Colorado Architecture News | 05.06.26

In this Newsletter:

• 2026 Resiliency Fair
• EP/YA Leadership Council Q1 Updates
• West Virtual Connect recap
• J.E.D.I.’s Equity in Practice session 1 recap
• May 13: Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact
• May 15: 2026 Resiliency Fair
• May 27: 2026 Legislative Session Recap
• May 28: Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship
• June 3: EP/YA South Section Happy Hour
• June 4: EP/YA Denver Section Happy Hour
• June 11: Colorado Night at AIA26
• June 16: Business of Architecture: People Management
• June 17: Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication
• Premier Partner spotlight: Marvin

2026 Resiliency Fair

As climate change reshapes Colorado’s water systems and increases wildfire risk, resilient design requires deeper collaboration between architects and landscape architects. The AIA Colorado and ASLA Colorado/Wyoming Resiliency Fair brings members together to explore integrated strategies for drought and wildfire response.

Next week, Friday, May 15th, from 2 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center for a program featuring a keynote from Colorado Resiliency Office Director Anne Miller, AICP, who will share updates on the state’s resiliency framework, including its 5-year update and the role of resiliency hubs in strengthening communities. Attendees will engage in small-group discussions with experts on topics like the Colorado Wildfire Resiliency Code and local policy approaches, followed by a panel on how design professionals can better align resilience strategies with client needs. 

Registration is required and limited to 30 AIA members. Event is $25 for AIA members, $40 non-member rate, and $10 for students. Approved for 2 LU|HSW.

More info and RSVP here.

EP/YA Leadership Council Q1 Updates

The AIA Colorado Emerging Professionals / Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council is building strong momentum in 2026, continuing its work to connect, support, and elevate early-career professionals across the state. Serving as a hub for students, Associate AIA members, and newly licensed architects, the council strengthens the pathway from education to practice and into leadership through national engagement, mentorship, and community-building initiatives. Read more for Q1 highlights from NAC, YAF, Ascend, CKLDP, and RFI Run Club here.

West Virtual Connect: Disaster Preparedness recap

In our first West Connect session of 2026, members explored how firms and communities can better prepare for disasters such as wildfires and floods. Moderated by Molly Wheelock, Assoc. AIA, Andi Korber, AIA, the session featured perspectives from Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Paola Capo, and Scott Rodwin, AIA, each offering a distinct lens on preparedness “before, during, and after” disaster events. Read the recap here.

Equity in Practice Session 1 recap

AIA Colorado’s J.E.D.I. Committee launched the Equity in Practice series with a session exploring intercultural competence, workplace culture, and compensation as key drivers of equity in the profession. Co-chairs Sarah Morasso, AIA, and Alexander Person, AIA, and Maria Pelaez, Assoc. AIA, emphasized that building inclusive, high-performing firms requires both individual awareness of bias and intentional, firm-wide systems that support equitable practices. Read the recap and key takeaways here.

AIA Colorado members in the South recently took advantage of the unique opportunity to follow the lifecycle of precast concrete from fabrication to installation, with a direct tie to the ongoing Palmer High School project by RTA Architects and Perkins Eastman.

May 13 • Housing Matters: Winning Ideas for Policy Impact

What’s the real impact of a design competition? Wednesday, May 13th, from 4:30 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado’s Regional and Urban Housing Design Committee for a conversation that moves beyond ideas into policy and real-world change. Featuring the top three winners of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge, this event explores how design competitions elevate new voices and influence the future of our cities. Hear from Australian architect Damian Madigan, Denver-based teams behind ReFrame and Alley Town La Alma, and the City and County of Denver on how these ideas connect to the Unlocking Housing Choices initiative. Hosted at OZ Architecture, in Denver, be part of the conversation shaping the future of housing in Denver. RSVP here.

May 27 • 2026 Legislative Session Recap

Wednesday, May 27, at Noon, join Nikolaus Remus, AIA, Advocacy Engagement Director at AIA Colorado, and Brittany Goldsmith, AIA, Chair of the Government Affairs Committee, for a 2026 Legislative Session Recap to highlight key outcomes from this year’s State Capitol activity. He will share insights on the bills tracked, supported, and opposed, along with their outcomes. This session was shaped by a significant budget deficit and a strong focus on housing and climate policy, including increased state involvement in land use decisions. Join us to better understand what these changes mean for the profession and the future of Colorado’s built environment. RSVP here.

