Category: Community Matters

Webinar Recap: Designing for Equity

Posted on by Jon Bell

The division is still here. It divides and stifles. Inequity permeates our Colorado built environment. The haves and have nots in design and development are overwhelming to those who eyewitness barriers and hopelessness. For those who do not understand this, listen, consider, collaborate, and design. But how can architects help overcome this current inequity in design? All that and more was discussed during a recent AIA Colorado and NOMA Colorado joint webinar, “Designing for Equity: Our Responsibility to Create Inclusive Environments.”


Panelists included:

  • Nita Gonzales, M.ED., Principal, Nuevo Amanecer, LLC
  • Shalini Agrawal, Founder and Principal of Public Design for Equity and Director of Programs for Open Architecture Collaborative and Pathways to Equity
  • Dee Dee Devuyst, Acting Executive Director, Radian

The panel was co-moderated by Kaci Taylor, AIA, NOMA, and Patricia Joseph, Assoc. AIA, NOMA.

To understand architectural inequities today, one must go back decades and generations to understand a broader context. Consider these opposing ideas dealing with inequity… home ownership versus renting, generational wealth versus hourly minimum wage, and loan acceptance versus loan rejections. 

Redlining in Denver from the early to mid-1900s involved denying home loans to minorities based on living in the “red-lined” disadvantaged (or risky investment) areas of Denver. This practice perpetuated itself with minorities not having generational wealth accumulated by home ownership; therefore, renting was the most likely option for minority descendants. Lack of home ownership affects influence and standing in communities, which directly impacts zoning, development, and building usages. Said Gonzales, “The equity lens for Denver is disappointing and frustrating. For example, grocery and early childhood deserts exists in lower income neighborhoods.” Privileged communities are not faced with these challenges. 

“We are trained to be creative problem solvers. Lean in with this skill.”

  • Shalini Agrawal

    • Furthermore, a decades-long trend of gentrification negatively impacts minority communities. If we consider the dictionary’s definition, gentrification is described as a process in which a poor area (as of a city) experiences an influx of middle-class or wealthy people who renovate and rebuild homes and businesses and which often results in an increase in property values and the displacement of earlier, usually poorer residents. Gentrification may appear to benefit many, but the reality is a stark contrast that pushes out individuals and families who are not resourced well. And it’s back to renting in substandard neighborhoods. 

    What are some practical steps architects and design stakeholders can incorporate to mitigate a racially divided built environment? First, designers need to become more intentional in connecting with under-represented neighborhoods. “Walk the community. Risk the chance of meeting people in the community,” Gonzales said. “Balance form with function [in design] with the land and not to control the land.”

    Next, take an “Equity Pause.” “Air a question. Make space for listening,” said Agrawal. Be curious. Listen to people and their concerns. Taylor added that what we see is not by accident—it is by design. Use a different lens and an organic approach in architectural design. 

    Finally, do what architects do best—solve complex problems. Agrawal said, “We are trained to be creative problem solvers. Lean in with this skill.” With this in mind, understand from the community’s point of view the effects of your design. Devuyst added, “How are we causing more harm? Is this project going to unintentionally promote gentrification?” 

    Authenticity goes a long way. Don’t patronize. Hire help within the community. “Move from transactional to relational,” said Agrawal. “And move at the speed of trust.” 

    Architects make generational decisions that may last over 100 years. Let’s listen, consider, and design buildings that yield positive outcomes for everyone. Challenge yourself to walk a neighborhood and fully understand its culture and its people, as well as its cost-benefit. That’s a legacy built on listening and designing a built environment that solves complex problems with mutually beneficial outcomes, ultimately helping to unite people together. 

    Meet the 2021 Outstanding New Legislator

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Rep. Tracey Bernett

    House Representative Tracey Bernett (District 12) is the esteemed recipient of the AIA Colorado 2021 Outstanding New Legislator Award. Representative Bernett was an instrumental force behind the landmark HB21-1303: Global Warming Potential For Public Project Materials embodied carbon bill, known as the “Buy Clean Colorado Act,” signed into law on July 6. The bill requires the Office of the State Architect and the Department of Transportation to establish policies to limit acceptable Global Warming Potential for asphalt, cement, concrete, steel, glass, and wood on state-funded building and transportation projects.

