentations, often by non-member experts or government agency staff; workshops that help members gain a deeper understanding of the topic; roundtable discussions; tours of places or buildings (depending on gathering restrictions); virtual networking events that help develop strategic relationships with like-minded groups in similar organizations.
• Proactively reach out to potential speakers to coordinate presentations.
• Complete continuing education application forms when meeting topics are suitable for AIA learning units.
• Lead communication efforts for meetings. This includes direct communications with members who opt-in to email communications, and sharing programs and initiatives with networks and across social media

Goals

• Host 3-5 education-focused and 1-2 networking events throughout the year with at least one month of promotion and communications efforts each.
• Build and maintain relationships with other healthcare design organizations outside the architecture profession.

Time commitment

• Steering committee meets as needed. Determined by the group and available dates on comprehensive calendar. Frequency of at least 3 times but not more than 10.
• Attend AAHKC events open to members.

The Awards Committee helps to plan the annual AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards Program, which elevates design and recognizes the accomplishments of Colorado architects, firms, and industry partners. Committee comprised of two Co-Leads.

Responsibilities

• Review award categories and submission criteria
• Recommend jury members for the Design Awards
• Provide recommendations for jury instructions and selection process
• Recruit sponsors for the Awards Celebration event(s)
• Lead online informational meeting during open submission window
• Participate in the awards celebration event (speaking role)

Time commitment

• Meets at Noon February 12, April 9, June 11, August 13

The Business of Architecture Knowledge Community was formed to help small business leaders and owners by sharing knowledge and resources to grow architecture practices, increase profits, and prevent burnout.  Includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

For 2026, the committee is hosting a series of roundtables, and all members are invited to attend and participate. This committee is for AIA Colorado members and allied members who are small architecture/allied business leaders and owners with 1 – 20 employees. Members of this committee help to organize events and learning opportunities around the business side of architecture.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead quarterly discussions (in-person and virtual) to review common challenges business leaders/owner face. Common topics include:
  • Sales and Marketing
  • HR and legal
  • Hiring practices
  • Practice structure and organization
  • Contracts/contract negotiation
  • Remote work
  • Architect development opportunities – architect as developer
  • Construction/Contract Administration
  • Preventing burnout
• Produce quarterly recap of the event discussions to be shared with AIA Colorado membership and posted to the Business of Architecture webpage.
• Lead communication efforts for meetings, including direct and personal communications with members/colleagues to facilitate member support. Use your social media platforms as applicable to sharing programs and initiatives with your networks and across social media.

Goals

• Host 4 education-focused roundtable events throughout the year.
• Share AIA National small firm exchange summaries with members at large.

Time Commitment

• Planning for each event (likely around 2-4 hours per quarter)
• Attend the 4 committee events in 2026
• Summarizing each event (2-4 hours per quarter)

This committee identifies candidates and helps members who are in the process of applying to the AIA College of Fellows.

Responsibilities:

• Review list of members eligible.

Time commitment

• Meets February 19 and April 16

This committee will discuss sustainability and resiliency-related policies and initiatives that affect architects in Colorado to advance AIA Colorado’s Imperative of Environmental Stewardship. Committee on the Environment (COTE) will also look for opportunities to build awareness of and support for AIA National’s efforts including the 2030 Commitment, Materials Pledge, and Framework for Design Excellence. The committee will utilize the member expertise to share knowledge with broader AIA Colorado membership about industry trends and technology. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), Secretary, and At-Large Members.

Responsibilities

• Understand existing AIA sustainability-related initiatives and investigate how they apply and can be promoted to members.
• Maintain connection with COTE National and look for opportunities to promote their Top Ten Award program to projects designed by members.
• Offer technical expertise when sustainability topics intersect with other committee efforts (Conference, Awards, Government Affairs Committees in particular).

