Category: News

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.

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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.
  • 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

In this Newsletter:

• Practice + Design Conference Call for Presentations is now open 
• AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit 
• Catch up with Committee on the Environment’s four-part event series
• Meridian 105 Architecture featured in Hotels ByDesign episode
• July 17 Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) in Boulder
• July 23 Virtual Connect: City of Denver’s New Permitting Process
• July 24 Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) happy hour
• July 30 Fox Park tour
• Member news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: K3 Technology

Call for Presentations

Submissions for the 2025 AIA Colorado Design and Honor Awards close Friday, June 20, at 5pm. 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 fit, 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. 

AAH/ACHA Summer Leadership Summit 

With the growing impacts of climate change on our communities, how can health care organizations prepare for stability during environmental disasters? How do facilities build resilient infrastructure, maintain supply chains, and provide everyday health care needs while also addressing emergency demands during unforeseen events? What are the ?scal challenges and realities for health care facilities as part of the emergency response network in communities both large and small?

The Summer Leadership Summit (SLS) is co-organized by the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) and the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). Taking place in Denver, July 18-20, join AIA architects and earn up to 13.5 LU|HSW. Learn more and register here.

July 17 • Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) in Boulder

Thursday, July 17, at 5pm, join the Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) in Boulder, meet other Colorado CRAN members, and impact how this committee will engage with Colorado in the coming years. Meet at 5pm on the patio at Rodwin Architecture’s offices (929 Pearl St #250). At 6pm, we’ll head to Rosetta Hall (1109 Walnut St) for networking, conversation, and happy hour libations. More information and RSVP here.

July 23 • Virtual Connect: City of Denver’s New Permitting Process

This past April, the City of Denver announced the creation of a new Denver Permitting Office, aimed at overhauling the City’s permitting and development approval processes to make building easier, fast, and more predictable. Wednesday, July 23, at Noon, virtually join Jill Jennings Golich, Director of the Denver Permitting Office, and Robert Peek, Director of Development Systems Performance for the City and County of Denver, as they share about the arrangement and the processes the City of Denver is employing to build an easier, faster, and more predictable permitting and development approval process. They will be joined by AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, who be facilitating member questions during a Q+A portion of the virtual session. More information and RSVP 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.

AIA Colorado is proud to support the next generation of architects through Emerging Professional (EP) and Young Architect (YA) programming, leadership development, and national representation. This Council has been created to better connect and coordinate these efforts, to serve as a central hub for EP/YA leaders across the state and national levels to collaborate, share resources, and shape strategic programming for Colorado’s architecture community. 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.

Jocelyn Parlapiano, Assoc. AIA, of Rodwin Architecture was recently interviewed by Voyage Denver and shared about her career in architecture, work with the Colorado Green Building Guild and ACE Mentorship Program. Read the interview here.

Dana Ellis, AIA, shares why she enjoys collaborating with her SFx colleagues on the SFx instagram account. Watch it here.

Rowland + Broughton’s Sarah Broughton, FAIA, has designed the first “conceptual design room” as part of the curated ArtCrush Auction Exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum. Titled In the Garden, the Design Room is an experiential tableau vivant, meticulously composed with sculptural furnishings, lighting, and artworks selected in collaboration with the Aspen Art Museum curatorial team. The Design Room offers a quiet invitation into the personal rituals of collecting, hosting, and living with art. 

“This project offered a rare opportunity to fuse narrative, architecture, and art into a single immersive environment,” Sarah Broughton, FAIA, shared recently in a Rowland+Broughton newsletter. “In the garden, we gather to break bread, pause in the solitude, enjoy life’s beauty, and are thankful.”

Unfolding as an intimate portrait in space, the Design Room will be on view at the museum from July 15 through August 2, 2025, in the lead-up to the ArtCrush Gala on August 1.

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 or Architectural Staff Level I / Project Manager at TDSi – The Design Studio, inc.
• 100102 Associate / Architecture at RATIO Architects, LLC
• Architect | Project Manager at Bilo Buck Architects

Young Architects Forum June 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. 

Connection Q3 + AIA Architect: Steering the Future of the Profession is looking for submissions of articles, editorials, project profiles, interviews/spotlights and the call for submissions is open until August 1st. Submission info also found in YAF June newsletterhere.

2026 AIA Awards

Several award application windows are open with August 7 deadlines, including awards for Architecture Firm, Gold Medal, and the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award, among others. Opening July 18th are awards for Young Architect and Honorary AIA Membership. Learn more about AIA Awards submission dates and access application links here.

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. Learn more and apply at AIA.

AIA President Evelyn Lee Leads National Conversation on America’s Housing Crisis

AIA President, Evelyn Lee, FAIA, joined Florida Congresswoman Kathy Castor and San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria to discuss the urgent need for cities to adopt forward-looking housing policies and build more safe, affordable housing. Read at AIA here.

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.