    She sat down with AIA Colorado to discuss her motivations, the influence architects have had on her perspective, and her plans to improve Colorado for future generations.

    What inspired you to seek office and how will the office allow you to make a positive difference in the built environment in Colorado?

    I want to make the world a better place! My dad was an engineer, and he instilled in me the values of honesty, integrity, and the pursuit of excellence. My mother was a lifelong activist for environmental causes and inspired my brothers and me to make the world a better place. My core passions are the environment, education, and equity. I am also a world-class runner, No. 1 in my age group for indoor mile, with asthma. I’ve completed 36 marathons. I have to check air quality when other runners just look at the weather. I know that we are in a climate crisis that is also a health crisis.

    I worked as a Research and Policy Analyst for environmental legislation with Mike Foote and Faith Winter. My first report was 86 pages on the Health Effects of Climate Change in Colorado. I attended a seminar on new energy and became interested in buildings as the hardest nut to crack. Buildings are the most difficult to transition to the new economy, and I wanted to start on the hardest problem first.

    How has your experience as a civil engineer influenced your values and priorities in the state legislature?

    I am not afraid to ask technical questions. My sweet spot is technology and business, specifically how technology impacts the business world. I went to Cornell for Engineering and Harvard for an MBA. I worked on the design of nuclear engineering plants, in the aerospace defense industry on international development projects, and was an entrepreneur as a computer industry analyst consultant before being elected to the legislature. I connect technical topics to real impacts that people care about.

    Let me tell you a story. It was 10 p.m., Saturday night on the house floor, we were talking about concrete. There I was, talking about concrete in the middle of the night, thinking to myself, “Who the heck cares about concrete?” Let me tell you why you should care. Concrete generates 14 percent of the total greenhouse gas in world. Cement, if it was a country, would be the third largest greenhouse gas emitter in the world. If we address concrete, we can decarbonize, greenhouse gas is reduced, and pollution is reduced because we can use recycled content. Colorado has some of the greenest steel and concrete suppliers in country, so it’s good for our economy, too.

    What motivated you to add CDOT projects into the “Buy Clean” embodied carbon bill? Do you see potential for the bill to expand in the future?

    The Buy Clean Colorado Act is only the second Buy Clean bill passed in the U.S. and is unique in its scope. Colorado’s bill not only covers both buildings and transportation, but also is the most comprehensive in terms of materials. It was proposed in 2020 but didn’t pass. I took it in 2021 and included the State Architect and CDOT. I heard from the AIA, suppliers, and manufacturers that so much asphalt, steel, and concrete are used in transportation projects. Transportation projects are challenging. There was a lot of education in transportation stakeholder discussions. They need more latitude to understand life-cycle costs even per mile between asphalt and concrete. I partnered with the Carbon Leadership Forum to demonstrate the Embodied Carbon in Construction Calculator (EC3) tool, worked with the Asphalt Association to share that Arizona has systems that use half of the emissions of Colorado, and that it would apply here. There will be tweaks; we need to give people time to learn.

    What are your other priorities for legislative action regarding the climate crisis in Colorado?

    My priorities are to continue to work on decarbonization and buildings. I worked with Senator Chris Hansen on HB21-1238: Public Utilities Commission Modernize Gas Utility Demand-side Management Standards, known as “The Clean Heat Plan,” a gas-demand, side management rebate from utility companies for using more efficient gas furnace and appliances. This will encourage the use of more energy-efficient items, like moving to heat pumps, and adds a social cost to carbon dioxide and methane generation. This is a first-in-nation plan and could reduce greenhouse gas by 22 percent by 2030. I want to build performance and impact at on a large scale as well as at the individual building scale.

    How can AIA members help in those efforts?

