Category: CKLDP

The 2025 inaugural session of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) was held on January 17^th at OZ Architecture. It was an exciting day getting to know the cohort and set the stage for an engaging year of growth and learning. 

The first presenter, Rachael Yee, AIA, SmithGroup is the founder of AIA Colorado’s CKLDP and former AIA Colorado President. In addition to an introduction to the program’s history, evolution and purpose, Rachel presented on  “Following Your Why”, emphasizing the importance of identifying your purpose in order to foster not only professional growth but also personal transformation, setting an inspiring tone for the sessions to come. 

Our second speaker, Jamie Perkins, led an engaging workshop focused on defining the 2025 Scholar Group’s goals, values, and expectations for the year. Participants engaged in discussions to identify key objectives they wanted to achieve as a cohort, including fostering a collaborative environment and embracing diverse perspectives. Core values such as dependability, engagement, and communication were highlighted as central to the group’s culture. The session also covered the importance of establishing clear expectations to guide behavior, communication, and teamwork throughout the program. The workshop was interactive, with participants sharing their insights and contributing to a collective framework that will guide future sessions. 

The session concluded with a strong sense of shared purpose and commitment to the values and goals established, ensuring alignment as the group moves forward into the next phases of the program. 

The next session for the 2025 Class will be Friday March 14^th covering Management & Mentorship. 

Thank you to sponsors Martin/Martin, McCarthy Construction, and Schluter Systems.

Date + Location

• May 10, 2024
• Dahlia Campus for Health + Well-Being

Speakers

• Marc Swackhamer, AIA, Chair of Architecture Department and Professor, CU Denver
• Hansel Bauman, Human-Centered Design Specialist, Founder and Principal, HB/A+P
• Dee Dee DeVuyst, Executive Director, Radian
• Lydia Prado, PhD, Former Vice President of Child and Family Services for the Mental Health Center of Denver, Founder, Lifespan Local
• Cath Bellem, Architect, Founder, Collective Potential

Organizers

• Mallory Esselman, AIA, and Zachary Sherrod, AIA

Through the lenses of subject matter experts engaged my Mallory and Zachary, in this session, scholars looked at best practices for engaging within their community, at the various scales and spheres by which a “community” may be defined. Design backed by research, an effort requiring process and dedication before a building or space is ever drawn, was a highlight of the session and a common theme through each speaker’s content. Real-life examples where shared through a walking tour of the North Park Hill neighborhood and of the Dahlia Campus, where the session was hosted. 

Date + Location

• June 14, 2024
• Interior Environments 

Speakers

• Krista Trofka, National Business Development Leader, Senior Associate, DLR Group
• Sarah Cullen, President, Sidecar PR
• Adam Wagoner, AIA, Principal of High, Low, Buffalo, Host of Architect-ing Podcast
• Chris Holzwart, AIA, Principal and Owner of Holzarch
• Haily Tweedie, Founder, Tweed Studio
• Jennifer Olson, Partner, ForumPhi
• Samantha Hunt-Duran, Owner and Founder, Mountain Museum Management LLC

Organizers

• Sara Zezulka, AIA, and Sonya Shah, AIA, NOMA

Sara and Sonya developed this session to start with building a few key understandings with “Designing Your Impact” and “Starting with Why” presentations. Scholars were presented with effective business development and growth strategies, those that are driven by intention and purpose, then were encouraged to discuss and think about application of these ideas with a follow-up break out reflection period. Throughout later portion of the afternoon, additional conversation and perspective was shared via a panel moderated by Sara and Sonya. Participants in the panel discussed their varied experiences as entrepreneurs and industry leaders – Their successes, and their lessons learned. 

Date + Location

• July 12, 2024
• Flight Building

Speakers

• Daniel T. Buelow, Managing Director, WTW A&E
• Jacqueline Pons-Bunney, Esq.,Managing Partner and Owner, W&D Law, LLP
• Kelly Smith, AIA, Owner, Studio | Shop
• Bryan Schmidt, AIA, LEED AP – Principal at Semple Brown
• Deborah Tan Lucking, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, Director of Sustainability, Fentress

Organizers

• Erich Dernbach, AIA, and Taylor Higgins, AIA  

In this session, hosted at the Flight Building by Erich and Taylor, the scholars learned more about the art of contracts and negotiation. Though not what may first come to mind in considering what it means to be an architect, understanding liability, legal consequences and the role of architect as advocate are all critical components to successful practice within the industry. Terms and responsibilities, the nuances in contracts, key items to be aware of, were shared during the session, as well as a number of legal case studies. The panel discussion, comprised of industry leaders, shed light on the architect’s part in educating prospective clients on the duties performed by the architects as well as how a well-executed contract is the best way to mitigate risk. 

