Inaugural “Design Like a Girl” Workshop Series Concludes

AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the inaugural Colorado “Design Like a Girl” (DLAG) workshop series.

The program, originally founded in Washington, D.C., by the Washington Architectural Foundation and was brought to Colorado through the inspiration and hard work of Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, and Britany Soler, Assoc. AIA, with the support of the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee. ‘Design Like a Girl’ aims to inspire the next generation of female-identifying designers by organizing full day design workshops for middle school students. Local architecture, design, and engineering professionals volunteer as mentors to guide, instruct, and inspire the young designers.

The first and second workshops in the three-part series focused on architecture and engineering. The final workshop, which focused on interior Architecture and sustainability, took place on Friday, April 19th at CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning.

model-building_2 |
teaching-moment |

The day began with an introduction to the role of Interior Architects and designers and how they shape space through creative uses of building elements, furniture, color, and materials. Aided by a diverse library of materials donated by mentors, the girls crafted their own color palette.

Following the color exploration, CAP alumna, Jenny Arzberger of JARZ Design Studio, whose work focuses on creating safe and calming spaces for neurodivergent children and teens, shared her design process, from selecting inspirational imagery to conveying her ideas to clients, and gave the girls a sneak peek of renderings for an upcoming interior design project at the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C.

Claire Messer, a CU Denver CAP student and president of the school’s All for Women in Architecture (AFWIA) chapter, provided an engaging tour of the School’s studios and fabrication labs, providing a glimpse into the future if the girls decide to pursue a design education.

After a quick introduction to sustainable materials and biophilic design, the second half of the day was dedicated to a wellness space design project. The girls first created inspiration boards and then moved to carefully constructing models of their chosen wellness program, using material, color, and furniture to define space. Some models featured elements of biophilic design using materials the girls had brought in from their own backyards. A final presentation allowed the girls to present their work in front of the group.

final-presentation-3 |
model-building_1 |

This workshop series would not have been possible without the collaboration of Sondra Osif and the whole team at the Spark Early Career Exploration Program at Denver Public Schools, who recruited students through an application process, organized transportation for the girls, and provided on-site support. 

Get Involved

Planning is already underway for next year’s round of workshops. If you, or your firm, is interested in getting involved with the program, please reach out to Brittany Soler, Assoc. AIA, or Sarah Goldblatt, AIA.

Thank you

The leaders of the workshop would like to extend their gratitude to the mentors who helped make this final workshop a success:

  • Anna Friedrich, Assoc. AIA
  • Sarah Goldblatt, AIA
  • Brittany Soler, Assoc. AIA
  • Gabriella Wakulchik, AIA
  • Courtney Minter, AIA
  • Kitty Yuen, AIA
  • Claire Messer
  • Jenny Arzberger
  • Beth Cook

Special Thanks to:

Design Like A Girl Workshop

AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. committee and NOMA Colorado are proud to announce the success of the second “Design Like a Girl” (DLAG) workshop held on February 16th, 2024.

Originally founded in Washington, DC by the Washington Architectural Foundation, DLAG began as a mentoring program for young women interested in the design and construction fields. Joanna Schmickel, FAIA, has been directing the program since its inception. AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee, NOMA Colorado, and Denver Public Schools collaborated with Joanna to bring the program to Colorado, hosting the first of three planned workshops in October 2023.

Design Like A Girl |
Design Like A Girl |

For the second workshop, a group of 19 aspiring middle school designers from varied Denver Public Schools were paired with female mentors from the Colorado architecture and engineering community. This workshop was designed to build upon the lessons learned in the first workshop. The topic of the day was “Engineering and Construction,” which aimed to introduce participants to critical, yet often less glamorous and visible elements of design.

Activities of the day involved lessons in how the different engineering specialties contribute to a successful building design, acting out structural concepts, and attempting to build the tallest tower out of spaghetti sticks and tape to support a single marshmallow. Other workshop highlights included a construction site tour of Studio Gang’s Populus Hotel and a lunchtime zoom conversation with the project’s architect, Kristina Eldrenkamp. 

Design Like A Girl |
Design Like A Girl |

For the Populus tour, students and mentors walked a few chilly blocks from CU Denver’s College of Architecture and Planning to the construction office of The Beck Group, the GC for the project. Beck Group representatives led the tour and provided PPE and lunch for the girls and mentors.

