“It is a breath of fresh air that the profession is finally recognizing exceptional talent and accomplishments in the community and in support for diversity, equity, and inclusion.”
— Rich Von Luhrte, FAIA, regarding Ron Abo’s recent elevation to AIA’s College of Fellows.
Three outstanding architects from Colorado have been newly elevated to the College of Fellows, one of the highest honors bestowed by the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Ron Abo, FAIA, Principal at The Abo Group, Victor Olgyay, FAIA, Principal at Rocky Mountain Institute, and Brad Tomecek, FAIA, Principal at Tomecek Studio Architecture were recognized for their contributions to the architecture profession, and their dedication to advancing the built environment. Only 3 percent of AIA’s 95,000 members hold this distinction and only 76 new fellows were inducted this year, a historically small number. Even in a historically small group of inductees, Colorado had the largest class of new Fellows in five years! Please join us in congratulating Ron Abo, FAIA, Victor Olgyay, FAIA, and Brad Tomecek, FAIA on their elevation to the AIA College of Fellows. Their dedication to excellence in architecture and commitment to sustainability and innovation are an inspiration to us all.
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AIA COLORADO NEWS
AIA Applauds NCARB for Eliminating the Rolling Clock
Recently, NCARB’s Board of Directors made the decision to retire the rolling clock policy, which placed a five-year expiration date on passed divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE®).
For more information, visit NCARB’s statement.
AIA has held ongoing discussions with NCARB in support of the removal of the rolling clock policy to advance a more inclusive future for the architecture profession.
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“We welcome this change and believe Colorado is well positioned to make it effective as soon as NCARB policy is updated in April. AIA representatives will be asking the licensing board to recognize the new guidelines at their next meeting so this can be put in place without delay.
— Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, CEO AIA Colorado
Colorado licensure candidates have a higher test passage rate, complete the ARE exams faster and finish AXP at a greater percentage than national averages in all three categories. The hard work of these candidates and the supporting infrastructure through firms, mentors, and chapter resources makes a difference and this new policy can only help clear the path to licensure.”
Share Your Story. How Has the Rolling Clock Impacted You?
The American Institute of Architects celebrates the recent decision and encourages you share your story of how you have been affected by the rolling clock on your journey to licensure.
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Colorado Project Selected as Recipient for National Design Award
The 2023 AIA Awards, Architecture program, celebrates the best contemporary architecture regardless of budget, size, style, or type. These stunning projects show the world the range of outstanding work architects create and highlight the many ways buildings and spaces can improve our lives. Join us in congratulating Tryba Architects!
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AIA Colorado Wants Your Feedback On Architecture Licensing Law
All licensed professions in Colorado undergo periodic “sunset” reviews, where the Dept. of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) investigates if continued regulation is deemed necessary to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public. Architects, Professional Engineers, and Land Surveyors are up for review in 2023. As part of our advocacy efforts, AIA Colorado will provide feedback and recommendations to DORA later this spring and lobby to continue licensure both this year and during the 2024 legislative session when an updated licensing bill will be introduced. We’re collecting input from members on our current licensing law. What’s working? What’s not? Please reach out to Nikolaus Remus with any comments or questions by Friday, March 24th.
AIA COLORADO EVENTS
MARCH 2
Happy Hour in Boulder
Join fellow AIA Colorado members and the AIA Colorado Board of Directors in Boulder for a social time at the World Famous Dark Horse.
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MARCH 9
Academy of Architecture for Health: Annual Update
You are invited to join the 2023 Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Knowledge Community for an update from AAH National and a discussion on local developments on March 9th at Noon.
We will be joined by the 2023 AAH National President, Kenneth Webb, who will share updates from the Academy, as well as a representative of the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). Additionally, AAH Colorado Chair Jack Reed will be sharing a recap of last year’s activities, along with a preview of the year ahead. Please register beforehand for this virtual event.
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2023 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS
Considering AIA Fellowship?
Fellowship is the highest recognition, other than the gold medal award, given to architects recognizing their work, their service, and volunteerism. It is not an award for longevity in the profession, but for merit and effort. As we engage 2023 and evaluate professional goals for the coming year, we invite you to learn more about and consider AIA Fellowship. Preliminary submittals for the nominating committee to review as they assist our members interested in Fellowship are due by March 27th.
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AIA MEMBER NEWS
Alan Ford Architects Promotes New Associate Principal
Alan Ford Architects recently promoted Tyler Michieli to Associate Principal.
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Hord Coplan Macht Announces Retirement of Founder/CEO and Names Successor
Hord Coplan Macht has just announced the retirement of Founder and Chief Executive Officer Lee Coplan, and named Tim Barnhill, current Chief Operating Officer as successor.
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PARTNER NEWS + EVENTS
MARCH 2
CAP Lecture Series: Design for the Collective with Joyce Hwang
How can we design for the more-than-human world? What are ways to include non-human species as architecture’s intended inhabitants — and even as stakeholders? The lecture will focus on Hwang’s research and practice in multispecies design, and her more recent interdisciplinary collaborations. This lecture is free and open to the public and will also be livestreamed and recorded. Please RSVP to attend.
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APRIL 13
Architectural Historic Buildings Program by CSU Expert
Colorado State University’s Architectural Virtual Library will be presented Thursday, April 13, from 6-7:30 pm at the Global Village Museum in Fort Collins. Maria Delgado, Assistant Professor in CSU’s Department of Design and Merchandising, will highlight the online library featuring architectural historic buildings across the state. Please RSVP to attend.
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Review Draft Recommendations for Accessory Dwelling Units in Denver
After a year of soliciting feedback from an Advisory Committee, focus groups, neighborhood organizations, and the public, Denver has released draft recommendations to make building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) easier and more responsive to different neighborhood needs.
Draft Guide
2 Page Summary
Denver to Phase Out Gas Equipment in Commercial Buildings
New code requirements to help Denver reach its climate action goals will go into effect for existing commercial and multifamily buildings this week. These requirements were outlined in the Energize Denver ordinance passed by City Council in 2021. Starting March 1, the new requirements will apply to gas-powered space and water heating and cooling equipment (such as gas water heaters, A/C units, and furnaces) in commercial and multifamily buildings.
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NEWS AT NATIONAL
Young Architects Forum February Newsletter
A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie.
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Launching A New Firm?
Whether you’re ready to start a firm or merely curious about what is needed from the business side of running a successful practice, the AIA Trust’s Start a Firm guide is the best place to begin. A wealth of information awaits you from critical insurance coverage to benefits packages to retirement plans.
Plus, there are products like Practice Coach – a legal advice service – and others that can help you plan and manage risks – anticipated or not – effectively so you can build success and profitability.
There is much to consider, but we’ve consolidated it for you in one convenient spot so you can launch your practice when ready.
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A’23 in San Francisco
A’23 – AIA Conference on Architecture is heading to the Bay Area June 7-10, 2023. Get the lowest hotel rate by booking your room in the AIA hotel block today.
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