Goals

• Identify and encourage sustainability leaders in Colorado to help broader membership to elevate their practice and reduce carbon emissions in the built environment.
• Develop partnerships with sustainability aligned organizations, such as CGBG, CORE, USGBC, Xcel Energy, Passive House, Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF), other COTE Committees, etc. 
• Engage with relevant public agencies in Colorado, such as the Colorado Energy Office.
• Develop a “How To” educational series to build practical skills to keep pace with Colorado-specific code changes, energy benchmarking and building performance standards, and addressing the practicalities of high-performance design.
• Position AIA Colorado and its members as national leaders.

Time Commitment

• Monthly meetings occurring year-round on the third Thursday of every month from 8-9:30am: January 15, February 19, March 19, April 16, May 21, June 18, July 16, August 20, September 17, October 15, November 19, December 17. 

Assist with the planning of AIA Colorado’s annual signature event, the Practice + Design Conference, which has historically drawn 500+ design professionals. This committee may help to select a theme, research and provide outreach to potential speakers, suggest conference activities, and volunteer to help at conference. We appreciate volunteers who can identify timely topics and experts, as well as those committed to assisting at Conference with a variety of tasks. Committee includes Co-Chairs and two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Recruit sponsors and exhibitors
• Identify a theme and review schedule
• Promote the call for presentations for future breakout sessions
• Review breakout session proposals and select presenters to address the conference theme and AIA imperatives
• Promote conference attendance to those in your professional networks
• Attend and volunteer at the event

Goals

• Elevate participation and sponsorship metrics.
• Continue the charge of building the conference so that it will be known as one of the best in country.
• Participate in telling AIA Colorado stories through conference participation, such as conference Editorial support, social media support, etc.
• Help create additional forums and opportunities to connect conference attendees.
• Help to foster a sense of belonging for those attending the conference.

Time commitment

• Meets from Noon – 1pm January 8, March 12, May 14, July 9, September 10, and November 11 – 13 at the 2026 conference.

This committee will discuss knowledge and information to benefit architects who are engaged in, or who are interested in learning more about, custom residential practice. AIA Colorado’s Custom Resident Architects Network (CRAN) will organize and present information and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and expertise to promote the professional development of its members. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Understand existing AIA custom residential initiatives and investigate how they apply and can be promoted to members.
• Maintain connection with CRAN National and look for opportunities to promote the 2026 CRAN Symposium.
• Offer technical expertise when custom residential projects interest with other committee efforts (Conference, Awards, Government Affairs Committees, Regional and Urban Design, in particular)

Goals

• Identify and/or develop educational resources on topics related to custom residential architecture, such as those related to sustainability and construction techniques.
• Plan and lead quarterly events utilizing educational resources and fostering a community for the exchange of ideas and resources.
• Identify custom residential homes AIA members can tour.
• Position AIA Colorado and its members as national leaders.
• Maintain a Colorado statewide perspective, aware of each region’s unique approaches and challenges with custom residential design

Time Commitment

• Monthly meetings occurring year-round 

As disasters increase in frequency and intensity across the country, communities now more than ever need the help of architects to address unprecedented challenges. Enter AIA’s Disaster Assistance Program, which equips architects and chapters with the knowledge and skills to mitigate, prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. State Disaster Coordinators are AIA members who will establish and maintain a relationship with the chapter and AIA National to help ensure Colorado is prepared to deploy members to disaster response efforts should the need arise.

Responsibilities

• Pursue and maintain active Safety Assessment Program (SAP) credentials, per CalOES standards.
• Attend AIAU’s SDC virtual training program.
• Work with other state coordinators through AIA National
• Assist staff in maintaining a roster of potential volunteers and assist in local Disaster Assistance Trainings.
• Assist staff in developing and maintaining relationships with state agencies involved in disaster response efforts.
• Assist staff in developing and maintaining relationships with allied organizations who also maintain an SAP roster.
• Work with AIA Colorado staff to manage disaster response efforts in the state.

