The AIA Colorado Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community.
The 2026 Design + Honor Awards submission window closes Friday, June 26th, at Noon.
Design Award Jury
The jury will gather this July, in Denver, bringing national expertise to review the inspiring projects submitted by AIA Colorado members.
Award Submissions
Learn more about the 2026 Design Awards, the project categories, eligibility, submission instructions, and view past successful submissions here.
View the 2025 Honor Awards and submission instructions here.
The submission window for the 2026 Design + Honor Awards is now open and closes Friday, June 26th, at noon.
AIA Colorado and our Government Affairs Committee were proud to present seven awards this year to state legislators. In addition to our two annual awards, a busy legislative session justified additional recognition for our growing number of allies at the state Capitol.
Rep. Andrew Boesenecker is our 2025 Legislator of the Year for his dedication in support of two key AIA Colorado bills, HB25-1272: Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing and HB25-1273: Residential Building Stair Modernization. As a co-prime sponsor of both bills, Rep. Boesenecker put in countless hours working with various stakeholder groups with unique, and often competing, needs and concerns. He also helped us defeat SB25-185: Claims Against Construction Professionals, which would have resulted in more lawsuits against architects who do for-sale residential projects.
Senator Matt Ball is our 2025 Outstanding New Legislator for a long list of bills passed that align with AIA Colorado’s positions in housing and sustainability. On the Senate side, Senator Ball introduced SB25-182: Embodied Carbon Reduction and was a key “no” vote against SB25-185: Claims Against Construction Professionals that helped set us up for our successful campaign against the bill. He also got HB25-1273: Residential Building Stair Modernization and HB25-1269: Building Decarbonization Measures over the finish line in the House.
We are also pleased to recognize Rep. Chad Clifford, Rep. Cecelia Espenoza, Rep. Ryan Gonzalez, and Rep. Michael Carter as 2025 Legislative Champions for their efforts to help AIA Colorado defeat SB25-185: Claims Against Construction Professionals in the House after it was aggressively pushed through the Senate by leadership. Due to a vaguely worded bill and an unlikely partnership between homebuilders and trial lawyers, we had to pull out all the stops educating legislators on how unfair this bill was to architects and professional engineers who do work on for-sale residential projects, and that passing it would undercut Colorado’s efforts to increase supply and lower housing costs. Our champions did not just vote against the bill, they stood up for architects during the House Judiciary Committee hearing and during the bill’s floor debate to help us defeat it.
Last but not least, we recognized Rep. Shannon Bird for seven years as one of our strongest legislative allies over her tenure in the House. We have previously recognized Rep. Bird as our 2022 Legislator of the Year, and she has been a champion for construction defect reform in both 2024’s unsuccessful effort and 2025’s HB25-1272: Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing, where she organized more than 100 stakeholder meetings and devised a novel opt-in program approach for for-sale multifamily residential projects that will strengthen liability protections for architects and all construction professionals while preserving the rights of homeowners. Rep. Bird was also an important ally in our arguments against SB25-185: Claims Against Construction Professionals, which would have undone the other work she was doing.
Congratulations to all our award recipients!
More details on the bills listed here can be found in our annual legislative summary Part 1 and Part 2.
Kevin Nguyen, AIA
This award recognizes an individual architect who has made significant impact on the profession of architecture in Colorado. The criteria state they have developed a portfolio of notable, creative, and meaningful architecture that has positively impacted Colorado, they have pushed architecture toward the future while also honoring its past, become widely known for the quality of their work by architects, designers, educators, and the public, have advocated for fellow architects and advanced the community through their service and leadership, and have helped to address current issues in Colorado by using their expertise as a design professional.
Presented by Adam Wagoner, AIA
Founder, High, Low, Buffalo.
2024 AIA Colorado Architect of the Year
Our recipient for 2025 not only represents exceptional stewardship of design but also exemplifies the power of the profession of architecture within a community.
Kevin possesses a remarkable ability to translate a chef’s vision and story into immersive and celebrated dining experiences. His designs, lauded by both critics and the Colorado community, have redefined the city’s culinary landscape, solidifying his reputation as a sought-after partner for restaurateurs and as a force in hospitality design. His focus on the experience of the end user makes his design not only functional but also a place to create lasting memories.
Beyond his achievements in design, Kevin is a dedicated advocate for lifting up others in the profession and community. Through Regular Architecture, he actively seeks opportunities to mentor emerging architects, providing guidance and support through programs like Immersion Workshop and ACE Mentoring Program.
Additionally, Kevin’s commitment to serving the underserved is evident in Regular Architecture’s pro-bono work, providing design services for community-based organizations like the Social Fabric Community Hub and countless volunteer hours with Food For Thought. His unwavering dedication to mentorship, community service, and design excellence truly sets him apart among this year’s applicants.
The jury was loudly unanimous in their decision and is thrilled to announce Kevin Nguyen as 2025 AIA Colorado Architect of the Year. Congratulations!