May 28 • Equity in Practice Series: Recruitment, Negotiation, and Mentorship

Designing great architecture starts long before anyone picks up a pen, mouse, or trace paper, it starts with people! Thursday, May 28th, at Noon, in the second session of AIA Colorado’s three-part Equity in Practice Series, AIA Colorado’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee invites you to dive into Chapters 4–6 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice where we’ll be talking about the big three: recruitment, negotiation, and mentorship. (A trio just as essential to your career as coffee, deadlines and asking “Is this PDF the final-final version?”). To be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.

June 3 • South Section EP/YA happy hour

Wednesday, June 3rd, at 4:30, at Phantom Canyon, in Colorado Springs, join AIA Colorado South members and the EP/YA Council for a happy hour designed to connect emerging professionals. RSVP here.

June 4 • Denver Section EP/YA happy hour

Thursday, June 4th, at 4pm, at Schoolyard Beer Garden, Join AIA Colorado Denver members and EP/YA Council for a happy hour and connect with other emerging professions. RSVP here.

June 11 • Colorado Night at AIA26

Thursday, June 11th, at 6pm, enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26! Light appetizers and drinks will be provided. RSVP here.

June 16 • Business of Architecture: People Management

Tuesday, June 16th, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion regarding people management. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. More info and RSVP here.

June 17 • Marketing for Architects: From Project to Publication

Wednesday, June 17th, at Noon, join members for a panel discussion with media and storytelling professionals to learn how architecture firms get published, what editors are actually looking for, and why some stories get picked up while others don’t. More info and RSVP here.

Congratulations to SAR+’s Christina LoConte, AIA, Alastair Huber, AIA, and Macy Huffaker, AIA! Read more about their recent elevationss as well as additional promotions at the office here.

Scott Rodwin, AIA, Rodwin Architecture, past president of AIA Colorado, recently penned an opinion article for Boulder’s Daily Camera, ‘Abundance and the built environment.’ Read the article without a paywall here.

Building Policy Collaborative | Power ahead Colorado webinar

Tuesday, May 19th, 10 – 11am, join a webinar hosted by the Denver Regional Council of Governments (DRCOG) introducing Power Ahead Colorado and the Building Policy Collaborative (BPC). The BPC is a regional initiative to improve building performance and advance alignment on building codes and policies across the Denver Metro Area through a voluntary partnership of local governments coordinating future code and policy updates. The presentation will focus on the BPC’s policy and code goals and the anticipated timelines for policy development.

Attendees will walk away with:

• Am overview of the BPC initiative and regional direction
• A preview the policy roadmap and timeline
• An understanding of how and when industry partners will be engaged in the future as policies are developed

Register here.

AIA Colorado Job Board

Looking for your next career move? Explore fresh job listings updated daily. Hiring? Showcase your open position for 30 days and connect with top-tier talent. 

Featured listings:

• Architect / Senior Architect at Ferguson Pyatt Architects, Inc.
• Project Designer / Project Architect / Project Manager at Lightwell Architecture
• Project Architect / Project manager at Treanor, Inc.

How firms can direct AI instead of reacting to it

Mahya Salehi, AIA, on the ways AI helps her firm design homes. Read at AIA.

AIA/Deltek ABI signaling market stabilization with near flat billing activity

Architecture firm billings held steady in March, indicating market stability despite global economic concerns. Read more 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.

Thursday, June 11th, join us for Colorado Night and enjoy connecting with fellow AIA Colorado members and University of Colorado alumni during the AIA26. RSVP here.

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Visit marvin.com/architectural-resources to learn more.

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.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• RSVP to Events
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

Save the Dates:

• 2026 Awards Celebration: 
  • Mile High Station, Denver, CO
  • Thursday, September 17
• 2026 Practice + Design Conference: 
  • Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
  • November 11 – 13

Calls for Proposals:

• Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window closes June 26
• Conference Call for Presentations
  • Submission window closes July 31

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee

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.