Time Commitment

• Attend quarterly AIA National virtual SDC network meetings.
• Communicate with AIA Colorado staff on an as-needed basis with updates and opportunities related to AIA’s disaster response efforts nationwide.
• Periodically work with AIA Colorado staff on relationship-building in Colorado.
• A three-year commitment is requested to maintain continuity AIA National efforts

Overview

This team follows issues of statewide concern to the architecture profession, with an emphasis on the Colorado state legislature. Whether you’re already familiar with legislative issues that affect architects or would like to learn and share your perspective, the Government Affairs Committee is a great way to get involved and help us define our advocacy objectives and policy priorities. Each session (January-May), the GAC establishes a legislative subcommittee that proactively reviews all bills introduced. The subcommittee reports to the full committee regularly as input is needed. Legislative Subcommittee members are chosen from returning members to the committee. Committee includes a Chair, Secretary, and At-Large Members.

Responsibilities

• Discuss legislative and similar statewide issues affecting the architecture profession.
• Review bills flagged by the legislative subcommittee that may impact the profession.
• Evaluate requests for AIA Colorado to take formal positions and actions on specific bills.
• Engage when AIA Colorado supports or opposes specific bills—contact legislators, testify at the Capitol if possible (dependent on relative expertise).
• Research opportunities for AIA Colorado to write our own bills to advance the architecture profession.
• Represent AIA Colorado when there are opportunities to meet with state lawmakers and candidates.

Time commitment

• Monthly meetings, occurring year-round on first Thursday of the month from noon to 1:30pm. January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. 
• Active involvement during the annual legislative session is especially important.
• Between meetings during the legislative session, review bills flagged by the legislative subcommittee needing immediate input.

The AIA Colorado Housing Committee emphasizes for the need for equitable, livable, and sustainable housing solutions and advocates for policies that promote diverse housing types, increase housing supply, and ensure accessibility for all income levels. We believe the architecture community’s expertise and creativity are essential in visualizing innovative housing solutions that inspire vibrant communities and enhance the landscape of our beautiful state. Using our profession’s unique position informed by diverse perspectives and experiences, the committee calls for collaboration among architects, policymakers, and the public to create housing that meets the needs of current and future generations of Coloradans. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Recommend policies and discuss how decision making should take place on important housing issues and their implications. 
• Build a consensus on aspects of equitable housing most relevant to the architecture profession and where we can make the biggest difference.
• Identify meaningful relationships with other organizations that have objectives aligning with AIA Colorado’s housing imperative.

Goals

• Investigate methods and criteria for recognizing housing excellence in Colorado with a focus on affordable housing, and how local efforts could alsign with how AIA National structures its Housing Award categories.
• Review and comment on any housing legislation for the January-May legislative session to support Government Affairs Committee efforts.
• Look for opportunities to host housing-focused member events, such as discussion panels or presentations.

Time Commitment

Monthly meetings occurring year-round on the 4th Thursday of every month from noon to 1:30pm: January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24, October 22, November (TBD), December (TBD).

We believe that developing a profession that respects and values different experiences, backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas propels architecture into the future and better positions our members to succeed. The AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee seeks volunteers who share this commitment and want to build upon existing efforts to promote justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within Colorado’s architecture community through events, programs, initiatives, partnerships, and research. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

2026 Focus

Starting in 2026, the committee will use the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice: Guides for Equitable Chapters as a framework for its work. Every other month, the committee will host an event for AIA Colorado members based on one of the facilitation guides. In the alternating months, the committee will meet to plan upcoming events and explore additional opportunities to expand awareness and application of J.E.D.I. principles across the profession.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver programs using AIA’s facilitation guides and other J.E.D.I.-related resources.
• Contribute content and identify opportunities to advance awareness of J.E.D.I. in the architecture profession.
• Collaborate within the committee to build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders.
• Integrate J.E.D.I. programming into existing AIA Colorado initiatives such as the annual conference, leadership programs, mentorship, and design awards.

