Call for 2026 Volunteers

All current volunteers must submit an application to reaffirm their commitment to serve in 2027.

Some groups are led by two Co-Leads, while others are guided by a leadership council that may include a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), Secretary, and At-Large Members.

AIA Colorado committees and councils are intended to create meaningful engagement opportunities for members across the state. Most committees are responsible for organizing at least four member engagement opportunities annually, ideally occurring once each quarter, although many committees have historically produced more engagements.

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.

Examples of member engagement opportunities include:

• Building and project tours
• Educational programs and panel discussions
• Topic-focused Zoom sessions
• Practice roundtables
• Workshops and demonstrations
• Networking gatherings and peer conversations

Each committee is encouraged to produce 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 may be asked to:

• Share summaries and outcomes from events or discussions
• Contribute articles, resources, or educational materials
• Promote upcoming events and initiatives
• Help amplify committee activities through professional networks and social media

Committees are encouraged to position themselves as active knowledge-sharing communities that elevate the profession across Colorado.

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

• Organize and lead healthcare-focused educational events and networking opportunities
• Coordinate presentations, tours, workshops, and discussions
• Identify speakers and subject matter experts
• Pursue continuing education and HSW credit whenever applicable
• Build relationships with healthcare-related organizations and agencies
• Support communication and promotion efforts

Goals

• Host at least four member engagement opportunities annually
• Provide meaningful healthcare-focused continuing education
• Foster professional relationships across the healthcare design community

Time commitment

• Meetings scheduled as needed throughout the year
• Participation in committee-led events and planning activities

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 jurors and jury guidance
• Recruit sponsors
• Support informational sessions during the submission window
• Participate in awards celebration programming

Time commitment

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

The Business of Architecture Knowledge Community supports architecture firm leaders and owners by sharing strategies, resources, and insights related to practice operations, profitability, leadership, and professional growth. 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

• Organize educational roundtables and peer discussions
• Develop programming around:
  • Sales and marketing
  • HR and legal topics
  • Hiring and retention
  • Contracts and negotiations
  • Firm operations and structure
  • Burnout prevention
  • Construction administration
  • Practice innovation
• Share event summaries and resources with members
• Assist with event promotion and outreach

Goals

• Host at least four member engagement opportunities annually
• Encourage peer-to-peer learning and support
• Share AIA National small firm exchange summaries with members at large

Time Commitment

• Quarterly event planning and participation
• Additional coordination and communication throughout the year

This committee identifies candidates and supports members pursuing elevation to the AIA College of Fellows.

Responsibilities:

• Review lists of eligible members
• Assist with outreach and candidate support

Time commitment

• Meets February 19 and April 16

AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) advances sustainability, resiliency, and environmental stewardship within the architecture profession. Committee members 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. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), Secretary, and At-Large Members.

Responsibilities

• Organize educational programming related to sustainability and resiliency
• Support knowledge-sharing around building performance, carbon reduction, and code changes
• 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

• 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 practical “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 architects as leaders in sustainable design

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. 

The Conference Committee assists with planning the Practice + Design Conference. Committee includes Co-Chairs and two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Identify conference themes and speakers
• Review breakout session proposals
• Recruit sponsors and exhibitors
• Promote conference participation
• Promote the call for presentations for future breakout sessions
• Assist onsite during conference activities

Goals

• Continue elevating the conference experience and participation
• Strengthen connections among attendees and sponsors
• Position the conference as a nationally recognized industry event

Time commitment

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

AIA Colorado’s Custom Resident Architects Network (CRAN) supports architects engaged in custom residential practice and promotes the exchange of ideas, expertise, and professional development. Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Organize residential-focused educational events and tours
• Share knowledge around sustainability, detailing, materials, and construction practices
• Maintain connections with national CRAN initiatives
• Identify opportunities for residential project tours and peer learning

Goals

• Host at least four member engagement opportunities annually
• Foster a statewide residential architecture network
• Support educational resources and best practices
• Identify custom residential homes AIA members can tour
• Position AIA Colorado and its members as national leaders

Time Commitment

• Monthly meetings occurring year-round 

The State Disaster Coordinator works with AIA National and AIA Colorado to support disaster preparedness and response efforts.

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

The Government Affairs Committee monitors statewide legislative and policy issues impacting architects and the profession. 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

• Reviews 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. 
• Additional involvement during legislative session
• Between meetings during the legislative session, review bills flagged by the legislative subcommittee needing immediate input.

The AIA Colorado Housing Committee advocates for equitable, sustainable, and accessible housing solutions across Colorado.

The committee emphasizes 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

• Explore housing policy and design issues
• Coordinate housing-focused educational programming
• Build partnerships with aligned organizations
• Support housing-related advocacy efforts

Goals

• Investigate methods and criteria for recognizing housing excellence in Colorado with a focus on affordable housing, and how local efforts could align 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).

The AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee advances justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within Colorado’s architecture community. 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

• Organize programs and discussions focused on equitable practice
• Incorporate J.E.D.I. principles into broader AIA Colorado initiatives
• Build relationships with stakeholders and partner organizations
• Support member education and awareness

Goals

• Expand awareness and implementation of equitable practice principles
• Foster a more inclusive profession and organization

Time Commitment

• Monthly committee meetings and periodic subcommittee work

Local Advisory Councils support members in geographic areas across Colorado including Denver, North, South, and West regions.

Responsibilities

• Plan local tours, forums, panels, roundtables, and networking opportunities
• Maintain awareness of local policy and civic issues
• Build relationships with community organizations and civic leaders
• Identify and mentor future volunteer leaders
• Welcome and engage new members

• 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.

Goals

• Strengthen local member engagement and professional connections
• Position architects as community resources and leaders
• Foster meaningful regional programming and collaboration

Time Commitment

Meetings scheduled as needed by each regional group

Time Commitment

• Meets as needed. Determined by each group.

AIA Colorado’s Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community focuses on public space, land use, planning, and urban design issues across Colorado.

Committee includes a Chair, Vice Chair (or Co-Chair), and Secretary. Additionally, two or more At-Large Members may be appointed.

Responsibilities

• Organize educational programs, workshops, and tours
• Coordinate presentations and discussions with subject matter experts
• Build relationships with urban design organizations and agencies
• Promote member engagement around planning and civic design issues

Goals

• Host at least four member engagement opportunities annually
• Strengthen relationships across the urban design community
• Support dialogue around Colorado’s evolving built environment

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. 

The new Technology in Practice Committee explores the rapidly evolving technology landscape shaping the architecture profession.

This committee is dedicated to uncovering, testing, sharing, demonstrating, and introducing emerging tools, workflows, and technologies used in practice today. Topics may include artificial intelligence, visualization tools, BIM workflows, automation, digital fabrication, project management platforms, data analysis, immersive technologies, and evolving software ecosystems.

The committee will intentionally provide programming for varying experience levels, including introductory “how-to” sessions as well as advanced technical discussions and demonstrations.

Responsibilities

• Organize technology-focused educational programs and demonstrations
• Explore emerging tools and workflows relevant to architects
• Coordinate hands-on learning opportunities and peer knowledge-sharing
• Identify members and industry experts to lead presentations and discussions
• Pursue continuing education and HSW credit when applicable

Goals

• Create both beginner and advanced learning opportunities
• Help members adapt to changing technology and practice trends
• Position AIA Colorado members at the forefront of innovation in architecture

Time Commitment

• Monthly or bi-monthly planning meetings as determined by the committee

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.