Category: News

In this Newsletter:

• Practice + Design Conference late registration
• 2026 AIA Colorado Call for Volunteers
• 2026 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
• 2026 ASCEND Mentorship Program
• MOLLIE Aspen on Hotels ByDesign
• Foothills Golf Clubhouse on American ByDesign
• Nov 6 Designing for Extreme Environments Part II: Summit Station, Greenland
• Nov 6 EP/YA happy hour in Colorado Springs
• Community news and events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood

Late Registration available for Practice + Design Conference

Did you miss the regular registration deadline? There’s still time to join Colorado’s premier architecture event, the 2025 Practice + Design Conference, taking place November 12–14 in Keystone, CO.

This year’s theme, THE POWER OF, invites you to explore how design can shape policy, processes, and communities, empowering architects to influence the future of our built environment.

Connect with more than 500 design professionals while earning up to 13 CEUs (including 9 HSW) through two days of dynamic programming, keynotes, Tech Connect, and networking. Keynotes include Hank Koning, FAIA, and Julie Eizenberg, FAIA, Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, Landscape Architect Michelle Delk, and Futurist David Zach.

Late registration is available through November 11th. Secure your spot today and join us!

2026 Call for Volunteers

The 2026 AIA Colorado Call for Volunteers is now open. We are seeking members to serve on committees that reflect our mission, vision, and values. Volunteering with AIA Colorado is a great way to develop leadership skills, connect with colleagues, and help shape the future of the profession. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics. Apply today and make your impact on architecture in Colorado! Application window closes Monday, December 1st, at 11:59pm. More information is available here.

Have a project that you’d like to see in a future America ByDesign episode? The show’s producers are looking for Colorado projects! Information about the show and next steps can be found here.

AIA in conversation with Brad Buchanan, FAIA

AIA members recently met with Brad Buchanan, FAIA, Denver’s Planning Director, and came away from the time together excited about what’s ahead for Denver. Everyone agreed the Development approvals process needs improvement and Brad helped AIA architects understand recent changes and how they’re already making a difference. For example, concept SDP submittals are now “one and done”, meaning CPD will provide responses and projects are able to move directly into Formal SDP Submittals. Additionally, Brad’s charge to AIA Colorado included doing better work. “Denver needs great architecture, but we can’t regulate design,” he said. We’re eager to help Brad and the entire team at Planning and Development shape a more efficient and successful path for better development in Denver.

Nov 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments. Part II – Summit Station, Greenland

Thursday, November 6th, at 9am, join members for a presentation and discussion led by OZ Architecture and Hugh Broughton Associates of the firms’ partnership over the past year to design a new US Station on the remote Greenland Ice Cap. This virtual event will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity, Safety and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization, and Engagement of local communities to enrich the design. Event approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

EP/YA Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Thursday, November 6th, 5:30 – 7pm, at Red Leg Brewing Company, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado’s Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council members, other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested in, or simply chat. RSVP here.

Upcoming CAP Lectures

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. 

• Thursday, November 6, Maria Luisa deMin Lecture, 12:00 p.m. Armida Fernandez and Luis Enrique Flores, Estudio ALA, Founders. RSVP here
• Monday, November 10, Catherine and Alec Garbini Historic Preservation Lecture. 12:00 p.m. Erica Kim, University of Toronto Assistant Professor, Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design. RSVP here

View lecture and exhibition series website with full series listings here.

ColoradoBuildingWorkshop Celebrates a Year of Awards and Global Recognition

The ColoradoBuildingWorkshop, CU Denver’s acclaimed design build certificate program is celebrating a banner year of national recognition and meaningful community engagement. Read about the premier of the film Building on the Edge, a documentary capturing the NOAA’s Antarctic Ecosystem Research Division project, the design exhibited at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, and the various awards including AIA Colorado’s Design of Excellence awarded project and Educator of the Year awards, here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Job Captain 4-7 Yrs. Exp. at CCY Architects
• Experienced Architect/Design at Zehren & Associates
• Intermediate Architectural Designer/Production Captain at Obermeier-Sheykhet Architecture, Inc

Architecture Firms Face Ongoing Headwinds

Business conditions at architecture firms weakened further in September, with the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropping to 43.3, the lowest since April. Read at AIA.

Applications for 10 project-based AIA Awards close Nov. 13

An AIA Award spotlights your work globally, drawing attention from colleagues, clients, media, and top talent. The application deadline is approaching for the Architecture Award, COTE® Top Ten Award, Interior Architecture Award, and seven others. Learn more at AIA.

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. Logs are sourced from company-owned timberlands totaling nearly 450,000 acres, and all products are certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133). Products are available mill direct, as well as through company-owned distribution centers, servicing home improvement retailers and local lumberyards, including locations throughout Colorado.

Allweather Wood, LLC is the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber and plywood manufacturer in the western United States with six manufacturing facilities, including a facility in Loveland, Colorado. Treated products include borate, copper, and fire retardants available in Douglas-fir, Hem fir, and Southern Yellow Pine. 

View AIA Continuing Education Courses offered by Humboldt Sawmill

Looking for additional resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • November 1 – November 11: late registration is open
  • View Conference Schedule
  • Sponsorship

Committee opportunities are reserved exclusively for AIA members in good standing and 2026 AIA Colorado Allied Members. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics.

2026 applications are due by Monday, December 1st, at 11:59pm MT.

2026 Committees

Academy Of Architecture For Health Knowledge Community
Awards Committee
Business Of Architecture Knowledge Committee
College Of Fellows Nominating Committee
Committee On The Environment
Conference Committee
Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN)
Colorado State Disaster Coordinator
Government Affairs Committee
Housing Committee
Justice, Equity, Diversity, And Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee
Local Advisory Councils (Denver, North, South, West)
Regional And Urban Design Knowledge Community
Your Proposal

In this Newsletter:

• Practice + Design Conference Keynote Announcement 
• U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum and Park Union Bridge on American ByDesign
• Is your AIA record up to date?
• Oct 15 Denargo Market tour
• Oct 17 happy hour in Colorado Springs
• Oct 21 AIA in conversation with Denver’s new Interim Planner Director
• Oct 22 Drawing on Life: 50 Years with Barrett Studio
• Oct 22 EP/YA happy hour in Denver
• Oct 22 EP/YA happy hour in Carbondale
• Oct 23 The Burrell tour
• Nov 6 Designing for Extreme Environments Part II: Summit Station, Greenland
• Nov 6 EP/YA happy hour in Colorado Springs
• Community news and events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG

THE POWER OF

This year’s conference theme, THE POWER OF, is an invitation to explore and to act. The power of architecture goes beyond the built environment—it’s the power to influence policy, shape processes, build stronger communities, and challenge the forces that define our built environment. 

In a time of both challenge and opportunity, we ask: How are you using your power? Are you ready to lead, or content to react? Together, we’ll connect with others who are engaging with changing forces—policy, technology, climate, community—and explore how design can be a proactive tool of influence and aspiration for the future. 

Our complete keynote lineup is set, featuring Hank Koning, FAIA, and Julie Eizenberg, FAIA, Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, Michelle Delk and Futurist David Zach. Start your conference experience with Tech Connect, examining the technological shifts transforming architecture.  

View the full conference schedule, breakout sessions, presenters, and meet-ups here. Conference participants can earn 13 CEUs through the full program, including 9 LU|HSW. 

Expo Hall booths are sold out. Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Conference regular priced registration closes Oct 31st

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today and start planning your conference experience by registering here.

Save some money and reserve your room in the AIA Colorado room block, either by phone or online. Lodging information is available here.

Have a project that you’d like to see in a future America ByDesign episode? The show’s producers are looking for Colorado projects! Information about the show and next steps can be found here.

Is Your AIA Record Up to Date?

Colorado architects must renew their state license by the end of October. As part of that process, you’ll need to confirm that you’ve completed the continuing education requirements:

• 12 HSW credits for 2024
• 12 HSW credits for 2025 (to be completed and reported by December 31, 2025)

Now is a great time to review your AIA transcript and make sure your credits are recorded. It’s also a great time to register for the Practice + Design Conference to earn HSW credits. When you renew your license, you will be asked to certify that you’ve met the requirements for both 2024 and 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute, check your record today.

License renewal emails from the State of Colorado have been sent. If you haven’t received the email, check your spam folder. If you’ve changed your email address within the past two years, please contact the State at 303-894-7800 or dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us To renew your license, please log into your Colorado Online Services account. Remember, your requirement is to obtain 12 HSW per calendar year. For helpful DORA hints of the laws and rules that apply to the practice of architecture, including Continuing Education, visit Vol. 1, April 2022 – ARC Renewals.