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Kaylyn Kirby, AIA
The AIA Colorado Young Architect Award recognizes the individual achievements of a young architect licensed to practice architecture fewer than 10 years. This individual will have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their career.
Presented by Tyler Wurr, AIA
RTA Architects
2025 AIA Colorado South Director
For the 2025 Young Architect of the Year award, the jury had no shortage of talent to deliberate over. So first, we would like to acknowledge the fantastic applicants this year, and we hope you will consider applying next year.
In a year filled with remarkable nominees, Kaylyn Kirby’s nomination truly distinguished itself. It is a privilege to recognize her with this well-earned honor.
Kaylyn is an Associate Principal at Semple Brown where she has been practicing since 2017. Kaylyn is unwavering in her commitment to the profession and its people; anyone who knows her would say the same.
Kaylyn’s dedication to mentorship is especially admirable. She is both a mentor and a true leader in her daily studio environment, and in her volunteer activities. Kaylyn has served numerous roles to elevate and guide emerging professionals and young architects, including the AIA Colorado EP/YA Leadership Council, as a mentor for the AIA Colorado Ascend Mentorship Program, and as the Young Architect’s Forum representative, to name just a few. Her commitment to the next generation of architects is an inspiration to all.
Guided by a deep passion for design excellence, Kaylyn creates spaces that transform and improve the places where we live, work, and gather. From large mixed-use and multifamily projects to historic rehabilitations and renovations, her impressive portfolio spans multiple project types. From the local level to the national stage, Kaylyn’s contributions have strengthened our profession and enriched its people.
Congratulations!
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Gov. Jared Polis
This Award recognizes a community member in Colorado who has significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture from a vantage point outside of a firm or a traditional practice career.
Presented by Scott Rodwin, AIA
Principal, Rodwin Architecture
2025 AIA Colorado President
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Barker Rinker Seacat
This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a firm that has produced notable architecture for at least a decade. Award-winning firms have set an example both in design and leadership in the state. Criteria include an outstanding portfolio as a product of the firm’s collaborative environment. Through its work it has made a significant impact on its community and/or the architecture profession. Demonstrates a commitment to training future architects. Additionally, they exhibit a culture that embraces diversity and is widely known for the quality of its work, ability to work with clients and collaboration as a team by architects, designers, educators, and the public. They are known for the application of innovative technologies and/or progressive methodologies and developed works to achieve resilient and sustainable design goals.
Presented by Andy Rockmore, AIA
Principal, SAR+
2025 AIA Colorado President-Elect
This award recognizes the outstanding achievement of a firm that has produced notable architecture for at least a decade. Award-winning firms have set an example both in design work and practice leadership in the state.
Barker Rinker Seacat is celebrating 50 years of practice, a feat worthy of an award all on its own. However, the jury was even more impressed and inspired for their commitment to creating high quality, community centered architecture, for decades. Their work is the result of bringing people together to create places for social connection specific to each community.
The jury was equally impressed by their ability to keep people together, in their great firm. They are a perfect example of a company that values staying together by working together, year after year. This commitment to each other and to their culture, is evident in every piece of exceptional architecture they create.
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Erik Sommerfeld, AIA
Recognizes an individual with at least a decade of experience in architectural education who made significant impact on the profession.
Presented by Jack Davis, FAIA
Dean Emeritus, College of Architecture and Urban Studies at Virginia Tech
It is a great honor, on behalf of the AIA Colorado Awards Committee, to present a very special recognition, our inaugural Educator of the Year Award.
This year, the decision was unanimous. The committee is proud to recognize Rick Sommerfeld, Director of the Colorado Building Workshop and Chair of the Graduate Program at the University of Colorado Denver, for his extraordinary contributions to architectural education and practice. Whether or not one has worked with him directly as an educator, his influence is widely felt. Rick has profoundly shaped the education and careers of countless architects—both in the studio and through the Colorado Building Workshop, CU Denver’s renowned design-build program.
Under his leadership, Colorado Building Workshop has become a nationally and internationally recognized program, with projects spanning from Denver to Antarctica. Nearly everyone in our community can point to a project designed and built by his students. As one nomination so
eloquently stated: “Rick Sommerfeld is an educator whose impact radiates far beyond the
classroom. His teaching doesn’t just prepare students for architecture; it
ignites within them the capacity to shape the field itself.”
Rick is admired by all who know him—as a mentor, a connector within the profession, a visionary in architectural discourse, and a lifelong teacher of design and of seeing the world through design. He embodies what it means to be an architect: thoughtful in design, grounded in community, and committed to pushing boundaries of what is possible.
For inspiring students, for believing in them, and for shaping the future of our profession, we extend our deepest gratitude. On behalf of the Awards Committee, it is a privilege to present Rick Sommerfeld with the Educator of the Year Award. Congratulations!
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Sean Jursnick, AIA
Recognizes the individual achievements of an AIA member in Colorado who has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and has significantly contributed to the public good through sustained volunteer efforts.
