Category: News

AIA Colorado National Representatives – Spring 2023

Posted on by Jon Bell

Sarah Broughton, FAIA, AIA Colorado President

Next week, I am attending the national conference on
architecture in San Francisco. As president, it is
humbling to represent all of our members in votes for
national officers, bylaws and resolutions at the annual
business meeting. I welcome your thoughts on the
candidates and issues. It is also inspiring to see so
many peers leading the profession as presenters,
award winners and new Fellows. For those also going
to the conference, we hope you can join us for
Colorado night – RSVP here.

One annual gathering does not come close to showing
the work. Did you know we have many Colorado
colleagues serving in national roles on your behalf?
Please take a moment to get to know these amazing
volunteers who I’ve asked to share their favorite
resource that their role has helped develop for the
membership.

National Architect Licensing Advisor

Kahyun Lee, AIA, National Architect Licensing Advisor, Fentress, Denver

Along with Mara Song, AIA, we want licensure candidates and architects to have access to every tool they need to navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity – and one of those is the community of Architect Licensing Advisors. Architect licensing advisors are local professionals, educators, and students who volunteer their time to help others pursue licensure and reciprocity. These volunteers often provide candidates with their first glimpse into the licensure process, lending help and guidance along the way.

  • We have helped 10 candidates so far in 2023. 3 of them are internationals (including foreign architects and candidates with foreign degrees).
  • Session at CU Boulder on 2/24, licensure
    pathways and basics
  • Session at CU Denver on 4/17, licensure
    pathways and basics

National Associates Committee

Kari Lawson, AIA, National Associate Committee, State/Territory Associate Representative, HDR Inc,
Denver

National Associate Committee (NAC) meets quarterly to discuss key topics that impact associates. There are 5 workgroups organized to assist with advocating on the behalf of associates: Advocacy, Strategic Partnership, VALUE, Knowledge: Professional Development, and Turquoise Agenda.

Our Q2 call focused on: Licensure (the ARE, Stop the Clock), Associate Resources & Engagement, Equity (Barriers, Pay, Work-Life Balance), Networking (Visibility & Awareness), and Mentorship.

As a team member of the Strategic Partnership NAC work group, our mission is to amplify visibility of the NAC by providing a clear framework to raise associate member awareness and provide a repository of information to leverage leadership opportunities. The Advocacy Work Group recently completed a research sprint of the specific jurisdictional impediments blocking the full adoption of NCARB’s newest score validity policy. See the presentation deck that provides in-depth information for jurisdictions with regulatory or statutory impediments.

Here are several A’23 Sessions featuring NAC Members or Topics:

AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

Emily Adams, AIA, Small Firm Exchange Representative, Neoera, Inc. Denver

The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. As more than 75% of all firms within the AIA are small firms, including my own, I’m invested in finding ways to leverage that size for collaboration and influence, just like the individual large firms do. Additionally, as a member of the AIA Colorado Business of Architecture Knowledge Community, I’ve been focusing more internal effort on understanding when/how to hire talent into small firms.

To learn more about the work of the Small Firm Exchange (SFx), visit here. If you’re planning to attend A’23, here’s the SFx picks we think you should check out.

State Disaster Assistance

Brett Hartle, AIA, Colorado State Disaster Assistance Coordinator, Director of Design – Denver International Airport, Denver

Brett acts as AIA Colorado’s liaison/primary point of contact with other State Disaster Assistance Coordinators across the United States and AIA National Office. Additionally, Brett is certified by Cal OES as a Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator.

Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) was tasked by HUD to develop a set of practical, actionable guidelines to assist builders and developers in designing and constructing residential buildings, neighborhoods, and accessory structures in a manner that could improve residential resilience to natural hazards and integrate resiliency throughout the community. The resilience guides provide technical content in a straightforward way that is easy for a layperson to understand, while also providing references through which design professionals, builders, developers, and public officials can obtain full details. The guide consists of five volumes. Each volume focuses on a major category of hazard that may pertain to a given project: wind, water, fire, earth (seismic, earthslides, sinkholes), and auxiliary (other hazards such as volcanoes, hail, and temperature extremes). These resilience guides are not intended to substitute for engineering or architectural project design work; rather, the technical guidance identifies components that can be enhanced or improved to achieve above code performance to make residential buildings and other community assets more resilient.

View Designing for Natural Hazards Series Volumes 1 – 5

AIA Strategic Council

Zachary Taylor, AIA, Strategic Council Representative, Taylor Architecture Design, Colorado Springs

The AIA Strategic Council, formed in 2015 from the national repositioning, has changed in the last two years as Councilors were previously chosen at the Region level to serve the membership. With the dissolution of the regions, states now have direct representation on the Strategic Council. It has been my privilege to serve as the first AIA CO representative to the Council.

The Strategic Council is charged to be the forward-looking body within the AIA that informs the national Board of Directors of important issues relevant to the profession through the lens of the Strategic Plan’s core values, imperatives, and strategies. More information about the Strategic Council can be found here.

This year the Council is focusing on five areas of study: Carbon, Design, Economy, Equity, and Health Wellness. Personally, I have been involved with the Carbon Study Group where we’ve been diving into the topic of “Climate-Positive Practice”. We are building on past Council work/reports of Scalable Climate Action and Carbon Literacy (both of which can be found at the link above). I’d like to thank Rodwin Architecture, Fentress Architects, and Shape Architecture for allowing me to pick the brains of their team members on how they’re currently pushing this topic forward within their practices.

AIA Young Architect Forum

Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Young Architect Forum Representative, Semple Brown Design, PC, Denver

As the Young Architect Rep for CO, I represent the state at the National level within the Young Architects Forum. The YAF is the voice of recently licensed architects (licensed less than 10 years) and a catalyst for progress within the Institute. The 2023-2027 Strategic Initiative is: Architects in Action, Catalyzing for Change. The group meets as a full committee as well as is organized into Focus Groups, which allow us to provide more focused attention on certain initiatives. The 2023 focus groups include: Communications, Community, Advocacy, Knowledge, Strategic Vision, and Special Projects.

Available Resources:

AIA College of Fellows

Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA, AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region (COF WMR) Representative Member, CSNA Architects, Colorado Springs Colorado, Springboard Preservation Studio, Colorado Springs | Montrose

Although AIA National no longer recognizes it, the College of Fellows retains the Western Mountain Region and considers it to be vital. The seven-state Region includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. There are 184 Fellows in the Western Mountain Region, which is 5% of all AIA Fellows.