    Send Ideas! I’m a big picture thinker that is interested in sustainable infrastructure, the grid, resilience, decarbonizaton, and how to transition from fossil fuels. There is more work to be done in the future and I am excited to help.

    Has your daughter’s degree in architecture or your relationship with AIA Colorado reshaped your perspective on certain topics?

    At Cornell, I looked into double-majoring in Architecture but it would have taken forever—I am a frustrated Architect! I am living vicariously through my daughter, who graduated with an M.Arch from Cornell. She is interested in sustainability beyond LEED; she has worked with Bill Browning (founding member of USGBC LEED) at the Terrapin Bright Green Center. She has done research for a program to make early design decisions that optimize energy and embodied carbon. Her thesis is on a negative carbon development in Indonesia. She is a strong influence.

    Is there anything else you’d like AIA members to know?

    Climate change is a health crisis, we need to slow it down, increase resilience, and fight for our children and grandchildren. Architects get it, but there is a lot of education to be done.

    For more information on Representative Tracey Bernett’s perspectives, see her op-ed on why we should care about embodied carbon and the social impacts of carbon dioxide and methane. For more information on Representative Tracey Bernett’s experience and support of the “Buy Clean Act,” see her op-ed on HB21-1303. Representative Bernett will also be a panelist at New York Climate Week on September 21 and speaking at the Carbon Leadership Forum Policy Webinar on Oct 8.

    Meet the Awards Committee Chair

    Posted on by sam

    Awards Committee Chair

    Marisol Foreman

    As we embark on the 2021 Design + Honor Awards virtual celebration (September 14), we wanted to know more about what goes into the annual program, what it’s like to serve on the committee, and what we can expect in future years from the program. To learn more, we caught up with Chair Marisol Foreman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C.

    Foreman is a Project Architect at Rowland+Broughton and shares with us here everything about the AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards. Read on for more and to meet Marisol.

    How did you come to chair the Awards Committee?

    This is my third year on the committee. My first year, I introduced the idea of introducing sustainability aspects onto the awards, and my second year, we rolled it out based on ideas from chapters nationwide. The committee selected the Design Excellence Common App, which is being implemented in local chapters around the country. Renee Azerbegi [President of Ambient Energy] and I worked with the creators to adapt it to Colorado. My perseverance led me to be invited to serve as the Vice Chair my second year, which led to my becoming the Chair.

    What drew you to this group initially?

    I moved to Denver from Seattle, and back when I was in graduate school at the University of Washington, the Chair of my thesis, Christopher Meek, was an influence in deploying the Seattle chapter’s efforts to collect energy efficiency information for each project. When I moved to Colorado, I wanted to get involved with the local AIA Chapter, and I thought the Awards Committee would be a great chance to bring what I had experienced to Denver.

    How has this committee grown or changed since you initially got involved?

    Each year, we’ve reviewed comments from firms and individuals who have applied for design awards, and tried to incorporate that feedback into the categories and submission requirements. We introduced a sustainability component to the awards submittals and are looking both to collect data on all projects and set standards for awards consideration. We’re trying to streamline it more each year while staying current with trends across the country.

    What are some of the accomplishments this year you are most proud of?

    This year, we focused on how to make the awards as clear as possible. Previously, the awards were given by region, which is a holdover from before AIA Colorado merged with local chapters. The qualifying sequence wasn’t very clear—you had to qualify for regional before receiving a statewide award, which made it appear that a few firms were receiving multiple awards. This year we removed the middle step and are awarding three levels of awards for statewide recognition.

    What do you think is the biggest contribution that this committee brings to the Colorado architecture community?

    The AIA Design + Honor Awards are our chance to celebrate what we do. We put so much effort into creating beautiful, equitable, sustainable designs, and this is a great chance to highlight all the great work that Colorado does.

    One of AIA Colorado’s imperatives is justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.). How have you woven this into your committee?