While on site, the girls were able to witness the energy and occasional chaos of an active construction site. They observed the unique tear-shaped windows and noted the fantastic city views available from the sky deck.  They could see exposed structural and mechanical systems and watch the huge exterior panels lifted into place. 

Design Like A Girl |
Design Like A Girl |

For the final challenge of the day, the young designers were provided with a wealth of donated materials to choose from and instructed to incorporate at least one structural element they had learned about that day into a pavilion design. Some pavilions were designed to shelter from the elements while others provided a certain quality of light. One pavilion was designed as a place to connect and browse the internet. Columns were the most common structural element, but several used arches. At the end of the day, the girls presented their designs in front of their parents, mentors, and fellow designers.

The next workshop is scheduled for April 19th. If you are interested in being a mentor or learning more about Design Like a Girl please reach out to Brittany Soler solerbrittany@gmail.com or Sarah Goldblatt sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com.

The lead organizers of the workshop, Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, Brittany Soler, Assoc. AIA, and Ely Merheb, AIA, would like to extend their gratitude to the many mentors who donated their time to make connections with these future designers and offer advice, support, and instruction.

Carrie Cardona, AIA
Sarah Goldblatt, AIA
Ely Merheb, AIA
Kendall Ruder, Assoc. AIA
Brooke Schubert, AIA
Rachel Lee, AIA
Cherie Goff, AIA
Gabriela Culak Wakulchik, AIA
Katie Spicer, AIA
Kate Thomas, Assoc. AIA
Kelly Rayon, AIA
Dania Morelli, AIAS
Mallory Esselman, AIA
Courtney Minter, AIA
Maggie Hua, AIA
Jenna Michieli, AIA
Noel Michel, Assoc. AIA
S.J. Acin, Assoc. AIA
Kelly Garrett, AIA
Cynthia Ottenbrite, AIA
Skylar Potts
Katelyn Wager
Samantha Hurst
Beth Cook
Christine Britton
Jamie Park
Caitlin Charlet
Claire Padilla
Claire Messer
Abbey Woods
Sarah Fisher
Kayla McDougle
Stephanie Scott
Renee Azerbegi

Special Thanks to:

  • Joanna Schmickel, FAIA, CGS Architects (DLAG Program Founder)
  • Our Guest Speakers: 
    • Christine Britton, PE, JVA
    • Katelyn Wager, PE, EVstudio
    • Noel Michel, Assoc. AIA, Anderson Hallas Architect
    • Kristina Eldrenkamp, Architect, Project Leader, Studio Gang
  • AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee
  • Sondra Osif with Spark Early Career Exploration Program, Denver Public Schools 
  • Washington Architectural Foundation (WAF)
  • District Architectural Center (DAC) 
  • CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning 
  • Evan Palmer, Assoc. AIA, The Beck Group
  • Adam Perkins, Eric Rymarz, & Jack Ross with Urban Villages

ARE Study Group

Study Group Information

What do you need to reach your ARE goals? Access to study materials? A group of peers studying for the same exam as you? A study schedule with people to help you stay accountable? Someone to help you work through those persistent difficult study questions?

We all have the same goal, so why do it alone?

The J.E.D.I. Committee would like to assist in creating a strong network of people, study materials, accountability, and resources beyond what is offered at individual firms. We’re also interested in knowing where everyone is on their exam journey. 

The committee has established a Google Sheet with test takers’ names, contact information, the exam they’re studying for, the exams they’ve passed, and their location. People can then find others in their area who are studying for the same exam as them – to study together, share resources, share study and testing tips, and much more. 

Please fill out the following form and we’ll add you to the Google Sheet. Then, keep an eye on your inbox for an invite to view the Google Sheet.

Be added to the ARE study group information list

ARE Study Group Information

Name
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Please write the date of expected testing or an “X” followed by the date of completion.
Okay to contact you?
By selecting Yes, you are allowing members of the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. committee to contact you regarding ARE study.

RECENTLY LICENSED AND ESTABLISHED ARCHITECTURE MENTORS

The committee is also establishing a Google Sheet with contact information for recently licensed and established architects who are willing to meet with study groups once a month to answer any of their questions and to offer advice and study tips that helped them during their test-taking experience. 

Please fill out the following form and we’ll follow up with additional information.

ARE Study Mentors

Name
Please check the boxes of the exams you are most comfortable answering questions about:
You can select more than 1 exam.
Okay to contact you?
By selecting Yes, you are allowing members of the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. committee to contact you regarding ARE study.