There are two Regional Representatives – Jonathan Sparer, FAIA Las Vegas Nevada, and Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA Colorado Springs Colorado. In addition to the Regional Representatives, there are State representatives:
Jack DeBartolo, FAIA – Arizona with 62 Fellows
Glen Berry FAIA, – Idaho with 3 Fellows
Jonathan Sparer, FAIA – Nevada with 16 Fellows
Glenn Fellows, FAIA – New Mexico with 25 Fellows
Roger Jackson, FAIA – Utah with 23 Fellows
John Carney, FAIA – Wyoming with 4 Fellows
Currently Colorado – with 70 Fellows – does not have an official representative; I am
serving in that role de facto.

The COF WMR Representatives meet monthly. At our last meeting, we agreed to form a COF WMR Fellows Committee to promote candidates for Fellowship within the Region, and to review and strengthen their submittals to the AIA College of Fellows Jury.

Colorado Architecture News | 05.17.23

Posted on by Jon Bell
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 05.17.23

THE WEEK IN WORDS

“Both Rep. Bird and Sen. Simpson approach issues as problems to be solved, choose issues that will help the constituents and communities they serve, while avoiding ideological battles. They are smart, decent people, and fair in their approach to issues. AIA Colorado is lucky to have them as champions.”

— Jerry Johnson, lobbyist and Honorary Member of AIA Colorado

After an eventful campaign season last Fall and a highly productive legislative session this year, we were thrilled to honor Senator Cleave Simpson as AIA Colorado’s exceptional new legislator for 2022, alongside Representative Shannon Bird, our 2022 legislator of the year.

Senator Simpson was acknowledged for his instrumental role in sponsoring the 2021 continuing education bill and his persistent commitment to tackling Colorado’s pressing water issues.

Representative Bird has been an invaluable advocate for licensing bills, recognizing the importance of incorporating precise language in legislation that impacts professions and occupations regulated within Colorado, in alignment with nationwide standards and reciprocity systems.

View More From The Awards Ceremony

2023 DESIGN + HONOR AWARDS

Meet the Jurors for the 2023 Design Awards

“The Awards Committee is so proud to have such a powerhouse lineup of esteemed colleagues to serve as our 2023 design jury. The breadth of the practice types and locations represented is exceeded only by their deep expertise and leadership in living out the values we all aspire to. We can’t wait for them to see your best work when they convene at the national conference on architecture in San Francisco!”

— Marisol Foreman, AIA, Awards Committee Chair

Meet the Jurors

Just 2 Days Away!

For both the Design + Honor Awards, Friday May 19th at 5pm is the deadline. Full submission guidelines and instructions can found at the submission link.

Start Your Submissions

AIA COLORADO NEWS

2023 Academic Scholarships

Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s Academic Scholarships:

  • Colorado North AIA Scholarship: Mansani Salazar, CU Boulder
  • Garry G. Landin AIA Scholarship: Erick Medrano, CU Denver
  • C. Gordon Sweet AIA Scholarship: James “Gabriel” Morales, CU Denver
  • Kenneth R. Fuller AIA Scholarship: Alanah Braaksma, CU Denver
  • Michael Kephart AIA Scholarship: William “Brewster” Glascock, CU Denver
  • De Von M. Carlson FAIA Scholarship: Toby Underhill, CU Denver
  • Priscilla & William Muchow FAIA Scholarship: Mohamad Zaina, CU Denver, and Marshall Reilly, CU Denver
  • Temple Hoyne Buell FAIA Scholarship: Julia Lecy, CU Denver
  • Robert K. Fuller FAIA Scholarship: Berenice Ibarra, CU Denver
  • Flodie and John Anderson FAIA Scholarship: Willa Hendler, CU Denver
  • Oscar R. Sanchez AIAS Scholarship: Jose Banuelos, CU Boulder

Design Elevated: Sustainable Urbanism From Colorado

On April 27th, AIA Colorado was honored to showcase several of Colorado’s leading designers in conjunction with the Cities Summit of the Americas, a convergence of Mayors and Civic Leaders from across the Western Hemisphere.

Read More

Last week, members from the South and the AIA Colorado Board of Directors toured the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum, enjoying insight shared by John Graham, AIA, from Anderson Mason Dale Architects. The fun continued with a happy hour at COATI.

Given that the AIA Colorado Board Presidency is a “milestone moment” in each one’s career, Wells Squire, AIA, gathered the past presidents of AIA Colorado for a time to reminisce as well as share in the future direction of the organization. Held at rowland & broughton last week, stories were shared by all and there are plans to make this gathering a new annual tradition.

AIA COLORADO EVENTS

National Western Center Tour

Join members from Denver and tour the National Western Center Livestock Exchange Building, Central Utility Plan & CSU Spur Building on June 1st.

AIA Colorado at A’23

Connect with fellow AIA Colorado members during A’23 AIA Conference on June 8th at HDR’s San Francisco office.

Children’s Hospital North (Broomfield) Building Tour

Join our Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community for a tour of the Children’s Hospital North, covering their recent major renovation and addition project. Space is limited.

View AIA Colorado Calendar

PARTNER NEWS AND EVENTS

2022 Denver Energy Code Training Series

Want to learn more about what is changing for commercial/multifamily and residential buildings when the 2022 Denver Energy Code goes into effect? Join City of Denver for a comprehensive training series that will teach you about key changes in the new code. Feel free to join for specific topics or the entire series, which includes content for both commercial and residential project teams. ICC and AIA/HSW continuing education credit will be provided.

View more information

DBIA Rocky Mountain Region – Regional Conference

The Design-Build Institute of America is hosting their annual conference in Aurora on June 8th. The theme for the conference is “Stronger, Together, Everybody’s In”. June 7th will also feature the Design-Build Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception.

View more information

Looking for a Volunteer Architectosaurus

The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, in partnership with Jefferson County Open Space, is working on big capital improvement projects. Dinosaur Ridge is a National Natural Landmark and has close to 250,000 visitors a year and needs a new Visitor Center to provide the best experience for those visitors. The volunteer with architectural expertise will help to ask the right questions and provide the best input to Jefferson County Open Space. You may send a letter of interest and resume to Pallavi Jhaveri or Kermit Shields.

Telluride Art + Architecture Week

Taking place the week of July 10 – 16, Telluride celebrates a weeklong immersive art experience showcasing the architectural, landscape, interior design, and creative talent of Telluride. Join fellow architects Friday, July 14th, for Design Industry Day at the Madeline Hotel where Continuing Education courses will be offered followed by a social networking event.

View more information

NEWS AT NATIONAL

AIA National Is Looking For Volunteer Leaders Like You!

Represent Colorado and help AIA promote the work of the Knowledge Communities and other AIA member groups by joining a 2024 leadership group. Volunteers support their community by:

  • increasing engagement
  • presenting at events and producing content
  • participating in monthly meetings

The application process closes at 5pm ET on June 16.