    J.E.D.I. has been a significant focus for us. This year, we involved members of the J.E.D.I. committee in our meetings and asked for feedback on our submittal instructions. We also asked for ideas on project and individual awards to celebrate architects and projects who have had a positive impact in our community. With our work with the J.E.D.I. Committee, we also began collecting demographic information on the firms submitting awards to see if there’s an area we can improve on our outreach, as well as making the barriers for submitting awards less of a hurdle.

    Another imperative of AIA Colorado is environmental stewardship. How has your committee changed course to focus on these priorities?

    We’ve included one of the top sustainability consultants into our committee, Renee Azerbegi, President of Ambient Energy. Having a non-architect on our committee gave us some technical insight into the sustainability questions we were asking, how to make the questions more specific to Colorado, and a resource for applicants as they were filling out the submittal information. We required each project to choose three of the 10 Framework for Design Excellence measures.

    As AIA Colorado strives to create a culture of belonging, what steps have you taken to reach beyond Denver?

    Over the last two years, as everyone has become more agile and able to meet virtually, we’ve been able to include more committee members across Colorado. And the restructuring of the regional awards allowed projects to be recognized across Colorado, not just in the region where the firm was based. Last year, because of the pandemic, we adapted our typical in-person awards to a socially distanced event and produced an awards film that was available online after the event. This allowed us to reach members from across Colorado and its success bolstered us to create an online video of the awards again this year.

    What are some immediate and long-term plans we can hope to see from the committee?

    Both the committee and staff had to pivot suddenly with the ongoing pandemic to shift to a virtual program this year, when we had hoped and planned to return to in-person events. This has worked out to our advantage this year and last, by allowing AIA members across Colorado to participate and view the awards regardless of location. We’re working on 5-year plans for awards for both sustainability and inclusivity, and we will continue working with the committee to discover what those look like.

    What one thing do you wish the membership and profession at large knew about this topic or what your committee is doing?

    Short-term, register for the event! We are excited to celebrate our award winners and invite you to join us as we announce them virtually on September 14. Long term, every year we start the year by reviewing the feedback that all the members have provided. We appreciate the feedback and encourage people to reach out and let us know about their experience with the awards and the submittal process, hurdles, and successes.

    Webinar Recap: Turning Words into Action

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Change can be hard. Sustentative change requires awareness, comprehension, big ideas, intentional conversations, and consistent work toward goals.  

    AIA Colorado has made justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (J.E.D.I.) one of its top imperatives, expanding its reach to more people and building a generational legacy of new architects and designers who will design a built environment that will reflect our multi-cultures and provide an opportunity for anyone to dream of a career in architecture.

    And in support of that imperative, the organization has been partnering with the National Organization of Minority Architects, NOMA Colorado, to produce a series of J.E.D.I. webinars this summer. The most recent was “Turning Words into Action: J.E.D.I. Resources to Create Meaningful Change.” 


    Panelists included:

    • Abby Tourtellotte, AIA, LEED AP BD+C – Quinn Evans
    • Kevin M. Holland, FAIA, NOMAC, LEED AP – AIA Los Angeles
    • Lauren Malik – Thought Ensemble
    • Mary-Margaret Zindren, CAE – AIA Minnesota

    So how does one create meaning change in their daily life, firm, and with their sphere of influence?
    First, realize that each person has the influence and power to change his or her environment. Working from home or using a hybrid method is an example of the workforce being a catalyst for change. Don’t expect those around you to necessarily spur change. Create a space for respectful dialogue and be prepared to engage more meaningfully if needed.

    Second, identify the barriers to effectively incorporate change. Said Tourtellotte, “One of the biggest barriers is fear. Take a stance.” But do act humbly and take feedback if there are missteps. “See something. Say something,” she said. 
    Next, invite an understanding of terminology and words brought up in discussions. “Get on the same page on the meaning of terms,” said Malik. These words could be equity, inclusion, racism, bias, and unconscious bias, among others. She later said this dialogue will open the door to an even deeper conversation. 

    Another step is to spur leaders to become aware and have intentional conversations toward change. Budget and time will point towards what is valued. “Show me your budget and it will tell me what you value,” said Holland.