Additional AIA Colorado Member Resources

Lastly, visit the AIA Colorado exam resource page and reach out to staff regarding a number of study materials available to loan to current AIA members. Contact Advocacy Engagement at nikolaus@aiacolorado.org to coordinate.

Engaging Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Workshop

ENGAGE 2023 PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE: INNOVATION LAB

Engaging Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Workshop, a Collaborative Presentation by NOMA Colorado, EBECC (Equity in the Built Environment – A Colorado Coalition), and AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee.

Presented on November 16, 2023, by Adriana Medina-López-Portillo, Ph.D., CPC, ELI-MP, Trainer and Consultant, Pangea Training, Jason Pugh, AIA, NOMAC, AICP, LEED AP, Global Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Gensler, Mei-Ling Krabbe, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, Workplace Strategist, Stantec, Raphael Chavez, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, Project Architect, HDR, and Patricia Joseph Gill, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, NOMA President, The Abo Group  at ENGAGE 2023 Practice + Design Conference.

This breakout session focused on five topics lead by 5 BIPOC facilitators in a small group setting. The room was set up with chairs in a circular configuration to share individual experiences and  perspectives on each topic. The groups rotated twice during the time allotted.

Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door
Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door

Allyship: Facilitate by Mei-Ling Krabbe

Allyship is intentional, actionable commitment to speak up about bias. This discussion focused on barriers to being an ally that includes lack of awareness and empathy. In order to be a good ally one must be intentional, actionable and committed to continue allyship education.

Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door
Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door

Types of Bias: Facilitated by Jason Pugh, AIA

Bias is typically described in terms of racial, gender, age and implicit (unconscious bias) but this session explored other types of bias. Maternal bias occurs when women return from maternity leave and have to prove themselves all over again. “Prove it again” bias is when a group has to prove themselves more than others. Tightrope bias is when a group needs to be more politically savvy in order to succeed. And “tug-of-war” bias is where support or bias against a group can fuel conflict within that group.  

Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door
Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door

Inclusivity: Facilitated by Patricia Joseph Gill, AIA

In this session, the group shared times in their life when they felt included. The sharing reflected empathy, recognition, and acceptance of differences, and support, care, and compassion. The group also shared times when they felt excluded. These were times when empathy and acceptance were not present. 

Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door
Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door

Intercultural Competence: Facilitated by Adrina Madina-Lopez-Portilla

Intercultural competence is essential to creating an environment where talent from all backgrounds can thrive. A person’s experience of cultural differences both informs and constrains how the individual interacts with others. Moving beyond these person-specific constraints requires the development of intercultural competence. 

Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door
Engaging J.E.D.I. Workshop | Unfound Door

Mentorship: Facilitated by Raphael Chavez, AIA

Being a good mentor means providing guidance, encouragement, feedback, and/or skills development to a student, an emerging candidate or professional. Successful mentoring programs create a supportive culture, establishes clear structures, and ensures accountability.

In summary, the participants in this session were challenged to be more Engaged in J.E.D.I. by adopting the following pledges:

  • Focus on being a better ally.
  • Using Mentimeter in my faculty meetings to include more voices.
  • Publish and enable more diverse voices.
  • Standing firm for the needs of myself and others.
  • Encourage myself and others to be more aware of biases that we may encounter.
  • To continue my personal growth of inclusion but to work harder at educating my peers as well.
  • Being aware of my “excluded” moments to better move towards “inclusive” memories and actions with those around me.
  • I pledge to advocate for inclusiveness for all underrepresented groups.
  • I promise to interrupt and challenge bias in all forms when it shows up, both against me or others!
  • Consciously providing more accessible designs and engaging more in local communities. 
  • Use my personal inclusive or exclusive feelings and experiences with my team so they feel included and connected. 
  • Making my practice a model of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Listen with an open heart before responding. Be aware of judgment and how it impacts the world broadly.
  • Ally: Make sure students understand the different career options/pathways. 
  • Mentorship: Engage students in community design so the community can have a better understanding of what designers do.
  • I plead to actively maintain a relationship with younger designers and architects in my office as a mentor.
  • Continue to advocate for J.E.D.I. in the architecture profession and work towards diversifying the profession through increased opportunities to promote architecture as a career pathway for youth.

J.E.D.I. DPS 8th Grade Career Fair

On November 14th and 15th, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Committee, NOMA Colorado, CU Denver CAP, and other AIA Colorado members participated in the DPS 8th Grade Career Fair. Over the two-days, 2000+ middle school students participated in the event which introduced them to a wide range of career paths and post-secondary options.