Date + Location

• January 19, 2024
• AlA Colorado – The Alliance Center

Speakers

• Rachel Yee, AIA, NCARB, EDAC – Architect, Founder of CKLDP Colorado Chapter, and former President of AIA Colorado
• Jamie Perkins – Communications Consultant, Jackalope Strategy
• Rebekah Wagoner, AIA – Architect, CKLDP Colorado Alumni and Former Chair, AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year 2024

Organizers

• CKLDP Colorado Executive Committee

This year’s program started with the “bootcamp session” hosted by AIA Colorado at The Alliance Center. Scholars (program participants) introduced themselves PechaKucha style, met the executive committee and learned the program’s expectations and responsibilities for the year to come. They were joined by guest speakers Rachel Yee, AIA, and Rebekah Wagoner, AIA, who were both able to share their experiences with CKLDP, some history of the program, and their advice to emerging professionals in the field of architecture. The session also included a workshop led by Jame Perkins of Jackalope Strategy to set group norms around values, decisions making, conflict resolution, meetings and communication/tools to be applied throughout the year.

Date + Location

• March 8, 2024
• McCarthy Construction

Speakers:

• Michele Raftery, FSMPS, CPSM, WELL AP – Principal and Partner 4240 Architecture
• Rick Peterson, FAIA, LEED AP – Principal Oz Architecture; Geneva Kowalski, NCARB, LEED AP, CPHT – Principal and Partner Studio K2 Architecture
• Todd Afflerbaugh, RA, LEED AP – Senior Associate BVH Architecture
• Bob Binder, AIA, LEED AP BD + C – SW Region Leader DLR Group; Katelyn Wager, PE – Commercial Division Leader EVstudio Structural Engineering
• Jordan Swisher – Commercial Real Estate Brue Baukol; Jason Coughlin – VP of Operations McCarthy Constructions

Organizers

• Hannah Hobbs, AIA, and Mackenzie Huber, AIA

The first session hosted by scholar pairing Hannah Hobbs, AIA, and Mackenzie Huber, AIA, included presentations by architectural leaders and principals in our local community covering topics such as the importance of active listening in leadership, improving interpersonal connections, balancing the team, client and architectural design stakeholders in projects, creating a supportive environment, and informal/formal mentorship. The session wrapped up with a panel comprised of representatives from the A/E industry where participants discussed their experiences with mentorship, where the relationships and benefits to be had, go both ways. 

Date + Location

• April 12, 2024
• DLR Group

Speakers: 

• Tom I. Romero II, Ph.D, J.D. – Director of Interdisciplinary Research Institute for the Study of (in)Equality at the University of Denver
• Brian J. Fagerstrom, AIA, Inupiaq – Founder and CEO Amaktoolik Studios
• Adriana Medina-López-Portillo, Ph.D, CMC, ELI-MP Founder and CEO Pangea Training
• Summer Westbrooks – Owner and CEO Aloha Spirit Marketing
• Jessica Bantom – Global Leader of Equity, Diversity, and Belonging DLR Group, Interior Design consultant

Organizers

• Wei Zhao, AIA, and Ash Baldwin, AIA

The second session, hosted by Wei Zhao, AIA, and Ash Baldwin, AIA, focused on ways to be more inclusive as a design professional and how to better understand others’ perspectives, unpacking biases within ourselves and the industry. The session began with “A Brief History of the Color Line in Colorado” by Dr. Tom Romero, discussing architecture’s connection to the land, organization by law, the history and recognizing impacts. The second speaker, Brian Fagerstrom, AIA, shared the Native American land perspective, and one particular project, where a large effort was made to bring together more than 30 tribes from six states to be consulted prior to the start of design for Fishers Peak State Park. Adriana Medina-López-Portillo facilitated a workshop with Summer Westbrooks to unpack how explicit and implicit biases occur. Jessica Bantom presented “6 Habits of Culturally Competent Designers”, reminding the group that consistent effort is needed to embody cultural competence. Lastly, the session wrapped up with a Safe Place Discussion, asking “Where do we go from here?” joined by members of the AIA Colorado JEDI Committee.