Time Commitment

• Monthly committee meeting
• 1–2 hours per month in smaller subcommittee meetings
• 2–4 hours per month of independent work or research

Local Advisory Councils work with Section Directors to act as advisors and a team of volunteers who specialize in roles that serve members in a geographic area (Denver, North, South, West). 

Goals

• Professional Development. Prioritize and plan events for the local network of professional peers to gain practice insights and reconnect as colleagues. Gatherings are characterized by being accessible, unique, inclusive and mission driven. Examples include:
  • Tours of area projects, factories, showrooms or firms.
  • Knowledge community programming.
  • Local manufacturer or service provider content delivery.
  • Lectures, forums, panels or town halls.
  • Peer cadre social activities.
  • Recognition of career milestones.
  • Practice roundtables or campfire conversations.
  • Identify suitable venues, recruit presenters, and solicit sponsors.
  • Work with staff to schedule and promote to avoid conflicts and maximize participation.
• Community engagement. 
  • Maintain awareness of local government policies and guidelines, especially changes that impact the architecture industry. When needed, request assistance and analysis from staff to formulate a response.
  • Identify civic officials to remain in contact with and engage on a recurring basis to position architects as resources to help solve community challenges.
  • Invite other organizations with shared goals to partner and collaborate on joint efforts.
  • Vet and recommend potential community service projects that best utilize architects’ skills.
  • Assess public program requests through the lens of advancing the mission and objectives of the AIA.
• Member involvement. 
  • Identify and recruit members to serve on Board of Directors, Standing Committees, Knowledge Communities, Working Groups, and as Regional Ambassadors.
  • Scout for talent and encourage people to become more involved and participate in the collective work of the organization.
  • Welcome new members and help orient them to the association.
  • Provide mentorship to first time volunteers and trusted counsel to experienced leaders.
  • Answer questions about volunteer opportunities available to section members and the source for recommendations of strong contributors.

Time Commitment

• Meets as needed. Determined by each group.

The Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community provides educational and networking opportunities related to the design of public spaces, land use regulations, and urban planning in Colorado. AIA Colorado members interesting in attending these events need not complete this volunteer application. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead regularly occurring events (in-person and/or virtual) for members. Common topics include: 
  • Formal presentations, often by non-member experts or government agency staff
  • Workshops that help members gain a deeper understanding of the topic 
  • Roundtable discussions 
  • Tours of places or buildings 
• Identify event hosts (member’s firms, allied professional offices, etc.) for in-person events as appropriate.
• Proactively reach out to potential speakers to coordinate presentations. 
• Complete continuing education application forms when meeting topics are suitable for AIA learning units. 
• Lead communication efforts for meetings. This includes direct communications with members who opt-in to email communications, and sharing programs and initiatives with networks and across social media.

Goals

• Host 3-5 education-focused and 1-2 networking events throughout the year with at least one month of promotion and communications efforts each. 
• Build and maintain relationships with other urban design organizations outside the architecture profession.
• Build, and maintain relationships with local Colorado jurisdictions and state agencies studying regional and urban design challenges.

Time Commitment

• Monthly meetings occurring year-round on the first Thursday of every month from 5-6:30pm: January 8, February 5, March 5, April 2, May 7, June 4, August 6, September 3, October 1, November 5, December 3. 

Your Idea

Do you have an idea to bring like-minded colleagues together outside of these opportunities? Would you like to submit an inquiry or pilot program for consideration? If so, continue to the application form and select “Proposal” within the form.

Selections are made at the sole discretion of the Board of Directors. These opportunities are reserved exclusively for AIA members and AIA Colorado Allied members in good standing. Assignments are made based on the stated preference and qualifications of each applicant along with team composition and capacity needs. We will endeavor to find a place for everyone but cannot guarantee appointments for every applicant.

Questions? Contact AIA Colorado Staff here.