The event continues the J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline’s efforts to introduce school-age students to architecture to expand career pathway exploration and diversify the profession. Students attending the recent fair interacted with architects who shared physical and digital models, plan sets, and design books. “Future Architect” stickers, provided in both English and Spanish by AIA Colorado, were given to students and five architecture books (donated by J.E.D.I CO committee members) were raffled off and given to school libraries. Curiosity about architecture abounded and questions were asked about salary, educational preparation, internship availability, and the challenges architects face. 

The 8th Grade career fair is an annual DPS event serving the entire school district and an integral part of their Career and College Success program. Thank you to our many volunteers who staffed our table and shared their experience and enthusiasm for architecture with the students:

  • Jonas Sayer, AIA, Anderson Mason Dale
  • Jeana Delamarter, CU Denver College of Arch and Planning
  • Chris Klein, AIA, Davis Partnership Architects
  • Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, SG Consultants
  • Ivan Patino, Tryba Architects
  • Matt Weaver, AIA, Anderson Mason Dale
  • John Graham, AIA Anderson Mason Dale
  • Linnaea Stuart, AIA, Arch11
  • Sole Moreno Velasco, Arch11

HCM Design Discovery Day

The Hord Coplan Macht Design Discovery Day event is an important part of the firm’s strong
commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) through engaging students from underserved
communities in the design profession. The Denver office recently held their first Design Discovery Day
event and welcomed 15 local high school students who were eager to explore the world of design.

The event offered participants a glimpse into the various facets of HCM’s work. Educational sessions,
spotlights on past and current projects, a construction site tour, and an office tour were just a few of the
engaging activities that provided students with an immersive understanding of the design profession.

Small group breakout sessions with HCM designers from diverse market sectors allowed students to
interact directly with professionals, gaining insights into the different realms of design. These sessions
not only demystified the profession but also sparked inspiration and curiosity among the participants.

Design Discovery Day is more than just an annual event for HCM; it is a pivotal first step in reaching out
to underserved communities. The firm recognizes the importance of fostering diversity at the roots and
is actively involved in initiatives aimed at enrolling and supporting students from Historically Black
Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) and Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs). Through scholarship and
mentorship programs, HCM is committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for
individuals from these communities to thrive in the design field.

Design Like A Girl Workshop

On Friday, October 13th, AIA Colorado and NOMA CO hosted the inaugural workshop for “Design Like a Girl,” a volunteer-led mentoring program focused on introducing middle school girls to the architecture, construction, and engineering fields.

The program, consisting of a series of three or four full-day workshops, was originally created in 2016 by Joanna Schmickel, FAIA, of CGS Architects in Washington, DC. The DC program, which is still ongoing, is sponsored by the Washington Architectural Foundation, the public outreach arm of the AIA DC chapter. Joanna had previously expanded the program to Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and was excited about the opportunity to bring her curriculum and enthusiasm for mentoring to Colorado.

The Colorado chapter of the “Design Like a Girl” program was born as a collaboration between AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee, NOMA Colorado, and Denver Public Schools.

Organizers in Colorado included Sarah Goldblatt, AIA, Brittany Soler, Assoc. AIA, and Patricia Joseph, President of NOMA CO. The organizers of the event are grateful for the collaboration of Sondra Osif with the DPS Spark Early Career Exploration Program, which helped recruit participants, organize transportation for the girls, and provide on-site DPS supervisors.

Joanna and DC mentor Courtney Fuenzalida, AIA (a CU Denver alum), flew to Colorado to lead the first workshop. Subsequent workshops will be led by Sarah Goldblatt and Brittany Soler.

Design_Like_A_Girl |
Design_Like_A_Girl_ |

The first workshop, attended by 17 young designers from various Denver middle schools, was held in a classroom at the CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning. The University generously provided lunch for the participants and mentors, as well as notebooks, pencils, t-squares, and water bottles for the student designers. Eleven volunteer mentors from AIA Colorado and CU Denver mingled with the girls and assisted with the workshop lessons.

The morning began with a gesture drawing exercise, followed by a lesson introducing the young designers to the concept of plan, section, elevation, and scale. This was followed by an excursion to Larimer Square, where the girls engaged in a scavenger hunt to identify historical architectural features such as cornice, pediment, keystone, and arches.