Learn More & Apply

2023 Small Project Awards

AIA and it’s Small Project Design (SPD) Knowledge Community present the annual Small Project Awards to raise public awareness of the value and design excellence that architects provide regardless of the limits of size and scope. These projects represent the big impact that small projects can have on their users and broader communities.

View the Projects

Women’s Leadership Summit

Taking place in Boston, this September 12-14, will be the Women’s Leadership Summit. Founded by AIA, this is a premier event that brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women who are breaking down barriers, making themselves visible, and manifesting the careers they want—while making a difference in the world.

Learn More

A’23 in San Francisco, June 7-10

We often talk about the future. This conference is where the AEC industry gathers to define it, design it, and connect across industries to build it. Join us in San Francisco —one of the West Coast’s premier destinations—to explore what it means to design a better world now, together. Visit the Conference Website to register, access the hotel block, and learn more.

Register Today

Design Elevated: Sustainable Urbanism From Colorado

Posted on by Jon Bell

This past April 27, 2023, AIA Colorado was honored to showcase several of Colorado’s leading designers at Design Elevated: Sustainable Urbanism From Colorado. The event was organized in conjunction with the Cities Summit of the Americas, a convergence of Mayors and Civic Leaders from across the Western Hemisphere, hosted by the US State Department. With day two of the Summit drawing to a close, attendees were cordially invited to the History Colorado Center and immerse themselves in an evening of inspiration, as they delved into the minds of the brilliant architects, city planners, and cultural thinkers behind some of the most innovative state projects and programs in our region.

After an introduction from AIA National President Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, explaining the critical roles of architects as partners for progress, each speaker presented their work in 20 slides set to an automatic timer of 20 seconds per slide. Delivered in this “PechaKucha” style, the format provided a fun and quick environment.

As AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger stated in his opening remarks, there is “no act more optimistic than to build.” These presentations highlight just a few of the inspiring and transformational projects underway or recently completed in the Denver Metro Area.

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Ignacio Correa-Ortiz, AIA, with RTD, kicked off the evening with his presentation, “Transit and Mobility.” Correa-Ortiz traced the history of public transit in the Denver area, beginning with the sustainability of the First Peoples. The shift to private cars in the post-war era eroded the social fabric and air quality of cities across America, including Denver. Today, RTD and other local urban planners are working on solutions to reinvent a more sustainable and equitable transit network. Denver’s recent investment in Union Station is a model for the future, because “we can only build the future that we can imagine.”

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Kathleen Fogler, AIA, and John McIntyre, AIA, from Tryba Architects, presented “Rethinking Urban Renewal.” Urban Renewal has historically represented a process that severs the built environment from its cultural and ecological history. Now, urban projects must be thought of as “akin to gardening – strengthening existing conditions, grafting in new elements, acknowledging the importance of pruning – demolition and removal, but at a scale appropriate to context.” Due to changing technologies, front range cities such as Denver have many opportunities to refresh underutilized industrial spaces with desirable proximity to the urban core. Adapting these buildings rather than tearing them down allows for opportunities of scale not typically seen in ground-up construction. The result is projects that contribute to a more authentic mixed-used urban fabric. In addition to acknowledging built history, “Rethinking Urban Renewal,” also means recognizing natural history, and our role as part of the natural world rather than separated from it.

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Chris Shears, FAIA, of SAR+, presented “River Evolution,” which traced Denver’s relationship the Platte River. During Denver’s early history as an industrial frontier town, the Platte was hemmed in by railyards and factories, remaining ignored and polluted for years. In 1975, community leaders turned their attention to restoring the river and its ecology to create a public amenity. This led to the development of the Confluence and Cuernavaca Park, which have become beloved public amenities in the heart of the city.  Today, planning efforts are underway to redevelop “The River Mile,” 200 acres of underutilized post-industrial land along the river.  Redevelopments include a new typology of public housing from Denver Housing Authority (DHA) called Sun Valley, and rethinking pedestrian connections between Ball Arena and Coors Field.

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Cathy Bellem, AIA, of Anderson Mason Dale Architects, presented “Serving the Whole Person,” telling the story of two projects designed in collaboration with Dr. Lydia Prado, currently the executive director of Lifespan Local and formerly Vice President of Child & Family Services at the Mental Health Center of Denver. While in this role, Dr. Prado spearheaded the effort to develop the Dahlia Campus for Health and Well-Being in the Northeast Park Hill neighborhood. Following Dr. Prado’s philosophy that “communities themselves best understand how to improve their own well-being,” Anderson Mason Dale assisted in leading community workshops to gain insight into community needs. Today, the campus is inclusive across all ages, and serves as a community hub alleviating food and health insecurity as well as a mental health resource. The design team has recently broken ground on a similar project in the Westwood neighborhood, where their goal was not build the same building but follow the same process of listening and learning from the community. 

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Chad Holtzinger, AIA, from Shopworks Architecture, presented “Housing that Heals,” with a focus on projects that emphasize the health and safety of children. He began by presenting research on how childhood trauma manifests into poverty and systematic homelessness. Architects are good at dealing with physiological needs (creating a comfortable built environment) and safety needs (creating a safe physical environment), but how can our profession take it farther by promoting self-actualization, esteem, love, and belonging? With this framework in mind, Shopworks designed calming and safe environments that eliminated typical areas of stress for traumatized individuals, such as secluded corridors or dingy laundry rooms. They used natural materials such as cedar shakes to create intriguing textures and aromatics. Their design process focused on working with experts and local activists to promote a connection to ethnicity and sense of place as a “way to systematically change the way the built environment yields health in our community.”

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Alex Garrison, AIA, from Gensler, presented “Adaptive Reuse,” emphasizing that “the most sustainable building is the one you don’t have to build.” Like other presenters, he touched on the idea of breaking the cycle of urban renewal and connecting the past to the future. As his first case study, he presented recent research efforts by Gensler into the many potentials of transforming old office buildings into mixed-use residential. As vacancy rates continue to rise in the Central Business District, Gensler has been contracted by Denver to study potential sites using the algorithm they have developed. They have coined the phrase “Bad Office Makes Good Residential,” realizing that many features of outdated office buildings (smaller floor plates, smaller windows, etc) is exactly what makes them attractive for apartment conversions. Gensler also used their adaptive reuse philosophies on a strategic intervention for Denver Beer Co, transforming an old gas station into a community hub and taproom.

