Colorado Architecture News | 03.04.26

News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects

03.04.26

In this Newsletter:

AIA COLORADO’S

NEWS

What Colorado’s New Housing Laws Mean for Architects

Colorado architects are entering a pivotal moment in housing policy. In the recent online event How Architects Can Take Advantage of New Colorado Housing Policies, Sean Jursnick, AIA, John Glenn, AIA, and Nikolaus Remus, AIA, unpacked two transformative bills: HB25-1273, which allows five-story single-stair residential buildings in cities over 100,000, and HB25-1272, an opt-in construction defect program designed to revive Colorado’s condominium market. The session explored how Denver is already leading implementation, how local advocacy can shape building code adoption in our home rule state, and how these changes fit within a broader national movement to expand housing options. To read a full summary, key takeaways, and view a recording of the session, go here.

LegaLine: a new AIA Colorado member benefit

As an AIA Colorado member, you have access to LegaLine, a confidential legal information service designed specifically for architects. Whether you’re reviewing a contract, navigating a client issue, thinking about bringing on a partner, or managing a staffing question, LegaLine offers a smart first step. LegaLine can provide guidance on questions such as:

To learn more and get started, go here.

AIA COLORADO’S

EVENTS

Mar 6 • EP/YA Leadership Council Virtual Connect

Friday, March 6th, Noon to 1pm, join AIA Colorado’s Emerging Professional and Young Architect Leadership Council for a one-hour Virtual Connect. This Zoom session will introduce the EP/YA Leadership Council, including our mission, structure, and how our programs support licensure, leadership development, and community building across Colorado. More info and RSVP here.

Mar 10 • Business of Architecture: Acquiring / Merging Your Business

Tuesday, March 10th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for an AIA Colorado members only roundtable discussion regarding acquiring/merging your business. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. More info and RSVP here.

Mar 11 • South Section Happy Hour

Wednesday, March 11th, at 5pm, at 105 West Brewing at Garden of the Gods, join AIA Colorado South members for a happy hour with good company, thoughtful conversation, and a shared appreciation for design. RSVP here.

Apr 14 • North Section EP/YA & AIAS Happy Hour

Tuesday, April 14th, at 5pm, at Attic Bar & Bistro in Boulder, join AIA Colorado North members, the EP/YA Council, and AIAS for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.

Apr 21 • West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness

Tuesday, April 21st, at Noon, join fellow Western Slope members for a discussion on preparedness, response, and recovery. Hear insights from colleagues and learn practical strategies to strengthen and support community resilience. RSVP here.

RSVP to AIA Colorado Events

NEWS & EVENTS FROM THE

COMMUNITY

Mark Bacon, AIA, on Architect-ing

Mark Bacon, AIA, Design Principal at BVH Architecture and Lecturer at the University of Nebraska Lincoln College of Architecture, joins Adam Wagoner, AIA, live from the 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference in Keystone for a thoughtful conversation on practicing architecture in what he calls the “Generous Middle.”

In this episode, Mark and Adam explore how architects can create meaningful, high-quality work in regions that are often overlooked. Mark discusses the power of restraint, careful detailing, and clear storytelling to elevate projects even within modest budgets and complex contexts. He also speaks to the importance of returning to the Midwest, teaching and practicing simultaneously, and helping raise expectations within the communities architects serve. 

Watch the conversation on Youtube or listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Pandora or wherever you get podcasts!

CAP Spring Lecture Series

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Spring schedule here.

CAREER CORNER

JOB BOARD UPDATES

The AIA Colorado Job Board is updated daily. Job hunting? Take a peek to discover new opportunities. Hiring? Post your single job for 30 days. Connect with qualified candidates. Here are a few featured job openings:

AIA Colorado Job Board

NEWA FROM

AIA NATIONAL

AIA Small Firm Compensation & Benefits Report

Conversations about pay and benefits are easier—and more effective—with trusted data. Exclusively for sole proprietors and small firms with fewer than three architectural staff employees, the 2025 AIA Small Firm Compensation & Benefits Report delivers clear, actionable insights. 

AIA Colorado has copies of the report available for members to view at AIA Colorado’s offices at the Alliance Center. If you’d like to schedule a time to view the report, please inquire here.

Young Architects Forum (YAF) February Newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Find the newsletter here.

Future Forward Grant opens March 14

A project presented by the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) and the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF), this grant supports students, emerging professionals, and early career architects in the testing of new ideas that disrupt the traditional conception of practice, process, and product in the field of architecture. Learn more here.

It Take’s a Village: A Parents & Caregiver’s Initiative

The 2024 Future Forward Grant recipients have published the framework for It Takes a Village: A Parents & Caregivers Initiative, offering practical strategies to help architecture firms better support employees before, during, and after caregiver leave. The work also includes a recorded AIAU course that explores research findings, policy recommendations, and communication tools to foster more equitable, sustainable workplace cultures. Explore the framework and learning course to support meaningful change within your firm. View the AIAU course here.

Architecture firm billings continue to contract heading into 2026

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index® (ABI) dropped to 43.8 in January, down from 47.1 in December, signaling a greater number of firms experienced a decline in billings compared to the previous month. Read at AIA.

AIA26 registration is now open

Join us in San Diego, June 10–13, for four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo. Save hundreds with early registration rates now through April 10! Register here.

AIA COLORADO’S

PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

AEF Traveling Scholarships application window closes March 31st

Architecture Education Foundation (AEF)’s 2026 Traveling Scholarships are now open, with applications due March 31. These awards support architects, faculty, and graduates in expanding their design perspective through meaningful travel and study. Most awards may be split between two recipients and give preference to AIA Colorado members, CU faculty, and students where noted. Applicants must submit a completed application, project statement, travel plan, budget, and three letters of reference (not to exceed 10 pages), and recipients agree to share a written summary and presentation following their travels. Learn more about the available scholarships here and apply here.

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

Humboldt Sawmill Company, LLC manufactures redwood and Douglas-fir dimensional lumber, timbers, and uppers at the company’s sawmill in Scotia, California. Logs are sourced from company-owned timberlands totaling nearly 450,000 acres, and all products are certified to the standards of the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC® C013133). Products are available mill direct, as well as through company-owned distribution centers, servicing home improvement retailers and local lumberyards, including locations throughout Colorado.

Allweather Wood, LLC is the largest waterborne preservative treated lumber and plywood manufacturer in the western United States with six manufacturing facilities, including a facility in Loveland, Colorado. Treated products include borate, copper, and fire retardants available in Douglas-fir, Hem fir, and Southern Yellow Pine. 

View AIA Continuing Education Courses offered by Humboldt Sawmill

AIA COLORADO’S

ALLIED MEMBERS

Find the Right Expertise

Our Allied Members bring depth and diversity to Colorado’s design and construction community. These experienced professionals offer specialized knowledge that complements architectural practice and elevates project outcomes statewide.

Become an Allied member

Helpful Links:

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

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Calls for Proposals:

Volunteer Opportunities:

Have news to share? If you or your firm have been featured in the media, published in a design outlet, received an award, or announced a major promotion, email AIA Colorado’s Communications Director Jon Bell.

© AIA Colorado 2026
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