American Institute of Architects (AIA) Elevates Will Babbington, FAIA, to the College of Fellows

Will Babbington, FAIA, of Studio NYL, has been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA)

My goal is always to enable and even expand the architectural vision and raise performance levels. Detail by detail, building by building, regardless of project type or scale.

Will Babbington, FAIA

Will Babington FAIA, PE, is the Façade Design Director and Principal for Studio NYL’s Skins Group, where he specializes in merging high performance and thoughtfully designed building enclosures.  As both an architect and engineer, his multidisciplinary and intensely collaborative approach have allowed realization of his clients’ architectural aspirations.

Will is also a leader in the advancement and spreading of professional knowledge throughout the industry.  He serves as National Chair of AIA’s Building Performance Knowledge Community, an AIA National representative on the ASHRAE’s 90.1 Energy Standard’s Envelope Subcommittee, the Co-Chair of Facade Tectonics Institute’s Special Advisory Council, and the Past Chair for the National Building Enclosure Council, a joint initiative of the AIA and National Institute of Building Sciences.

Will Babbington shares technologically-advanced strategies for architectural enclosures, enabling collaborators award-winning latitude in their design vision and advancing the Profession’s insight into sustainability and energy efficiency.

Fellows Jury Statement

As all of the recently elevated Fellows have done, Will prepared a preliminary submittal for the AIA Colorado Fellows Nominating Committee to review and provide comments and each were sponsored by a previously elevated Fellow themselves. After receiving a full endorsement from the Committee, their nominations were ratified by the AIA Colorado Board. The Committee is now soliciting submittals for 2024.

Upon reviewing Will’s preliminary submittal in 2022, the AIA Colorado Fellows Nominating Committee was enthusiastic about Will moving forward with a formal presentation to the AIA’s Jury of Fellows. We were delighted this year when Will was elevated to Fellowship. The formal ceremony for receiving the award this spring in Washington D.C. will be that formal recognition for a unique and exemplary career.  

Phillip H. Gerou, FAIA
Chair, 2024 AIA Colorado Fellows Nominating Committee

Only 3 percent of AIA’s 95,000 members hold this distinction and only 96 new fellows were inducted this year. 

The fellowship program was developed to elevate architects who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession and made a significant contribution to architecture and society on a national level. Prospective candidates must have at least 10 years of AIA architect membership and demonstrated influence in at least one of the following areas:

  • Promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession. 
  • Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of practice. 
  • Coordinated the building industry, and the profession of architecture. 
  • Ensured the advancement of the living standards of people through their improved environment. 
  • Made the profession of ever-increasing service to society. 
  • Advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education and training.

Fellows are selected by a seven-member Jury of Fellows. This year’s jury included Chair Lisa Lamkin, FAIA, Brown Reynolds Watford Architects, Inc; Carl D’Silva, FAIA, Perkins + Will; Sanford Garner, FAIA, RGCollaborative; Margaret McFadden Carney, FAIA, Cornell University; Pamela Rew, FAIA, KSS Architects; Anne Schopf, FAIA, Mahlum and Lourdes Solera, FAIA, MCHarry Associates.

New fellows will be honored at the AIA Awards Gala, June 7, 2024, at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. 

AIA College of Fellows Nominating Committee

2024 AIA Colorado

College of Fellows Nominating Committee

Being elected to the AIA’s College of Fellows represents the highest individual honor bestowed by the Institute upon its members, second only to the Institute’s Gold Medal. Fellowship elevation signifies recognition for an exemplary career with a broad impact on the architectural profession.

Colorado has been fortunate since 1886 to witness 104 of our members elevated to Fellowship. In 2023, three new fellows were named from Colorado – Ron Abo, FAIA, Victor Olgyay, FAIA, and Brad Tomecek, FAIA. Additionally, several more were nominated by AIA Colorado for recognition in 2024.

Commencing in January, the twelve-member AIA Colorado / College of Fellows Nominating Committee will convene to strategize on ensuring recognition for our members and assisting those nominated for Fellowship. The committee will review past submissions, provide assistance, identify individuals who haven’t submitted before, and encourage their nomination. Our objective is to identify nominees with the highest likelihood of advancing to Fellowship and present them to the AIA Colorado Board for the ratification of their nomination to the national AIA.

For those interested, it’s essential to note that elevation to Fellowship not only acknowledges an architect’s individual achievements but also showcases architects who have made significant contributions to architecture and society before the public and the profession. Contributions can span design, preservation, planning, practice management, service to the profession through the AIA or other organizations, as well as service to society or humanity – or a combination of these categories. The impact of these efforts typically extends well beyond local boundaries, influencing regions or even the nation.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the College of Fellows or our local Committee’s process or schedule, please feel free to e-mail me at phil@gerou.net or contact the AIA Colorado office at 303.446.2266.