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The final presentation of the night was from Terra Mazzeo, AIA, of Stantec, called “High Performing Civic Resources”. Her first case study covered the redevelopment of the Denver Water Operation Complex. The campus’s administration building is one of the highest performing built works in the region, showcasing Net-Zero Energy, LEED platinum certification, and, most significantly, Net-Zero Water. The campus was conceptualized to showcase the conservation of water as a critical natural resource. It achieved Net-Zero Water through natural water detention, extensive rainwater harvesting, expansive areas of natural ecology, and a water recycling system that is on display in the main lobby. Denver Water’s commitment to use their campus as a model for water conservation mirrored their efforts to increase sustainability across the regional water system. They “used architecture to help change policy, and in so doing has illuminated a path towards regional water security.”  Mazzeo also presented on the MacGregor Square project, a redevelopment of an entire city block funded by the Rockies Baseball team. Public open spaces, “designed not only for game day, but every day,” form the heart of the project. 

AIA Colorado would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all presenters and Summit Attendees who joined us for a evening celebrating our professions collaborative role shaping the future of our cities. Architects and Planners in Colorado and around the world are engaged citizens who look forward to working with city officials on transformational projects that will increase sustainability and equity across all our urban cores.  

Colorado Architecture News | 05.03.23

Posted on by Jon Bell
News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 05.03.23

THE WEEK IN WORDS

This past week, Cities Summit of the Americas took place in Denver, bringing 3,500+ city leaders from countries all across the Americans and the World. Mike Waldinger, AIA Colorado CEO, attended the summit and shares the following quotes from his experiencs:

“We need more emphasis on placekeeping than placemaking.”

– At a Vibrant Cities Track panel discussion

“It’s great to have the AIA here.”

– At the Launch of the Cities Forward Initiative

2023 DESIGN + HONOR AWARDS

2023 Design + Honor Awards: Just 2 Weeks Remain to Submit Your Projects

The AIA Colorado Annual Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community. Previous design award recipients have designed innovative schools, stunning custom homes, creative hotels, excellent community gathering spaces, and much more.

Additionally, the AIA Colorado Honor Awards recognize the people and teams who are making a difference in the architecture profession and their communities. They’re committed to continually growing as architects, value creating a strong team and recognize the power of architecture in our daily lives.

The deadline for both the Design + Honor Awards is May 19th. Full submission guidelines and instructions can found at the submission link.

Start Your Submission

AIA COLORADO NEWS

Housing Questionnaire

Housing is the biggest concern on the minds of Coloradans and the most debated issue in our legislature and city councils. Access to housing is no longer impacting only those of lower socio-economic standing, it affects everyone at every level of society.

AIA Colorado has made this our newest imperative and your Board of Directors want to know what you think. Please participate in this brief survey as we weigh how to make a positive impact. Replies requested by May 10th.

Share Responses Here

Are You an Associate AIA Member? Would You Like to Attend A’23 This June?

AIA Colorado has been given the unique circumstance of being able to gift 1 free Associate Member Silver Pass to A’23, AIA’s Conference on Architecture, to an Associate Member in good standing. Enter your name for the chance to win.

Enter Your Name Here

Members of the West enjoyed a great event last week in Eagle. Several Continuing Education courses were offered followed by a social hour.

Last week, members of the South toured Kinship Landing boutique hotel in Colorado Springs. Echo Architecture led the tour. Thanks to Editorial Committee member JP Arnold for the photos!

AIA COLORADO EVENTS

Denver Meet Up and Tour of New City Heights Resident Hall on Auraria campus

Join Denver Members on May 11th for a walking tour of the new City Heights residence hall on the Auraria campus followed by happy hour at Tivoli Brewing Co.

Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

On May 11th, join fellow AIA Colorado members and the AIA Colorado Board for a social hour at COATI.

National Western Center Tour

Join members from Denver and tour the National Western Center Livestock Exchange Building, Central Utility Plan & CSU Spur Building on June 1st.

AIA Colorado at A’23

Connect with fellow AIA Colorado members during A’23 AIA Conference on June 8th at HDR’s San Francisco office.

View AIA Colorado Calendar

AIA COLORADO MEMBER NEWS

Joseph Poli, AIA, Architect, Design Principal, and co-founder of RATIO Design’s Denver Studio is moving into the role of Consulting Principal in June of this year. Congratulations!

Read more

PARTNER NEWS AND EVENTS

GESTEM Volunteers Needed

Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (GESTEM) is an exciting event that introduces middle school girls to the wide range of opportunities in potential careers in STEM fields through hands-on workshops and interactions with engineering professionals. Rocky Mountain Section hosts up to 1000 girls, at no cost to the girls to attend.

View more information

DBIA Rocky Mountain Region – Regional Conference

The Design-Build Institute of America is hosting their annual conference in Aurora June 8th. The theme for the conference is “Stronger, Together, Everybody’s In”. June 7th will also feature the Design-Build Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception.

View more information

Looking for a Volunteer Architectosaurus

The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, in partnership with Jefferson County Open Space, is working on big capital improvement projects. Dinosaur Ridge is a National Natural Landmark and has close to 250,000 visitors a year and needs a new Visitor Center to provide the best experience for those visitors. The volunteer with architectural expertise will help to ask the right questions and provide the best input to Jefferson County Open Space. You may send a letter of interest and resume to Pallavi Jhaveri or Kermit Shields.

Telluride Art + Architecture Week

Taking place the week of July 10 – 16, Telluride celebrates a weeklong immersive art experience showcasing the architectural, landscape, interior design, and creative talent of Telluride. Join fellow architects Friday, July 14th, for Design Industry Day at the Madeline Hotel where Continuing Education courses will be offered followed by a social networking event.

View more information

NEWS AT NATIONAL

Getting in the Resilience Zone

The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act creates and designates resilience zones which identify disadvantage communities that are most at-risk for natural hazards. Communities in the zones will have access to financial, technical, and planning support.

AIA advocated for the law, which President Biden signed late last year. This spring, architects and mayors have the chance to weigh-in on the designated regions. Learn about the resources for your community and hear from architect Joyce Owens, FAIA, whose projects have put resilience design to the test.

Answer with action.

2023 COTE Top Ten Awards

AIA has recently announced the 2023 COTE Top Ten, highlighting projects that meet the AIA Committee on the Environment’s rigorous criteria for social, economic, and ecological value.

AIA Colorado member Kyleen Rockwell, AIA, reflects on her involvement helping to propel the UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living Learning Neighborhood project, a place designed to promote physical and mental well-being, support the school’s environmental commitments, and foster community connections.

Read more

Women’s Leadership Summit

Taking place in Boston, this September 12-14, will be the Women’s Leadership Summit. Founded by AIA, this is a premier event that brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women who are breaking down barriers, making themselves visible, and manifesting the careers they want—while making a difference in the world.

Learn more

March Architectural Billings Index

Business conditions at architecture firms saw a slight improvement in March, following declining billings during the last five months.