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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.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • Expo Hall is open
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • August 1: Early Attendee Registration opens
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Design + Honor Awards submission window closes this Friday
• Legislative session recap: Part 2
• Denver Affordable Housing Challenge Announces Jury 
• Member Perspectives: AIA25 Recap
• True Nature Healing Arts Kiva tour
• June 18 Business of Architecture: Employees to Owners & Transition to Leadership
• June 19 Committee on the Environment Session 4
• Partner news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: KL&A

2 Days left to submit!

Submissions for the 2025 AIA Colorado Design and Honor Awards close Friday, June 20, at 5pm. Whether you’re submitting a project or nominating a peer, now is the time to finish your submission so the jury can review your great work. Submit today and help us honor the people and projects driving our profession forward.

• Design Award submission instructions
• Honor Award submission instructions

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized! Start your submission here

2025 Legislative Session Summary • Part 2 now available

2025 was a busy year at the State Capitol for AIA Colorado. Despite a significant state budget shortfall, we tracked more legislation than usual affecting the architecture profession. We identified 26 bills of interest to our members and took positions on 12 of them. We’re proud to report that every bill AIA Colorado supported passed, and every bill we opposed failed.

In Part 1, we took a deep dive into the most impactful bills related to housing and sustainability/resiliency. In Part 2, we cover professional liability, building codes, project funding, and legislation affecting the construction trades.

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge Announces Jury

The City of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner, a leading global design competition platform, have launched an international call for ideas to address Denver’s housing needs with a focus on the role of design excellence. Submissions will be reviewed and selected based on creatively addressing design excellence, sustainability, demonstrating how affordability and design can coexist. We’re pleased to announce the competition’s jury:

• Lucy Begg, AIA, Thoughtbarn, Austin, TX
• Troy Fosler, AIA, Koning Eizenberg Architecture, Santa Monica, CA
• Dean Maltz, AIA, Shigeru Ban Architects, New York City
• Katie Swenson, Assoc. AIA, MASS Design Group
• Julien De Smedt, JDS Architects, Denmark
• Andrew Maynard, Austin Maynard Architects, Australia
• Rozana Montiel, Rozana Montiel Estudio de Arquitectura, Mexico
• Kendra Garrett, City and County of Denver
• Caeli Hill, City and County of Denver
• Gosia Kung, Denver Housing Authority
• Brenna Maloney, Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency, City and County of Denver
• Susan Powers, Urban Ventures, LLC, Denver

Meet the jury here.

Member Perspectives: AIA25 Recap

Last week, AIA Colorado members traveled to Boston for AIA25 and we asked them to share a few reflections from their experience. From inspiring keynotes to conversations with peers across the country, here’s what stood out to members Scott Rodwin, AIA, Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Andy Nielson, FAIA, Sarah Broughton, FAIA, Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Marisol Gallagher, AIA, and David Beal, AIA. Read it here.

June 18 • Business of Architecture: Employees to Owners & Transition to Leadership

Wednesday, June 18th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person in Denver and via Teams. There will be two parts to the discussion with part one’s topic including discussion about employees to owners and the second part a discussion about the transition to leadership. More information and RSVP here.

June 19 • Committee on the Environment: Beyond the Surface: Vetting Materials for Health, Carbon, and Impact

Thursday, June 19th, at Noon, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for virtual, educational session on sustainable design and construction, featuring Green Badgers Founder & CEO Tommy Linstroth. Additionally, we’ll review selection criteria and resources, industry trends, occupant health, and Material Pledge guidelines. More information and RSVP here.

The Western Mountain Region College of Fellows (WMR COF) published its 2025 Awards Issue. Learn about the regions’ newest Fellows—including our own Elizabeth Hallas, FAIA, and Thomas Walsh, FAIA—and view the recipients of the WMR COF’s awards. The issue also spotlights AIA Colorado’s 2024 Architect of the Year AdamWagoner, AIA, and Creating the Regenerative School, the new book by Alan Ford, FAIA. See the Awards issue here.

Fentress Architects acquired by Populous. Read about the acquisition here.

Passive House Synergy: Certifier, Engineer, Architect, Consultant in Convo

Learn how teams across Colorado are collaborating on high performance design in diverse climate zones. Panelists include:

• Marisol Sanchez Gallagher, AIA, Owner at Marisol Studios
• Steven Forrester, Principal at DMA Engineering
• Enrico Bonilauri, Co-Founder + Chief Product Officer, Passive House Certifier
• Amanda Poindexter, Full Circle Construction Services, Owner

More info 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:

• Project Manager at 4240 Architecture
• Architect at Ferguson Pyatt Architects, Inc.
• Project Architect/Project Manager at UNUM collaborative

AIA Trust Launches New Climate Risk Factsheet to Help Architects Design Responsibly—and Protect Their Practice

New tool provides site-specific, climate projections for hazards such as wildfire, flooding, windstorm, and extreme heat—allowing architects to better inform resilient design strategies and document their professional standard of care. View and order Climate Factsheet here.

Soft Business Conditions Persist at Architecture Firms

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) remained in negative territory in May with a score of 47.2, up from 43.2 in April. Any score below 50 indicates a billings decline, although this month’s score indicates that somewhat fewer firms reported a decline in billings in May than in April. Read at AIA.