Oct 15 • Denargo Market tour

Today, Wednesday, October 15th, join AIA members for a rescheduled tour of Denargo Market, the largest mix-use development under construction in the City of Denver right now. The riverfront development will soon host over 3M square feet of new development including thousands of new residential units. The master plan lays out a public realm framework that repositions the site with the river as a front door, with retail and food and beverage spilling out onto a new extension of the RiNo promenade. The first phase of construction includes over 4-acres of new public space including streets, plazas, and parks. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 17 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Friday, October 17th, join the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and design industry professionals for a casual social event in Colorado Springs at COATI. Food and will be drink available for purchase. RSVP here.

Oct 21 • AIA in conversation with Denver’s new Interim Planning Director

Tuesday, October 21st, 3:30 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center. Denver’s new Interim Planning Director, Brad Buchanan, FAIA, is committed to dramatically improving the Development approvals process. Brad’s recent appointment, background, and interest in hearing from AIA members provides us with a real opportunity to understand his plan, share ideas, and help shape a better path forward for development in Denver. This event is intended for firm leaders and decision makers in the greater Denver area, and an active AIA member number is required with RSVP. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 22 • Drawing on Life: 50 Years with Barrett Studio

Wednesday, October 22nd, join AIA members as we celebrate 50 years of Barrett Studio Architects at one of their most recent projects—Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder. The event will feature a presentation by David Barrett, a tour of Groundworks’ unique facility, and an exhibition of Barrett’s work spanning five decades of Living Design. More information and RSVP here.

EP/YA Happy Hours • Denver, Carbondale, Colorado Springs

Join AIA Colorado’s Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council members, other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested in, or simply chat. 

• Thursday, November 6th, 5:30 – 7pm, at Red Leg Brewing Company, Colorado Springs. RSVP here.
• Wednesday, October 22nd, 4 – 7pm, at Improper City, Denver. RSVP here.
• Wednesday, October 22nd, 5:30 – 7pm, at Carbondale Beer Works, Carbondale. RSVP here.

Oct 23 • The Burrell Tour

Thursday, October 23rd, Studio Completiva will conduct a 20-minute overview and a 40-minute tour of the workforce housing development located at 3575 Chestnut Place in Denver’s River North Arts District (RiNo) and Five Points neighborhoods. It is a key example of a public-private partnership aimed at creating affordable homeownership opportunities for middle-income residents. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Nov 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments. Part II – Summit Station, Greenland

Thursday, November 6th, join members for a presentation and discussion led by OZ Architecture and Hugh Broughton Associates of the firms’ partnership over the past year to design a new US Station on the remote Greenland Ice Cap. This virtual event will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity, Safety and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization, and Engagement of local communities to enrich the design. Event approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Forever Modern: Colorado Architects Reflect on a Century of Design

In Forever Modern, Modern In Denver’s editors explore how the spirit of architectural modernism endures more than a century after its birth. Through reflections with Colorado architects, the piece examines how today’s designers reinterpret modernism’s core ideals—function, clarity, and connection to place—to respond to contemporary life. The article asks whether modern architecture can stay true to its roots while continuing to evolve for the future. Read thoughts by architects Brad Tomecek, FAIA, Harvey Hine, AIA, Kevin Stephenson, AIA, Chris Davis, AIA, Linnaea Stuart, AIA, Mike Piché, AIA, and Tom Gallagher, AIA, here.

Upcoming CAP Lectures

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. 

• Monday, October 20, ColoradoBuildingWorkshop Lecture, 12:00 p.m.Katie McDonald and Kyle Schumann, After Architecture, Founders, University of Virginia, Assistant Professors. RSVP here
• Thursday, November 6, Maria Luisa deMin Lecture, 12:00 p.m. Armida Fernandez and Luis Enrique Flores, Estudio ALA, Founders. RSVP here

View lecture and exhibition series website with full series listings here.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Exhibit Construction Tour and Networking

Thursday, October 23, from 5 – 6:30pm, grab your hard hats and join SMPS Colorado for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exciting new Giraffe Exhibit! This isn’t your average construction site visit—led by the General Contractor, Architect, and key trade partners, you’ll get an insider look at the $40 million expansion that’s transforming how guests and giraffes connect. From the towering new giraffe barn to the expanded outdoor habitat and interactive feeding zones, you’ll see how this project is raising the bar for animal care and guest experience. Use diccount code “GiraffeAIA” to get $50 SMPS member pricing. More information and RSVP here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Healthcare Project Architect at Apogee Consulting Group
• Project Architect at Ferguson Pyatt Architects, Inc.
• Senior Project Architect (15+ Years) at Clark & Enersen

2025 AIA Compensation & Benefits Report

Compensation is one of the most critical—and most sensitive—topics in architecture. That’s why AIA collects and analyzes data from hundreds of architecture firms to produce the industry’s most comprehensive, trusted, and current report on salary and benefits. The 2025 edition delivers a clear picture of how firms structure salaries, benefits, professional development, and workplace practices. For firms, it’s an indispensable resource for recruitment, retention, and equity. For individuals, it offers the insights you need to make informed career decisions and evaluate opportunities with confidence. Learn more and purchase the report here. 

AIA Colorado has copies of the 2025 report available for members to view at AIA Colorado’s offices at the Alliance Center. If you’d like to schedule a time to view the report, please inquire here.

Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS)

Experience the AEC industry’s premier event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership positions in architecture, design, and the allied building industries in Atlanta, November 3–5, 2025! WLS 2025 is three days of networking, education, community, and inspiration designed to create gender equity for women in AEC and change their workplace opportunities and experience. More information and registration here.

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 IMEG intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise. 

IMEG’s specialties are high-performing building systems, infrastructure, program management and construction-related services, but the secret to the success is found in a deep bench of 1,600 team members. For IMEG, people-centered engineering is about more than the people served — it’s representative of the engaged employee culture they’ve worked hard to create. IMEG believes in investing in their people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement and the ability to develop a niche specialty.

See IMEG’s AIA Continuing Education Courses

View IMEG’s website

Looking for additional resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • September 1 – October 31: attendee registration is open
  • View Conference Schedule
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Celebrating the Design + Honor Awards recipients
• Call for Nominations: AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
• Practice + Design Conference Keynote Announcement 
• Health Horizons Symposium
• State of DEI roundtable recap
• Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center on American ByDesign
• Is your AIA record up to date?
• Oct 3 Code Class: 2024 IRC Update
• Oct 9 Nest56 tour
• Oct 14 West Virtual Connect: Designing for wildfire, beyond code minimums
• Oct 15 Denargo Market tour
• Oct 17 happy hour in Colorado Springs
• Oct 21 AIA in conversation with Denver’s new Interim Planner Director
• Oct 22 Drawing on Life: 50 Years with Barrett Studio
• Oct 22 EP/YA happy hour in Denver
• Oct 23 The Burrell tour
• Community news and events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG

AIA Colorado celebrates award winners

The evening of September 18th was a big night of celebration for this year’s Design Award winners and Honor Award recipients, recognizing the best of Colorado architecture. Winners were announced at the historic Tivoli Turnalle on the Auraria campus in downtown Denver.

Congratulations to the 2025 Honor Award recipients!

• Architect of the Year: Kevin Nguyen, AIA, Regular Architecture
• Young Architect of the Year: Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Semple Brown
• Firm of the Year: Barker Rinker Seacat
• President’s Award: Gov. Jared Polis
• Citizen Architect of the Year: Sean Jursnick, AIA, SAR+
• Educator of the Year: Erik Sommerfeld, AIA, ColoradoBuildingWorkshop 
• Impact Award: Modern In Denver
• 25-Year Award: The Architect’s Studio, Tryba Architects

Congratulations to the 2025 Design Award recipients!

18 projects by Colorado architects were recognized in categories of Excellence, Merit, and Honorable Mention, including 4 projects awarded with additional Sustainability Recognition.

All Awards coverage, including project features, event photos, and Honor Award recipient articles can be found here.

Thank you to every architect who submitted work this year! Your ideas, creativity, and commitment are what move the profession forward.

Call for Nominations | 2026 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils

We are seeking AIA Colorado members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directorsand as state representatives to AIA national councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute. 

Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends—to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice. 

AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven and competency-based slate of candidates.

Learn more about the upcoming vacancies and being your application here.

Get ready for the Practice + Design Conference! 

We’re thrilled to announce our complete keynote lineup: 

• Hank Koning, FAIA, and Julie Eizenberg, FAIA
• Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA
• Michelle Delk
• Futurist David Zach

Start your conference with Tech Connect, Wednesday, November 12. Keynotes take place Thursday, November 13, and Friday, November 14. Alongside these inspiring talks, you’ll find a full slate of engaging breakout sessions. View the full conference schedule, session details, and presenters here.