After lunch, designers were given free rein to create their own architectural models using craft materials and material library samples donated by the mentors. They were tasked with designing an entryway for a building typology of their choice. Programs chosen by the girls included a garden, a zoo, a house, Santa’s workshop, a fairy home, a school of magic, a theater, a dog house, a dog cafe, and more. The classroom was transformed into a bustling architectural studio, and the designers had a great time sifting through and gaining inspiration from the variety of building materials on offer. The workshop concluded with a presentation where each designer had the opportunity to speak about her design to the group.

As a mentor, it was fun and inspiring to witness these young female designers engage with the fundamentals of design. The students came from a variety of backgrounds – some girls had already thought about architecture or design as a career, and some were just curious to see what it was all about. All the girls appeared to enjoy the challenge presented in the lessons and model-making exercise.

Subsequent workshops will be held in February and April 2024, focusing on Engineering/Construction and Interior Design, respectively.

The organizers of this event would like to give a special shoutout to all the mentors and sponsors who made the workshop possible. Sponsors included Anderson Mason Dale Architects, CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning, Ely Merhab, AIA (Verso Architecture and Interiors), and Sarah Goldblatt (SG Consultants/co-chair of AIA CO J.E.D.I committee).

The full list of mentors who participated in the first workshop is below. The program is always seeking more mentors, especially in the engineering industry. If you are interested in joining the program as a mentor, please email Sarah Goldblatt at sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com.

  • Carrie Cardona
  • Beth Cook
  • Sarah Goldblatt
  • Anna Friedrich
  • Courtney Fuenzalida
  • Ely Merheb
  • Claire Messer
  • Dania Morelli
  • Kendall Ruder
  • Joanna Schmickel
  • Brittany Soler
  • Abbey Woods

J.E.D.I. Youth Mentoring and Engagement Opportunities

YOUTH MENTORING & ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The AIA CO J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline Committee is focused on introducing school-age students to architecture in an effort to expand career pathway exploration and diversify the profession. The following are upcoming opportunities for architects, architectural interns, and allied professionals to share their journey with middle and high school students in the Denver Public School (DPS) system. Time commitments are outlined under each opportunity. Please contact Sarah Goldblatt, AIA if you or your firm is interested in volunteering: sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com or the DPS contact listed below. Please share with your firm or colleagues who may be interested.

DPS Career Exploration SPARK summer programs are looking for the following:

Guest speakers for elementary and middle school students throughout the summer. They are looking for architects or allied professionals to share their experiences about their career journey and provide a related hands-on activity. 

  • Who: 20-25 elementary and middle school students per classroom
  • What: In-person, classroom presentation of career journey and related hands-on activity to engage students. See slide deck for more information:  Spark Summer Programming Info Session Slide Deck
  • When: See sign up for locations and available time slots: Elementary Sign Up Sheet  –  Middle School Sign Up Sheet
  • Commitment: Flexible- one class period or multiple classes each day at the times listed on the sign-up sheets.
  • Note: Community based organizations have specifically asked for BIPOC speakers for the Middle School sessions.

DPS High School Architecture/Drafting Instructor – opening at DPS to teach high school students architecture and drafting

DPS CEC Early College Coach/ Mentor: 

  • Who: Seeking A/E and construction professionals to mentor high school students with specific interests in architecture
  • What: One on one sessions with high school students, each meeting time is structured and facilitated by the Coach MentoringProgram Coordinator. Each mentor will receive a handbook with detailed curriculum per session. Outside of the structured session is a text/phone call check in once per week based on the preference of the mentor/mentee match. Note: Mentors can share the role with a colleague and co-coach a student.
  • When: 2023-24 school year/ Nov. – April
  • Commitment: One morning per month, 8:15-10:00, for six months: Dates TBD
  • Deadline to apply: October 2023
  • Application link: https://dpsk12.tfaforms.net/37

DPS Launch Internship program: 

  • Who: Architecture firms needed to provide career-shaping internships for high school students with specific interests in architecture and allied fields
  • What: Additional info: DPS Launch Internship Program
  • When: Summer 2023: June 12-July 21 / Fall 2023: datesTBD  
  • Commitment: Provide 100 -120 Hour engagement opportunity with your firm with DPS support
  • DPS Contact: emily_takimoto@dpsk12.org

J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Youth Engagement Opportunities

On March 1st and 2nd, the AIA Colorado J.E.D.I Education Pipeline Committee and other AIA Colorado members participated in a Colorado Uplift Career Fair for middle school students at Lake Middle School and Colorado Sports Leadership Academy. Between the two schools, 497 students participated in the fair.

