Colorado Architecture News | 05.21.25

News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 05.21.25

In this Newsletter:

AIA COLORADO NEWS

AIA Colorado GAC |
AIA Colorado GAC |

Legislative session highlights

It was another busy year for AIA Colorado at the state capitol with bills introduced on a variety of subjects affecting the architecture profession. We supported 9 bills this year, all of which have been signed into law or are awaiting the governor’s signature. We opposed 3 bills this year that would have increased architects’ liability risks and successfully defeated them all.

These photos are from the signing of HB25-1273, Residential Building Stair Modernization, creating a new building code framework to safely allow multifamily residential buildings up to five stories tall with a single set of stairs. This bill marks months of tireless legislative activity on behalf of the architectural community as we work to design a more affordable, and more beautiful, Colorado of tomorrow.

We’ll publish our full report next month, but we’re pleased to share some of the highlights from the 2025 legislative session here.

Committee on the Environment sessions

Committee On The Environment’s Session 3 “Embodied Carbon: Regulations, LEED v5, and Contractor’s Role” is now available to watch. 

RSVP for Session 4 here!

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge 

The City of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner, have launched an international call for ideas to address Denver’s housing needs with a focus on the role of design excellence. The competition anticipates over one hundred entries to be submitted by a local and global audience of architects engaged in addressing affordable housing, providing Denver with a platform of ideas to consider as the region addresses future affordable housing needs. Learn more here. 

The competition was recently featured in The Architectural Review here.

MORFEUS |
MORFEUS |

Members enjoyed a presentation by MORFEUS co-founder Caroline Støvring, joining us from Norway. Known for their thoughtful integration of landscape and architecture, she presented a variety of inspiring projects highlighting the firms’ focus navigating the intersection of built form and natural environment.  

Last week, members gathered in Denver for the first event of AIA Colorado’s new Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN). The next CRAN event will take place July 17th in Boulder and you can RSVP here.

Sketching Tour |
Rodwin Architecture |

Last week, the AIA Colorado Board of Directors met at the Museum of Boulder, followed by a fun sketching tour with various stops down Pearl street, and a happy hour on the patio of Rodwin Architecture’s new offices.

Members recently toured the AWARDED project 1 Line, a 2024 Design Award of Excellence and Sustainability Recognition recipient, learning about the unique mass timber project.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky

A hockey quote in an architecture newsletter? It fits. Each year, some Honor Award categories go unawarded—not because the jury didn’t find a winner, but because no one submitted. 

If you’ve ever considered submitting for an Honor Award, now’s the time! There’s no fee to enter, and the jury is eager to learn more about you and your contributions to the profession.

And while you’re at it, make sure your photographer is capturing your latest work and that you’re reviewing the Design Award submission guidelines. The deadline is closer than it appears!

Conference Sponsorship and Expo Hall now open

Planning is well underway for this year’s Practice + Design Conference, happening November 12-14, at Keystone Conference Center. 

Place your company and brand right in the middle of the action and take advantage of our sponsorship opportunities!

Do you know trusted industry colleagues who should be there? Our Expo Hall booths – which typically sell out – are now available to reserve!

AIA Colorado Events

May 22 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Thursday, May 22nd, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA South members for a happy hour in Colorado Springs at Avenue 19. RSVP  here.

May 29 • GSA-National Science Foundation Ice Core Facility tour (re-scheduled)

Join the Denver Local Advisors Thursday, May 29th for a tour of a very unique property! Located within a large existing building on the Denver Federal Center campus, the GSA-National Science Foundation (NSF) Ice Core Facility supports the storage and climate-change research of some 30,000 ice cores from the Arctic and Antarctic. The design team from OZ Architecture will lead a tour of both the existing aging facility and the construction progress of its replacement. Tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

May 29 • National and Local AAH Chapter updates

Thursday, May 29th, at Noon, Join AIA Colorado’s Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Knowledge Community for an update from AAH National and a discussion on local developments. We will be joined by the 2025 AAH National President, Southern Ellis, AIA, who will provide an overview of AAH National organizational structure, goals, and opportunities for collaboration. AAH Colorado Chair Tim Neely, AIA, will be sharing preview of AAH Colorado’s remaining events for the year. RSVP here.

June 5 • Colorado Night at AIA25

Are you attending AIA25? If so, join us and connect with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA25. Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. Learn more and RSVP here.

June 10 • West Virtual Connect: Affordable Housing

Thursday, June 10th, at 8am, join AIA Colorado West Director Andi Korber, AIA, and connect virtually with Western Slope AIA members for a time of conversation. The topic will be affordable housing and how this issue is posing unique strains in mountain communities. There will be a brief presentation to get the conversation started, following by Q+A and discussion. RSVP here.

June 11 • AWARDED: True Nature Healing Arts Kiva

AWARDED is a 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. 