Opportunities are filling quickly: 

• Only two booths remain for the Expo Hall and can be reserved here. 
• Sponsorship opportunities are available here. 

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today and start planning your conference experience by registering here!

Health Horizons Symposium

October 16th, from 1 – 5pm, at CSU Spur – Hydro Building, in Denver, AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAH) and Women in Healthcare (WIH) present an interactive half-day event themed Reimagined Care. Oriented to both AEC & healthcare professionals, don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and envision the future of healthcare. More information and RSVP here.

AIA Colorado & NOMA Colorado Host “State of DEI” Roundtable

AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee and NOMA Colorado recently hosted The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession? The roundtable gathered architects, students, firm leaders, and community members to discuss the future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. Panelists and participants explored challenges, shared strategies, and emphasized the importance of mentorship, inclusive design, and collaborative partnerships to sustain DEI efforts in architecture. Read about the event here.

Is Your AIA Record Up to Date?

Colorado architects must renew their state license by the end of October. As part of that process, you’ll need to confirm that you’ve completed the continuing education requirements:

• 12 HSW credits for 2024
• 12 HSW credits for 2025 (to be completed and reported by December 31, 2025)

Now is a great time to review your AIA transcript and make sure your credits are recorded. It’s also a great time to register for the Practice + Design Conference to earn HSW credits. When you renew your license, you will be asked to certify that you’ve met the requirements for both 2024 and 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute, check your record today.

Oct 3 • Code Class: 2024 IRC Update

Friday, October 3rd, learn up-to-date residential construction code addressing the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings. This seminar covers the critical changes within the 2024 International Residential Code. Changes to building requirements are discussed. This full-day program includes lunch and has been approved for 7.0 AIA CES HSW learning unit hours. Register here

Oct 9 • Nest56 tour

Thursday, October 9th, join AIA members for a tour of Nest56, a 56-unit affordable housing project in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver with wrap-around supportive services that provide youth with a stepping-stone to a thriving, independent life. SAR+ Architects will conduct a 20-minute introduction and overview then the tour will commence from the sidewalk at 2700 Wewatta Way highlighting several project spaces, including the residential lobby, service provider offices, resident floors, common areas, and a ground floor exhibition space operated by Redline Contemporary Art Center. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. Learn more and RSVP here.

Oct 14 • West Virtual Connect: Designing for wildfire, beyond code minimums

Tuesday, October 14th, at Noon, connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a discussion about fire resistive construction focusing on the issue specifically for western Colorado. There will be a brief presentation to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. View the panelists and RSVP here.

Oct 15 • Denargo Market tour

Wednesday, October 15th, join AIA members for a rescheduled tour of Denargo Market, the largest mix-use development under construction in the City of Denver right now. The riverfront development will soon host over 3M square feet of new development including thousands of new residential units. The master plan lays out a public realm framework that repositions the site with the river as a front door, with retail and food and beverage spilling out onto a new extension of the RiNo promenade. The first phase of construction includes over 4-acres of new public space including streets, plazas, and parks. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 17 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Friday, October 17th, join the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and design industry professionals for a casual social event in Colorado Springs at COATI. Food and will be drink available for purchase. RSVP here.

Oct 21 • AIA in conversation with Denver’s new Interim Planning Director

Tuesday, October 21st, 3:30 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center. Denver’s new Interim Planning Director, Brad Buchanan, FAIA, is committed to dramatically improving the Development approvals process. Brad’s recent appointment, background, and interest in hearing from AIA members provides us with a real opportunity to understand his plan, share ideas, and help shape a better path forward for development in Denver. This event is intended for firm leaders and decision makers in the greater Denver area, and an active AIA member number is required with RSVP. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 22 • Drawing on Life: 50 Years with Barrett Studio

Wednesday, October 22nd, join AIA members as we celebrate 50 years of Barrett Studio Architects at one of their most recent projects—Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder. The event will feature a presentation by David Barrett, a tour of Groundworks’ unique facility, and an exhibition of Barrett’s work spanning five decades of Living Design. More information and RSVP here.

Oct 22 • Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Happy Hour

Wednesday, October 22nd, at Improper City, join AIA Colorado’s Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council members, other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested in, or simply chat. RSVP here.

Oct 23 • The Burrell Tour

Thursday, October 23rd, Studio Completiva will conduct a 20-minute overview and a 40-minute tour of the workforce housing development located at 3575 Chestnut Place in Denver’s River North Arts District (RiNo) and Five Points neighborhoods. It is a key example of a public-private partnership aimed at creating affordable homeownership opportunities for middle-income residents. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Upcoming CAP Lectures

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. 

• Tuesday, October 14, 4:30 p.m., Zoom virtual event.Zigeng Wang, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Architecture, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Founder, PILLS. RSVP here
• Monday, October 20, ColoradoBuildingWorkshop Lecture, 12:00 p.m.Katie McDonald and Kyle Schumann, After Architecture, Founders, University of Virginia, Assistant Professors. RSVP here

View lecture and exhibition series website with full series listings here.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Exhibit Construction Tour and Networking

Thursday, October 23, from 5 – 6:30pm, grab your hard hats and join SMPS Colorado for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exciting new Giraffe Exhibit! This isn’t your average construction site visit—led by the General Contractor, Architect, and key trade partners, you’ll get an insider look at the $40 million expansion that’s transforming how guests and giraffes connect. From the towering new giraffe barn to the expanded outdoor habitat and interactive feeding zones, you’ll see how this project is raising the bar for animal care and guest experience. Use diccount code “GiraffeAIA” to get $50 SMPS member pricing. More information and RSVP here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Senior Project Architect (15+ Years) at Clark & Enersen
• Senior Architect/Project Manager at Ferguson Pyatt Architects, Inc.
• Architectural Design Manager at The Neenan Company

2025 AIA Compensation & Benefits Report

Compensation is one of the most critical—and most sensitive—topics in architecture. That’s why AIA collects and analyzes data from hundreds of architecture firms to produce the industry’s most comprehensive, trusted, and current report on salary and benefits. The 2025 edition delivers a clear picture of how firms structure salaries, benefits, professional development, and workplace practices. For firms, it’s an indispensable resource for recruitment, retention, and equity. For individuals, it offers the insights you need to make informed career decisions and evaluate opportunities with confidence. Learn more and purchase the report here. 

AIA Colorado has copies of the 2025 report available for members to view at AIA Colorado’s offices at the Alliance Center. If you’d like to schedule a time to view the report, please inquire here.

AIA selects new EVP/CEO

The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors voted unanimously to select Carole Wedge, FAIA, NOMA, LEED AP, as the next AIA Executive Vice President/Chief Executive Officer. Wedge brings experience and vision that align directly with AIA’s mission: to empower and inspire architects to improve society and transform the world. The 2020 recipient of the AIA Edward C. Kemper Award, Wedge played a pivotal role in founding the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit. Under her leadership, AIA will continue to advocate for architects and support their efforts to design a better world. This includes fostering equitable, resilient communities and advancing public health, safety, and welfare through the transformative power of design. Read more here.

Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS)

Experience the AEC industry’s premier event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership positions in architecture, design, and the allied building industries in Atlanta, November 3–5, 2025! WLS 2025 is three days of networking, education, community, and inspiration designed to create gender equity for women in AEC and change their workplace opportunities and experience. More information and registration here.

Business conditions for architecture firms continue to be weak, AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index Reports

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) continues to weaken posting a score of 46.2 for July, down from 46.8 in June, indicating that a majority of firms are still experiencing declining firm billings. Read more at AIA.

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 IMEG intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise. 

IMEG’s specialties are high-performing building systems, infrastructure, program management and construction-related services, but the secret to the success is found in a deep bench of 1,600 team members. For IMEG, people-centered engineering is about more than the people served — it’s representative of the engaged employee culture they’ve worked hard to create. IMEG believes in investing in their people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement and the ability to develop a niche specialty.

See IMEG’s AIA Continuing Education Courses

View IMEG’s website

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Expo Hall is open
  • September 1 – October 31: attendee registration is open
  • View Conference Schedule
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event tomorrow
• Denver Affordable Housing Challenge final day to register
• Call for Nominations: AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
• Practice + Design Conference Schedule Announcement 
• Design Like a Girl 2025/26
• Health Horizons Symposium
• 1 Line and Denver Courtyard House featured in recent ByDesign episode
• Sept 18 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
• Sept 20 Two Mile House tour
• Sept 23 Denargo Market tour
• Sept 24 The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?
• Oct 3 Code Class: 2024 IRC Update
• Oct 9 Nest56 tour
• Oct 14 West Virtual Connect: Designing for wildfire, beyond code minimums
• Community news and events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: Architectural Education Foundation (AEF)

Webinar Series

Buildner, in partnership with AIA Colorado, is hosting a two-part webinar series to support participants of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge. These sessions feature local experts sharing real-world insights on housing, permitting, and design — helping you better understand the context and challenges shaping development in Denver.

