Colorado Architecture News | 08.19.26

In this Newsletter:

• Buy your tickets for the Design + Honor Awards Celebration
• Practice + Design Conference Early Registration ends Aug 31
• Event recap: Pursuing Net Zero Water in Colorado
• Denver Airport Tour recap
• Aug 19 • Timber Ridge Village tour in Vail
• Aug 20 • Palmer High School construction tour 
• Aug 27 • Anythink Nature Library tour
• Sept 9 • West Virtual Connect: Information Exchange Roundtable
• Sept 10 • Historic Evans School tour
• Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
• Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
• Premier Partner Spotlight: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC)

Award-winning design. Inspiring people. One incredible evening.

More than an awards ceremony, this is a celebration of Colorado’s architecture community and the people, ideas, and partnerships that continue to shape the built environment across our state.

Thursday, September 17, starting at 5:30pm, join colleagues, clients, collaborators, emerging professionals, and industry partners at Mile High Station. We’ll recognize the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards while celebrating the collective creativity, leadership, and impact of the architectural profession.

Enjoy craft cocktails, curated dinner, and a live performance by Extreme Strings, creating an energetic backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and celebrating together. Tickets include catered cuisine and your first two craft beverages. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Many thanks to event sponsors Martin/Martin, Carpentry Plus, and HNTB and to Premier Partners Architectural Education Foundation, IMEG, American Institute of Steel Construction, Humboldt Sawmill and Allweather Wood, and KL&A!

Grow your impact by sponsoring the event. More info available here.

Buy your tickets here.

Event Recap: Pursuing Net Zero Water in Colorado

Following a first conversation exploring the future of water-conscious design in Colorado, AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment (COTE) continued its two-part summer webinar series by turning to the practical realities of putting those ideas into action.

Created and moderated by committee members Alexis Campion, Assoc. AIA, and Francis Mougne, AIA, Part 2 in the series, Pursuing Net Zero Water in Colorado, brought together experts in water resources, utilities, infrastructure, and engineering to explore how water rights, permitting requirements, infrastructure constraints, and long-term planning shape what is possible, and why architects should begin thinking about water early in the design process. Read the event recap here.

Early Registration ends Aug 31st

There’s still time to take advantage of Early Registration pricing for AIA Colorado’s 2026 Practice + Design Conference, but only through August 31st!

With a growing conference schedule, nationally recognized keynote speakers, expanded networking opportunities, and three days dedicated to the future of architectural practice, this year’s conference promises to be one of our strongest yet.

Whether you’re attending, exhibiting, or sponsoring, now is a great time to make your plans and save. Explore the latest conference schedule, reserve your hotel room, and secure your registration before Early Registration pricing closes.

Reserve your spot here.

Denver Airport Tour recap

Earlier this month, AIA Colorado members went behind the scenes at Denver International Airport for a rare look at the architecture and infrastructure that keep one of the country’s busiest airports moving. Led by aviation architects from HNTB, members explored the recent A-West Concourse expansion, United Airlines’ underground baggage handling infrastructure, and the apron level, where they even saw an Airbus A380 up close. Read the recap and explore the photo gallery to see more from this unique tour here.

Aug 19 • Timber Ridge Village tour in Vail

Wednesday, August 19th, at 2pm, join members in the West for a tour of of Timber Ridge Village in Vail, one of the most ambitious workforce housing developments undertaken in Colorado’s mountain communities. As the Town of Vail’s largest capital project to date, this $165 million redevelopment transforms a long-standing employee housing site into a modern, transit-oriented neighborhood featuring more than 300 deed-restricted homes for the local workforce. Designed by Pure Design in collaboration with Triumph Development West and the Town of Vail, the project demonstrates how architecture, planning, public policy, and innovative construction methods can address the growing housing challenges facing resort communities. Tour approved for 2 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Aug 20 • Palmer High School construction tour

Thursday, August 20th, at 4pm, join South members for a tour of the new Palmer High School, an ongoing Palmer High School project by RTA Architects and Perkins Eastman. This guided jobsite tour of Palmer High School offers participants first-hand exposure to active building construction within an occupied educational campus, with an emphasis on installation of precast concrete wall panels, construction means and methods, sequencing, and coordination across multiple trades. The tour will review how work is planned, staged, and executed on a constrained, occupied school campus, including temporary protection, access control, and safety measures. Tour approved for 1.5 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Aug 27 • Anythink Nature Library tour

Thursday, August 27th, at 4pm, join members for a guided tour of the Anythink Nature Library, designed by Davis Partnership Architects. Situated on a 15-acre hillside adjacent to the Aylor Open Space trail network, the project explores how architecture can foster meaningful connections between people, learning, and the natural environment. Attendees will experience the building’s curvilinear design, daylight-filled interiors, and integrated indoor/outdoor programming spaces, including gardens, nature-focused learning environments, and community gathering areas. The tour will highlight strategies related to site integration, biophilic design, experiential learning, and the creation of healthy, restorative public spaces. Participants will gain insight into the collaborative design process and the architectural decisions that support the library’s mission to help visitors “find their place in nature.” Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 9 • West Virtual Connect: Information Exchange Roundtable

