Call for 2027 Volunteers

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

Volunteers help establish their group’s priorities, participate in its work, and take responsibility for specific activities. Leadership structures vary by group and may include co-leads or a chair, vice chair or co-chair, secretary, and at-large members.

Programming-focused groups will plan at least four substantive contributions for the broader membership during the year, ideally one each quarter. Contributions may include a tour, presentation, panel, workshop, facilitated discussion, article, or practical resource. Social gatherings strengthen connections, however to count toward this expectation, they should also offer substantive professional content.

Awards, conference, advocacy, nomination, and disaster-response roles have deliverables tailored to their purpose.

Volunteer-led, staff-supported

Each committee plays a vital role in providing insight and value to the entire AIA Colorado membership, not only those directly Volunteers bring ideas, expertise, speakers, relationships, and program leadership. Staff supports calendar coordination, registration, communications, continuing education, and approved logistics. Share proposed events with staff at least 6-8 weeks in advance. Expenses and partner commitments require staff approval before commitments are made.

Share the value

Help turn committee work into useful takeaways, articles, resources, or event recaps so members across Colorado can benefit. Responsibilities are shared across each group.

Help members exchange knowledge, build relationships, and advance healthcare design. The Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community brings together professionals interested in the evolving needs of healthcare environments and the people they serve.

Apply to help plan and lead the community’s work. Members who wish only to attend its publicized programs do not need to complete a volunteer application.

Responsibilities

• Develop an annual plan shaped by healthcare design issues and member expertise.
• Identify speakers and organize presentations, roundtables, workshops, or project tours.
• Build relationships with healthcare design organizations, practitioners, and public agencies.
• Provide program descriptions and continuing education information to staff.
• Help promote programs and share useful takeaways with the broader membership.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. A mix of educational programs, project tours, articles, and practical resources can connect members with emerging approaches to healthcare design. Additional educational and networking opportunities are welcome.

Time commitment

Participate in planning meetings, take ownership of assigned activities, and attend community programs as available. Work is shared among volunteers and varies with each program.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help celebrate design excellence and recognize the people, firms, and partners advancing architecture in Colorado. The Awards Committee supports AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards Program.

Responsibilities

• Review award categories and submission criteria.
• Recommend Design Awards jurors.
• Provide recommendations for jury instructions and the selection process.
• Help identify potential sponsors and coordinate outreach with staff.
• Lead an informational session during the submission period.
• Participate in the awards celebration, including a speaking role when requested.
• Actively encourage more members to participate.

2027 focus

Support a clear, accessible awards process that encourages a wider participation and recognizes work advancing a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.

This committee’s contributions center on the awards cycle and related member guidance. Its work follows program milestones rather than the standard quarterly programming expectation.

Leadership

Two co-leads.

Time commitment

Participate in planning meetings and complete assigned work between meetings. Activity varies throughout the awards cycle and includes the informational session and celebration.

2027 meeting schedule and awards program dates: TBD.

Help small practice leaders and owners build stronger businesses. The Business of Architecture Knowledge Community creates opportunities to exchange practical knowledge, address common challenges, and develop sustainable approaches to practice.

The community focuses on AIA Colorado members and Allied Members leading architecture and related businesses with 1-20 employees. Volunteers help plan learning opportunities; other members may participate in publicized programs without serving on the planning team.

Responsibilities

• Develop discussions and resources informed by the needs of small practice leaders.
• Identify facilitators, speakers, and peers who can contribute practical experience.
• Explore topics such as business development, marketing, hiring, firm structure, contracts, project delivery, architect-led development, remote work, and preventing burnout.
• Help capture useful takeaways and share relevant small firm resources.
• Coordinate program information and promotion with staff.

2027 contributions

Plan four education-focused roundtables, ideally one each quarter, continuing the community’s established format. Help share concise takeaways or resources after each discussion so members who cannot attend can also benefit.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, and secretary; additional at-large members may be appointed.

Time commitment

Participate in program planning, attend roundtables, and help document takeaways. The previous planning estimate was 2-4 hours per quarter for event preparation and 2-4 hours for follow-up, in addition to attending programs; actual work will depend on assignments.

2027 planning and roundtable dates: TBD.

Help identify and support AIA Colorado members pursuing elevation to the AIA AIA College of Fellows. The committee contributes to recognition of members whose work has made a significant contribution to architecture and society.

Responsibilities:

• Expand and review the list of members eligible for Fellowship.
• Identify potential candidates for consideration.
• Help members in the application process, in coordination with AIA Colorado staff.

2027 focus

Support candidate identification and application guidance through the chapter’s Fellowship process.

This committee’s deliverables follow the nomination and application cycle rather than the standard quarterly programming expectation.