    Does the employee handbook create the ability to expand J.E.D.I. concepts into change at your firm? Do annual reviews reflect justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion goals? Maybe your hiring procedures and policies need to be updated. Do your billable hours offer a J.E.D.I. category? Each of these practices reflect meaningful change. Is your firm ready to make these changes. 

    Finally, consider establishing a baseline J.E.D.I. data point and tracking quantitative progress with qualitative meaning. Assign tasks for different J.E.D.I. categories and provide quarterly reports. Preset findings to your entire company, customers, and clients. But make sure this data tracking leads to meaningful conversation and change. Be authentic. As Zindren said, “Be a culture of candor. Know it because you feel it.”

    AIA Colorado champions these changes, as creating a larger table for everyone to gather, converse, and design yields a better Colorado and community. Please listen to this webinar and join the J.E.D.I. conversation!

    Guides for Equitable Practice—AIA Colorado Edition

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    The Guides for Equitable Practice are a comprehensive set of guides—one component of a broad commitment by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to overcome inequities and advance the profession, the careers of individual architects, and the quality of the built environment by creating more equitable, diverse, inclusive, and just workplaces and interactions. As indicated in its Executive Summary, “The need for equitable practice in the architecture profession is becoming ever clearer and more urgent. These guides provide support for informed discussions and concrete next steps to help turn intent into action.”

    The AIA Colorado Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee has developed an abridged version of the Guides, tailored to our state’s practices. We invite you to read them.

    Recap: State of the Association Address

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    On July 21, AIA Colorado leadership provided members its annual State of Association Address. Overall, the Board of Directors conveyed that AIA Colorado is strong with an optimistic outlook for the upcoming year.

    The presentation was segmented by: 1) Advancing the Profession, 2) Culture of Belonging, 3) Leadership Opportunities, and 4) Organizational Transformation. Presenters were President Rachael Johnson, AIA; Treasurer Sheva Willoughby, AIA; President-Elect Wells Squier, AIA; Past President Adam Harding, AIA; and CEO Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA. Here we bring you top-level highlights the completed and upcoming initiatives.

    Advancing the Profession

    Smart Advocacy. The Architects of Colorado Political Committee (ARCpac) adapted to no in-person meetings and was successful in the elimination of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) forms and advancing HB21-1303 Global Warming Potential for Public Project Materials to signature and law. These two achievements will have a positive, longstanding impact for Colorado and members.

    Building Coalitions. Leveraging AIA Colorado’s partnership with A3LC, a joint program with the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado (ACEC) and Associated General Contractors (AGC) allowed our team to promote awareness with global warming. Reaching outside our industry allows AIA Colorado to do so much more!

    Environmental Stewardship. The Colorado Committee on the Environment (C.O.T.E.) will send out an environmental issues survey to establish a baseline to assist with awareness and action. The survey’s response is intended for your firm’s perspective. Be on the lookout for upcoming information on this survey.

    Change Agent. A point of progress for our state is the partnership with the Colorado Chapter for The National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). This partnership changes everything. Johnson said, “NOMA Colorado started this past year. Our relationship is off and running. It is very, very important.” Already, AIA Colorado and NOMA Colorado jointly hosted a webinar, “Are Firms Ready for Diversity.”

    Culture of Belonging

    Member Resiliency. AIA leadership values each and every member. Membership is holding steady thanks to your steadfast resolve. Following the numbers for our state. Overall member total by geography: 2,301, Denver: 1558, North: 376, West: 225, South: 142. Membership by type: AIA: 1752, Emeritus: 382, Associate AIA and International AIA: 167. Of note when renewing or for new applications, the dues installment payment plan can be used to help with individual budgeting priorities.

    Professional Development. The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program continues to advance emerging architects. The pandemic limited in-person discussions but allowed for national reach with speakers and mentors. As well, the Architectural Education Foundation is continuing and seeking applications for its Licensure Advancement Fund and this year already funded its annual Travel Scholarships. The Career Leadership Task Force is a significant enabler for the future of architecture.