Session Description

• Define elements & importance of active listening 
• Describe key ways to manage an effective team 
• Define importance of mentorship 
• Discuss different ways mentorship can show up throughout the A/E industry 

Key Takeaways

• Key Takeaway 1
  • Active listening, crucial for job success and relationship quality, involves attentiveness and understanding verbal and non-verbal cues to foster trust and empathy. Overcoming barriers and adopting strategies for effective listening can enhance communication and interpersonal connections. 
• Key Takeaway 2
  • Effective team management hinges on fostering empathy, agency, and accountability, along with clear expectations and goals, to cultivate ownership and pride. Addressing common issues like unmet expectations and role mismatches through strategic communication and empowerment is crucial for creating a supportive and successful team environment. 
• Key Takeaway 3
  • Mentorship can show up in many different forms. It is up to the individual seeking mentorship to know what is right for them, and to be dedicated to learning, personal, and career growth. A mentor is an invaluable resource throughout one’s career. 

Listening to Learn: A Pathway to Rewarding Leadership

Michele Raftery, a partner/principal at 4240 Architecture, shared her insight and wisdom on active listening. Effective listening is key to job performance and enhancing relationships. It’s a critical but often overlooked skill necessary for information gathering, understanding, and learning. Edgar Dale’s ‘Cone of Experience’ shows we remember only 20%-50% of what we hear, underlining the importance of active listening. This involves attentiveness, minimizing distractions, understanding verbal and nonverbal cues, and engaging with the speaker through questions and clarifications. 

Active listening fosters trust and empathy, essential for building strong relationships. Recognizing and overcoming barriers like environmental distractions and personal biases can improve listening skills. Strategies to enhance active listening include embracing positive habits, conducting self-checks, and actively seeking feedback to foster a culture of open communication. 

Addressing personal needs as outlined in Maslow’s Hierarchy can also prepare individuals for better listening, making it a cornerstone of effective teamwork and interpersonal connections. 

Managing the Trifecta: Teams, Projects, and Clients

Rick Peterson, FAIA, Principal at OZ Architecture, led a presentation with refreshing candor on what it takes to balance the moving targets of project relationships. Managing a successful team requires a balance of empathy, agency, and accountability, fostering a sense of ownership among team members. Setting clear expectations and goals is essential. Addressing issues. Effectively involves taking responsibility, careful scheduling to avoid overcommitment, and empowering team members to take ownership and feel proud of their work. Effective communication and collaboration, especially in person, create an atmosphere of opportunity and enjoyment, aiming to make everyone successful. Common challenges include misplaced optimism by architects, unmet expectations, and mismatches of roles or team dynamics, such as having the right people in the wrong seats or incompatible team members. Overcoming these hurdles through strategic management and a supportive environment is key to team effectiveness. 

The Importance of Mentorship

Geneva Kowalski, the principal and majority partner at Studio K2 Architecture highlighted the importance of mentorship by telling her story of different mentors she’s had over the years. 

Mentorship can show up in many different ways – it can be a formal program set up by a workplace or it can be sought out and doesn’t have to be as defined or rigid of a relationship. Relationships outside of the mentee’s firm can be equally or more important, and can be someone in a professional organization, or someone the mentee has worked with in the past.Sometimes a mentor can be someone that you are frequently meeting with and can help you with day-to-day question. Other times, a mentor can be someone that is only met with on occasion and can help with bigger-picture ideas and long-term career growth.Mentorship can have many benefits including knowledge transfer, help networking, giving constructive feedback, and helping with career and personal growth. 

Panel: Differing Perspectives on Mentorship in the A/E Industry

The Panel consisted of 4 representatives of different aspects of the A/E industry: an architecture firm, A/E firm, General Contractor, and Developer. The panel was led by Todd Afflerbaugh, an architect at BVH. Todd asked many pointed questions about how mentorship showed up in each panelist’s own experience. The responses of panelists often paralleled each other, highlighting the importance of having someone to lean on during your career. Mentorship is not an everyday task, but something that is periodic. It differs from career management in the sense that it can provide personal guidance and a mentor can be an advocate for a mentee within their firm. Within firms, it can be important to have a formal structure in place, and a timeline established for the relationship so there can be a clean break if necessary, or the relationship can continue if desired. Important qualities of a mentee are being able to define their needs, asking critical questions, seeking honest feedback, and a desire to learn.A mentor-mentee relationship is always two-ways, and the mentor can learn from the mentee as well. 

The Colorado chapter of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) kicked off its 2023 program with an eventful Boot Camp session, held in the salon space of rowland+broughton. The session began with Rachel Yee, AIA, former AIA Colorado President and founder of the CKLDP Colorado chapter, sharing the history of the program and the importance of storytelling in architecture. Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, CEO AIA Colorado, also provided valuable advice on traits that successful leaders should embody, emphasizing the power of storytelling. To conclude the session, Martin Moe III facilitated a discussion on culture and group norms, setting the stage for future interactions throughout the program this year.