Designing for Affordability in Denver with Susan Powers

Susan Powers, founder and president of Urban Ventures LLC, shares her experience working at the intersection of design, affordability, and community development. She discusses key strategies for delivering housing that meets real needs, while addressing the economic and social challenges unique to Denver. Watch here.

Designing Denver: Framing Our Public Realm with Jill Jennings Golich

Jill Jennings Golich, Director of Denver’s Permitting Office, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the city is working to make affordable housing easier to build. She talks through initiatives like the Affordable Housing Review Team and Proposition 123 — focused on streamlining approvals while encouraging inclusive, well-designed spaces. Watch here.

Call for Nominations | 2026 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils

We are seeking AIA Colorado members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directorsand as state representatives to AIA national councils. The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute. 

Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends—to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice. 

AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven and competency-based slate of candidates.

Learn more about the upcoming vacancies and being your application here.

Practice + Design Conference schedule released

Introducing two keynote presenters, Michelle Delk and Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, who will each be presenting during the morning sessions Thursday, November 13th, and Friday November 14th. View the conference schedule, including session and presenter’s info for all of this year’s breakout sessions here. Only three booths remain for the Expo Hall and can be reserved here. Sponsorship opportunities are available here. Secure your spot today and start planning your conference experience by registering here!

Tech Connect

Join us for a 1-day, separately ticketed event featuring three of architecture’s leading voices focused specifically on the changing landscapes in technology and its rapid impact on our profession.

• Singularity, AI, and The Circular Economy
  • Paul Doherty
• Beyond Technology: Leading AI-Driven Transformation in Architecture
  • Brooke Grammier
• AI in AEC: Mastering the Implementation Challenge
  • Akhil Hemanth, Assoc. AIA

Learn more about each presentation as well as the Tech Connect happy hour here.

Design Like a Girl 2025/36

AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. committee is seeking mentors for the 2025-2026 session of Design Like a Girl. Design Like a Girl is a design mentoring program that introduces a diverse cohort of middle school girls to architecture and allied design professions. Three full-day workshops on Fridays throughout the 2025-2026 school year allow students to learn first-hand about these dynamic careers from local professional women and design students. The workshop dates are October 31st, February 27th, and May 1st and take place at CU Denver College of Architecture & Planning (1250 14th St, Denver, CO), with potential short walking field trips to nearby sites.

Who Should Mentor? DLAG CO is seeking female-identifying design professionals and students to guide, instruct, and inspire participants throughout each workshop. While we would love mentors to participate in all three workshops to get to know the participants, we understand it may not be possible. Multiple volunteer options are available. A flyer is available here. Sign up to volunteer as a mentor by September 30th, here.

Health Horizons Symposium

October 16th, from 1 – 5pm, at CSU Spur – Hydro Building, in Denver, AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAH) and Women in Healthcare (WIH) present an interactive half-day event themed Reimagined Care. Oriented to both AEC & healthcare professionals, don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and envision the future of healthcare. More information and RSVP here.

Two Colorado projects featured on recent episode of American By Design

Tim Politis, AIA, provides a tour of 1 Line, a 2024 Design Award of Excellence recipient, and Chad Mitchell, AIA, walks viewers through Denver Courtyard House, a 2024 AIA Colorado Award of Merit recipient. Watch the episode featuring both projects here.

September 18 • Design + Honor Awards

Sept 20 • Two Mile House tour

Saturday, September 20th, join AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) members for a tour of Two Mile House in Breckenridge. In the Valley of the Blue, this all-electric mountain retreat reimagines the iconic A-frame as a light-filled sanctuary, shaped by views of the Tenmile Range and the path of the sun. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 23 • Denargo Market tour

Tuesday September 23rd, join AIA members for a tour of Denargo Market, the largest mix-use development under construction in the City of Denver right now. The riverfront development will soon host over 3M square feet of new development including thousands of new residential units. The master plan lays out a public realm framework that repositions the site with the river as a front door, with retail and food and beverage spilling out onto a new extension of the RiNo promenade. The first phase of construction includes over 4-acres of new public space including streets, plazas, and parks. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 24 • The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?

Wednesday, September 24th, join AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and NOMA Colorado for an insightful roundtable discussion about the State of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Colorado. This roundtable invites AIA members, NOMA Members, and AIAS and NOMAS members into an open, inclusive conversation about the evolving state of DEI in architecture. As the profession, and equality infrastructure in general, faces another moment of reckoning, where many feel discouraged by the pace of progress or the diminishing visibility/viability of DEI efforts, this session offers space for honest reflection and reconnection. Event to be submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information, meet the moderator and panelists, and RSVP available here.

Oct 3 • Code Class: 2024 IRC Update

Friday, October 3rd, learn up-to-date residential construction code addressing the design and construction of one- and two-family dwellings. This seminar covers the critical changes within the 2024 International Residential Code. Changes to building requirements are discussed. This full-day program includes lunch and has been approved for 7.0 AIA CES HSW learning unit hours. Register here

Oct 9 • Nest56 tour

Thursday, October 9th, join AIA members for a tour of Nest56, a 56-unit affordable housing project in the RiNo neighborhood of Denver with wrap-around supportive services that provide youth with a stepping-stone to a thriving, independent life. SAR+ Architects will conduct a 20-minute introduction and overview then the tour will commence from the sidewalk at 2700 Wewatta Way highlighting several project spaces, including the residential lobby, service provider offices, resident floors, common areas, and a ground floor exhibition space operated by Redline Contemporary Art Center. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. Learn more and RSVP here.

Oct 14 • West Virtual Connect: Designing for wildfire, beyond code minimums

Tuesday, October 14th, at Noon, connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a discussion about fire resistive construction focusing on the issue specifically for western Colorado. There will be a brief presentation to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. View the panelists and RSVP here.

Upcoming CAP Lectures

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. 

• Thursday, September 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m.Kimberly Garza and Erik Prince, Atlas Lab, Founder and Principal and Principal, respectively. RSVP here
• Tuesday, October 14, 4:30 p.m., ZoomZigeng Wang, Associate Professor, Deputy Head of the Department of Architecture, Central Academy of Fine Arts, Founder, PILLS. RSVP here
• Monday, October 20, ColoradoBuildingWorkshop Lecture, 12:00 p.m.Katie McDonald and Kyle Schumann, After Architecture, Founders, University of Virginia, Assistant Professors. RSVP here

View lecture and exhibition series website with full series listings here.

Doors Open Denver

This September 25-28, Denver Architecture Foundation (DAF) invites you to explore the city of Denver through the annual event Doors Open Denver. This year’s theme “Architecture and Nature in Harmony” will explore the relationship between architecture, design, and planning and the natural environment. The event guide can be found on Bloomberg Connects here. Also, check out the keynote by Susannah Drake, FAIA, here. For more information and event listings, go here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Experienced Architect/Design at Zehren & Associates
• Project Architect / Architectural Designer (Design/Build) at dcb Construction Company, Inc.
• Architectural Designer at Pierce Austin Architects

Young Architects Forum (YAF) August Newsletter

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

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

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to more than 250 recipients. The AEF is more than just an educational fund—it’s a lifeline for aspiring architects and educators, providing the support they need to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of architectural practice.

Every donation to the AEF fuels the future of architectural innovation. Whether it’s helping a student return to school or funding groundbreaking research, each contribution empowers the next generation of architects to design the world we live in.

Contributions not only advance the profession today but also help build a lasting legacy in the field of architecture. Make your secure donation here and help create a lasting impact. 

View AEF website.

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Buy your tickets here.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • September 1 – October 31: attendee registration is open
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Sept 18 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event tickets
• Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
• AIA Colorado welcomes Dr. David Rifkind to the Board of Directors
• Health Horizons Symposium
• CKLDP Summer Sessions Recap
• Sept 4 Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo
• Sept 9 Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons
• Sept 10 Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture
• Sept 17 CKLDP happy hour for current class and past alumni
• Sept 18 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
• Sept 20 Two Mile House tour
• Sept 23 Denargo Market tour
• Sept 24 The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?
• Community news and events
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: Architectural Education Foundation (AEF)

Last chance for regularly priced tickets! 