2025 Annual Business Meeting addresses AI usage in architecture, Fellowship qualifications

Delegates passed three bylaws amendments and one resolution at the annual meeting. Read at AIA.

Three new leaders elected to AIA Board of Directors. 

AIA delegates elected:

• Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, 2026 President-elect/2027 President
• Jason Takeuchi, AIA, as 2026 – 2028 At-Large Director
• Lisa L. Kennedy, FAIA, as 2026–2027 Treasurer

Meet the new delegates at AIA.

Pete Buttigieg calls on architects to lead at a “delicate time” for America

At AIA25, the former U.S. Secretary of Transportation joined AIA President Evelyn Lee for a conversation on the vital local role architects play in rebuilding trust and community. Read at AIA.

Allie K. Miller inspires architects to lead in the AI age at AIA25

AI expert Allie K. Miller shared how architects can amplify creativity, boost productivity, and shape a more agile, human-centered future with AI. Read at AIA.

Dami Lee encouraged architects to harness the power of storytelling at AIA25

The architect and YouTube creator demonstrated the value of narrative and emotional connection. Read at AIA.

“Design Is Protest”: Bryan C. Lee Jr. Calls on Architects to Dismantle Oppression, Not Just Design Around It

At AIA25, the Whitney M. Young Jr. Award honoree delivers a powerful call for design justice—urging architects to move from passive participation to radical intervention. Read at Architect Magazine.

AIA Awards 2025 Winners Announced in 11 Project Categories

• AIA/ALA Library Building Awards: AIA is proud to partner with the American Library Association to honor the best in library architecture and design. See the winners here.
• Architecture Awards: Honoring the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. See the winners here.
• COTE Top Ten Awards: The industry’s best-known award for sustainable design excellence.
• Design for Aging Review Awards: Honoring innovative design solutions to improve the quality of life for older adults. 
• Education Facility Design Awards: Celebrating state-of-the-art learning environments, including early childhood, K-12, alternative, higher education, and non-traditional environments. 
• Healthcare Design Awards: Recognizing the most innovative, functional, and sustainable projects in healthcare and design. 
• Housing Awards: Honoring the best home design that showcases how beauty, safety, sustainability, and comfort come together. 
• Interior Architecture Awards: Celebrating the most innovative and spectacular interior spaces across a range of projects. 
• Justice Facilities Review Awards: Recognizing the best in design for justice architecture. 
• Regional & Urban Design Awards: Honoring the best in urban design, regional and city planning, and community development. 
• Small Project Awards: Recognizing the value and design excellence that architects provide regardless of size and budget. 

For more information on the 2025 AIA Awards and to view the winning projects, visit AIA Awards.

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

KL&A is a firm built around the idea that structural engineers should return to a master builder role by taking ownership of structural systems. A collaborative approach and project centric behaviors are our differentiators, facilitating a more engaging design and construction process. Their philosophy of personal responsibility has generated a corporate culture of problem solving and innovation. They are engineers first and foremost, which they leverage on their steel detailing and steel construction projects. hey also take great pride in sustainability efforts, utilizing mass timber to minimize embodied carbon in our structures, and providing Life Cycle Assessments on our committed projects.

Visit KL&A’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 Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • May 21: Expo Hall Opens
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Legislative session recap: Part 1
• New Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council
• CKLDP Spring Recap
• Academy of Architecture for Health National and Local Updates
• Design + Honor Awards submission window closes June 20
• Practice + Design Conference sponsorship and Expo Hall now open
• Ice Core Facility tour
• June 5 Colorado Night at AIA25
• June 10 West Virtual Connect: Affordable Housing
• June 11 AWARDED: True Nature Healing Arts Kiva
• June 18 Business of Architecture: Employees to Owners & Transition to Leadership
• June 19 Committee on the Environment Session 4
• Partner news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: KL&A

2025 Legislative session recap: Part 1

2025 was a busy year at the State Capitol for AIA Colorado. Despite a significant state budget shortfall, we tracked more legislation than usual affecting the architecture profession. We identified 26 bills of interest to our members and took positions on 11 of them. We’re proud to report that every bill AIA Colorado supported passed, and every bill we opposed failed.

The Legislative Summary will be published in two parts and in Part 1 we’re taking a deep dive into the most impactful bills related to housing and sustainability/resiliency. Read it here.

New AIA Colorado Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council

AIA Colorado is proud to support the next generation of architects through Emerging Professional (EP) and Young Architect (YA) programming, leadership development, and national representation. This Council has been created to better connect and coordinate these efforts, to serve as a central hub for EP/YA leaders across the state and national levels to collaborate, share resources, and shape strategic programming for Colorado’s architecture community.

The Leadership Council has been formed by:

• Colorado Young Architects Representative Kaylyn Kirby, AIA
• AIA Colorado Associate Director Anna Friedrich, AIA
• Colorado National Associates Committee Representative Mo Zaina, Assoc. AIA
• Christiopher Kelley Leadership Program Representative Chelsea Wade, AIA
• Ascend Mentorship Representative Lauren Falcon, AIA
• AIA Colorado Student Dania Morelli, AIAS

Visit the AIA Colorado EP/YA webpage to learn more about our key objectives, resources, and initial event schedule. Join us for a kickoff happy hour at Schoolyard Beer Garden in Denver July 24th to meet the council members, other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested.