    Working For You. This past year has certainly presented its challenges. Challenges bring opportunities to innovate and set conditions for a better and efficient way forward. This fall, AIA Colorado will unveil its new website designed for a better user experience. In an environment mostly void of face-to-face communications, the newsletters, no-charge member virtual events, and social media engagement were ramped up to inform and create connection. Going old school, the safe and effective drive-in theater hosted the 2020 Design + Honor Awards, allowing for recognition of excellence in person. Local Advisory Councils were launched this year to provide connections tailored to regional priorities and conversations.

    Purpose and Profit Driven. AIA Colorado is financially sound, even after this past year and half of uncertainty. Great leaders and collaboration allowed for this fortunate scenario to become a reality. To better align with our mission and values, AMG has been selected as the new investment company.

    Leadership Opportunities

    Regional Changes. The scope of how regions are organized between national and state chapters has changed. A vote at the national level removed the region terminology nationwide in the bylaws and are no longer defined by national. What are the outcomes of this decision? Dues are no longer required for the Western Mountain Region. Every state has a seat at the table for national opportunities. Any member can run for national level positions. Further communication from AIA Colorado will discuss this region change.

    Volunteers Make AIA. AIA Colorado deeply appreciates its members. Members can be more engaged with one another by volunteering, and the architectural and leadership skills gained are substantial. Please consider volunteering. This is an invitation and not an obligation. The call for volunteers for 2022 will distribute later this year.

    Organizational Transformation

    In-person Events. The approach right now for events is a cautious blend of some virtual events and some in-person events, including the Design + Honor Awards. We look forward to safely seeing each other in person. Other events, such as our weekly webinar series, will continue to be hosted virtually. Connecting to each of the regions in Colorado is a priority and makes good sense for member value.

    On The Move. The newer normal presented opportunities to re-examine AIA Colorado’s current office location and its lease agreement that will end soon. To better align with our values, vibe and resources, a new office location at The Alliance Center has been suggested. Other tenants at this center share our sustainability and energy-efficient points of view. The synergy of our efforts will yield promising outcomes. Greater collaboration and integration will occur with partner organizations, firms, and the University of Colorado Denver nearby. Upcoming decisions need to be finalized, but AIA Colorado is excited about this transition!

    For the full event, please see the recording of the 2021 State of the Association Address.

    An Intro to the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Mentorship and professional development with emerging professionals is invaluable—a must. AIA Colorado is grateful to provide its emerging professionals a pathway in career development while honoring the legacy and contributions of the late Christopher Shawn Kelley, AIA, a Washington, D.C.-area rising star who passed away suddenly in 2012.

    The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) started in Washington, D.C. in 2013 and expanded to Colorado in 2016 by way of AIA Colorado President Rachael Johnson, AIA. Johnson is a CKLDP founding member and a scholar of the 2014-15 D.C. class. She saw, firsthand, the benefits for members and architectural firms. With great vision, Johnson influenced AIA Colorado to be the first expansion location for the CKLDP.

    In 2021, 16 emerging professionals were selected as CKLDP Scholars. An emerging professional is defined as someone who has graduated from college with an architecture degree and is not yet licensed or within 10 years of receiving their professional license.

    Apply soon if you meet the aforementioned criteria and want to expand your architectural horizon in 2022. Applications are due by December 6, and a detailed application timeline is below.

    CKLDP applicants need to submit four different items: 1) a written application, 2) a recommendation, 3) your resume, and 4) a short-answer form. A fifth item, the Tuition Assistance Form, is optional.

    A unique and fun aspect of each year is every class of scholars collaborates and plans out the details for their upcoming schedule. Speakers, topics, and locations are defined by the scholars themselves. This tailored approach makes this year a win-win for each individual class.

    During this webinar, recent scholars shared takeaways from this past year’s CKLDP (see below). Of course, COVID made an impact, but this class was steadfast and adaptive. AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger said, “This class was inspiring at what was learned and how to head forward thanks to their resilience.”

