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06.17.26
In this Newsletter:
NEWS

With just nine days remaining before the June 26 deadline, now is the time to begin and finalize your 2026 AIA Colorado Design + Honor Awards submissions.
For firms, the Design Awards are an opportunity to showcase projects that demonstrate excellence in architecture and design. Remember, projects remain eligible for five years after completion, and many successful entries are not first-time submissions. Each year, a new jury of esteemed architects brings fresh perspectives to the review process, which is why we always encourage firms to resubmit eligible projects. In fact, multiple Design Award winners last year received recognition in their final year of eligibility.
For members, the Honor Awards recognize the individuals, teams, and leaders whose contributions strengthen our profession and communities. Best of all, Honor Award submissions are free, making it easy to recognize a colleague, mentor, emerging professional, volunteer, or even yourself for the impact you’ve made.
If you’ve been meaning to submit, don’t wait for the final few days. Start gathering your materials, refine your narrative, and put your best work forward before submissions close on June 26 at noon.
Submission window closes Friday, June 26th, at noon. Start your submissions here.
Architects from Colorado joined thousands of colleagues from across the country in San Diego for AIA26. From inspiring keynote presentations and educational sessions to project tours, networking events such as Colorado Night, and unexpected moments of connection, the conference offered plenty to remember. We asked attendees to share their favorite AIA26 experiences and photos from the week. Read their reflections and see highlights from the conference here.

Contribute your expertise and lead a session this Fall in Keystone! Apply to present at this year’s conference by Friday, July 31, 2026, at Noon.
Submit your presentation here.

The second episode airs this Saturday afternoon on CBS Colorado (KCNC TV Channel 4 Denver) and CBS News Streaming Colorado, featuring the Pikes Peak Visitor Center by RTA Architects, the Foothills Gold Course Clubhouse by JNS Architecture + Interior Design, and Sopher Sparn’s The Great Dharma Chan Monastery. Watch the episode before it airs here.
AIA Colorado’s CRAN hosted an event last week at Rowland+Broughton’s Denver office exploring opportunities to leverage VR for design, review, and client presentation for custom residential projects.
Recently, the Emerging Professional/Young Architect (EP/YA) Leadership Councilorganized happy hours in Denver and Colorado Springs where over one hundred young professionals were able to connect.
EVENTS
Thursday, June 18th, at 4pm, join members for a tour of Pancratia Hall Lofts, an adaptive reuse of a 1930 National Register historic landmark on the campus of Colorado Heights University. Blending historic preservation, this Influence Award Winner at the 2026 ULI Colorado Impact Awards creates unique apartments in an historic chapel, gymnasium and chemistry labs, restoring stained glass, terrazzo floors and vaulted spaces. Replacing historic windows with compatible, energy efficient, operable windows, with free EV charging stations, electric demand-management system, modern all-electric HVAC systems, the building is 100% powered by off-site community solar, setting a new standard for sustainable, equitable housing. Tour approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Tuesday June 23rd, at Noon, join members and the Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee as we journey through Chapters 7-9 of the AIA Guides for Equitable Practice, which ask heavy questions: Are we growing equitably? Are we engaging communities meaningfully? And how do we know if we’re actually making progress . . . or just making more spreadsheets? Session to be submitted for 1 LU. More info and RSVP here.
Tuesday, June 23rd, at 6:30pm, join fellow alumni of the Christopher Kelly Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) for a fun evening at Coors Field as the Rockies take on the Boston Red Sox. Reconnect with familiar faces, meet members from other CKLDP classes, and continue building the network that makes this program so valuable. More info and RSVP here.
Wednesday, June 24th, at Noon, join members in the West for a time to gather virtually. This session will recap key legislation from the recent session and explore how new laws may impact licensure, practice, liability, housing, and the built environment. AIA Colorado’s advocacy team will provide context and answer your questions, with a focus on implications for architects practicing in Western Colorado. More info and RSVP here.
Thursday, July 2nd, meeting at 3:45pm, join North members for a tour of Goatbarn Lane, a AIA Colorado 2022 Design Award of Excellence Award recipient, 2022 American Institute of Architects National Small Project + Housing Award, and 2022 Residential Design Architecture Award. Designed by Renée del Gaudio, for her father, the home reflects a philosophy of living with less, prioritizing simplicity, durability, and a strong connection to the natural environment. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW and limited to 15 AIA members, learn more and RSVP here.
Tuesday, July 14th, at Noon, virtually join the 2026 Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) Knowledge Community for an update on national initiatives, local activities, and opportunities to get involved in shaping the future of healthcare design. Special guest Pierce McVey, AIA, LEED AP, 2026 AAH National President, will provide an overview of AAH’s organizational structure, strategic priorities, and key initiatives for the year ahead. More info and RSVP here.
Wednesday, July 22nd, at Noon, join AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) on examining how water scarcity is shaping the future of development in Colorado and explores strategies for creating more resilient, water-conscious communities. Participants will learn about innovative water management approaches, emerging technologies, and integrated planning solutions that support public health, safety, and welfare through sustainable resource stewardship and resilient infrastructure design. Session to be submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
Wednesday, July 29th, at 5pm, join members for a tour of Highlands Senior Center, a vibrant community hub designed to support wellness, accessibility, and social connection for aging adults. Tour will be led by architects from OZ Architecture and will examine how flexible programming, intuitive circulation, natural light, and community-driven aesthetics contribute to environments that enhance health, safety, and welfare for older adults. Tour has been submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.
NEWS
Camp Meeker, by Renée del Gaudio Architecture, was recently awarded an AIA Small Project Award. Congratulations!