CKLDP Spring 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 and  Sessions 1, 2, and 3 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 events thus far here.

Academy of Architecture for Health National and Local Updates

Catch up with AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health and hear from 2025 AAH National President, Southern Ellis, AIA, who provides an overview of AAH National organizational structure, goals, and opportunities for collaboration. Watch here.

Celebrating the exemplary work of Colorado architects

Don’t miss your chance to be recognized! Submissions for the 2025 AIA Colorado Design and Honor Awards close on June 20th at 5pm. Whether you’re submitting a project or nominating a peer, now is the time to shine a light on excellence. Submit today and help us honor the people and projects driving our profession forward.

• Design Award submission instructions
• Honor Award submission instructions

Start your submission here

Conference Sponsorship and Expo Hall now open

Planning is well underway for this year’s Practice + Design Conference, happening November 12-14, at Keystone Conference Center. 

Place your company and brand right in the middle of the action and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities!

Do you know trusted industry colleagues who should be there? Our Expo Hall booths – which typically sell out – are now available to reserve!

Last week, members enjoyed the unique opportunity to tour the GSA National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility. Led by OZ architecture, the group toured the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Members bundled up before heading into the freezer to see ice core samples up close!

May 29 • GSA-National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility tour (re-scheduled)

Join the Denver Local Advisors Thursday, May 29th for a tour of a very unique property! Located within a large existing building on the Denver Federal Center campus, the GSA-National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility supports the storage and climate-change research of some 30,000 ice cores from the Arctic and Antarctic. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour of both the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

June 5 • Colorado Night at AIA25

Are you attending AIA25? If so, join us and connect with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA25. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. Learn more and RSVP here.

June 10 • West Virtual Connect: Affordable Housing

Thursday, June 10th, at 8am, join AIA Colorado West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a time of conversation. The topic will be affordable housing and how this issue is posing unique strains in mountain communities. There will be a brief presentation to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. RSVP here.

June 11 • AWARDED: True Nature Healing Arts Kiva

AWARDED is a series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award winners. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart. 

June 11th, at 5pm, in Carbondale, tour this unique property, a cast in place board form concrete refuge anchoring an established public garden. The True Nature kiva includes a spiral ramp to a subterranean 100-person auditorium tucked away amidst an interactive garden of reflexology paths, labyrinths, and more. Join us to see modern architecture quietly centering an active, blossoming, communal space. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

June 18 • Business of Architecture: Employees to Owners & Transition to Leadership

Wednesday, June 18th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person in Denver and via Teams. There will be two parts to the discussion with part one’s topic including discussion about employees to owners and the second part a discussion about the transition to leadership. More information and RSVP here.

June 19 • Committee on the Environment: Beyond the Surface: Vetting Materials for Health, Carbon, and Impact

Thursday, June 19th, at Noon, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for virtual, educational session on sustainable design and construction, featuring Green Badgers Founder & CEO Tommy Linstroth. Additionally, we’ll review selection criteria and resources, industry trends, occupant health, and Material Pledge guidelines. More information and RSVP here.

AIA Colorado North Director Huili Feng, AIA, co-founder of Tumu Studio, shares her story with Voyage Denver.

AIA Colorado President Scott Rodwin, AIA, is introduced in Voyage Denver’s “Hidden Gems: Meet Scott Rodwin of Rodwin Architecture.”

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
• Architectural Associate at Foothills Architects, Ltd.
• Construction Administrator at Clark & Enersen

Young Architects Forum May 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.

Attending AIA25? Attend the Young Architects Forum Events: 

• Taking Care of Business • June 4, 9:30 – 11:30am
• YAF Meetup • June 6, 3 – 4pm
• Bridging Generations • June 7, 1 – 2:30pm

Join YAF on June 10th for an exciting webinar: Charting Your Own Career Path as a Young Architect. Learn more here.

National volunteer opportunities are available 

Explore AIA volunteer opportunities—a great way to support the work and shape the future of the architecture profession, develop and grow leadership skills, and help advance AIA’s mission. AIA encourages participation from members who bring varied perspectives—across career stages, firm sizes, geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and practice areas. We believe that diverse voices help ensure that our programs, policies, and initiatives reflect the evolving needs of the profession and the communities we serve. View the opportunities here and plan to complete the application before June 16th.

Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship recognizes the significant contributions of emerging professionals at early stages in their careers and helps defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Developed by the AIA National Associates Committee, the scholarship honors the memory of late friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. Scholarship recipients will receive funds to cover the cost of the ARE and study materials to prepare for testing, totaling $1,910.00. Applications will be accepted until July 7th. For more info and to apply, go here.