Wednesday, September 9th, at Noon, connect with fellow members in the West. This interactive roundtable is designed for open dialogue and peer learning. Bring your questions and insights as we discuss emerging topics including AI in practice, firm management strategies, insurance and benefits, software tools, and operational best practices. This is a chance to connect with Western Slope colleagues, share lessons learned, and gain practical ideas you can implement immediately. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 10 • Historic Evans School tour

Thursday, September 10th, at 4pm, join members for a guided tour of the Historic Evans School, led by Collin Kemberlin, AIA, Kemberlin Architecture. The Historic Evans School project reimagines a 1904 Denver landmark as a vibrant mixed-use community destination in the Golden Triangle. Through careful adaptive reuse, the former school preserves its Renaissance Revival character while introducing lifestyle retail, office space, a restored historic auditorium event venue, and active public-facing uses such as Schoolyard Beer Garden and Schoolyard Café. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build

Wednesday, September 16th, at 5:30pm, join AIA Colorado’s Business of Architecture Committee for an AIA Colorado members only roundtable discussion regarding design build. This is a hybrid event, taking place in person and online. Networking 5:30–6pm and roundtable discussion 6–7:30pm. More info and RSVP here.

Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration 

More than an awards ceremony, this is a celebration of Colorado’s architecture community and the people, ideas, and partnerships that continue to shape the built environment across our state.

Thursday, September 17, starting at 5:30pm, join colleagues, clients, collaborators, emerging professionals, and industry partners for an unforgettable evening at Mile High Station as we recognize the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards while celebrating the collective creativity, leadership, and impact of the architectural profession.

Enjoy craft curated cocktails, an exceptional culinary experience, and a live performance by Extreme Strings, creating an energetic backdrop for reconnecting with old friends, making new connections, and celebrating together. Tickets include catered cuisine and your first two craft beverages. We look forward to celebrating with you! 

Grow your impact by sponsoring the event. More info available here.

Buy your tickets here.

Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour

Tuesday, September 22nd, starting at 5pm, join alumni of AIA Colorado’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program for a happy at Schoolyard Beer Garden. More info and RSVP here.

Colorado Green Building Guild 10th Annual Green Home Tour

Saturday, September 19th, from 10am – 7pm, enjoy a self-guided tour of sustainable and high-performance homes across Boulder, Denver, and Fort Collins, paired with the Building Better Expo showcasing the products, practices, and professionals behind sustainable building in Colorado. Attendees can expect to meet some of the homeowners, direct access to the builders and designers who created the homes, and a chance to see green building principles in action. The day wraps with an after party at Relish in Louisville. Hosted by the Colorado Green Building Guild (CGBG), tickets are $15 for a single home tour and $30 for unlimited and available here. All tickets include the expo and after party. AIA Members can use the discount code “AIA” for reduced ticket costs! ($10/$20) If you are interested in volunteering, email jessica@bossarch.com.

CAP’s Fall 2026 Lecture and Exhibition Series

All events are free, open to the public, and will be recorded unless otherwise specified. All lectures, unless specified, will start at 12 p.m. and be held on the Second Floor Gallery of CU Building, 1250 14th St, Denver, CO. View the full Fall schedule here.

• Tuesday, August 25 • Florencia Rodriguez moderated by Miranda Lash – NESS, Founding Principal
• Monday, September 28 • Nels Bjarke – Western Water Assessment & CIRES, Research Scientist
• Monday, October 5 • David Godshall – Terremoto, Design Director
• Monday, October 12 • Shin Bin Tan – Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore, Assistant Professor
• Thursday, October 22 • Kevin Hirth – CU Denver CAP, Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies, KEVIN HIRTH Co., Founder
• Tuesday, November 3 • Liaohui Guo – Atelier Guo, Principal Architect
• Thursday, November 12 • Annabelle Selldorf, FAIA – Selldorf Architects, Founder

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:

• Senior Project Architect 12+Yrs. Exp. at CCY Architects
• Project Architect at STV Inc.
• Design-Build Firm: Project Architect / Architectural Designer at dcb Construction Company, Inc.

Meet AIA Chief Economist Richard Branch

Branch discusses how to leverage economic data, how your firm can prepare for multiple future scenarios at once, and why housing is a “silver bullet for the economy.” Read at AIA.

Leveraging AI for Resilient Design

Discover how AI-powered digital twins and LLMs can help architects assess risk, test scenarios, and translate resilience strategies into actionable, measurable design decisions. Register at AIA.

Women’s Leadership Summit 2026

Women’s Leadership Summit, powered by AIA, brings together the largest network of women in architecture, design, and the allied building industries. This year, the event will take place in Kansas City, MO, from November 1-3. Be part of the WLS community dedicated to advancing women’s leadership and empowerment. Learn more and register at AIA.

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).

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

2026 Awards Celebration

• Mile High Station, Denver, CO
• Thursday, September 17
• Tickets available here
• Awards sponsorship information

2026 Practice + Design Conference

• Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO
• November 11 – 13
• Conference sponsorship information
• Expo Hall registration

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

• Add your firm to the directory here.

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.