Read more

Premier Partner Spotlight

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, IMEG, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company they have intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

View IMEG company website

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

AIA Colorado Member Reflects On The 2023 COTE Top Ten

Posted on by Jon Bell

AIA has recently announced the 2023 COTE Top Ten. AIA Colorado member Kyleen Rockwell, AIA, reflects on her involvement helping to propel the UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood project, a place designed to promote physical and mental well-being, support the school’s environmental commitments, and foster community connections.

| UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood
| UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood

I was ecstatic when the AIA announced the 2023 COTE Top Ten Award Recipients to see that UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood had been honored with an award. 

From 2018-2021, I had the privilege of working on this project during my time with the great team at HKS. We were fortunate to have a client in UC San Diego who was committed to data driven design and the Framework for Design Excellence was ingrained in the design process from start to finish.

I was personally involved in the building performance analysis for the six buildings on the campus. I worked with the design team to integrate key massing analysis that focused on solar access and exterior thermal comfort, identified through annual daylight analysis strategies to maximize daylight levels while keeping glare discomfort within imperceptible thresholds, and had the opportunity to use dynamic energy simulations throughout the design process to track our predicted energy performance to target both a LEED platinum performance and the AIA 2030 Commitment. 

The energy efficiency measures were a dream for a building performance analyst to bring to fruition:

  • Natural ventilation controls that balanced energy efficiency, thermal comfort, CO2 levels, and confirmed no overheating occurred throughout the year.
  • A central plant providing chilled water and hot water to the campus at high efficiency levels.
  • On site renewable energy in the form of solar panels and a micro-anaerobic digester.
  • Lightwells in the subterranean parking garage that reduced lighting power energy.

With my current position as a Sr. Building Performance Analyst at Interface Engineering, I am thrilled to be working at a company who has collaborated on multiple COTE Top Ten Award Projects and am hopeful to have the opportunity to work with other AIA Colorado firms on their projects to further optimize and push the boundaries of building performance.

— Kyleen Rockwell PE, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Building Performance Analyst
Interface Engineering, Inc.

| UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood
| UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood

More information and images source

Colorado Architecture News | 04.19.23

Posted on by Jon Bell

News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 04.19.23

THE WEEK IN WORDS

Our community has the ability, opportunity, and responsibility to advance:

  • A culture of belonging marked by justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Environmental stewardship to mitigate climate impacts and protect resources.
  • Attainable housing so our clients, our workforce and all our neighbors can live here.

AIA Colorado celebrates a new set of Imperatives to help guide and direct our attention and energies. Coupled with the new mission statement that more accurately and succinctly describes AIA Colorado’s purpose, we’re honored to share his with you.

Read more

2023 DESIGN + HONOR AWARDS

2023 Design + Honor Awards: New Design Size Categories and New Honor Award

New to the Design Awards are a refinement of size categories. The categories are now:

  • 5,000 SF and under
  • 5,000 SF – 15,000 SF
  • Over 15,000 SF.

What was previously called “Renovation” has now been separated into “Historic Preservation and Restoration” and “Renovation and Remodel”. These new categories and classifications will help to show an even greater breadth of design excellence here in Colorado.

Additionally, there is a new Honor Award called the Impact Award. This new award “Recognizes a group or organization in Colorado that has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture and/or enhanced the role of practitioners” and will be awarded by the AIA Colorado Board.

Start Your Submissions

AIA COLORADO NEWS

SB23-213: Members Weigh the Pros and Cons of the Land Use and Housing Bill

This year’s legislative session has produced one of the most contentious bills we have ever seen that affects the architecture profession in SB23-213: Land Use. Read our new article to learn more about this bill, what’s changed since it was introduced, and hear member perspectives.

Read More

J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline Youth Engagement Opportunities

The J.E.D.I. Committee is tracking youth engagement opportunities, including classroom speaking opportunities, office tours, project site tours, and design camps and has opportunities for architects, architectural interns, and allied professionals to share their journey with students.

Get Involved

AIA COLORADO EVENTS

Tour of Kinship Landing in Colorado Springs

Join AIA Colorado’s South Members on Wednesday, April 26th at 4pm for a tour of Kinship Landing boutique hotel led by Echo Architecture.

Western Slope Architectural Event and Happy Hour

Join members from the West on April 27th at Alan-Bradley Window & Doors in Eagle for Continuing Education courses followed by a social happy hour. Choose 2 courses of Continuing Education from a variety of AIA CES providers offered. Please RSVP and sign up for courses in advance.

Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community -Happy Hour at MOA Architecture

On May 2nd at 3pm, join the Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community for a happy hour networking event hosted at MOA Architecture. Open to AIA Colorado members.

Tour the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum

On May 11th at 3pm, join the AIA Colorado Board and members from the South Section for a tour of the US Olympic & Paralympic Museum. Open to AIA Colorado members followed by a social happy hour at COATI.

View AIA Colorado Calendar

AIA COLORADO MEMBER NEWS

We mourn the recent passing of Bill Deno, FAIA. He was an active member of our AIA and University of Colorado Boulder community.

“Bill was a steadfast guardian of architectural design standards at UC Boulder. The exceptional continuity and quality of the campus visual experience is his wonderful legacy.” – Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA

To learn more about Bill’s many accomplishments, please view his portion from the AIA History Committee Video.

PARTNER NEW AND EVENTS

NEXUS National Mentorship Program Applications Open for the Month of April

NEXUS’s goal is to support equity and access to architecture as a profession. If you are new to the field, have plateaued in your growth/development, or are an associated professional who has always wanted to be an architect, this program provides a wealth of resources to help navigate your career. Young professionals are connected with highly esteemed AIA Fellows who have practiced, researched, authored, and experienced the gamut of the field of architecture. More info and to Apply here

NEWS AT NATIONAL

A’23 in San Francisco June 7-10

We often talk about the future. This conference is where the AEC industry gathers to define it, design it, and connect across industries to build it. Join us in San Francisco—one of the West Coast’s premier destinations—to explore what it means to design a better world now, together. Visit the Conference Website to register, access the hotel block, and learn more.

What’s new at A’23?

These five things will have a big impact on your A’23 experience. Read more

Young Architects Forum April Newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read more

AIA honors cutting-edge designs with 2023 Education Facility Design Award

The American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE) is recognizing 13 projects for state-of-the-art designs of schools and learning centers. Read more

Premier Partner Spotlight

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

Humboldt Sawmill Company, LLC manufactures redwood and Douglas-fir dimensional lumber, timbers, and uppers at the company’s sawmill in Scotia, California. Allweather Wood, LLC is the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber and plywood manufacturer in the western United States with five manufacturing facilities, including a facility in Loveland, Colorado. View company website.