June 11th, at 5pm, in Carbondale, tour this unique property, a cast in place board form concrete refuge anchoring an established public garden. The True Nature kiva includes a spiral ramp to a subterranean 100-person auditorium tucked away amidst an interactive garden of reflexology paths, labyrinths, and more. Join us to see modern architecture quietly centering an active, blossoming, communal space. This tour has been approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

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Member News

Aspen Public Radio captured a book event at Explore Booksellers, in Aspen, featuring AIan Ford, FAIA, and Andi Korber, AIA, discussing the book Creating the Regenerative School. Listen at Aspen Public Radio.

Josie Hyde, AIA, Gensler, was recently interviewed by CPR regarding the adaptive reuse of two downtown high rise buildings in downtown Denver. The buildings are located on 17th street and plan to have 700 residential units with retail space on the lower floors. Read the interview here.

Tina Du Mond, AIA, has joined JLG Architects’ Healthcare Practice Studio as a Principal Architect. Congratulations!

Congratulations to member firm Land+Shelter as they celebrate 20 years in business with an event May 28th, from 5:30 – 7:30pm, at Colorado Mountain College, Aspen Campus. More info here and RSVP at info@landandshelter.com

Partner News

Practice Disrupted episode with AISC’s Nima Balasubramanian

In this episode of Practice Disrupted, Evelyn Lee, FAIA, 2025 AIA President sits down with Nima Balasubramanian, Director of Architecture at the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), an AIA Colorado Premier Partner, to explore how architects can deepen their material knowledge, challenge industry norms, and find joy in alternative career paths. Nima’s story takes us from long nights at overworked firms to welding workshops and global entrepreneurship—and along the way, she invites us to imagine a better way of practicing architecture. Listen here.

Career Coaching Part III – Final Session

Tuesday, May 20th, from 5 – 7pm, join NOMA Colorado for an engaging evening focused on career growth, mentorship, and connection within the architecture and design community. Whether you’re just starting your career or exploring your next move, this session offers valuable guidance and the chance to connect with peers and professionals in the field. Hosted by DLR Group. Light refreshments will be provided. More info and RSVP here.

NOMA Colorado: Members & Friends Kickoff Event at SAR+

Thursday, May 29th, at 5:30pm, join NOMA Colorado’s first Members & Friends Event of 2025 is here. Hosted by SAR+ Architects, join for an evening of connection, insight, and community. Learn about the Ball Arena and River Mile projects from SAR+, hear what’s ahead for NOMA Colorado in 2025, and enjoy snacks and drinks during happy hour. RSVP here.

Do you have a cutting-edge steel project in the ground or on the horizon? The structural steel industry’s highest design honor is calling your name!

Presented by AIA Colorado Premier Partner American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and Building Design + Construction, the prestigious IDEAS Awards honor beautiful, innovative, and sustainable projects that illustrate the exciting possibilities of building with structural steel. AISC has identified and celebrated game-changing structures for decades—and yours could be next! Call for Submissions is now open – submit 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:

AIA Colorado Job Board

NEWS AT NATIONAL

National volunteer opportunities are available 

Explore AIA volunteer opportunities—a great way to support the work and shape the future of the architecture profession, develop and grow leadership skills, and help advance AIA’s mission. AIA encourages participation from members who bring varied perspectives—across career stages, firm sizes, geographic regions, cultural backgrounds, and practice areas. We believe that diverse voices help ensure that our programs, policies, and initiatives reflect the evolving needs of the profession and the communities we serve. View the opportunities here and plan to complete the application before June 16th.

Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship

The Jason Pettigrew Memorial ARE Scholarship recognizes the significant contributions of emerging professionals at early stages in their careers and helps defray the costs associated with the Architect Registration Examination (ARE). Developed by the AIA National Associates Committee, the scholarship honors the memory of late friend and colleague, Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA. Scholarship recipients will receive funds to cover the cost of the ARE and study materials to prepare for testing, totaling $1,910.00. Applications will be accepted until July 7th. For more info and to apply, go here.

Business conditions at architecture firms continues to decline

The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) dropped to 43.2 in April, down from 44.1 in March. This decline reflects an accelerated decrease in billing activity. Billings have decreased in 28 out of the past 31 months, following their initial drop into negative territory after the post-pandemic boom. New project inquiries decreased for the third month in a row in April, and the value of new design contracts has declined at the majority of firms for 14 consecutive months. Read at AIA.

Don’t miss AIA25 in Boston, June 4–7! 

More than just a conference, AIA25 is an invitation to inspiration. Across four days of immersive learning, inspiring keynotes, architect-led tours, networking events, and the industry’s largest expo, AIA25 will leave you inspired and equipped with new tools, fresh perspectives, and a renewed sense of purpose to design a better world.

It’s everything you need, in one location. Get your ticket before it’s too late. Register here.

Premier Partner Spotlight

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

Colorado-owned and -operated, Ascent Contracting specializes in guiding clients through the building process—from the initial concept to the final detail. Each member of our team delivers personalized service, careful and intentional planning, and high-quality craftsmanship, and believes in the value of close collaboration with our clients and with design professionals.

Visit Ascent Contacting’s website

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.

Become an Allied member

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