— Phil Gerou, FAIA

2024 AIA Denver / College of Fellows Nominating Committee           

AIA Colorado

Fellows

  • 2024
    • Will Babbington, FAIA / Denver
  • 2023
    • Ron Abo, FAIA / Denver
    • Victor Olgyay, FAIA / Boulder
    • Brad Tomecek, FAIA / Denver
  • 2022
    • Sarah Broughton, FAIA / West
    • Greg Gidez, FAIA / Denver
  • 2021
    • Deborah Tan Lucking, FAIA / Denver
  • 2018
    • Stuart Coppedge, FAIA / South
    • Rick Petersen, FAIA / Denver
    • Tania Salgado, FAIA / Denver
    • Chris Shears, FAIA / Denver
  • 2017
    • Brian Chaffee, FAIA / Denver
    • Charles Cunniffe, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Don Dethlefs, FAIA / Denver
    • Larry Friedberg, FAIA / Denver
    • Mark Outman, FAIA / Denver
  • 2016
    • Paul Hutton, FAIA / Denver
    • Ned Kirschbaum, FAIA / Denver
    • Andy Nielsen, FAIA / Denver
  • 2015
    • Amy Burkett, FAIA / Denver
    • John Cottle, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Jeff Olson, FAIA / Denver
    • Keat Tan, FAIA / Denver
  • 2014
    • Nan Anderson, FAIA / Denver
    • Alan Ford, FAIA / Denver
    • Mary Morissette, FAIA / Denver
  • 2013
    • David Barrett, FAIA / North
    • Sarah Semple Brown, FAIA / Denver
    • Chris Green, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Mike Winters, FAIA / Denver
  • 2011
    • Cheri R. Gerou, FAIA / Denver
    • Scott Lindenau, FAIA / Colorado West
  • 2010
    • Jim Bershof, FAIA / Denver
    • Scot Latimer, FAIA / Denver
    • August Reno, FAIA / Colorado West
  • 2009
    • Martha Bennett, FAIA / Denver
    • Steve Loos, FAIA / Denver
    • John Yonushewski, FAIA / Denver
  • 2008
    • David Kent Ballast, FAIA / Denver
    • Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA / Colorado South
  • 2007
    • Cornelius “Kin” DuBois, FAIA / Denver
    • Claudia Patricia O’Leary, FAIA / Denver
    • Herbert Roth, FAIA / Denver
  • 2005
    • D. A. Bertram, FAIA / Denver
    • Brad Buchanan, FAIA / Denver
    • James Leggitt, FAIA / Denver
  • 2004
    • Michael J. Holtz, FAIA / Colorado North
    • Brian R. Klipp, FAIA / Denver
    • David Owen Tryba, FAIA / Denver
    • Edward D, White, Jr., FAIA / Denver
  • 2001
    • Christopher G. Nims, FAIA / Denver
  • 2000
    • William Deno, FAIA / Colorado North
    • Curt F. Dale, FAIA / Denver
  • 1999
    • Jennifer T. Moulton, FAIA / Denver
    • Richard C. Farley, FAIA / Denver
    • James H. Bradburn, FAIA / Denver
    • Fred Hynek, FAIA / Denver
  • 1998
    • Michael Brendle, FAIA / Denver
    • Alan G. Gass, FAIA / Denver
    • Clifford S. Nakata, FAIA / Colorado South
    • H. Alan Zeigel, FAIA / Colorado North
  • 1996
    • Curtis W. Fentress, FAIA / Denver
    • Marvin Sparn, FAIA / Colorado North
  • 1995 Gary L. Desmond, FAIA / Denver
    • Elizabeth Wright Ingraham, FAIA / Co. South
    • Ronald L. Mason, FAIA / Denver
  • 1994
    • Peter H. Dominick, Jr., FAIA / Denver
    • Gregory Esser Franta, FAIA / Colorado North
    • Robert W. Root, FAIA / Denver
    • John Loren Yaw, FAIA / Colorado West
  • 1993
    • Karl A. Berg, FAIA / Denver
    • Phillip H. Gerou, FAIA / Denver
    • Robert N. Kronewitter, FAIA / Denver
    • Dayl A. Larson, FAIA / Denver
    • James R. Morter, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Richard L. von Luhrte, FAIA / Denver
  • 1987
    • Marvin Hatami, FAIA / Denver
  • 1986
    • Theodore L. Mularz, FAIA / Colorado West
  • 1985
    • Fredric A. Benedict, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Dean Blake Chambliss, FAIA / Colorado West
    • Daniel J. Havekost, FAIA / Denver
  • 1984
    • Kenneth R. Fuller, FAIA / Denver
    • George S. Hoover, FAIA / Denver
    • Robert A. Van Deusen, FAIA / Denver
  • 1983
    • Temple Hoyne Buell, FAIA / Denver
    • Richard L. Crowther, FAIA / Denver
    • Jerome M. Seracuse, FAIA / Denver
  • 1982
    • Samuel Jefferson Caudill, FAIA / Colorado West
  • 1981
    • Guion Cabell Childress, FAIA / Denver
    • James H. Johnson, FAIA / Denver
  • 1980
    • John D. Anderson, FAIA / Denver
  • 1979
    • John B. Rogers, FAIA / Denver
    • James Stewart Sudler, FAIA / Denver
  • 1978
    • Charles S. Sink, FAIA / Denver
  • 1977
    • Ronald Albert Straka, FAIA / Denver
  • 1972
    • DeVon Carlson, FAIA / Denver
  • 1971
    • Hobart D. Wagener, FAIA / Denver
  • 1968
    • William C. Muchow, FAIA / Colorado Central
    • Victor Hornbein, FAIA / Colorado Central
  • 1966
    • Lamar Kelsey, FAIA / Colorado South
  • 1957
    • James M. Hunter, FAIA/ Colorado
  • 1956
    • William Gordon Jamieson, FAIA / Colorado
  • 1949
    • Burnham Hoyt, FAIA / Colorado
  • 1940
    • Robert K. Fuller, FAIA / Colorado
  • 1934
    • William E. Fisher, FAIA / Colorado
  • 1900
    • Robert S. Roeschlaub, FAIA / Colorado (Denver)
  • 1889
    • Francis W. Cooper, FAIA / Colorado (Pueblo)

AIA Colorado National Representatives – Spring 2023

Sarah Broughton, FAIA, AIA Colorado President

Next week, I am attending the national conference on
architecture in San Francisco. As president, it is
humbling to represent all of our members in votes for
national officers, bylaws and resolutions at the annual
business meeting. I welcome your thoughts on the
candidates and issues. It is also inspiring to see so
many peers leading the profession as presenters,
award winners and new Fellows. For those also going
to the conference, we hope you can join us for
Colorado night – RSVP here.

One annual gathering does not come close to showing
the work. Did you know we have many Colorado
colleagues serving in national roles on your behalf?
Please take a moment to get to know these amazing
volunteers who I’ve asked to share their favorite
resource that their role has helped develop for the
membership.


National Architect Licensing Advisor

Kahyun Lee, AIA, National Architect Licensing Advisor, Fentress, Denver

Along with Mara Song, AIA, we want licensure candidates and architects to have access to every tool they need to navigate the path to licensure and reciprocity – and one of those is the community of Architect Licensing Advisors. Architect licensing advisors are local professionals, educators, and students who volunteer their time to help others pursue licensure and reciprocity. These volunteers often provide candidates with their first glimpse into the licensure process, lending help and guidance along the way.

  • We have helped 10 candidates so far in 2023. 3 of them are internationals (including foreign architects and candidates with foreign degrees).
  • Session at CU Boulder on 2/24, licensure
    pathways and basics
  • Session at CU Denver on 4/17, licensure
    pathways and basics

National Associates Committee

Kari Lawson, AIA, National Associate Committee, State/Territory Associate Representative, HDR Inc,
Denver

National Associate Committee (NAC) meets quarterly to discuss key topics that impact associates. There are 5 workgroups organized to assist with advocating on the behalf of associates: Advocacy, Strategic Partnership, VALUE, Knowledge: Professional Development, and Turquoise Agenda.

Our Q2 call focused on: Licensure (the ARE, Stop the Clock), Associate Resources & Engagement, Equity (Barriers, Pay, Work-Life Balance), Networking (Visibility & Awareness), and Mentorship.

As a team member of the Strategic Partnership NAC work group, our mission is to amplify visibility of the NAC by providing a clear framework to raise associate member awareness and provide a repository of information to leverage leadership opportunities. The Advocacy Work Group recently completed a research sprint of the specific jurisdictional impediments blocking the full adoption of NCARB’s newest score validity policy. See the presentation deck that provides in-depth information for jurisdictions with regulatory or statutory impediments.

Here are several A’23 Sessions featuring NAC Members or Topics:


AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx)

Emily Adams, AIA, Small Firm Exchange Representative, Neoera, Inc. Denver

The mission of the AIA Small Firm Exchange (SFx) is to advance the mutual interests of architects practicing in small firms. As more than 75% of all firms within the AIA are small firms, including my own, I’m invested in finding ways to leverage that size for collaboration and influence, just like the individual large firms do. Additionally, as a member of the AIA Colorado Business of Architecture Knowledge Community, I’ve been focusing more internal effort on understanding when/how to hire talent into small firms.

To learn more about the work of the Small Firm Exchange (SFx), visit here. If you’re planning to attend A’23, here’s the SFx picks we think you should check out.


State Disaster Assistance

Brett Hartle, AIA, Colorado State Disaster Assistance Coordinator, Director of Design – Denver International Airport, Denver

Brett acts as AIA Colorado’s liaison/primary point of contact with other State Disaster Assistance Coordinators across the United States and AIA National Office. Additionally, Brett is certified by Cal OES as a Safety Assessment Program (SAP) Evaluator.

Home Innovation Research Labs (Home Innovation) was tasked by HUD to develop a set of practical, actionable guidelines to assist builders and developers in designing and constructing residential buildings, neighborhoods, and accessory structures in a manner that could improve residential resilience to natural hazards and integrate resiliency throughout the community. The resilience guides provide technical content in a straightforward way that is easy for a layperson to understand, while also providing references through which design professionals, builders, developers, and public officials can obtain full details. The guide consists of five volumes. Each volume focuses on a major category of hazard that may pertain to a given project: wind, water, fire, earth (seismic, earthslides, sinkholes), and auxiliary (other hazards such as volcanoes, hail, and temperature extremes). These resilience guides are not intended to substitute for engineering or architectural project design work; rather, the technical guidance identifies components that can be enhanced or improved to achieve above code performance to make residential buildings and other community assets more resilient.

View Designing for Natural Hazards Series Volumes 1 – 5


AIA Strategic Council

Zachary Taylor, AIA, Strategic Council Representative, Taylor Architecture Design, Colorado Springs

The AIA Strategic Council, formed in 2015 from the national repositioning, has changed in the last two years as Councilors were previously chosen at the Region level to serve the membership. With the dissolution of the regions, states now have direct representation on the Strategic Council. It has been my privilege to serve as the first AIA CO representative to the Council.

The Strategic Council is charged to be the forward-looking body within the AIA that informs the national Board of Directors of important issues relevant to the profession through the lens of the Strategic Plan’s core values, imperatives, and strategies. More information about the Strategic Council can be found here.

This year the Council is focusing on five areas of study: Carbon, Design, Economy, Equity, and Health Wellness. Personally, I have been involved with the Carbon Study Group where we’ve been diving into the topic of “Climate-Positive Practice”. We are building on past Council work/reports of Scalable Climate Action and Carbon Literacy (both of which can be found at the link above). I’d like to thank Rodwin Architecture, Fentress Architects, and Shape Architecture for allowing me to pick the brains of their team members on how they’re currently pushing this topic forward within their practices.


AIA Young Architect Forum

Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, Young Architect Forum Representative, Semple Brown Design, PC, Denver

As the Young Architect Rep for CO, I represent the state at the National level within the Young Architects Forum. The YAF is the voice of recently licensed architects (licensed less than 10 years) and a catalyst for progress within the Institute. The 2023-2027 Strategic Initiative is: Architects in Action, Catalyzing for Change. The group meets as a full committee as well as is organized into Focus Groups, which allow us to provide more focused attention on certain initiatives. The 2023 focus groups include: Communications, Community, Advocacy, Knowledge, Strategic Vision, and Special Projects.

Available Resources:


AIA College of Fellows

Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA, AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region (COF WMR) Representative Member, CSNA Architects, Colorado Springs Colorado, Springboard Preservation Studio, Colorado Springs | Montrose

Although AIA National no longer recognizes it, the College of Fellows retains the Western Mountain Region and considers it to be vital. The seven-state Region includes Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. There are 184 Fellows in the Western Mountain Region, which is 5% of all AIA Fellows.

There are two Regional Representatives – Jonathan Sparer, FAIA Las Vegas Nevada, and Gregory M. Friesen, FAIA Colorado Springs Colorado. In addition to the Regional Representatives, there are State representatives:
Jack DeBartolo, FAIA – Arizona with 62 Fellows
Glen Berry FAIA, – Idaho with 3 Fellows
Jonathan Sparer, FAIA – Nevada with 16 Fellows
Glenn Fellows, FAIA – New Mexico with 25 Fellows
Roger Jackson, FAIA – Utah with 23 Fellows
John Carney, FAIA – Wyoming with 4 Fellows
Currently Colorado – with 70 Fellows – does not have an official representative; I am
serving in that role de facto.

The COF WMR Representatives meet monthly. At our last meeting, we agreed to form a COF WMR Fellows Committee to promote candidates for Fellowship within the Region, and to review and strengthen their submittals to the AIA College of Fellows Jury.

© AIA Colorado 2024
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