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Colorado Architecture News | 04.05.23

Posted on by Jon Bell

The Week in Words

“The Foundation is a trusted partner with a long history of supporting our students. We look forward to making an even bigger impact in the future.”

Rachel Lee, AIA, Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, speaking at the annual scholarship selection committee meeting of the Architectural Education Foundation.

The Architectural Education Foundation, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to support educational and experiential endeavors.

While academic awards will be announced by the respective campuses, we would like to congratulate the following recipients of the 2023 Architectural Educational Foundation Travel Scholarships:

  • Ruichen Xu, Assoc. AIA – Hobart D. Wagener, FAIA, Scholarship
  • Tiffany Vieth, AIA – Arthur & Florence Fisher, FAIA, Scholarship
  • Chelsey Hume, AIA – Virginia & Robert Fuller, AIA, Scholarship
  • Jose Ibarra – James M. Hunter, AIA, Scholarship, Virginia & Robert Fuller, AIA, Scholarship

2023 DESIGN + HONOR AWARDS

2023 Design + Awards: Call for Entries Now Open!

The annual AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards recognize the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community. 

The call for entries for both the Design Awards and Honor Awards are now open and the deadline to enter both is May 19. Start planning your 2023 submission today!

Save the Date: 2023’s Design + Honor Awards Celebration will be at Mile High Station September 19.

Start Your Submission

AIA COLORADO NEWS

J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Youth Engagement Opportunities

On March 1st and 2nd, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Committee and other AIA Colorado members participated in a Colorado Uplift Career Fair for middle school students at Lake Middle School and Colorado Sports Leadership Academy. Between the two schools, 497 students participated in the fair. The event continues the J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline’s efforts to introduce school-age students to architecture to expand career pathway exploration and diversify the profession.

The Committee is tracking youth engagement opportunities, including classroom speaking opportunities, office tours, project site tours, and design camps and has opportunities for architects, architectural interns, and allied professionals to share their journey with students.

Get Involved

AIA COLORADO EVENTS

Tour of Kinship Landing in Colorado Springs

Join AIA Colorado’s South Members on Wednesday, April 26th at 4pm for a tour of Kinship Landing boutique hotel led by Echo Architecture.

RSVP

Western Slope Architectural Event and Happy Hour

Join members from the West on April 27th at Alan-Bradley Window & Doors in Eagle for Continuing Education courses followed by a social happy hour. Choose 2 courses of Continuing Education from a variety of AIA CES providers offered. Please RSVP and sign up for courses in advance.

RSVP

Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community -Happy Hour at MOA Architecture

On May 2nd at 3pm, join the Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community for a happy hour networking event hosted at MOA Architecture. Open to AIA Colorado members.

RSVP

View AIA Colorado Calendar

AIA COLORADO MEMBER NEWS

Michael Quirk, Assoc. AIA, was recently featured in Dwell for his micro cabin project: “A Net-Zero Micro Cabin in Colorado Makes a Big Statement About Construction Waste”. Read more and see photos here.

PARTNER NEW AND EVENTS

Apply to join the Denver Downtown Design Advisory Board

The Downtown Design Advisory Board is a nine-member board with review oversight of proposed projects. The board meets at 10:30 am the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, as needed. Board members should have knowledge of fundamental urban design principles and be able to apply them to conceptual situations. Members should be comfortable reviewing projects from different design and community perspectives that relate to the downtown context and address the functionality and vibrancy required for a successful urban environment. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on April 15. Apply here.

Architecture Lecture: Spirit of Place with Chad Oppenheim

Join architect Chad Oppenheim at Aspen Art Museum’s Rooftop Café, Friday April 7th at 5 pm, as he takes guests on an immersive journey through his firm’s work and philosophy that aims to realign and reconnect us to the world around us. His award-winning firm, Oppenheim Architecture, is known for architecture that celebrates the natural world and the inherent power of each site. RSVP here.

Attend a live taping of the Architect-ing podcast

Join Architect-ing on Wednesday April 12th at 7pm for a live podcast interview with Alan Golin Glass, FAIA, at Kephart (2555 Walnut Street, Denver). Free for members and non-members. 

Colorado State University’s Architectural Virtual Library

Colorado State University’s Architectural Virtual Library will be presented from 6pm – 7:30 pm Thursday, April 13. Maria Delgado, Assistant Professor in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising, will highlight the online library featuring architectural historic buildings. The CSU-AVL depicts 36 scanned buildings across the state, and a customized legend guides viewers through a virtual tour. RSVP to attend.

Marshall Fire Rebuild Expo

A Marshall Fire Rebuild Expo will be held April 15 from 10 am – 3 pm at Ascent Community Church in Louisville (550 McCaslin Boulevard). The exhibition is hosted by the Home Builders Association of Metro Denver and the volunteer Marshall Fire Task Force. The exhibition at the church, is free and open to the public. More than 40 exhibitions on builders, contractors, financial institutions, lumber and materials vendors, and other businesses dedicated to the rebuilding effort will be at the event.

Register or learn more here.

2023 Landscape Architecture 8×8

The College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver is excited to host the second annual Landscape Architecture 8×8 on April 17 at 6pm at the Lawrence Street Center. This year’s event features presentations by 8 inspiring mid-level architects. This signature Landscape Architecture Department event provides up-and-coming landscape architects a platform to discuss their work, their ambitions, and even the challenges they’ve faced in their careers. More info here.

NEXUS National Mentorship Program Applications Open for the Month of April

NEXUS’s goal is to support equity and access to architecture as a profession. If you are new to the field, have plateaued in your growth/development, or are an associated professional who has always wanted to be an architect, this program provides a wealth of resources to help navigate your career. Young professionals are connected with highly esteemed AIA Fellows who have practiced, researched, authored, and experienced the gamut of the field of architecture. More info and to Apply here.

CAREER CORNER

New Job Highlights:

Architect at open studio | architecture

Job Captain/Project Coordinator at Arrow B Architecture

Client Leader (Architect) – Justice + Civic at DLR Group

View AIA Colorado Job Board

NEWS AT NATIONAL

Future Focused

Celebrating women in architecture, their work, leadership, and the pathways created for the next generation, AIA’s weekly 60-second “Future Focused” video series shares female architects and designers’ favorite work, as well as their leadership, mentorship, and vision they are pursuing for an increasingly diverse and equitable profession. Watch here.

New Survey Results Highlight Evolving Trends in Kitchen and Bathroom Design

Homeowners are moving toward electric appliances and looking for long-term “value” adds. Read more.