ByDesign in conversation with AIA President Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA

ByDesign Executive Producer Mike Chapman converses with with AIA National President, Evelyn M. Lee, FAIA, about the mindsets, values, and tools she finds helpful not only in her role as AIA President, but for architects in practice and life in general. Watch the special ByDesign segment here.

Call for Proposals: Women’s Leadership Summit 2025

Every year, WLS brings together the AEC industry’s largest network of women for a premier leadership training experience. AIA is seeking bold, insightful proposals for CE sessions that explore visionary leadership, professional growth, and transforming the future. Whether you lead projects, teams, or ideas—your story can spark the next wave of impact. Submission deadline has been extended to June 11th! Learn more and start your submission here.

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

KL&A is a firm built around the idea that structural engineers should return to a master builder role by taking ownership of structural systems. A collaborative approach and project centric behaviors are our differentiators, facilitating a more engaging design and construction process. Their philosophy of personal responsibility has generated a corporate culture of problem solving and innovation. They are engineers first and foremost, which they leverage on their steel detailing and steel construction projects. hey also take great pride in sustainability efforts, utilizing mass timber to minimize embodied carbon in our structures, and providing Life Cycle Assessments on our committed projects.

Visit KL&A’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 Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
  • Sponsorship
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • May 21: Expo Hall Opens
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Sponsorship

In this Newsletter:

• Legislative Session Highlights
• COTE Session 3 now available to watch
• MORFEUS presentation
• 1 Line tour
• Design + Honor Awards submission window closes June 20
• Board meeting and sketching tour
• Practice + Design Conference Sponsorship and Expo Hall now open
• May 22 happy hour in Colorado Springs
• May 29 Academy of Architecture for Health National and Chapter updates
• May 29 Ice Core Facility tour
• June 5 Colorado Night at AIA25
• June 10 West Virtual Connect: Affordable Housing
• June 11 AWARDED: True Nature Healing Arts Kiva
• Partner news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: Ascent Contracting, Inc.

Legislative session highlights

It was another busy year for AIA Colorado at the state capitol with bills introduced on a variety of subjects affecting the architecture profession. We supported 9 bills this year, all of which have been signed into law or are awaiting the governor’s signature. We opposed 3 bills this year that would have increased architects’ liability risks and successfully defeated them all.

These photos are from the signing of HB25-1273, Residential Building Stair Modernization, creating a new building code framework to safely allow multifamily residential buildings up to five stories tall with a single set of stairs. This bill marks months of tireless legislative activity on behalf of the architectural community as we work to design a more affordable, and more beautiful, Colorado of tomorrow.

We’ll publish our full report next month, but we’re pleased to share some of the highlights from the 2025 legislative session here.

Committee on the Environment sessions

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge 

The City of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner, have launched an international call for ideas to address Denver’s housing needs with a focus on the role of design excellence. The competition anticipates over one hundred entries to be submitted by a local and global audience of architects engaged in addressing affordable housing, providing Denver with a platform of ideas to consider as the region addresses future affordable housing needs. Learn more here. 

The competition was recently featured in The Architectural Review here.

Members enjoyed a presentation by MORFEUS co-founder Caroline Støvring, joining us from Norway. Known for their thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture, she presented a variety of inspiring projects highlighting the firms’ focus navigating the intersection of built form and natural environment.  

Last week, the AIA Colorado Board of Directors met at the Museum of Boulder, followed by a fun sketching tour with various stops down Pearl street, and a happy hour on the patio of Rodwin Architecture’s new offices.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

A hockey quote in an architecture newsletter? It fits. Each year, some Honor Award categories go unawarded—not because the jury didn’t find a winner, but because no one submitted. 

If you’ve ever considered submitting for an Honor Award, now’s the time! There’s no fee to enter, and the jury is eager to learn more about you and your contributions to the profession.

And while you’re at it, make sure your photographer is capturing your latest work and that you’re reviewing the Design Award submission guidelines. The deadline is closer than it appears!

Conference Sponsorship and Expo Hall now open

Planning is well underway for this year’s Practice + Design Conference, happening November 12-14, at Keystone Conference Center. 

Place your company and brand right in the middle of the action and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities!

Do you know trusted industry colleagues who should be there? Our Expo Hall booths – which typically sell out – are now available to reserve!

May 22 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Thursday, May 22nd, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA South members for a happy hour in Colorado Springs at Avenue 19. RSVP  here.

May 29 • GSA-National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility tour (re-scheduled)

Join the Denver Local Advisors Thursday, May 29th for a tour of a very unique property! Located within a large existing building on the Denver Federal Center campus, the GSA-National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility supports the storage and climate-change research of some 30,000 ice cores from the Arctic and Antarctic. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour of both the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

May 29 • National and Local AAH Chapter updates

Thursday, May 29th, at Noon, Join AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Knowledge Community for an update from AAH National and a discussion on local developments. We will be joined by the 2025 AAH National President, Southern Ellis, AIA, who will provide an overview of AAH National organizational structure, goals, and opportunities for collaboration. AAH Colorado Chair Tim Neely, AIA, will be sharing preview of AAH Colorado’s remaining events for the year. RSVP here.