• Date and Location: January 20^th, Rowland+Broughton
• Speakers:
  Rachel Yee, AIA – Architect at SmithGroup and founder of the Colorado chapter of CKLDP
  Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA – CEO, AIA Colorado
  Martin Moe III – Senior Analyst, Facilitator, and Process Improvement Trainer
• Organizers: CKLDP Executive Committee

The first session delved into the world of entrepreneurship and management. The session started with a panel discussion featuring Stacey Passmore, Diane Lipovsky, Adam Wagoner, AIA, and Miles Dake, who shared their experiences and insights on starting a business and building a team. Key takeaways from the panelists included the importance of flexibility in entrepreneurship, establishing a clear mission and vision for a business, and looking for humility in team members. The session also included presentations on relational leadership tools by Jimmy Carnes and practical leadership tools and resources such as articles, books, podcasts, and tools to enhance their leadership skills. Lastly, Krista Trofka shared insight on the importance of personal relationships, value proposition, and staying curious.

• Date and Location: March 10^th, Arch11
• Speakers:
  Stacey Passmore – Founder of Superbloom Landscape Architecture
  Diane Lipovsky – Founder of Superbloom Landscape Architecture
  Adam Wagoner, AIA – Co-founder of Further Architecture Office
  Miles Dake – Founder of Dake Collaborative
  Jimmy Carnes – Coach at Capable Life
  Krista Trofka – National Business Development Leader at DLR Group
• Organizers: Levi Wall, AIA, and Linnaea Stuart, AIA

The second session focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Joy Crouse delivered a keynote address that provided definitions, conceptual overviews, and engaging activities to foster meaningful conversations about DEI. The session highlighted the importance of recognizing the difference between intent and effect, understanding surface and deep culture, and striving for equality and liberation. Additionally, a panel discussion featuring representatives from the National Organization of Minority Architects addressed the past, present, and future of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession, with panelists sharing personal experiences and emphasizing the need for action. The session concluded with a DEI workshop led by Jen Skidmore, which encouraged participants to envision the future of architecture in terms of diversity, equity, and inclusion. The session focused on challenging dominant narratives, considering barriers and solutions, and reflecting on personal actions for advancing equity and justice in the field.

• Date and Location: April 14^th, Gensler
• Speakers:
  Joyous Crouse – Training and Development Facilitator
  Patricia Joseph Gill – Associate Project Architect at The Abo Group
  Ron Abo, FAIA – Founder of The Abo Group
  Guadalupe Cantu, AIA – Associate Principal at Davis Partnership Architects
  Ivan Patino – Associate at Tryba Architects
  Jen Skidmore – Director of Professional Development and Internships at the University of Colorado, Denver, College of Architecture and Planning
• Organizers: Andriy Grygorenko and Kelly Buchanan, AIA

Session three focused on community engagement for architects. The session explored the importance of meaningful engagement with communities and how it can enhance architectural work. The first speaker, Evelyn Lee, discussed the traits of effective community leaders, emphasizing the need to establish a personal brand and voice to create influence. Laura Rossbertshared her research on trauma-informed design, highlighting the importance of understanding the diverse experiences of a building’s various users to create inclusive environments. Rick Sommerfeld discussed the Colorado Building Workshop and emphasized the value of finding opportunities within the community for architectural projects. Lastly, Deanna Weber and Jay Renkens led a workshop on effective facilitation in public interest design, emphasizing empathy, active listening, and creating an inclusive and safe environment for community engagement. The session provided attendees with tools and resources to enhance their community engagement practices, including podcasts, open-source research, and recommended readings on facilitation and design.

• Date and Location: May 12^th, TreanorHL
• Speakers:
  Evelyn Lee – Global Head of Workplace Strategy and Innovation at Slack Technologies
  Laura Rossbert – COO and Supportive Housing Specialist at ShopworksArchitecture
  Rick Sommerfeld – Associate Professor and Director of the Colorado Building Workshop at the University of Colorado, Denver
  Deanna Weber – Principal and Vice President, Buildings + Places US West at AECOM
  Jay Renkens – Principal and Director of Firmwide Planning and Design Services, MIG
• Organizers: Pratiksha Achari, Assoc. AIA, and Sarah Long, AIA

The first four sessions of the CKLDP Colorado chapter provided participants with a diverse range of topics and perspectives. By addressing topics such as entrepreneurship, management, DEI, and practical leadership tools, these sessions equipped the participants with valuable knowledge, insights, and tools for their personal and professional growth. As the program continues, the participants can expect to further develop their leadership skills and contribute to the advancement of the architecture profession in Colorado.