Robert Ivy, FAIA, former chief editor of Architectural Record, has recently published Out There: New Architecture Across America profiling 50 US practices, including Colorado’s Renée del Gaudio Architecture, Dynia Architects, and BOSS.architecture. Out There is a critical survey of 50 architectural firms working across America’s regional cities and small towns. These practitioners operate at every scale and with all building types, weaving a rich architectural tapestry that reflects the breadth and diversity of the American landscape. Learn more about the book at the publishers’ website.
NEWS
The Fire Board of Appeals is established to hear and decide appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the fire code official or his/her designee relative to the application and interpretation of the currently adopted International Fire Code. Applications are due this Friday, June 19th. Apply here.
The College of Architecture and Planning (CAP) at the University of Colorado Denveris collecting information about your current and ongoing hiring needs – even if your current needs are “we aren’t hiring right now.” One response per organization is requested. Please take the 5-minute survey here.
The Jason Pettigrew Leadership Scholarship honors the legacy of Jason Pettigrew, Assoc. AIA, whose passion, leadership, and commitment to emerging professionals left a lasting impact on the Western Mountain Region. Established in 2004 following his passing, the scholarship supports Associate AIA members who demonstrate leadership potential and a commitment to service within the profession. Recipients receive funding to attend both the AIA Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C., and the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region Conference, providing valuable opportunities for leadership development, networking, and engagement with the Institute. Applications are open to Associate AIA members in the Western Mountain Region states, with submissions evaluated on demonstrated leadership, AIA involvement, and future commitment to the profession. More information can be found here and applications can be started here. Application deadline is Monday, August 10th.
AIA Colorado is seeking interested members for nomination to a vacancy on Denver’s Lower Downtown Design Review Commission (LDDRC). This mayor-appointed volunteer commission reviews exterior alterations, additions, signage, and new construction projects within the Lower Downtown Historic District and plays an important role in preserving one of Denver’s most significant historic neighborhoods.
The current vacancy must be filled by the owner or operator of a business located within the Lower Downtown Historic District. Commissioners meet on the first Thursday of each month at 8:30 a.m. and serve three-year terms. Candidates should have an interest in historic preservation, architecture, urban design, or related fields. A job description can be found here.
If you are interested in being considered for nomination by AIA Colorado, please contact Nikolaus Remus, AIA, by June 22.
JOB BOARD UPDATES
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:
AIA NATIONAL
The AIA Awards Gala brought together distinguished architects, industry professionals, and supporters to honor outstanding achievements in the 10 award categories announced during the gala, including the Architecture Award, COTE Top Ten Award, Education Facility Design Award, Healthcare Design Award, Housing Award, Interior Architecture Award, Justice Facility Award, Regional & Urban Design Award, Small Project Award, and the Twenty-Five Year Award. Learn about the recipients here.
PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Every year, AIA Colorado’s Premier Partner, American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) presents the IDEAS Awards to projects that illustrate the possibilities of structural steel design and construction.
AISC looking for projects that showcase the innovative use of structural steel in:
You could even get recognition for your project before breaking ground! The IDEAS|next Award is your opportunity to showcase ingenious sparks, unconventional concepts, and potential technical breakthroughs that are still “on the boards” and may redefine what steel can achieve next.
AISC invites submissions that highlight innovative concepts pushing the boundaries of steel’s versatility, specific components or systems that represent pioneering uses of steel, and digital and material evolution that set a new sustainable and technological precedent in the AEC industry.
Learn more and start your submission here.
ALLIED MEMBERS
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:
AIA Colorado Firm Directory
Save the Dates:
Calls for Proposals:
2026 Practice + Design Conference
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.