Time commitment

Participate in candidate review and scheduled committee discussions. Additional work may vary according to candidate needs and the nomination process.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help architects put environmental stewardship into practice. The Committee on the Environment (COTE) brings together member expertise to explore sustainable, resilient design and share practical knowledge with the broader architecture community.

The committee connects members with AIA initiatives such as the 2030 Commitment, Materials Pledge, and Framework for Design Excellence.

Responsibilities

• Explore how AIA sustainability initiatives apply to practice in Colorado.
• Maintain connections with national COTE efforts and share relevant opportunities.
• Contribute expertise when environmental topics intersect with awards, conference programming, advocacy, or other committee work.
• Build relationships with aligned organizations and public agencies.
• Identify practitioners and projects that can help members strengthen environmental performance.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. Programs and resources may address high-performance design, carbon reduction, materials, resilience, building performance, or the practical application of Colorado codes and policies.

Use member experience to make complex topics useful in everyday practice. Share key takeaways and resources with members statewide.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, secretary, and at-large members.

Time commitment

Participate in committee meetings and contribute to programs, research, partnerships, or resources through shared assignments.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help shape AIA Colorado’s Practice + Design Conference, the annual gathering that brings architecture professionals together to learn, exchange ideas, and connect. Volunteers contribute timely topics, professional relationships, and on-site support.

Responsibilities

• Help develop the conference theme, program, and attendee experience.
• Identify timely topics and potential speakers.
• Promote the call for presentations through professional networks.
• Review breakout proposals and recommend sessions aligned with the theme and AIA Colorado priorities.
• Help identify sponsors and exhibitors in coordination with staff.
• Encourage attendance and welcome participants.
• Attend and volunteer at the conference.

2027 focus

Create a valuable learning experience and a welcoming environment for members across career stages, practice areas, and regions. Help develop opportunities for attendees to meet colleagues, exchange knowledge, and feel connected to the profession.

Contribute ideas, observations, and stories that help staff communicate the conference’s value.

This committee’s deliverables follow the conference planning cycle rather than the standard quarterly programming expectation.

Leadership

Co-chairs and additional at-large members.

Time commitment

Participate in planning meetings, review proposals, complete assigned outreach, and provide on-site volunteer support. Work increases around proposal review and the conference.

2027 meeting schedule and conference dates: TBD.

Help architects exchange knowledge and strengthen custom residential practice AIA Colorado’s Custom Resident Architects Network (CRAN) connects members who work in residential architecture or want to learn more about this area of practice.

Volunteers create opportunities to explore design, construction, sustainability, and the distinct residential challenges and opportunities found across Colorado.

Responsibilities

• Identify and share resources relevant to custom residential practice.
• Maintain connections with national CRAN initiatives and share relevant opportunities.
• Contribute residential expertise to conference programming, awards, advocacy, and other committee work.
• Identify homes and projects that can provide meaningful learning experiences.
• Connect practitioners across regions, practice types, and career stages.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. Educational tours, presentations, demonstrations, facilitated discussions, articles, and practice resources can support a useful exchange of ideas.

Include perspectives from across Colorado and help share program takeaways with members who cannot attend.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, and secretary; additional at-large members may be appointed.

Time commitment

Participate in committee meetings and contribute to shared program planning, host and speaker coordination, or resource development.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Overview

Help bring architects’ expertise to statewide policy discussions. The Government Affairs Committee examines issues affecting the profession, with an emphasis on the Colorado General Assembly, and helps inform AIA Colorado’s advocacy objectives and policy priorities.

Members with legislative experience and those interested in learning are encouraged to apply. During the legislative session, a subcommittee of returning committee members reviews introduced bills and brings issues to the full committee for input.

Responsibilities

• Discuss legislation and statewide policy issues affecting architecture.
• Review bills identified by the legislative subcommittee.
• Evaluate requests for organizational positions and recommend actions through AIA Colorado’s established advocacy process.
• Support coordinated advocacy by contacting legislators or providing testimony when appropriate to your expertise.
• Research policy opportunities that advance the profession and Colorado communities.
• Participate in coordinated opportunities to connect with lawmakers and candidates.

2027 focus

Bring informed professional perspectives to public policy and help members understand issues affecting practice and the built environment. Support staff with timely explanations, legislative updates, or other member resources when appropriate.

Committee deliverables follow the legislative cycle and advocacy priorities rather than the standard quarterly programming expectation.

Leadership

Chair, secretary, and at-large members.

Time commitment

Participate in committee meetings and provide timely input between meetings, particularly during the legislative session. Legislative subcommittee service involves additional bill review.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help advance equitable, livable, and sustainable housing across Colorado. The Housing Committee brings architectural expertise to discussions about housing choice, supply, affordability, and access.

Volunteers connect design knowledge with public policy and community needs to explore housing solutions for current and future generations of Coloradans.

