Colorado Architecture News | 03.19.25


News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 03.19.25

In this Newsletter:

AIA COLORADO NEWS

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Single Stair Competition Winners Announced

One of the key items that AIA Colorado is advocating for this legislative session relates to building code changes to allow taller single-stair residential buildings statewide. For background on this issue, see the policy brief written by Sean Jursnick, AIA, architect at SAR+, and Peter LiFari, Executive Director of Maiker Housing Partners, “The Single-Stair Solution: A Path to More Affordable, Diverse, and Sustainable Housing.”

Winners were recently announced for the Denver’s Single Stair Housing Challenge and a fantastic event took place at SAR+ to celebrate the announcements. The competition drew global attention, with 211 designers from 45 countries participating.

Governor Polis attended the event and made the case for legalizing single-stair apartments as smart for supply, safety, and affordability. Councilman Darrell Watson served on the jury panel as well as delivered a message at the event.

Here are the winners of the competition:

Watch AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment’s Session 1: “People, Planet, Design: A Practical Guide for Realizing Architecture’s Potential” with Corey Squire, AIA. The presentation, followed by Q&A, is available to view here.

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Members thoroughly enjoyed the event “Designing in Extreme Environments: Antarctica,” held at OZ Architecture’s offices. Rick Peterson, FAIA, shared about the work OZ Architecture has undertaken for the new McMurdo Station. Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, Colorado Building Workshop, shared about the process and many iterations the teams went through while designing and building Holt Watters Field Camp, a 2024 Design Award of Merit Recipient. Brandon “Shaggy” Neahusan, of Bespoke Project Solutions, who served as general contractor for the research facility project, unpacked the arduous journey the facility made from Colorado to Antarctica. Thank you to OZ Architecture for hosting! See more photos from the event here.

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Last week, architects from a variety of Western Slope communities gathered at the base of Snowmass Ski Resort for Architects’ Ski Day. Leading the way was Maura Trumble, AIA, of CCY Architects and 2024’s AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year, guiding the group on an informal tour of several CCY projects at the base and on mountain, offering insights while skiing between stops.

Filming is happening soon for ByDesign: Architecture

As our list of projects in pre-production keeps growing, the producers of the hit series ByDesign: Architecture are  thrilled with the projects AIA Colorado members are bringing forward — and they want more. As the ByDesign team makes travel and filming arrangements, they are seeking additional projects that can be added while they are here later this Spring and Summer. If you’ve been thinking about this and are interested in taking that first step – now’s the time to get your work to them for consideration! See the newly updated list of projects in production and learn more here.

AIA Colorado Events

Step inside excellence with AWARDED, a new series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award honorees. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart.

March 27 • AWARDED: Denver Water tour

Step inside excellence with AWARDED, a new series celebrating the standout achievements of AIA Colorado’s Design Award winners. This series invites you to explore the innovative spaces, visionary designs, and remarkable stories that set these projects apart. 

Thursday, March 27th, join members for an in-depth exploration of Denver’s cutting-edge Water System facility, where we’ll take a closer look at the innovative design features that make this building a model of sustainability and energy efficiency. This tour is an opportunity for attendees to witness firsthand how sustainable building practices are integrated to create a high-performance environment that promotes occupant health, safety, and long-term resilience. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

April 9 • AWARDED: Freyer–Newman Center for Science, Art and Education

Wednesday, April 9th, join AIA members for a tour of the LEED Gold certified building situated within a botanical garden, offering a diverse range of facilities, including herbaria, laboratories, art galleries, classrooms, office spaces, a library, an auditorium, a coffee shop, and a parking garage. Inspired by adjacent historic structures, the design revolves around a central atrium, tree-like structural columns, and a skylight that fosters a strong connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Additional upcoming AWARDED tours include 1 Line on May 14th and True Nature Healing Arts Kiva on June 11th.

April 14 • Modern Architecture Shaped the Progressive Spirit of Boulder

Monday, April 14th, join AIA members and University of Colorado ENVD students for a presentation illustrating the story of the introduction of Modern Architecture in Boulder and its widespread use over a period of 40 years, from the 1930s to the 1970s. The influence of these innovative environments led to the evolution of Boulder from a conservative town to a hotbed of experimentation in many aspects of society. More information and RSVP here.

April 17 • Empowering Architecture with Passive House

Thursday, April 17th, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment for a presentation on the Passive House methodology, combining architectural design and building science to solve climate, energy, and comfort with the architecture. This event has been approved for 1 LU|HSWMore information and RSVP here.

April 17 • Colorado School of Mines tour

Thursday, April 17th, join AIA members for a walking tour of the Colorado School of Mines campus with an emphasis on design for research and innovation facilities, visiting multiple facilities on the R1 research university. This tour has been approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

April 18 • Code Class: Starting over with the 2024 IECC

Friday, April 18th, attend code class and learn about the updates to IECC that occur every three years. This class has been approved for 7 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

April 24 • The Amp tour

Thursday, April 24th, join AIA and IIDA members to explore the architecture and interior design of the IIDA BEST Award winning project: The Amp. Tour is only available for AIA and IIDA members and has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

April 30 • Art Studios tour

Wednesday, April 30th, join the Denver Local Advisors, JNS Architecture + Interior Design, and Nichols Partnership for an architectural tour of Art Studios, located in Denver. This tour been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Member News

Catch up with Arch112024’s Firm of the Year, in the latest edition of Denver Life here.

Congratulations to the many AIA member architects and firms who are 2025’s Top Mountain Architects as listed by Mountain Living magazine.

Studio B’s Three Gables home was recently featured in Enki magazine.

Partner News

2025 Architectural Education Foundation scholarships close Monday, March 31st

The Architectural Education Foundation, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to support your educational endeavors and gain more experience. Since 1961, they have awarded more than $800,000 to more than 250 students, architects, and teachers. Thanks to their support, we’re pleased to announce the availability of academic and travel scholarships for 2025. More info and apply here.

Upcoming CAP Spring lecture series

  • José Ibarra, CU Denver CAP, Assistant Professor, Monday, April 7, 12:15pm
  • Amy Ford, Department of Transportation and Infrastructure (DOTI), City and County of Denver, Executive Director, April 14, 12:15pm
  • Andrew Zitcer and Vincent RussellDrexel University, Director of the Urban Strategy Graduate Program, and Associate Professor of Arts AdministrationWestern Carolina University, Assistant Professor and the Liberal Studies Program Coordinator in the Department of Communication, April 28, 12:15pm
  • Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

Lectures are held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

Leveraging Public Sector Skills in the Private Sector: Panel Discussion

Tuesday, March 25, from Noon – 1pm, join AIA|DC for an insightful panel discussion that will delve into how professionals can effectively transition their valuable public sector experience to thrive in the private sector. Topics include 

Learn more and RSVP here.

NOMA Colorado’s Career Coaching Seminar

Tuesday, March 25th, from 5 – 7pm, join NOMA Colorado for the first installment of our Career Coaching Seminar Series, featuring Jeff Visnic. This three-part series is designed to help you navigate your professional journey with confidence and clarity. In Part 1: Finding Your Purpose, Jeff will guide attendees through the process of identifying their “why”—the driving force behind their career aspirations. Whether you’re a student, emerging professional, or seasoned industry expert, this session will provide valuable insights into aligning your career with your passions and long-term goals. Learn more and RSVP here.

Career Corner

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:

NEWS AT NATIONAL

New research explores perceptions and opportunities of artificial intelligence in architecture

A new study published by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) quantifies current adoption and use of artificial intelligence (AI) across the profession, as well as the opportunities and concerns about its increased use in the design and construction sector. Read at AIA.

Architecture Firm Billings Continue to Decline; Broader Economy Remains Generally Positive

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) continues to weaken posting a score of 45.5 for February, indicating that a majority of firms are still experiencing declining firm billings. Read at AIA.

Call for Proposals: 2025 AIA College of Fellows Latrobe Prize

The Latrobe Prize is awarded to a groundbreaking research proposal with the potential to tackle significant challenges in architecture and the built environment. Learn more at AIA.

AIA25 Registration now open

AIA25 is more than a conference—it’s a catalyst for inspiration. Over four dynamic days, experience visionary keynotes, industry-leading continuing education, architect-led tours, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Explore the industry’s largest expo and connect with the ideas, people, and innovations shaping the future of architecture and design.

Registration just opened for the premier AEC industry event happening June 4–7 in Boston. Save $200 with early bird discounts through April 9  + spread the word to prospective AIA members in your firm: Join AIA in 2025 as a new member, then unlock your $159 New Member Pass to attend AIA 2025 in Boston. Register here.

Explore the conference schedule here. We will also be announcing to registered attendees a Colorado networking gathering in Boston. Last year’s DC networking event drew over 100 attendees with affiliations to Colorado!

Premier Partner Spotlight

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), headquartered in Chicago, is a non-partisan, not-for-profit technical institute and trade association established in 1921 to serve the structural steel design community and construction industry in the United States. AISC’s mission is to make structural steel the material of choice by being the leader in structural-steel-related technical and market-building activities, including specification and code development, research, education, technical assistance, quality certification, standardization, market development, and advocacy. AISC has a long tradition of service tothe steel construction industry providing timely and reliable information.

Learn More about The American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC).

Looking for Additional Resources?

Allied Members are better known as trusted industry colleagues and members of AIA Colorado—they’re the interior designers, the kitchen specialists, the engineering partners, and more who make up our AEC community in Colorado.
View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.


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