Colorado Architecture News | 09.02.26

In this Newsletter:

• Buy your tickets for the Design + Honor Awards Celebration
• Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils
• Practice + Design Conference: The State of the State of Colorado
• AIA Colorado Supports Phil Weiser’s Vision for Housing and Development
• Sept 9 • West Virtual Connect: Information Exchange Roundtable
• Sept 10 • Historic Evans School tour
• Sept 16 • Business of Architecture: Design Build
• Sept 17 • Design + Honor Awards Celebration
• Sept 22 • CKLDP Alumni happy hour
• Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery
• Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work
• Oct 6 • The All Inn Hotel tour
• Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations
• Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150
• Premier Partner Spotlight: Architectural Education Foundation (AEF)

Celebrate Design. Celebrate Community.

Ticket prices increase September 4. Reserve your tickets today to secure the current rate.

On Thursday, September 17, at 5:30pm, Colorado’s architecture community comes together at Mile High Station for an evening of design, connection, and celebration.

Join us as we honor the recipients of the 2026 Design + Honor Awards and recognize the people, ideas, and partnerships shaping Colorado’s built environment. The evening features craft cocktails, a curated dinner, and a live performance by Extreme Strings.

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

Want to deepen your organization’s connection to Colorado’s architecture community? Explore event sponsorship opportunities here. Buy your tickets here.

Call for Nominations: 2027 AIA Colorado Board of Directors and AIA National Councils

AIA Colorado is seeking members to serve on the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and as state representatives to AIA national councils. 

The AIA Colorado Board provides stewardship of the nonprofit and is responsible for collaboratively setting the direction of the organization through consensus driven governance, policy-making, and strategic planning. The national councils are peer group networks who provide insight from our state into their programming and strategy to the national level of the Institute. 

Ideal candidates are AIA members who are strategically minded, service-oriented, and capable of identifying and responding to industry trends, to enhance and propel the profession and to help members excel in their areas of practice.

AIA Colorado is committed to broadening equity, diversity and inclusion to create a stronger profession. Towards that end, the nominating committee will make every attempt to recommend a diverse, strategy-driven and competency-based slate of candidates. Learn more about the upcoming vacancies and begin your application here.

Registration is Open

Registration is open for AIA Colorado’s 2026 Practice + Design Conference!

The conference begins Wednesday, November 11, with The State of the State of Colorado, a data-driven look at the economic, demographic, resilience, and policy trends shaping the future of architecture across the state. Four presenters from the public, economic, and planning sectors will explore the forces influencing where people live, how communities grow, what markets demand, and how architects design and lead. The session plans to offer 2 LU|HSW and is included with full conference registration.

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 today!

Reserve your spot here.

AIA Colorado Supports Phil Weiser’s Vision for Housing and Development

AIA Colorado joined other construction industry representatives this week for a fundraiser event in support of Phil Weiser’s campaign for governor. Weiser shared his vision for reducing barriers to development, tackling our lack of available affordable housing units, and building stronger relationships with local jurisdictions to find solutions to these challenges in a more collaborative manner. Our Architects of Colorado Small Donor Committee, funded by AIA Colorado members, is a proud contributor to Weiser’s campaign. Pictured (L-R) Nikolaus Remus, AIA, AIA Colorado Advocacy Engagement Director, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, AIA Colorado CEO, and Jerry Johnson, AIA Colorado lobbyist.

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.

Sept 23 • Architects in Wildfire Recovery

Wednesday, September 23rd, at Noon, learn about the architect’s evolving role in wildfires disaster response and rebuild efforts. Architects and local government officials involved in recent Colorado and Los Angeles-area wildfires will share practical lessons from response and rebuilding efforts. Learn how architects can support communities immediately after a fire, help residents navigate the complex rebuilding process, and prepare for the challenges that emerge in the years ahead. Virtual event submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More info, meeting the panelists, and RSVP here.

Oct 1 • Marketing for Architects: Winning the Work

Thursday, October 1st, at Noon, join members for a candid conversation about what it takes to win work in today’s competitive marketplace. This discussion moves beyond the fundamentals of business development to address the questions experienced practitioners face as they seek better projects, new clients, and sustainable growth. More info, meet the panelists, and RSVP here.

Oct 6 • All Inn Hotel tour

Tuesday, October 6th, starting at 4pm, join members for a tour of The All Inn Hotel. Originally constructed as a luxury motor hotel during the golden age of automobile travel, this property has been thoughtfully reimagined as a contemporary 54-room boutique hotel that celebrates its mid-century heritage while meeting the expectations of today’s hospitality market. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. RSVP here.

Oct 7 • AIA CRAN Industry Conversations

Wednesday, October 7th, starting at 4:30pm, at Number 38 in Denver’s RiNO neighborhood, join Join the AIA Colorado Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) for an evening of connection, candid conversation, and shared learning. This facilitated, peer-to-peer gathering will bring custom residential architects together to exchange practical insights on the business challenges that shape their work. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 8 • Architecture for the Next 150

Thursday, October 8th, 4pm, at the Aspen Art Museum, join members of the AIA Colorado Board of Directors for future-focused conversations. We’ll explore what architecture can learn from the past, how housing can respond to changing needs, and how shared spaces can strengthen our communities. More info and RSVP here.

Congratulations to Fentress Studios’ founder Curt Fentress, FAIA, on being named one of Denver Post’s 150 most notable people in Colorado history. After moving to Denver in the late 1970s, Curt founded the firm in 1980 and has continued making major contributions to the design of public spaces in both Colorado and beyond.

The S/L/A/M Collaborative and RTA Architects announce merger.

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.

• 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:

• Project Architect/Architectural Designer at 159 Architecture and Design, LLC
• Project Architect/Project Manager at Lightwell Architecture
• Architectural Staff at Shepherd Resources Inc.

Registration is open for AIA Trust Week 2026

AIA Trust Week returns September 28–October 2 with nine free virtual sessions focused on issues shaping architecture practice today, including AI, cybersecurity, climate resilience, legal risk, professional liability, healthcare, retirement, employee benefits, and more. All sessions are free and eligible for AIA Continuing Education credit. Explore the schedule and register at AIA Trust.

Artificial intelligence resources from AIA

Artificial intelligence is creating new possibilities—and new questions—for the architecture profession. AIA helps architects and firms understand, evaluate, and use AI responsibly with practical tools, education, research, and guidance. Read more at AIA.

Registration for Firm Management Symposium 2026 is open! 

Firm Management Symposium, new from AIA, delivers focused, high-value learning on the fundamentals that drive firm success all in 1.5 days! The agenda is designed around winning work, driving results, and getting paid. Strengthen your business, navigate AI, and more! The event will take place at the AIA Global Campus, Oct. 1-2. Be part of the FMS community, designed for small and mid-sized firms, and leave with tools you can apply right away. 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, Architectural Education Foundation, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community. 

Since its inception, the Foundation has awarded over $1 million in scholarships, grants, and awards to more than 250 recipients. The AEF is more than just an educational fund, it’s a lifeline for aspiring architects and educators, providing the support they need to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of architectural practice.

Every donation to the AEF fuels the future of architectural innovation. Whether it’s helping a student return to school or funding groundbreaking research, each contribution empowers the next generation of architects to design the world we live in.

Contributions not only advance the profession today but also help build a lasting legacy in the field of architecture. 

Make your secure donation and help create a lasting impact!

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.