Responsibilities

• Discuss housing issues and recommend priorities where architects can make a meaningful contribution.
• Develop shared perspectives on equitable housing and its implications for practice.
• Build relationships with organizations whose work aligns with AIA Colorado’s housing priorities.
• Provide housing expertise to the Government Affairs Committee when legislation requires review.
• Explore opportunities to recognize and share housing design excellence, including affordable housing.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. These may include housing-focused panels, project tours, policy discussions, articles, or practical resources.

Connect design and policy conversations with examples that help members understand housing challenges and opportunities across Colorado.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, and secretary; additional at-large members may be appointed.

Time commitment

Participate in committee meetings and contribute to assigned research, program planning, partnerships, or knowledge sharing. Legislative review may require timely input between meetings.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help build a profession that respects and values different experiences, backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas. The AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee advances this work through learning, dialogue, partnerships, and practical resources.

Volunteers help members apply equitable approaches within their practices, professional communities, and AIA Colorado activities.

Responsibilities

• Develop programs and discussions using AIA’s Guides for Equitable Practice, Guides for Equitable Chapters, and other relevant resources.
• Identify opportunities to increase awareness and application of equitable practices.
• Build relationships with partners and stakeholders who can inform the work.
• Collaborate with other AIA Colorado groups on conference programming, leadership development, mentorship, awards, and related initiatives.
• Help share useful takeaways and resources beyond committee meetings.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. Facilitated discussions, workshops, articles, and practical resources can help members connect J.E.D.I. principles with professional practice.

The committee will establish its annual focus and program mix with staff and incoming volunteers.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, and secretary; additional at-large members may be appointed.

Time commitment

Participate in committee meetings and assigned program development, research, or working groups. The previous estimate included 1-2 hours per month in smaller working groups and 2-4 hours of independent work, in addition to committee meetings; the 2027 workload will depend on the annual plan.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Help connect AIA Colorado members where they live and practice. Local Advisory Councils work with Section Directors to support members in Denver, North, South, and West, bringing local knowledge and relationships to the chapter’s statewide mission.

Professional development

• Help plan accessible, welcoming programs that provide useful practice insights.
• Identify project tours, firm visits, panels, roundtables, and other learning opportunities.
• Recruit speakers and hosts; coordinate potential sponsors with staff.
• Work with staff and other volunteer groups to coordinate the calendar and avoid competing programs.

Community engagement

• Identify local policy issues affecting architecture and share them with staff.
• Develop relationships with civic leaders and organizations with shared goals.
• Recommend opportunities for architects to contribute expertise to community challenges.
• Explore service projects that make effective use of architects’ skills.

• Explore service projects that make effective use of architects’ skills.

Member involvement

• Welcome new members and connect them with colleagues and opportunities.
• Encourage participation in committees, knowledge communities, and leadership roles.
• Support first-time volunteers and help develop future leaders.

2027 contributions

North, South, and West councils will plan at least four substantive member contributions, at least one each quarter. Programs, tours, facilitated discussions, articles, or local practice resources can connect members and share regional knowledge.

Denver’s proposed cadence is at minimum one, typically two events each month. Coordinate local activities with statewide programs to make effective use of volunteer and staff resources.

Time commitment

Participate in council planning and take responsibility for assigned activities. Work varies by section and program.

2027 meeting schedules: TBD.

Help members explore the places, policies, and systems that shape Colorado communities. The Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community offers learning and connection around public space, land use, urban design, and regional planning.

Apply to help organize the community’s work. Members interested only in attending publicized programs do not need to complete a volunteer application.

Responsibilities

• Develop presentations, workshops, roundtables, tours, and other learning opportunities.
• Identify speakers, facilitators, and appropriate program locations.
• Build relationships with allied organizations, local jurisdictions, and state agencies.
• Provide program descriptions and continuing education information to staff.
• Help promote activities and share useful knowledge with the broader membership.

2027 contributions

Plan at least four substantive member contributions, ideally one each quarter. Use a mix of programs and resources to explore regional and urban design challenges and share approaches relevant to Colorado.

Additional educational and networking activities are welcome. Consider virtual formats and partnerships that extend access across the state.

Leadership

Chair, vice chair or co-chair, and secretary; additional at-large members may be appointed.

Time commitment

Participate in planning meetings and take responsibility for assigned programs, outreach, or resources. Work varies with each activity.

2027 meeting schedule: TBD.

Do you have an idea that could help AIA Colorado members learn, connect, or contribute to the profession?

We welcome proposals for new collaborations, working groups, pilot programs, or other volunteer opportunities that advance a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.

Tell us about your idea

In the volunteer application, select “Proposal” and describe:

• The issue or opportunity you want to address.
• Who would benefit and how.
• The expertise or relationships you could contribute.
• The activity, resource, or outcome you envision.
• Potential collaborators and the support you anticipate needing.

Proposals will be considered in relation to AIA Colorado’s mission, existing volunteer work, member needs, and available resources.

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.