February 2023 Architectural Billings Index Released

More architecture firms reported a decline in billings in February, indicating an extension of a recent downturn in design activity according to a new report released today from The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Read more.

A’23 in San Francisco

A’23 – AIA Conference on Architecture is heading to the Bay Area June 7-10, 2023. Registration is now open and Early Bird pricing ends today! Visit the Conference Website to register, access the hotel block, and learn more.

Premier Partner Spotlight

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

Humboldt Sawmill Company, LLC manufactures redwood and Douglas-fir dimensional lumber, timbers, and uppers at the company’s sawmill in Scotia, California. Allweather Wood, LLC is the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber and plywood manufacturer in the western United States with five manufacturing facilities, including a facility in Loveland, Colorado. View company website.

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

Colorado Architecture News | 03.15.23

Posted on by Jon Bell
THIS WEEK IN WORDS

We’re excited to share that AIA Colorado has a new mission statement:

“Elevating the architecture profession to design a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.”

New AIA Colorado Mission Statement

We’re looking forward what this revised statement can mean for the organization’s present and future. Follow the link to learn more about the process and why each of these words were chosen.

Learn More
2023 DESIGN + HONOR AWARDS

2023 Design Awards: Call for Entries Now Open!

The annual AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards recognize the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community. The 2023 Design Awards call for entries is now open! Learn more about submission requirements at the link below. 

The 2023 Honor Awards will open for submissions March 29th. The deadline to enter for both the Design + Honor Awards is May 19.

Save the Date: 2023’s Design + Honor Awards Celebration will be at Mile High Station September 19th.

Learn More
AIA COLORADO NEWS

An Update on the Marshall Fire Recovery Efforts

On March 2nd, the AIA Colorado Board of Directors heard from Kim Sanchez, Boulder County Deputy Director of Planning and Zoning, and were updated on the ongoing rebuilding efforts in Boulder County following the Marshall Fire of December 2021. Editorial Committee member Anna Friedrich was also in attendance and shares what she learned.

Read More
AIA COLORADO EVENTS

Join the West Section for an Architectural Open House Event in Eagle on April 27

Join members from the West on April 27th at Alan-Bradley Window & Doors in Eagle for Continuing Education courses followed by a social happy hour. Choose 2 courses of Continuing Education from a variety offered. Please RSVP and sign up for courses in advance.

RSVP
2023 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Considering AIA Fellowship?

Fellowship is the highest recognition, other than the gold medal award, given to architects recognizing their work, their service, and volunteerism. It is not an award for longevity in the profession, but for merit and effort. As we engage 2023 and evaluate professional goals for the coming year, we invite you to learn more about and consider AIA Fellowship. Preliminary submittals for the nominating committee to review as they assist our members interested in Fellowship are due by March 27th.

Learn More
AIA COLORADO MEMBER NEWS

Anderson Hallas has a new location, just a short walk from their old office in Golden.

News to Share? Does your firm have news that you’d like to share with the AIA Colorado community? If so, please send to jon@aiacolorado.org for consideration and inclusion.

PARTNER NEW AND EVENTS

University of Colorado’s Design Review Board Seeks A Licensed Architect and a Professional Landscape Architect 

The mission of the University of Colorado DRB is to provide review and advice to parties charged with the design and development of capital projects at all campus properties under the control of the Board of Regents. Posting will be live through March 24th. Apply here.

CAP Lecture Series: Geostories with Rania Ghosn

How does the architectural imagination make sense of the Earth at a moment in which the planet is presented in crisis? In Geostories: Another Architecture for the Environment, DESIGN EARTH deploys the speculative project to make visible and public the climate crisis. The talk is organized into three parts—terrarium, aquarium, planetarium—each of which revisits a media device—respectively expounded through drawing, model, and material archive— to reassemble publics around representations of the Earth. This lecture is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed and recorded. Learn more and RSVP to attend.

NEWS AT NATIONAL

Share Your Story. How Has the Rolling Clock Impacted You?

The American Institute of Architects celebrates the recent decision and encourages you to share your story of how you have been affected by the rolling clock on your journey to licensure. Share Your Story.

AIA Announces recipients for 2023 Awards

While we’re still celebrating Tryba’s national award for Denver’s GoSpotCheck Headquarters, AIA has announced the following awards:

January 2023 Architectural Billings Index Released

Architectural firm billings decline at slower pace. Read more.

A’23 in San Francisco

A’23 – AIA Conference on Architecture is heading to the Bay Area June 7-10, 2023. Registration is now open! Visit the Conference Website for more info.

AIA Colorado Updates Mission Statement

Posted on by Jon Bell

“Elevating the architecture profession to design a more equitable, sustainable, and beautiful Colorado.”

New AIA Colorado Mission Statement

Here’s a breakdown of why each word was selected:

‘Elevating’ is our action, the verb of the organization—what we are here to do. It is also a subtle nod to our place in the world as the home of the greatest mountain ranges in America.

‘the architecture profession’ is our membership and our audience encompassing every career stage—who we serve. 

‘to design’ is what our members do, what sets them apart from others and is the core function of their work. 

‘a more’ says wherever we stand today is not where we plan to stay. Always moving forward and raising the bar. 

‘equitable, sustainable, and beautiful’ is what society can expect as the result of everyone’s efforts. Better practitioners make better communities. And the order matters because unless what we do is equitable and sustainable, it won’t matter how beautiful. 

Finally, ‘Colorado’ is home and our place to do what we do.

NEW AIA COLORADO IMPERATIVES

Our community has the ability, opportunity, and responsibility to advance:

A culture of belonging marked by justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Environmental stewardship to mitigate climate impacts and protect resources.

Attainable housing so our clients, our workforce and all our neighbors can live here.

Mike Waldinger, AIA Colorado CEO, worked with board members to refine the organization’s mission and vision statement, to craft language that more accurately and succinctly describes AIA Colorado’s purpose. So, he put pen to paper after undergoing the task of learning from other industries, associations, and organizations about the their own mission statements, what has worked, what hasn’t, and how to ensure that any statement would be unique to AIA Colorado.

Mike shared these thoughts with members of the AIA Colorado Board of Directors:

“The inspiration for this actually came from our recent visit to Washington DC. While we were on Capitol Hill, a work of art caught our eye in a Congressional office. It was a visual rendition of America the Beautiful. Originally written from the vantage point of Pikes Peak—our state and our ideals. 

The rest is informed by working with words professionally over my career and seeing missions come and go plus the desire to more succinctly capture our purpose in one phrase versus four levels of statements.”

Recently adopted at the March 2nd Board Meeting in Boulder, we’re looking forward what the revised mission and vision can mean for the organization’s present and future. 