Join us September 18th at the Awards Celebration at Tivoli Turnhalle, in Denver, as we reveal their selections and celebrate this year’s Honor Awards recipients! You won’t want to miss this event as 18 projects are celebrated and 7 individual honorees are recognized at Tivoli Turnhalle, in Denver. Bring your team, clients, family, and friends! 

Late registration ticket prices begin September 5th. A few tables featuring the best seats in the house are still available and can be purchased by contacting rylee@aiacolorado.org. Event sponsorship information is available here. 

Tickets are available here.

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

There’s still time to register for the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge as the closing date for registration is Thursday, September 18th. Final project submissions are due October 20th. Join as architects worldwide have been invited to reimagine affordable housing in Denver. The international architecture ideas competition explores how affordability and design excellence can be harmonized to create innovative, high-quality housing solutions tailored to Denver’s specific context. Learn more about the competition, meet the jury, and prepare for key submission dates here.

Health Horizons Symposium

October 16th, from 1 – 5pm, at CSU Spur – Hydro Building, in Denver, AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAH) and Women in Healthcare (WIH) present an interactive half-day event themed Reimagined Care. Oriented to both AEC & healthcare professionals, don’t miss this chance to connect with peers, share ideas, and envision the future of healthcare. More information and RSVP here.

CKLDP 2025 Summer Recap

AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP)provides participants the opportunity to form a cohort with other emerging professionals in the field of architecture, developing their skills on several focused topics in the once-a-month sessions throughout the year. The program is well underway in its ninth year, with Opening Ceremony, Spring Sessions, and most recently Sessions 4, 5, and 6 having occurred, where participants engaged in knowledge sharing from industry experts, team building and collaborative activities, and overall improving upon their professional skills. Catch up with a summary and highlights of the Summer sessions here.

Boulder Fire Station #3 tour

North Local Advisors organized a tour of the new Boulder Fire Station #3 where members learned about the all-electric, 100-year facility. Thank you to Davis Partnership Architects for the tour!

Lone Rock Retreat tour

Denver Local Advisors organized a tour of Lone Rock Retreat, located in Bailey, CO, a nonprofit resort-style experience. Thank you to OZ Architecture for the tour!

September 4 • Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo

Thursday, September 4th, join AIA members for a tour and discussion led by OZ Architecture of the firm’s partnership with Denver Housing Authority and the design of a full city block in the evolving Sun Valley neighborhood of Denver. The project tour will take us inside and outside of Joli and Flo as well as the community amenities within the development. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 9 • Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons

Tuesday, September 9th, join Olson Kundig architects virtually for a design tour of Telluride Four Seasons, a 4-acre luxury resort that is designed to blend with the natural hillside landscape. OZ Architecture, Architect of Record on the project, will join the Design Architect and will talk through some of the unique details and technical challenges to building in a tight mountain setting. This session has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 10 • Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture

Wednesday, September 10th, join the Business of Architecture Committee, in person or online, for a roundtable discussion regarding partnering in architecture. Topics to be discussed include:

• When do you know it’s time to partner with another architecture firm?
• What are the pros and cons to partnering with other architecture firms?
• What are the various partnership/teaming agreements that could benefit firms?
• Joint Ventures vs. Teaming Agreements and associated risk
• Design-build relationships with GC as prime 

RSVP here.

September 17 • CKLDP happy hour

Wednesday, September 17th, connect and network with current and past Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) scholars at Schoolyard Beer Garden. For the first time, all past and current scholars are invited to connect with members from all 9 classes. This event is only for past and current CKLDP More info and RSVP here.

September 18 • Design + Honor Awards

Sept 20 • Two Mile House tour

Saturday, September 20th, join AIA Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) members for a tour of Two Mile House in Breckenridge. In the Valley of the Blue, this all-electric mountain retreat reimagines the iconic A-frame as a light-filled sanctuary, shaped by views of the Tenmile Range and the path of the sun. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 23 • Denargo Market tour

Tuesday September 23rd, join AIA members for a tour of Denargo Market, the largest mix-use development under construction in the City of Denver right now. The riverfront development will soon host over 3M square feet of new development including thousands of new residential units. The master plan lays out a public realm framework that repositions the site with the river as a front door, with retail and food and beverage spilling out onto a new extension of the RiNo promenade. The first phase of construction includes over 4-acres of new public space including streets, plazas, and parks. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 24 • The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?

Wednesday, September 24th, join AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and NOMA Colorado for an insightful roundtable discussion about the State of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Colorado. This roundtable invites AIA members, NOMA Members, and AIAS and NOMAS members into an open, inclusive conversation about the evolving state of DEI in architecture. As the profession, and equality infrastructure in general, faces another moment of reckoning, where many feel discouraged by the pace of progress or the diminishing visibility/viability of DEI efforts, this session offers space for honest reflection and reconnection. Event to be submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information, meet the moderator and panelists, and RSVP available here.

DPS seeks mentors from the architecture profession for the upcoming school year

Denver Public Schools Coach Mentoring Program 2025/26 is seeking applications from professionals in architecture and allied fields to mentor high school students. This rewarding opportunity includes mentoring students once a month (2.5 hours) from September to April at schools like Northeast Early College and Northfield High School (engineering and design focus) and East High School (Women in STEAM, sponsored by CU Boulder). Mentors can choose a preferred cohort—see all options here —and will receive free background checks and training this Fall. Make a lasting impact on students exploring careers in design and architecture. Mentor job description is available here and application is here. For questions, contact Sarah Goldblatt, AIA or Brianna Benevides.Deadline to apply is Friday, September 5th.

Colorado Building Symposium West

Coming up September 4th & 5th, join architects and builders in the West for an annual residential building science driven symposium for Colorado Builders, Architects, and Trades People. After a successful first Symposium, held in Denver this past January, this event features builders and building science experts, all based in Colorado, speaking to Colorado specific issues. A single track symposium offers the additional opportunity for robust conversation and debate at breaks and receptions, as everyone has heard the same presentations. View the schedule, meet the presenters, and register here.

Colorado Green Building Guild Home Tour

September 13th, from 10am – 4pm, take a self-guided tour showcasing a selection of remarkable homes across Boulder County—each designed with resilience, sustainability, and cutting-edge building practices in mind. The event is open to curious homeowners, design enthusiasts, and building professionals alike, offering inspiration and practical insights. Tickets include access to all featured homes throughout the day, a digital booklet with details on products, performance metrics, and sustainable strategies used in each project, and an invitation to our happy hour after-party to connect with fellow attendees and professional. AIA members register at the CGBG member rate by using the link here.

Colorado Model Low Energy and Carbon Code

The Colorado Energy Office (CEO) recently announced that the Colorado Energy Code Board has published its Model Low Energy and Carbon Code. These new guidelines will increase flexibility for builders by providing multiple options to achieve efficiency by removing mandatory on-site renewable energy requirements for commercial buildings and making renewable energy voluntary. At the same time, the code will, for the first time, fairly credit energy savings from high-efficiency electric heating and water heating. This means that while the code changes do not make it more difficult to build with gas, in many circumstances high-efficiency electric heating and water heating will be the most cost-effective option. Learn more about the new code here. Register for informational webinars on the new code here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Senior Project Architect at Chalet Design
• Architect/PM Designer Jr. or Sr. level at Bldg Seed Architects
• Project Architect at Santulan Architecture

Strategic Planning Survey for The American Institute of Architects

As part of our strategic planning process, AIA is conducting a brief, confidential survey to better understand what matters most to current and former members. Whether you’re deeply involved or haven’t engaged with AIA in a while, your perspective is important—and will help shape AIA’s future priorities. To ensure your feedback remains confidential, Brighter Strategies is conducting the survey. All responses will be anonymous and reported only in aggregate. The survey will take about 15 minutes to complete. Please complete the survey by September 05. Survey is available here.

How 2025 will shape your 2026 annual plan

As the architecture and engineering industry looks ahead to 2026, understanding what’s on the horizon is more important than ever. Join AIA and Deltek on September 16 at 12 pm MT for a discussion on the latest trends impacting firm strategy, performance, and resilience. Hear from industry leaders Daphne Bryant, executive director at the ACEC Research Institute, Michele Russo, vice president of research & practice at AIA, and Megan Miller, senior director of product marketing at Deltek, as they share valuable insights on how 2025 trends will influence your firm’s future planning. Session earns 1 AIA LU. More info and register here.

Save the Date: AIA Trust Week Returns September 15-19

AIA Trust Week returns September 15-19 with a powerful lineup of courses focused on resilience, sustainability, and leadership to help architects build stronger, more adaptable practices. Learn more at AIA.

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

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to more than 250 recipients. The AEF is more than just an educational fund—it’s a lifeline for aspiring architects and educators, providing the support they need to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of architectural practice.