    What should upcoming CKLDP Scholars expect?

    • A diverse, quaint environment enriched for learning.
    • Learn from industry leaders in architecture and other career sectors.
    • Gain lifelong friends.
    • Grow and be challenged.
    • Discuss latest architectural trends.
    • Become a better architect and understand business/leadership.

    What 2021 session topics were noteworthy?

    • Justice, equity, diversity, and inclusiveness: getting out of one’s comfort zone and learning from others.
    • Contracts and negotiation: very timely topic that can be scary, yet very important to an architect.
    • Environmental threat analysis software: view upcoming challenges and how to establish mitigation protocols.
    • National/International Architects: Moshe Safdie, Peter Gluck, Grace Kim, Jonathan Segal, Enoch Sears and Jaron Lubin.

    For those emerging professionals, please consider applying for this distinct professional development program. Understand the application process and the important dates below. Let’s honor Christopher Kelley by learning from each other as we design buildings for a better Colorado.

    2023 Application Timeline / Schedule

    • Applications Open: November 16, 2022
    • Applications Due: December 11, 2022
    • Bootcamp Session: January 2023

    For more information or questions, please contact CKLDP Chair Leah Gordon, AIA.

    Webinar Recap: Are Firms Ready for Diversity?

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Diversity efforts are pointing to a greater immersion of minority and underrepresented individuals in all facets of our nation and state, and architectural firms are seeing this change. As well, the University of Colorado Denver College of Architecture and Planning is experiencing its highest numbers of minority students yet. The question is: Is your firm ready to embrace this newer normal?

    To create a collaborative dialogue and strengthen our efforts, AIA Colorado partnered with the recently established Colorado Chapter of National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) for a joint webinar on July 7, “Are Firms Ready for Diversity.” Kicking off the presentation, AIA Colorado CEO Mike Waldinger said, “We desire to foster a culture of belonging.” To this end, NOMA Founding Board Member and UC Denver Visiting Assistant Professor Annicia Streete joined Waldinger as co-host and moderated the webinar of the four panelists:

    • Yiselle Santos Rivera, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Firmwide Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion + Medical Planner + Vice President, HKS, Inc.
    • David Allen, NOMA, Architectural Designer, Rowland+Broughton
    • Sarah Aziz, J.E.D.I. Visiting Professor at CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning
    • Jeremy Fretts, AIA, NCARB, M.A. Ed., Assistant Vice President, Experience+Education National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) 

    The conversation—the full recording of which is now available on YouTube—provided the following takeaways:

    Barriers to Architecture. Sarah Aziz led the dialogue about how a lack of resources could affect internship offerings and the ability to live in large cities where firms are located. Next, the method of architecture licensure may be prohibitive to minority prospects. Waldinger noted that the AIA Colorado Licensure Advancement Fund is available and can assist in off-setting costs. 

    Licensing Challenges. Representing NCARB, Jeremy Fretts knows many questions need to be answered regarding the formal architectural licensing procedure. This process is being evaluated to determine if it is equitable and attainable for any and all emerging professionals. Is there exam-question bias or pass-rate correlations that need to be changed? Terminology and experiential paths could affect outcomes on achieving licensure. This vital career path needs to be fair and accessible. 

    What Matters Most. David Allen shared his personal architectural journey and how his firm, Rowland+Broughton, provided him a voice that encompasses his whole self. He championed NOMA Colorado and the needs this organization meets for minority architecture careers. “The NOMA Chapter was a home away from home as it is hard to find people who look like me and understand the challenges I was experiencing,” Allen said. He proposed that mentors are vital at any stage in an architect’s career, and his helped him gain better awareness and how to navigate the ups, downs, and barriers. 

    Dance to Advance. Yiselle Santos Rivera encouraged those with influence to not just invite others to the party, but also to ask others to dance—in their own unique style. Be intentional in having a voice different from others. Provide an anonymous communication feedback forum that provides open dialogue and tangible results. Said Santos Rivera, “If you are doing something wrong, admit the mistake and develop that conversation. Defensiveness does not help growth. Welcome challenges.”

    Reinforcing her comments, Waldinger said, “Good intentions can be wrongly executed. Acknowledge this and move forward.” What will help us get better?  The conversation is no longer what you will not do, but what you will do. 
    Allen’s passion of drawing led to an impromptu invite to a college design day, a mentor, and ultimately an architectural career. AIA Colorado is committed to continuing more of these success stories. Understanding and awareness will benefit everyone involved in our state’s architectural profession. What can you do today?

    Webinar Recap: Decarbonization

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Embodied carbon. What is it? And how do we discuss and mitigate its impact?

    Gregory Kingsley, PhD, PE and Victoria Herrero-Garcia shared their expertise of embodied carbon and its effect on the built environment during a recent AIA Colorado webinar.

    How is embodied carbon defined? From our panelists’ discussion, the Carbon Leadership Forum provides this definition, “Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gas emissions arising from the manufacturing, transportation, installation, maintenance, and disposal of building materials.” It is also known as Global Warming Potential and includes emissions from all six main greenhouse gases.

    But, here is the challenge: Embodied carbon is an urgent threat due to its pre-building occupancy relationship in the lifecycle cost assessment. Once construction and related activities are complete, reducing embodied carbon is moot. Reinforcing this urgency, the State of Colorado is leading the legislative way by introducing embodied carbon policy.

    Who are the major stakeholders and decision makers that can directly affect embodied carbon? Owners, architects, general contractors, and structural engineers. It is imperative to have this conversation with the owner, sharing pros, cons, and effects.

    Which materials are in this embodied carbon conversation? Concrete, steel and wood. There are several alternatives to consider, but wood (mass timber) is known as the most likely way to reduce embodied carbon, yet the costs are currently higher. If steel, then reusing steel enables a cost nullification and fair reduction of global warming potential. It is recommended to use supplementary cementitious materials in lieu of concrete.

    Reducing embodied carbon takes a team and informed approach. Architects can talk with clients and engage contractors and structural engineers early in the process. Consider building reuse instead of new construction. Regardless, start the conversation to see transformation.

    Webinar Recap: Fire and Smoke Separation

    Posted on by Jon Bell

    Fire and smoke are a tragic combination for buildings. While flames cause damage and consume much-needed oxygen, smoke quickly maneuvers throughout a building, making it difficult to breathe. Furthermore, toxic gases are created from the burning of materials. What can architects do to mitigate fatalities, saving people?

    First, architects can take training such as this AIA webinar. Product Manager Keith Lunsford from Powers Products Co. shared fire and smoke protection requirements for fire walls, fire barrier walls, and atriums. Lunsford has 20 years of experience in specialty commercial doors and is a Professional Affiliate Member of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers.

    The Las Vegas MGM Grand Hotel Fire Case Study from 1980 showed that most fatalities were at the top of the building with smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide being major factors. Plus, occupants’ reactions vary on what to do during a fire, causing delay. Hence, the need for effective walls, barriers and atrium smoke protection.

    The Fire Barrier Code states that a wall needs to extend continuously from the foundation to or through the roof, and the wall assembly needs to be made of material designed to restrict the spread of fire. Door testing involves a four-hour burn at 1,800 degrees and a water fire hose-stream test to ensure structural integrity. Note: a key area of fire codes is the labeling on materials and products. Read the fine details and completely understand the variances and limitations of products according to their labeling.

    Solutions that meet fire and smoke International Building Code requirements include the following:

    1. Wide span opening protective
    2. Steel fire door
    3. Accordion with egress
    4. Rolling fabric curtain
    5. Horizontal fire door
    6. Magnetic gasket
    7. Folding fabric curtain

    Criteria to consider in each of these solutions involve costs, structural weight limitations, space and design integration.
    Safety is the number one objective in architectural design, and AIA Colorado wants to connect you on an ongoing basis with industry leaders as we design safe, dependable, and environmentally friendly buildings to help our community.

    © AIA Colorado 2025
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