The event continues the J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline’s efforts to introduce school-age students to architecture to expand career pathway exploration and diversify the profession. Students attending the recent fair interacted with architects who shared physical and digital models, plan sets, and design books. A “sketch” wall captured students’ hand drawings of their favorite place (real or imagined). “Future Architect” stickers, provided in both English and Spanish by AIA Colorado, were quickly applied to students’ hats, sweatshirts, and backpacks. Curiosity about architecture abounded and questions were asked about salary, educational preparation, internship availability, and the challenges architects face. 

The career fair host was Colorado UpLift, a non-profit organization serving the greater Denver community since 1982 with the mission to build long-term, life-changing relationships with urban youth. The organization serves 4,000 kids annually. By teaching leadership in classrooms and continuing to build relationships through mentorship after-school, UpLift provides holistic transformation.  

The J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline committee is tracking youth engagement opportunities, including classroom speaking opportunities, office tours, project site tours, and design camps.

The following are upcoming opportunities for architects, architectural interns, and allied professionals to share their journey with students. Time commitments are outlined under each opportunity. Please contact Sarah Goldblatt, AIA if you or your firm is interested in volunteering: sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com

DPS Classroom Speakers – Spring 2023

  • Where: Southmoor Elementary School
  • What:  4th grade- 2 classes of roughly 25 students each:
  • Time Commitment: One time: In-person visit, 2 hours total. Approx. 25 minutes sharing career journey and answering student questions, 25 minutes doing a demo, an equipment show-and-tell, or an activity with students. 
  • Date: Teacher is flexible on dates and times.

DPS Classroom Speakers – Summer 2023

  • Where: DPS Schools/ 10 locations
  • What:  K-5 classrooms
  • Time Commitment: One time: In-person visit, 2 hours total. Approx. 25 minutes sharing career journey and answering student questions, 25 minutes doing a demo, an equipment show-and-tell, or an activity with students. 
  • Date: During the weeks of June 12th through July 17th

CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning and ACE: Summer Camps

CU Denver has a few different volunteer opportunities for the Architecture in the City Camp, June 12 – 16 and the ACE Camp, June 24 – July 1. 

  • Join for final project presentations on Friday June 16 and/or Friday, June 30 (likely 3-5pm). All are welcome to attend, especially to provide feedback to the students on their projects.
  • We’re looking to incorporate site and firm visits throughout the camps, ideally within walking distance of CAP. We’d love to bring the students (approx. 40) to any downtown offices for a tour.
  • To volunteer with CU Denver College of Architecture and Planning, please connect with Jeana Delamarter.

GESTEM

Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (GESTEM) is an exciting event that introduces up to 1000 middle school girls to the wide range of opportunities in potential careers in STEM fields through hands-on workshops and interactions with engineering professionals. 

  • When: Friday, May 19 
  • Location: Auraria campus
  • Volunteer description:  Group guide will lead a group of 8-10 students through three hands-on workshops Note: (You do NOT need to be female or a STEM professional to volunteer – anyone who is committed to the education and advancement of young girls is welcome)
  • Time Commitment: 2-6 hours
  • Sign up here

NOMA Project Pipeline

  • When: NOMA Camp is July 6-7.
  • More details and volunteer opportunities to follow.

Voices on Canvas Lego Build Challenge

Please contact Sarah Goldblatt, AIA if you or your firm is interested in volunteering: sarah@sarahgoldblatt.com

One Question Series: Part 5, Examples of Equity

What happens when you ask the same question to five designers with five different backgrounds? You get five very different answers that will put you in someone else’s shoes. From firm principals to emerging professionals, we’re diving in to better understand—and share—others’ personal perspectives. This is the fifth and final installment of the monthly series—“One Question”—produced by our Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee. 

In partnership with the Colorado Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, we invite you to see through the lenses of five different practitioners to learn how their unique backgrounds shape experiences in the firm and their approaches to design.


QUESTION NO. 5
Give us an example of how your current or previous workplace has prioritized equity and inclusion in the firm’s culture and/or projects.