Every donation to the AEF fuels the future of architectural innovation. Whether it’s helping a student return to school or funding groundbreaking research, each contribution empowers the next generation of architects to design the world we live in.

Contributions not only advance the profession today but also help build a lasting legacy in the field of architecture. Make your secure donation here and help create a lasting impact. 

View AEF website.

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Buy your tickets here.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • September 1 – October 31: attendee registration is open
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Design + Honor Awards
• Practice + Design Conference early registration
• Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
• Sopher Sparn Architects featured in recent America ByDesign episode
• August 21 Boulder Fire Station #3 tour
• August 22 Lone Rock Retreat tour
• Sept 4 Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo
• Sept 9 Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons
• Sept 10 Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture
• Sept 17 CKLDP happy hour for current class and past alumni
• Sept 18 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event
• Sept 24 The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?
• Partner News
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Design + Honor Awards

This year’s AIA Colorado Design Awards jury recently gathered in Denver, bringing national expertise to review the inspiring projects submitted by our members. Struck by the creativity and depth of the work, they engaged in thoughtful discussion as they selected this year’s recipients. We extend a sincere thanks to our 2025 jurors: Ron Stelmarski, FAIA, Adrianne Steichen, FAIA, and Benjamin Gilmartin, AIA.

Late Registration Ticket prices begin September 4th

Join us September 18th at the Awards Celebration at Tivoli Turnhalle, in Denver, as we reveal their selections and celebrate this year’s Honor Awards recipients! A few tables featuring the best seats in the house are still available and can be purchased by contacting rylee@aiacolorado.org. Sponsorship information is available here. Buy your tickets here.

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

Join as architects worldwide have been invited to reimagine affordable housing in Denver’s Design Challenge. The international architecture ideas competition explores how affordability and design excellence can be harmonized to create innovative, high-quality housing solutions tailored to Denver’s specific context. There’s still plenty of time to get involved as the closing date for registration is September 18th, with final project submissions due October 20th. Learn more about the competition, meet the jury, and prepare for key submission dates here.

Adrian Sopher, AIA, gives us a tour of Sopher Sparn Architect’s The Great Dharma Chan Monastery project on Season 4’s first episode of America ByDesign.

Denver Central Library tour

Denver Local Advisors organized a tour of the Denver Central Library focused on modernizing one of the city’s most iconic civic spaces.

Front Range Retreat tour

Members in the North enjoyed a tour of the Front Range Retreat, sited on Wonderland Lake, in Boulder, led by Lake Flato Architects.

August 21 • Boulder Fire Station #3 tour

Thursday, August 21st, join us for an AIA members-only tour of the new Boulder Fire Station #3, an all-electric, 100-year facility, designed to meet the City of Boulder’s Energy Conservation Goals (CoBECC). Its design serves as a beacon of safety, supported by columns created from reclaimed steel from the decommissioned Boulder Community Hospital, lowering the facility’s embodied carbon. The 22,000-sf station is augmented with 6,000 sf of administration space and a community room designed for use by the public without compromising security and privacy of operations spaces. More information and RSVP here.

August 22 • Lone Rock Retreat tour

Friday, August 22nd, join a tour of Lone Rock Retreat, a nonprofit resort-style experience located near Bailey, CO designed exclusively for use by the education community, was designed for thorough integration into its iconic Colorado landscape. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour facility. AIA Colorado Premier Partner IMEG Structural will speak to the mass-timber system used to create the sculptural shape of the lodge.This tour has been submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

September 4 • Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo

Thursday, September 4th, join AIA members for a tour and discussion led by OZ Architecture of the firm’s partnership with Denver Housing Authority and the design of a full city block in the evolving Sun Valley neighborhood of Denver. The project tour will take us inside and outside of Joli and Flo as well as the community amenities within the development. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 9 • Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons

Tuesday, September 9th, join Olson Kundig architects virtually for a design tour of Telluride Four Seasons, a 4-acre luxury resort that is designed to blend with the natural hillside landscape. OZ Architecture, Architect of Record on the project, will join the Design Architect and will talk through some of the unique details and technical challenges to building in a tight mountain setting. This session has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 10 • Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture

Wednesday, September 10th, join the Business of Architecture Committee, in person or online, for a roundtable discussion regarding partnering in architecture. Topics to be discussed include:

• When do you know it’s time to partner with another architecture firm?
• What are the pros and cons to partnering with other architecture firms?
• What are the various partnership/teaming agreements that could benefit firms?
• Joint Ventures vs. Teaming Agreements and associated risk
• Design-build relationships with GC as prime 

RSVP here.

September 17 • CKLDP happy hour

Wednesday, September 17th, connect and network with current and past Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) scholars at Schoolyard Beer Garden. For the first time, all past and current scholars are invited to connect with members from all 9 classes. This event is only for past and current CKLDP More info and RSVP here.

Sept 24 • The State of DEI in Colorado: What’s Next for the Architecture Profession?

Wednesday, September 24th, join AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee and NOMA Colorado for an insightful roundtable discussion about the State of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Colorado. This roundtable invites AIA members, NOMA Members, and AIAS and NOMAS members into an open, inclusive conversation about the evolving state of DEI in architecture. As the profession, and equality infrastructure in general, faces another moment of reckoning, where many feel discouraged by the pace of progress or the diminishing visibility/viability of DEI efforts, this session offers space for honest reflection and reconnection. Event to be submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information, meet the moderator and panelists, and RSVP available here.

Denver Single Stair Buildings – Focus Groups & Survey

Denver is proposing legislation to permit taller apartment buildings to be served by a single exit stair, similar to state HB 25-1273. Before the end of the year, Building and Fire Code amendments will be considered by city council and departmental staff are engaging in efforts to solicit feedback from interested stakeholders on the draft code language. Three in-person focus groups, and an online survey are available for you to share your perspectives on Denver’s Single-Exit Stair regulations.

Focus groups will be held at Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 4.F.6/4.G.2 (4th floor). Dates and times:

• 8 – 9:30 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2025
• 4 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025
• 2 – 3:30 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2025

The survey is available here. More information can be found here.

Month of Modern

During the month of September, Boulder will be alive with Month of Modern (MoM). Founded in 2014, and now a recognized 501(c)3 organization, MoM’s mission is to cultivate a conversation about Colorado modern and present the Boulder region as one of the nation’s most vibrant hubs of modern design. Learn more about the organization and the events taking place this September here.

Colorado Building Symposium West

Coming up September 4th & 5th, join architects and builders in the West for an annual residential building science driven symposium for Colorado Builders, Architects, and Trades People. After a successful first Symposium, held in Denver this past January, this event features builders and building science experts, all based in Colorado, speaking to Colorado specific issues. A single track symposium offers the additional opportunity for robust conversation and debate at breaks and receptions, as everyone has heard the same presentations. View the schedule, meet the presenters, and register here.

Colorado Green Building Guide Home Tour

September 13th, from 10am – 4pm, take a self-guided tour showcasing a selection of remarkable homes across Boulder County—each designed with resilience, sustainability, and cutting-edge building practices in mind. The event is open to curious homeowners, design enthusiasts, and building professionals alike, offering inspiration and practical insights. Tickets include access to all featured homes throughout the day, a digital booklet with details on products, performance metrics, and sustainable strategies used in each project, and an invitation to our happy hour after-party to connect with fellow attendees and professional. AIA member are welcome to register at the CGBG member rate by using the link here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Architect/Architectural Staff I & II at Architectural Workshop
• Senior Project Architect at Chalet Design
• Architect/PM Designer Jr. or Sr. level at Bldg Seed Architects

Sustainability Action Plans

This joint AIA 2030 Commitment and Architecture & Design Materials Pledge mini education series will provide current and potential signatories with a deep dive into the makings of a firmwide Sustainability Action Plan (SAP) and Materials Action Plan (MAP). Regardless of your firm’s size, you’ll find valuable insights into how creating and maintaining these plans can strengthen firm culture and lead to improved design, performance, and occupant health outcomes. Each webinar will feature a panel of design leaders presenting case studies, walking through their firms’ process of developing and operationalizing their plans and sharing advice for getting started or revising their current plans. Earn 1 LU|HSW for live attendance or find the webinar recordings later on the SfX YouTube channel.

• Small firms and Sustainability Action Plans | August 25, 1–2pm MT | Register here
• Materials matter: Integrating materials into Sustainability Action Plans | September 9, 1–2pm MT | Register here

Business conditions for architecture firms continue to be weak, AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index Reports

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) continues to weaken posting a score of 46.2 for July, down from 46.8 in June, indicating that a majority of firms are still experiencing declining firm billings. Read at AIA.