Colorado Architecture News | 03.01.23

Posted on by Jon Bell

“It is a breath of fresh air that the profession is finally recognizing exceptional talent and accomplishments in the community and in support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”

— Rich Von Luhrte, FAIA, regarding Ron Abo’s recent elevation to AIA’s College of Fellows.

Three outstanding architects from Colorado have been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA). 

Ron Abo, FAIA, Principal at The Abo Group, Victor Olgyay, FAIA, Principal at Rocky Mountain Institute, and Brad Tomecek, FAIA, Principal at Tomecek Studio Architecture were recognized for their contributions to the architecture profession, and their dedication to advancing the built environment. Only 3 percent of AIA’s 95,000 members hold this distinction and only 76 new fellows were inducted this year, a historically small number. Even in a historically small group of inductees, Colorado had the largest class of new Fellows in five years! Please join us in congratulating Ron Abo, FAIA, Victor Olgyay, FAIA, and Brad Tomecek, FAIA on their elevation to the AIA College of Fellows. Their dedication to excellence in architecture and commitment to sustainability and innovation are an inspiration to us all.
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AIA COLORADO NEWS

AIA Applauds NCARB for Eliminating the Rolling Clock
Recently, NCARB’s Board of Directors made the decision to retire the rolling clock policy, which placed a five-year expiration date on passed divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE®). 
For more information, visit NCARB’s statement.

AIA has held ongoing discussions with NCARB in support of the removal of the rolling clock policy to advance a more inclusive future for the architecture profession.
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“We welcome this change and believe Colorado is well positioned to make it effective as soon as NCARB policy is updated in April. AIA representatives will be asking the licensing board to recognize the new guidelines at their next meeting so this can be put in place without delay.

Colorado licensure candidates have a higher test passage rate, complete the ARE exams faster and finish AXP at a greater percentage than national averages in all three categories. The hard work of these candidates and the supporting infrastructure through firms, mentors, and chapter resources makes a difference and this new policy can only help clear the path to licensure.”

— Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, CEO AIA Colorado

Share Your Story. How Has the Rolling Clock Impacted You? 
The American Institute of Architects celebrates the recent decision and encourages you share your story of how you have been affected by the rolling clock on your journey to licensure.
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Colorado Project Selected as Recipient for National Design Award
The 2023 AIA Awards, Architecture program, celebrates the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. These stunning projects show the world the range of outstanding work architects create and highlight the many ways buildings and spaces can improve our lives. Join us in congratulating Tryba Architects!
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AIA Colorado Wants Your Feedback On Architecture Licensing Law
All licensed professions in Colorado undergo periodic “sunset” reviews, where the Dept. of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) investigates if continued regulation is deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors are up for review in 2023. As part of our advocacy efforts, AIA Colorado will provide feedback and recommendations to DORA later this spring and lobby to continue licensure both this year and during the 2024 legislative session when an updated licensing bill will be introduced. We’re collecting input from members on our current licensing law. What’s working? What’s not? Please reach out to Nikolaus Remus with any comments or questions by Friday, March 24th.

AIA COLORADO EVENTS

MARCH 2
Happy Hour in Boulder
Join fellow AIA Colorado members and the AIA Colorado Board of Directors in Boulder for a social time at the World Famous Dark Horse.
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MARCH 9
Academy of Architecture for Health: Annual Update 
You are invited to join the 2023 Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Knowledge Community for an update from AAH National and a discussion on local developments on March 9th at Noon.

We will be joined by the 2023 AAH National President, Kenneth Webb, who will share updates from the Academy, as well as a representative of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). Additionally, AAH Colorado Chair Jack Reed will be sharing a recap of last year’s activities, along with a preview of the year ahead. Please register beforehand for this virtual event.
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2023 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Considering AIA Fellowship?
Fellowship is the highest recognition, other than the gold medal award, given to architects recognizing their work, their service, and volunteerism. It is not an award for longevity in the profession, but for merit and effort. As we engage 2023 and evaluate professional goals for the coming year, we invite you to learn more about and consider AIA Fellowship. Preliminary submittals for the nominating committee to review as they assist our members interested in Fellowship are due by March 27th.
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AIA MEMBER NEWS

­­­Alan Ford Architects Promotes New Associate Principal
Alan Ford Architects recently promoted Tyler Michieli to Associate Principal.
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Hord Coplan Macht Announces Retirement of Founder/CEO and Names Successor
Hord Coplan Macht has just announced the retirement of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Lee Coplan, and named Tim Barnhill, current Chief Operating Officer as successor.
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PARTNER NEWS + EVENTS

MARCH 2 
CAP Lecture Series: Design for the Collective with Joyce Hwang
How can we design for the more-than-human world? What are ways to include non-human species as architecture’s intended inhabitants — and even as stakeholders? The lecture will focus on Hwang’s research and practice in multispecies design, and her more recent interdisciplinary collaborations. This lecture is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed and recorded. Please RSVP to attend.
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APRIL 13
Architectural Historic Buildings Program by CSU Expert
Colorado State University’s Architectural Virtual Library will be presented Thursday, April 13, from 6-7:30 pm at the Global Village Museum in Fort Collins. Maria Delgado, Assistant Professor in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising, will highlight the online library featuring architectural historic buildings across the state. Please RSVP to attend.
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Review Draft Recommendations for Accessory Dwelling Units in Denver
After a year of soliciting feedback from an Advisory Committee, focus groups, neighborhood organizations, and the public, Denver has released draft recommendations to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier and more responsive to different neighborhood needs.
Draft Guide
2 Page Summary

Denver to Phase Out Gas Equipment in Commercial Buildings
New code requirements to help Denver reach its climate action goals will go into effect for existing commercial and multifamily buildings this week. These requirements were outlined in the Energize Denver ordinance passed by City Council in 2021. Starting March 1, the new requirements will apply to gas-powered space and water heating and cooling equipment (such as gas water heaters, A/C units, and furnaces) in commercial and multifamily buildings. 
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NEWS AT NATIONAL

Young Architects Forum February Newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie.
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Launching A New Firm?
Whether you’re ready to start a firm or merely curious about what is needed from the business side of running a successful practice, the AIA Trust’s Start a Firm guide is the best place to begin. A wealth of information awaits you from critical insurance coverage to benefits packages to retirement plans.

Plus, there are products like Practice Coach – a legal advice service – and others that can help you plan and manage risks – anticipated or not – effectively so you can build success and profitability. 

There is much to consider, but we’ve consolidated it for you in one convenient spot so you can launch your practice when ready.
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A’23 in San Francisco
A’23 – AIA Conference on Architecture is heading to the Bay Area June 7-10, 2023. Get the lowest hotel rate by booking your room in the AIA hotel block today.
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