Patricia Joseph, AIA, NOMA
Associate Project Architect at The Abo Group
President-Elect of NOMA Colorado
Lecturer, CU Denver College of Architecture & Planning

“There has been a humbling and hopeful shift within architectural firms in our community. We have been included in that shift toward making J.E.D.I. a priority. With the death of George Floyd and the constraints of a pandemic, issues concerning J.E.D.I. could no longer be ignored. We found ourselves in a twilight zone that allowed it to become a priority, many firms and organizations created safe spaces for BIPOC individuals and their allies through various forms of J.E.D.I. committees. We were finally given space to collect and voice our thoughts but not enough power to enact change.

We have not seen enough examples of J.E.D.I. prioritized through projects yet. Yes, project teams are becoming diversified or winning projects through diverse hires. But where are the stories of the project team matching the diversity of their client or the project community? We should be providing architectural services that consider equitable solutions for the client and the project community. Few examples exist, especially when compared to how much we prioritize sustainability, accessibility, or energy conservation over equity and inclusion.

We have committees, employee resources groups, and many POC being promoted to diversity chair roles, white little at the high-level has changed. POC, especially black people, are not seeing the fruits of having J.E.D.I. committees in place or being promoted to higher levels of leadership. Firms should continue to have these support groups not only as a resource to employees, but as a catalyst for leaders to enact change. Without this level of prioritization, we will continue to have the uneasy feeling that the hype around J.E.D.I. is fading.”

Sarah Broughton, FAIA
AIA Colorado President-Elect
Principal, Rowland+Broughton

“Our firm is committed to equity and inclusion in our culture and career development. We understand that each team member is unique and has varying access to resources and privileges. By providing fair opportunities for all team members based on their individual needs, we foster an environment where people can bring their whole selves to the work, have open collaboration, transparency and understanding. Part of my leadership role is working with the individual and the team to identify where more support may be needed to help each team member feel comfortable, confident, and safe. I believe that this approach to our culture results in better design, impactful projects and more fun!

At the core of equity and inclusion at R+B is operating with transparency. First, we conduct semi-annual wellness surveys and share the results with our team. We openly invite team members to participate in firm committees, including J.E.D.I. and Sustainability Committees. Through both surveys and committees, we elicit feedback from the entire team and make recommended changes. Part of our transparency is demystifying the profession and supporting each team member through a workforce education program. This includes weekly “lunch and learns” for professional growth, a professional development program, and robust mentorship program. The AIA Colorado Practice and Design Conference is back in person this year and we are excited to invite and sponsor all 40 of our team members to participate. Lastly, by making our role descriptions accessible to all, both on our server and on our website, it encourages team members to discuss and create goals for career advancements and leadership positions, reviewed semi-annually.

Everyone on our team contributes and makes us whole. Our firm’s diverse cross-level representation is important to our success. Our team is 46% female and 50% of our executive team is female. We believe in elevating from within and all promotions are listed internally first before being posted. Wage equity is prioritized and is achieved through pay equity analysis, strategic salary banding for fair hiring practices and merit increases and listing salaries on job postings. Benefits are inclusive and accessible to all team members, including family health insurance and spousal health for all types of couples. Two years ago, through the recommendation of our J.E.D.I. Committee, we implemented a floating holiday to celebrate diverse holidays.

I am proud that our firm’s commitment to equity and inclusion was recognized with the Just Label in 2022. We have done a lot in our 19 years of firm life to create a supportive culture and continue to listen, learn and grow each year. I am humbled by our team and everyone’s deep care for each other and willingness to openly participate. We work hard and play hard together!”

Kari Lawson, Assoc. AIA
AIA Colorado Associate Director
Designer, TreanorHL

“The biggest cultural change for equity and inclusion at my workplace was the formulation of a J.E.D.I. committee in the wake of the 2020 social justice movement. I witnessed a shift in focus to align with projects and clients that prioritize equity, diversity, and inclusion. There was also more emphasis in partnering with diverse and minority consultants. Before 2020 there were boilerplate statements referencing the fair employment act as a standard for DEI. Any company can claim allyship in this way by simply following the law. Allyship can be empathetic and passive while an agent brings the action. In these 2 years since, I’ve observed a movement away from allyship and towards agency by making a commitment to uphold equitable and unbiased practices.

An institution or company’s commitment to DEI is not outlined purely in a policy, statement, or action plan. It’s repacking the values of empathy, representation, and support. Measuring diversity and inclusion is complex and nonlinear; actions speak louder than metrics. It takes building critical consciousness by seeking to diversify multicultural perspective and analysis. A successful tool was creating a connection point that increased the avenues for voices to be heard. Our internal forum provided a means to instigate dialog via sharing tips, educational books/podcasts, and strategies. There is an emphasis on connecting the links between big societal problems in everyday actions. Our group added Juneteenth as an official work holiday to align with a holistic view brought on by the impact of the social justice movement. In some way we’ve created a catalog to identify plans to take real action, as well as nurture and execute reform through opportunities for everyone involved to get educated.