Save the Date: AIA Trust Week Returns September 15?19

AIA Trust Week returns September 15-19 with a powerful lineup of courses focused on resilience, sustainability, and leadership to help architects build stronger, more adaptable practices. Learn more at AIA.

2025 CRAN Symposium: Resilience in Practice

September 17-20, in Alexandria, VA, network with leading custom residential architects, firm owners, and principals from around the country. Join CRAN for three days of seminars, tours, and events that will provide new inspiration, connections, and perspectives on residential architecture. Learn more at AIA.

2025 RUDC Symposium: Urban Morphosis

Oct 28-29, join the Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC) in Dallas for their 2025 symposium, titled Urban Morphosis: Reimaging Citites through Adaptation. RUDC offers discounted registration until Aug. 31. Learn more here.

IDEAS Awards

Do you have a cutting-edge steel project in the ground or on the horizon? The structural steel industry’s highest design honor is calling your name!

Presented by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Building Design + Construction, the prestigious IDEAS Awards honor beautiful, innovative, and sustainable projects that illustrate the exciting possibilities of building with structural steel. AISC has identified and celebrated game-changing structures for decades—and yours could be next! 

The Call for Submissions is open and there is no cost to submit. Go here to submit your entry.

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural-steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service tothe steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information.

Learn more about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

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Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Regular priced registration closes September 4th. Buy your tickets here.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • August 6 – August 31: lower priced, Early Registration is open
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Practice + Design Conference early registration now open
• 2025 prorated dues available for new or renewing members
• Denver’s New Permitting Process event with AIA Colorado available to watch
• Origami House featured in recent America ByDesign episode
• EP/YA happy hour
• August 8 Code Class: 2024 IEBC Overview 
• August 14 Denver Central Library tour
• August 21 Boulder Fire Station #3 tour
• August 22 Lone Rock Retreat tour
• Sept 4 Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo
• Sept 9 Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons
• Sept 10 Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture
• 2025 Design + Honor Awards Celebration Event tickets
• Partner News
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Practice + Design Conference early registration now open

The Practice + Design Conference is the annual event attended by over 500 AIA members, allied members, and industry professionals and is a yearly testament to the vitality of Colorado’s design community. 2025’s edition promises to be yet another milestone moment! 

aiacolorado.org/conference is your place for the latest conference news and information, where you can learn more about Sponsorship opportunities, Expo Hall information, lodging information, attendee pricing information, and register. Keynote speakers and breakout presentations will be announced later this August and September. 

A new registration category this year is Early-Career Architect, offered to AIA members licensed after January 1st, 2020. Early registration offers the best pricing for all conference attendance categories and is available here.  

Watch Denver’s New Permitting Process event with AIA Colorado members

Recently, Jill Jennings Golich and Robert Peek from the City of Denver joined Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado CEO, to discuss Denver’s new permitting process. Video of the virtual event, along with event slides, and links to the City’s Site Development Plan Manual and upcoming Affording Housing Fast Track Process event can be found here.

Jessica Hunter, AIA, walks viewers through BOSS Architecture’s Origami House project in the most recent episode of America ByDesign.

The recent happy hour introducing the Emerging Professional/Young Architect (EP/YA) Leadership Council was a lot of fun! Please reach out with any questions, ideas of things/programs/events you would like to see, or simply to say hello. You can reach the Council at the info box at aiacolorado.org/ep-ya

August 8 • Code Class: 2024 IEBC Overview

Join us Friday, August 8th, for a seminar addressing the relationship of the International Existing Building Code to existing buildings. The class focuses on the fundamental requirements on an existing structure that undergoes repair work, alteration, renovation activity or construction of an addition, and the effect of a change in the building’s occupancy classification. Discussion will also include the Simulated Performance Alternative path of evaluating a building. This full-day program includes lunch. This tour has been approved for 7 LU|HSW. Late Registration pricing starts this Friday, July 25th. More information and RSVP here.

August 14 • Denver Central Library tour

Thursday, August 14th, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Denver Central Library renovation—an ambitious project focused on modernizing one of the city’s most iconic civic spaces. From upgraded technology to newly designed children’s and teen areas, discover how this historic library is being thoughtfully adapted for 21st-century needs. This tour has been submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

August 21 • Boulder Fire Station #3 tour

Thursday, August 21st, join us for an AIA members-only tour of the new Boulder Fire Station #3, an all-electric, 100-year facility, designed to meet the City of Boulder’s Energy Conservation Goals (CoBECC). Its design serves as a beacon of safety, supported by columns created from reclaimed steel from the decommissioned Boulder Community Hospital, lowering the facility’s embodied carbon. The 22,000-sf station is augmented with 6,000 sf of administration space and a community room designed for use by the public without compromising security and privacy of operations spaces. More information and RSVP here.

August 22 • Lone Rock Retreat tour

Friday, August 22nd, join a tour of Lone Rock Retreat, a nonprofit resort-style experience located near Bailey, CO designed exclusively for use by the education community, was designed for thorough integration into its iconic Colorado landscape. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour facility. AIA Colorado Premier Partner IMEG Structural will speak to the mass-timber system used to create the sculptural shape of the lodge.This tour has been submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

September 4 • Sun Valley Block 3: Joli and Flo

Thursday, September 4th, join AIA members for a tour and discussion led by OZ Architecture of the firm’s partnership with Denver Housing Authority and the design of a full city block in the evolving Sun Valley neighborhood of Denver. The project tour will take us inside and outside of Joli and Flo as well as the community amenities within the development. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 9 • Virtual Connect: Telluride Four Seasons

Tuesday, September 9th, join Olson Kundig architects virtually for a design tour of Telluride Four Seasons, a 4-acre luxury resort that is designed to blend with the natural hillside landscape. OZ Architecture, Architect of Record on the project, will join the Design Architect and will talk through some of the unique details and technical challenges to building in a tight mountain setting. This session has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

September 10 • Business of Architecture: Partnering in Architecture

Wednesday, September 10th, join the Business of Architecture Committee, in person or online, for a roundtable discussion regarding partnering in architecture. RSVP here.

Congratulations to Katie Vander Putten, AIA, on her new role as President of MOA Architecture.

Sarah Broughton, FAIA, recently shared with Voyage Denver about her start in architecture and ongoing work at her firm Rowland+Broughton.

Engineers Without Borders-USA event with ACEC

August 14th, 4:30 – 7pm, at the Posner Center for International Development, in Denver, join ACEC Colorado for an event with Engineers Without Borders-USA (EWB-USA), recognizing a special anniversary celebration in honor of the volunteers, donors, partners and communities who have helped deliver critical infrastructure across the U.S and to look ahead at what is next in its domestic work. AIA Colorado members are welcome to attend this networking event and opportunity to learn more from EWB-USA’s leadership about how to support the future of domestic engineering service where it’s needed most. Registration is complimentary. More information can be found here and registration is here.

Presentation on Denver’s Affordable Housing Fast Track Process

August 20th, from 10:30 – 11:30am, join city development review staff to learn how Denver is proposing to meet Proposition 123 Fast Track requirements and how this will affect future housing projects. More info and RSVP here.

Denver Single Stair Buildings – Focus Groups & Survey

Denver is proposing legislation to permit taller apartment buildings to be served by a single exit stair, similar to state HB 25-1273. Before the end of the year, Building and Fire Code amendments will be considered by city council and departmental staff are engaging in efforts to solicit feedback from interested stakeholders on the draft code language. Three in-person focus groups, and an online survey are available for you to share your perspectives on Denver’s Single-Exit Stair regulations.

Focus groups will be held at Webb Municipal Building, 201 W. Colfax Ave., Room 4.F.6/4.G.2 (4th floor). Dates and times:

• 8 – 9:30 a.m., Monday, August 25, 2025
• 4 – 5:30 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025
• 2 – 3:30 p.m., Thursday, September 4, 2025

The survey is available here. More information can be found here.

Month of Modern

During the month of September, Boulder will be alive with Month of Modern (MoM). Founded in 2014, and now a recognized 501(c)3 organization, MoM’s mission is to cultivate a conversation about Colorado modern and present the Boulder region as one of the nation’s most vibrant hubs of modern design. Learn more about the organization and the events taking place this September here.

Colorado Building Symposium West

Coming up September 4th & 5th, join architects and builders in the West for an annual residential building science driven symposium for Colorado Builders, Architects, and Trades People. After a successful first Symposium, held in Denver this past January, this event features builders and building science experts, all based in Colorado, speaking to Colorado specific issues. A single track symposium offers the additional opportunity for robust conversation and debate at breaks and receptions, as everyone has heard the same presentations. View the schedule, meet the presenters, and register here.