June 5 • Colorado Night at AIA25

Are you attending AIA25? If so, join us and connect with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA25. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. Learn more and RSVP here.

June 10 • West Virtual Connect: Affordable Housing

Thursday, June 10th, at 8am, join AIA Colorado West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a time of conversation. The topic will be affordable housing and how this issue is posing unique strains in mountain communities. There will be a brief presentation to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. RSVP here.

June 11 • AWARDED: True Nature Healing Arts Kiva

AWARDED is a series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award winners. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart. 

June 11th, at 5pm, in Carbondale, tour this unique property, a cast in place board form concrete refuge anchoring an established public garden. The True Nature kiva includes a spiral ramp to a subterranean 100-person auditorium tucked away amidst an interactive garden of reflexology paths, labyrinths, and more. Join us to see modern architecture quietly centering an active, blossoming, communal space. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

Aspen Public Radio captured a book event at Explore Booksellers, in Aspen, featuring AIan Ford, FAIA, and Andi Korber, AIA, discussing the book Creating the Regenerative School. Listen at Aspen Public Radio.

Josie Hyde, AIA, Gensler, was recently interviewed by CPR regarding the adaptive reuse of two downtown high rise buildings in downtown Denver. The buildings are located on 17th street and plan to have 700 residential units with retail space on the lower floors. Read the interview here.

Tina Du Mond, AIA, has joined JLG Architects’ Healthcare Practice Studio as a Principal Architect. Congratulations!

Congratulations to member firm Land+Shelter as they celebrate 20 years in business with an event May 28th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, at Colorado Mountain College, Aspen Campus. More info here and RSVP at info@landandshelter.com

Practice Disrupted episode with AISC’s Nima Balasubramanian

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), an AIA Colorado Premier Partner, to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima’s story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship—and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture. Listen here.

Career Coaching Part III – Final Session

Tuesday, May 20th, from 5 – 7pm, join NOMA Colorado for an engaging evening focused on career growth, mentorship, and connection within the architecture and design community. Whether you’re just starting your career or exploring your next move, this session offers valuable guidance and the chance to connect with peers and professionals in the field. Hosted by DLR Group. Light refreshments will be provided. More info and RSVP here.

NOMA Colorado: Members & Friends Kickoff Event at SAR+

Thursday, May 29th, at 5:30pm, join NOMA Colorado’s first Members & Friends Event of 2025 is here. Hosted by SAR+ Architects, join for an evening of connection, insight, and community. Learn about the Ball Arena and River Mile projects from SAR+, hear what’s ahead for NOMA Colorado in 2025, and enjoy snacks and drinks during happy hour. RSVP here.

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 AIA Colorado Premier Partner 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! Call for Submissions is now open – submit 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:

• Talented, Design-Driven Architect at BOSS.architecture
• Project Manager at 4240 Architecture
• Senior Healthcare Architect at The Neenan Company

National volunteer opportunities are available 

Explore AIA volunteer opportunities—a great way to support the work and shape the future of the architecture profession, develop and grow leadership skills, and help advance AIA’s mission. AIA encourages participation from members who bring varied perspectives—across career stages, firm sizes, geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and practice areas. We believe that diverse voices help ensure that our programs, policies, and initiatives reflect the evolving needs of the profession and the communities we serve. View the opportunities here and plan to complete the application before June 16th.

Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship recognizes the significant contributions of emerging professionals at early stages in their careers and helps defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Developed by the AIA National Associates Committee, the scholarship honors the memory of late friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. Scholarship recipients will receive funds to cover the cost of the ARE and study materials to prepare for testing, totaling $1,910.00. Applications will be accepted until July 7th. For more info and to apply, go here.

Business conditions at architecture firms continues to decline

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped to 43.2 in April, down from 44.1 in March. This decline reflects an accelerated decrease in billing activity. Billings have decreased in 28 out of the past 31 months, following their initial drop into negative territory after the post-pandemic boom. New project inquiries decreased for the third month in a row in April, and the value of new design contracts has declined at the majority of firms for 14 consecutive months. Read at AIA.

Don’t miss AIA25 in Boston, June 4–7! 

More than just a conference, AIA25 is an invitation to inspiration. Across four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo, AIA25 will leave you inspired and equipped with new tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose to design a better world.

It’s everything you need, in one location. Get your ticket before it’s too late. Register here.

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

Colorado-owned and -operated, Ascent Contracting specializes in guiding clients through the building process—from the initial concept to the final detail. Each member of our team delivers personalized service, careful and intentional planning, and high-quality craftsmanship, and believes in the value of close collaboration with our clients and with design professionals.

• View Ascent’s AIA flipbook: Guiding Your Project from Concept to Completion
• From 5280 Magainze: An Ultra-Fresh Take on the Suburban Ranch
• From Avid Lifestyle: Rambler Redux

Visit Ascent Contacting’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 Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • May 21: Expo Hall Opens
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.

In this Newsletter:

• Meet the 2025 Design Award Jury
• COTE Session 2 now available to watch
• SAR+ featured on America ByDesign show
• Colorado State University’s Veterinary Health & Education Complex tour
• The Amp tour
• May 8 MORFEUS presentation
• May 13 Awards Information Session
• May 14 AWARDED 1 Line tour
• May 15 Committee On The Environment Session #3
• May 15 Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) happy hour
• May 16 Sketching tour and Rodwin Architecture firm visit
• May 22 happy hour in Colorado Springs
• May 29 Ice Core Facility tour
• Partner news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: Ascent Contracting, Inc.

Introducing the 2025 Design Award Jury

We’re pleased to introduce our esteemed Design Award jury! The jury will be convening in Denver in late-July and we’re looking forward to their careful review of each submission. Learn more about the 2025 Design Award Jury here.

The project categories, eligibility, and submission instructions for the 2025 Design Awards are available here. View the 2025 Honor Awards and submission instructions here.

The submission window for the 2025 Design + Honor Awards is now open and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm. Start your submissions here.

SAR+ on ByDesign! 

Episode 2 of this season’s America ByDesign features Meow Wolf’s Convergence Station designed by SAR+, who teamed up with AIA Colorado Premier Partner KL&A and Turner Construction to tell the wild story of designing such a unique space. Watch the episode here!

ByDesign’s production team is filming in Colorado this Spring. If you have a project you’d like to feature on an upcoming episode, let us know right away! See a list of Colorado projects, featuring AIA Colorado Member Architects, that will be featured here.

AIA Members in the North recently toured Colorado State University’s Veterinary Health & Education Complex. The hard hat tour of the complex comprised of a primary care clinic, animal specialty hospital, and veterinary education center. Many thanks to Casey Roberts, AIA, of Clark & Enersen for leading the tour!

AIA Colorado and IIDA Rocky Mountain Chapter partnered to explore the IIDA BEST Award-winning project The Amp. Led by Gensler, members from both organizations enjoyed learning about the project along with time for connection and dialogue.

Members recently enjoyed a walking tour of the Colorado School of Mines. Thank you to Jared Minter, AIA, Campus Architect, David Pfeifer, AIA, Anderson Mason Dale Architects, and David Schafer, AIA, OZ Architecture for leading the tour!

May 8 • MORFEUS: A Norwegian Approach to Landscape and Architecture

Thursday, May 8th, join AIA Members for a special presentation by Caroline Støvring, founder of MORFEUS, a firm internationally known for their thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture. Caroline is visiting us from Oslo, Norway, and will be sharing case studies that offer insights into the firm’s design process and how MORFEUS navigates the intersection of the built form and natural environment. She will share an inspiring selection of work—from road and landscape installations for Norway’s National Scenic Routes, to private residences, a kindergarten, and transformative reuse projects. Through these case studies, she will offer insight into the firm’s design process and how MORFEUS navigates the intersection of built form and natural environment. Light refreshments will be provided. Session hosted by DLR Group, in Denver, and approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

May 13 • 2025 Awards Information Session

Are you thinking about creating an Awards submission but have never gone through the process? Have a question regarding your submission you need help wtih? Or are you curious if there are any tips that could make your submissions better? If so, join members of AIA Colorado’s awards committee and staff team Tuesday, May 13th, at Noon, for an overview of the Awards program. More information and RSVP here.

May 14 • AWARDED: 1 Line tour

Wednesday, May 14th, join AIA members for a tour of 1 Line, 2024 AIA Colorado Design Award of Excellent and Sustainability Recognition recipient. While integration of mass timber has typically been associated with large buildings, representing 3% of the built environment in the U.S., One Line Studio shifts the focus to the small majority, exploring the innovative use of timber in small structures and emphasizing the creation of durable, low-maintenance buildings that are deeply connected to their surroundings. With a focus upon creative problem solving, this is a discussion of opportunity, strategy, and practicality based upon lessons learned in creating integrated mass timber ecosystems. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

May 15 • Embodied Carbon: Regulations, LEED v5, and Contractor’s Role

Thursday, May 15th, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for a presentation and discussion on Embodied Carbon: Regulations, LEED v5, and Contractor’s Role. The presentation will cover different regulatory and voluntary programs to reduce embodied carbon and how different approaches will result in different outcomes. It will also explain the LEED v5 requirements related to embodied carbon reductions and how contractors are tracking A4 and A5 emissions at the project site. This event has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

May 15 • Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) Happy Hour

Thursday, May 15th, join AIA members for a happy hour at Improper City, in Denver, to meet AIA Colorado’s new Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN). This is a great opportunity to meet other Colorado CRAN members and impact how this committee will engage with Colorado in the coming years. More information and RSVP here.

May 16 • Sketching Tour and Rodwin Architecture Firm Visit

Join the AIA Board of Directors and North Section sections for a fun afternoon of sketching, conversation, followed by a happy hour and firm tour at Rodwin Architecture. We’ll meet in front of the Boulder County Courthouse and proceed down the Mall, making our way to Rodwin Architecture’s new offices. Our intentionally slow procession will allow for ample time to sketch and engage with fellow architects as we take in the details of the Mall and enjoy time to sketch. Bring your sketchbook, pens, watercolors, and artistic eye! Food and drink, and a firm tour, provided. RSVP here.

May 22 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Thursday, May 22nd, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA South members for a happy hour in Colorado Springs at Avenue 19. RSVP  here.

May 29 • GSA-National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility tour (re-scheduled)

Join the Denver Local Advisors Thursday, May 29th for a tour of a very unique property! Located within a large existing building on the Denver Federal Center campus, the GSA-National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility supports the storage and climate-change research of some 30,000 ice cores from the Arctic and Antarctic. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour of both the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

June 5 • Colorado Night at AIA25

Are you attending AIA25? If so, join us and connect with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA25. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. Learn more and RSVP here.

ULI’s 2025 Spring Meeting is taking place in Denver May 12 – 14. If you’re attending, be sure to check out presentations by AIA Colorado members Gosia Kung, AIA, Denver Housing Authority, Harsh Parikh, AIA, Santulan Architecture, and Christopher Carvell, AIA, Carvell Archtiects, Inc. Additionally, Laura Rossbert will be presenting on behalf of AIA Colorado member firm Shopworks.

Architecture Program at CEC End-of-the-Year Exhibition

Wednesday, May 21st, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, attend an exhibition showcasing students’ work from a full year in the program. Featuring a series of working models, freehand sketches, computerized renderings, and construction documents, guests will explore the concept of problem-solving through a variety of design skills. Students are celebrated for developing the ability to communicate their ideas clearly and intuitively, while creating thoughtful, creative, and purposeful design solutions. This exhibition highlights the potential of an architectural problem-solving mindset. Enjoy an evening immersed in the world of architecture at the Career Education Center Early College (CEC), 2650 Eliot St, Denver CO, 80211. Free parking available.

Colorado Building Symposium West

Join Colorado’s building community September 4th and 5th for the 1st Annual Colorado Building Symposium West. This event will be held at Glenwood Springs Branch Library and features builder and building science experts, all based in Colorado, to speak to Colorado specific issues. AIA, ICC and PHIUS Continuing education credits will be provided. Learn more and register here.

Canstruction Call for Entries

Only 5 spots remain for this year’s Canstruction event taking place this Fall. Sign up your team today and look forward to a great competition ahead. More info 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 Manager at 4240 Architecture
• Senior Healthcare Architect at The Neenan Company
• Project Manager/Senior Project Manager (Design/Build at deb Construction Company, Inc.

National volunteer opportunities are available 

Explore AIA volunteer opportunities—a great way to support the work and shape the future of the architecture profession, develop and grow leadership skills, and help advance AIA’s mission. AIA encourages participation from members who bring varied perspectives—across career stages, firm sizes, geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and practice areas. We believe that diverse voices help ensure that our programs, policies, and initiatives reflect the evolving needs of the profession and the communities we serve. 

• Plan to complete the application before June 16th.
• View the opportunities here.
• Register for the Volunteer Interest Call taking place May 21st here. 

AIA Resources for navigating economic uncertainty

AIA and its 200 chapters are here to support you during the current economic uncertainties with curated tools, resources, and connections designed to help you adapt, grow, and succeed. Whether you’re seeking guidance on business strategy, career planning, or personal wellbeing, we’ve gathered what you need to take the next steps with confidence. View resources at AIA

Architecture billings downward trajectory continues

March brought continued challenges for architecture firms, as the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) recorded a score of 44.1, indicating that many firms are still experiencing declining billings. Read at AIA

Uncertainty from Trump tariffs ripple through industry

Dezeen’s editorial director Max Fraser went to Milan design week to speak to industry insiders about how architects and designers are dealing with Trump’s international trade policies roller coaster. Many spoke about shaken confidence and bleak futures, but there remained a commitment to doing quality work, despite the circumstances. Read at Dezeen

Don’t miss AIA25 in Boston, June 4–7! 

More than just a conference, AIA25 is an invitation to inspiration. Across four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo, AIA25 will leave you inspired and equipped with new tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose to design a better world.

It’s everything you need, in one location. Get your ticket before it’s too late. Register here.

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

Colorado-owned and -operated, Ascent Contracting specializes in guiding clients through the building process—from the initial concept to the final detail. Each member of our team delivers personalized service, careful and intentional planning, and high-quality craftsmanship, and believes in the value of close collaboration with our clients and with design professionals.

• View Ascent’s AIA flipbook: Guiding Your Project from Concept to Completion
• From 5280 Magainze: An Ultra-Fresh Take on the Suburban Ranch
• From Avid Lifestyle: Rambler Redux

Visit Ascent Contacting’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 Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window opens Wednesday, April 30th, and closes Friday, June 20th, at 5pm.
  • Celebration Event: September 18th, at Tivoli Turnhalle in Denver, CO.
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • May 1: Expo Hall Open for Premier Partners and Allied Members
  • June 1: Expo Hall Opens
  • July 1 – July 31: Call for Presentations
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.