There is a huge importance of learning from educators; DEI is no exception in this regard. The program takes budget, executive buy-in, and integration at all levels. We’ve consistently invited DEI consultants and specialists to educate our group in wholesome narratives. This speaks to an investment in training/coaching and developing cultural competence. There’s also championing of pay equity, advancement opportunities, and occasions to find diverse candidates through networking and actively recruiting at HBCUs. I’m fortunate to have a CEO that values and supports people doing the work of these initiatives.

Prioritizing equity and inclusion takes a range of traits, experiences, and backgrounds at different levels. It’s more than diverse leadership and filling a quota. We ignore embodied experiences and we miss important somatic and qualitative data when we quantify diversity by metrics only. Awakening a collective feeling where different voices are valued, accepted and supported cultivates a sense of belonging and pride in the work culture.”

Victor Gonzalez, Assoc. AIA, NOMA
AIA Colorado J.E.D.I. Committee Member + Editorial Representative
Davis Partnership Architects

“In what I have seen, some firms have developed better frameworks than others on how to think critically when it comes to engaging equity and inclusion in the firm’s culture. I think one of the better ways of incorporating this type of work has been through establishing internal J.E.D.I. committees. This demonstrates a firm’s acknowledgment of inequality throughout the profession and their action to possibly do something about it. One of the major things a committee like this can provide is their retention rates in regards to BIPOC folk and how they set up those individuals towards licensure. This is the tiniest of seeds that need to be planted throughout all firms that truly want to see their culture shift towards a more inclusive one.

As J.E.D.I. committees become successful internally within firms, I believe that If we truly want to see a shift and change in the diversity of this profession there needs to be a standard set for everyone to follow and a sense of accountability. In doing so these internal J.E.D.I. committees established throughout firms can host a series of goals and report back their efforts to entities like AIA and NOMA. This would not only benefit the profession as a whole, but also the world around us by becoming more inclusive, sustainable, accessible, and equitable. We can’t let the movement that the summer of 2020 created fade, there needs to be a constant refueling and calibration of what we are trying to accomplish.”

Wells Squier, AIA
AIA Colorado President
Principal, Anderson Hallas Architects

“I believe wholeheartedly that our work as architects is strengthened by the diversity, experiences, differing backgrounds and values of those with whom we work and collaborate. I also believe the uniqueness of individuals with whom we work directly influences a firm’s culture and quality of design. Regarding our firm, which is and has historically been a woman owned small business, we believe that we can achieve better design and project outcomes for our clients by facilitating open design discussions that are fully inclusive of all staff. We regularly hold firm-wide design dialogues and specific project charrette meetings, as well as design critiques, welcoming any and all input from the collective team. It is from these discussions that some of our most successful project design concepts and outcomes have emerged. I believe strongly that this approach has also directly contributed to enhancing our firm’s culture, specifically because of the diversity, differing perspectives and personal points of view that each of our team members bring to our firm and these discussions. Another important result of this approach is increased trust and respect among those on our team, resulting in prioritized equity and inclusion by all.


Our firm focuses almost exclusively on projects in the public sector, and those projects that aim to provide services and experiences which enhance the communities they serve. We immensely value and embrace the opportunities these projects provide to engage directly with community members and clients of all backgrounds, as so much of our work includes broader community outreach. Through these opportunities and the interactions that they provide, we collectively feel as though we are contributing to a greater good. This ultimately feeds our collective passion as a firm, respect for one another and defines our firm’s culture.”


We invite you to read or revisit previous questions in this series:

Question #1: “Describe how your career has been enhanced by exposure to diverse people, places, or experiences.”

Question #2: “How can we as a profession break down barriers for minorities in architecture?”

Question #3: “Tell us about a time when you were not able to bring your full identity into your work.”

Question #4: “Recall a moment when you witnessed unjust behavior. How did you act then and how might you act differently today?”

We’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to our One Question participants for their vulnerability and humility. This series will culminate in a live panel discussion reflecting on this project at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference, November 2-4, 2022, in Keystone.

© AIA Colorado 2025
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