The Green Expo

September 12th, join CORE, in Aspen, for an engaging afternoon exploring the latest in sustainable innovation and climate action. At the Green Expo, you’ll hear from local champions and global innovators who are making real progress on climate solutions. This event is free to attend and open to the public. More info can be found here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Project Architect at Allred & Associates
• Project Architect/Job Captain at MOA Architecture 
• Arch/Arch Staff I and II at Craine Architecture

Save the Date: AIA Trust Week Returns September 15?19

AIA Trust Week returns September 15-19 with a powerful lineup of courses focused on resilience, sustainability, and leadership to help architects build stronger, more adaptable practices. Learn more at AIA.

Billings at Architecture Firms Remain in Decline, AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index Reports

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in June with a score of 46.8, down from 47.2 in May as more firms reported a decrease in billing. Read at AIA.

2025 CRAN Symposium: Resilience in Practice

September 17-20, in Alexandria, VA, network with leading custom residential architects, firm owners, and principals from around the country. Join CRAN for three days of seminars, tours, and events that will provide new inspiration, connections, and perspectives on residential architecture. Learn more at AIA.

2025 RUDC Symposium: Urban Morphosis

Oct 28-29, join the Regional and Urban Design Committee (RUDC) in Dallas for their 2025 symposium, titled Urban Morphosis: Reimaging Citites through Adaptation. RUDC offers discounted registration until Aug. 31. Learn more here.

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural-steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service tothe steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information.

Learn more about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

---

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • August 6 – August 31: lower priced, Early Registration is open
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Practice + Design Conference Call for Presentations closes July 31st
• Resiliency and Disaster Response Efforts at AIA25
• BOSS.architects featured in most recent ByDesign episode
• July 24 Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) happy hour
• July 30 Fox Park tour
• August 6 Front Range Retreat tour
• August 8 Code Class: 2024 IEBC Overview
• August 14 Denver Central Library tour
• August 21 Boulder Fire Station #3 tour
• August 22 Lone Rock Retreat tour
• Partner News
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: K3 Technology

Call for Presentations Closes July 31st

The Practice + Design Conference brings together Colorado’s architecture community for inspiring insights from global design leaders, advanced practice management strategies, and practical innovations from industry partners. 

We’re seeking members of our community who are ready to contribute their expertise and lead a session this fall in Keystone. If you have a session in mind, visit the link below and start your submission today. Or, if you know someone who would be a great fi, encourage them to apply. The submission window closes Thursday, July 31st.

Learn more about this year’s conference theme, THE POWER OF, and submission instructions for this year’s Call for Presentations here. 

Resiliency and Disaster Response Efforts at AIA25

AIA Colorado’s Advocacy Engagement Director, Nikolaus Remus, AIA, co-Chair of AIA’s Resilience and Disaster Response Community, shares about Resiliency and Disaster Response discussions at AIA25. Read at AIA.

BOSS.architecture’s CABIN, a 2023 AIA Colorado Design Award recipient, is featured on the latest America ByDesign episode. Watch the episode here.

July 24 • Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Happy Hour

Thursday, July 24, at 4pm, join AIA Colorado’s new Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council members for a happy hour at Schoolyard Beer Garden, in Denver. Meet other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested in, or simply chat. More information and RSVP here.

July 30 • Fox Park Tour

Wednesday, July 30th, join AIA members for a tour of Fox Park, a 41-acre masterplan set to transform Denver’s Globeville neighborhood. Denver’s $600M infrastructure investment has expanded the downtown core, with Fox Park being next master planned community to be re-imagined and developed by VITA. The 41-acre redevelopment area blends cityscape and nature, featuring cultural, retail, hotel, office, and residential spaces connected by 14 acres of urban park. Parking and service areas are discreetly placed below grade in a terraced design. At the center is Fox Square, a modern cultural hub with workspaces, a boutique hotel, event venues, retail, and urban agriculture. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

August 6 • Front Range Retreat tour

Wednesday, August 6th, join AIA members in Boulder for an architectural tour of the Front Range Retreat located in Boulder. Sited on Wonderland Lake, this residence is designed to complement the landscape of a unique site that bridges a neighborhood and the foothills of the Front Range. More information and join the waitlist here.

August 8 • Code Class: 2024 IEBC Overview

Join us Friday, August 8th, for a seminar addressing the relationship of the International Existing Building Code to existing buildings. The class focuses on the fundamental requirements on an existing structure that undergoes repair work, alteration, renovation activity or construction of an addition, and the effect of a change in the building’s occupancy classification. Discussion will also include the Simulated Performance Alternative path of evaluating a building. This full-day program includes lunch. This tour has been approved for 7 LU|HSW. Late Registration pricing starts this Friday, July 25th. More information and RSVP here.

August 14 • Denver Central Library tour

Thursday, August 14th, join us for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Denver Central Library renovation—an ambitious project focused on modernizing one of the city’s most iconic civic spaces. From upgraded technology to newly designed children’s and teen areas, discover how this historic library is being thoughtfully adapted for 21st-century needs. This tour has been submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

August 21 • Boulder Fire Station #3 tour

Thursday, August 21st, join us for an AIA members-only tour of the new Boulder Fire Station #3, an all-electric, 100-year facility, designed to meet the City of Boulder’s Energy Conservation Goals (CoBECC). Its design serves as a beacon of safety, supported by columns created from reclaimed steel from the decommissioned Boulder Community Hospital, lowering the facility’s embodied carbon. The 22,000-sf station is augmented with 6,000 sf of administration space and a community room designed for use by the public without compromising security and privacy of operations spaces. More information and RSVP here.

August 22 • Lone Rock Retreat tour

Friday, August 22nd, join a tour of Lone Rock Retreat, a nonprofit resort-style experience located near Bailey, CO designed exclusively for use by the education community, was designed for thorough integration into its iconic Colorado landscape. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour facility. AIA Colorado Premier Partner IMEG Structural will speak to the mass-timber system used to create the sculptural shape of the lodge.This tour has been submitted for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Colorado Building Symposium West

Coming up September 4th & 5th, join architects and builders in the West for an annual residential building science driven symposium for Colorado Builders, Architects, and Trades People. After a successful first Symposium, Held in Denver this past January, this event features builders and building science experts, all based in Colorado, speaking to Colorado specific issues. A single track symposium offers the additional opportunity for robust conversation and debate at breaks and receptions, as everyone has heard the same presentations. View the schedule, meet the presenters, and register here.

Practice Disrupted pocast featuring American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Listen in as Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President, speaks with Nima Balasubramaniam, Director of Architecture at AISC, and Parke MacDowell, Associate Principal at Payette and Director of Fabrication, as they share about the Architecture Center at the American Institute of Steel Construction. While AISC has long been known as a technical hub for structural engineers, the Architecture Center is shifting that narrative, offering architects better access to tools, knowledge, and support when working with steel. Listen here.

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

• Senior Level Architect at Sasaki
• Project Designer / Project Architect at Lightwell Architecture
• Arch/Arch Staff I and II at Craine Architecture

July 2025 AIA Consensus Construction Forecast

Nonresidential building spending to remain sluggish through 2026, with no turnaround in sight. There is some good news and some bad news in the latest outlook for nonresidential construction spending on buildings, according to the latest AIA Consensus Construction Forecast. Read at AIA.

Next to Lead

Next to Lead is a leadership development training program for racially and ethnically diverse women in architecture who aspire to be AIA leaders. The cohort will engage in a ten-month program aimed at enhancing their association leadership acumen, tackling challenges faced by women in the workplace and the architecture profession, and refining their leadership skills. Participants benefit from monthly virtual learning opportunities and in-person workshops, led by expert speakers and AIA staff. Applications close August 8th. Learn more and apply at AIA.

Online Course: Implementing the Guides for Equitable Practice

The AIA Guides for Equitable Practice make the moral, business, ethical, and societal cases for equitable practice in the profession of architecture. They provide key insights to hear insights on how the guides can change firm culture and create an environment that nurtures retention and inspires limitless thinking. In this course, participants will discover recommendations on how to achieve goals found within the Guides through utilization in practice and as a resource in connecting these goals with the work of their firm/organization. View at AIAU.

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, K3 Technology, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

K3 Technology, a Denver based Information Technology Solutions Provider (ITSP/MSP) that was recently named a Colorado Company to Watch and recognized as one of Americas Fastest Growing Companies on the Inc. 5000 list. While many technology providers have a “come one, come all’ approach, they have a dedicated focus on the AECO and Creative industries. Why? Because they don’t think technology should be a bolt-on item to your business, it should be integrated into making you a better, more efficient, more profitable company. 

Visit K3 Technology’s website

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.

---

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • August 6: Early Attendee Registration opens
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship