Colorado Architecture News | 05.03.23

This past week, Cities Summit of the Americas took place in Denver, bringing 3,500+ city leaders from countries all across the Americans and the World. Mike Waldinger, AIA Colorado CEO, attended the summit and shares the following quotes from his experiencs:

“We need more emphasis on placekeeping than placemaking.”

– At a Vibrant Cities Track panel discussion

“It’s great to have the AIA here.”

– At the Launch of the Cities Forward Initiative

2023 Design + Honor Awards: Just 2 Weeks Remain to Submit Your Projects

The AIA Colorado Annual Design Awards honor the most outstanding work of AIA Colorado members and their firms, reinforce the value of great architecture and highlight members’ positive contributions to the community. Previous design award recipients have designed innovative schools, stunning custom homes, creative hotels, excellent community gathering spaces, and much more.

Additionally, the AIA Colorado Honor Awards recognize the people and teams who are making a difference in the architecture profession and their communities. They’re committed to continually growing as architects, value creating a strong team and recognize the power of architecture in our daily lives.

The deadline for both the Design + Honor Awards is May 19th. Full submission guidelines and instructions can found at the submission link.

Housing Questionnaire

Housing is the biggest concern on the minds of Coloradans and the most debated issue in our legislature and city councils. Access to housing is no longer impacting only those of lower socio-economic standing, it affects everyone at every level of society.

AIA Colorado has made this our newest imperative and your Board of Directors want to know what you think. Please participate in this brief survey as we weigh how to make a positive impact. Replies requested by May 10th.

Are You an Associate AIA Member? Would You Like to Attend A’23 This June?

AIA Colorado has been given the unique circumstance of being able to gift 1 free Associate Member Silver Pass to A’23, AIA’s Conference on Architecture, to an Associate Member in good standing. Enter your name for the chance to win.

Members of the West enjoyed a great event last week in Eagle. Several Continuing Education courses were offered followed by a social hour.

Last week, members of the South toured Kinship Landing boutique hotel in Colorado Springs. Echo Architecture led the tour. Thanks to Editorial Committee member JP Arnold for the photos!

Denver Meet Up and Tour of New City Heights Resident Hall on Auraria campus

Join Denver Members on May 11th for a walking tour of the new City Heights residence hall on the Auraria campus followed by happy hour at Tivoli Brewing Co.

Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

On May 11th, join fellow AIA Colorado members and the AIA Colorado Board for a social hour at COATI.

National Western Center Tour

Join members from Denver and tour the National Western Center Livestock Exchange Building, Central Utility Plan & CSU Spur Building on June 1st.

AIA Colorado at A’23

Connect with fellow AIA Colorado members during A’23 AIA Conference on June 8th at HDR’s San Francisco office.

Joseph Poli, AIA, Architect, Design Principal, and co-founder of RATIO Design’s Denver Studio is moving into the role of Consulting Principal in June of this year. Congratulations!

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GESTEM Volunteers Needed

Girls Exploring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (GESTEM) is an exciting event that introduces middle school girls to the wide range of opportunities in potential careers in STEM fields through hands-on workshops and interactions with engineering professionals. Rocky Mountain Section hosts up to 1000 girls, at no cost to the girls to attend.

View more information

DBIA Rocky Mountain Region – Regional Conference

The Design-Build Institute of America is hosting their annual conference in Aurora June 8th. The theme for the conference is “Stronger, Together, Everybody’s In”. June 7th will also feature the Design-Build Awards Ceremony and Networking Reception.

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Looking for a Volunteer Architectosaurus

The Friends of Dinosaur Ridge, in partnership with Jefferson County Open Space, is working on big capital improvement projects. Dinosaur Ridge is a National Natural Landmark and has close to 250,000 visitors a year and needs a new Visitor Center to provide the best experience for those visitors. The volunteer with architectural expertise will help to ask the right questions and provide the best input to Jefferson County Open Space. You may send a letter of interest and resume to Pallavi Jhaveri or Kermit Shields.

Telluride Art + Architecture Week

Taking place the week of July 10 – 16, Telluride celebrates a weeklong immersive art experience showcasing the architectural, landscape, interior design, and creative talent of Telluride. Join fellow architects Friday, July 14th, for Design Industry Day at the Madeline Hotel where Continuing Education courses will be offered followed by a social networking event.

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Getting in the Resilience Zone

The Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act creates and designates resilience zones which identify disadvantage communities that are most at-risk for natural hazards. Communities in the zones will have access to financial, technical, and planning support.

AIA advocated for the law, which President Biden signed late last year. This spring, architects and mayors have the chance to weigh-in on the designated regions. Learn about the resources for your community and hear from architect Joyce Owens, FAIA, whose projects have put resilience design to the test.

Answer with action.

2023 COTE Top Ten Awards

AIA has recently announced the 2023 COTE Top Ten, highlighting projects that meet the AIA Committee on the Environment’s rigorous criteria for social, economic, and ecological value.

AIA Colorado member Kyleen Rockwell, AIA, reflects on her involvement helping to propel the UC San Diego North Torrey Pines Living Learning Neighborhood project, a place designed to promote physical and mental well-being, support the school’s environmental commitments, and foster community connections.

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Women’s Leadership Summit

Taking place in Boston, this September 12-14, will be the Women’s Leadership Summit. Founded by AIA, this is a premier event that brings together the industry’s largest network of diverse women who are breaking down barriers, making themselves visible, and manifesting the careers they want—while making a difference in the world.

Learn more

March Architectural Billings Index

Business conditions at architecture firms saw a slight improvement in March, following declining billings during the last five months.

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

With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company they have intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

View IMEG company website

Looking for Additional Resources?

View AIA Colorado’s Allied Member Directory.