Presented by Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA,
Stantec
2024 Jason Pettigrew Honoree
AIA Colorado is proud to present the Citizen Architect Award to Sean Jursnick, AIA, recognizing his exceptional dedication to both the architectural profession and the broader community.
Sean exemplifies what it means to be a Citizen Architect—someone who transcends the traditional boundaries of practice to effect meaningful change. His visionary leadership in housing reform, particularly through his advocacy for single-stair legislation, has reshaped the conversation around attainable housing in Colorado and beyond, and in our 2025 legislative session we saw the passage of Colorado’s Smart Stair Bill, which would not have been possible without the work and dedication from Sean.
His efforts have extended far beyond design. Sean has engaged in civic collaboration, published thought-provoking articles, and met with legislators across the country to share the potential of single-stair residential construction. By championing a single, transformative idea and pursuing it with unwavering commitment, Sean has demonstrated how architecture can be a powerful tool for social impact. He recently led Denver’s Single-Stair Housing Challenge, uniting designers, policymakers, and community advocates, addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time: creating accessible, inclusive housing solutions for all.
I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Sean both in practice and through our shared involvement with the AIA Colorado Government Affairs Committee. His ability to translate global insights into local action is inspiring. What began as an idea sparked during his travels abroad has evolved into a movement—one that is changing policy, influencing design, and improving lives.
When we think of a Citizen Architect, we envision someone who leads with purpose, collaborates with compassion, and builds with a vision for a better future. Sean Jursnick embodies all of these qualities. It is a true honor, on behalf of AIA Colorado, to recognize his contributions and celebrate his impact today.
Pew Charitable Trust: Small Single-Stairway Apartment Buildings Have Strong Safety Record
Market Urbanism: Resources for Reformers: Single-Stair Midrise Buildings
Medium: ‘Point Access Blocks: Improving Colorado Housing’
Vox: The deceptively simple reform that could unlock more housing
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Modern In Denver
This award recognizes a group or organization in Colorado that has made a positive impact on Colorado communities and significantly contributed to the advancement of architecture and/or enhanced the role of practitioners.
Presented by Brad Tomecek, FAIA
Principal, Tomecek Studio Architecture
2022 AIA Colorado Architect of the Year
William Logan and his publication, Modern in Denver, have touched countless people—from the City of Denver to the state of Colorado and beyond.
As a non-architect, William has become a true champion of elevated design. He is passionate and cares deeply about its value. He recognizes the positive influence design has on people’s lives and how this force creates a tangible, concrete impact on our world.
I first met William through a mutual friend when he was contemplating starting Modern in Denver. At the time, I had just completed a modular prefab LEED Pilot residence in the Highlands. I found William curious and full of the kind of good energy required to realize such an ambitious endeavor: becoming a leader in our design community.
He approaches every story with playfulness and humor, but it is his tenacity that has given Modern in Denver such a profound impact on our community—not to mention his remarkable graphic design sensibility.
The Modern in Denver team—including William, editor Vanessa Kauffman Zimmerly, and advertising and operations director Daniel Burns—embraces diverse, curated topics spanning culture, planning, landscape, and architecture, not only in Denver but regionally and globally as well. They are deeply committed to the community, as evidenced by events such as Design Week and Design in Bloom. They also create opportunities for discourse through op-eds, design conversations, and artist exposés.
Most of all, William and Modern in Denver educate people on how we, as a culture, can do better—
why good design makes a difference, why coming together to celebrate our passions and connect
is ultimately what matters most.
Congratulations, William and Modern in Denver, on this distinct recognition!
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
Tryba Architects
This award showcases buildings that set a precedent and stand the test of time. Recognizing a built structure that has catalyzed, reimagined, and advanced communities in Colorado, enhancing the public’s appreciation and beneficial use of architecture. These honorees continue to set standards of design excellence and architectural significance. Eligible nominations must be: located in Colorado, built at least 25 years prior to the date of submittal, and still in active use.
Presented by Andy Rockmore, AIA
Principal, SAR+
2025 AIA Colorado President-Elect.
Located in the North Capitol Hill neighborhood, the project reflects the remarkable transformation of a historic residence into both a family home and a thriving design studio. Originally built in 1895 by master architect Frank Edbrooke—known for Denver landmarks like the Brown Palace Hotel—the neoclassical home fell into decline over the decades.
In 1998, David and Stephanie Tryba restored the residence and adaptively reused the adjacent ballroom as the firm’s studio. The result is a striking blend of historic character and modern design, with light-filled workspaces, a library, gallery, and restored gardens.
For 25 years, the Architect’s Studio has been more than a workplace. It has served as a catalyst for revitalization in a once-neglected neighborhood, bridging downtown Denver with surrounding communities, and influencing the city’s growth through historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and sustainable infill development.
On behalf of AIA Colorado, we are proud to present the 2025 Twenty-Five Year Award to The Architect’s Studio by Tryba Architects.
Congratulations!
The annual AIA Colorado Awards honor the outstanding work of members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture, and highlight member contributions to positive change.
