Colorado Architecture News | 10.15.25

News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects

10.15.25

In this Newsletter:

AIA COLORADO’S

NEWS

THE POWER OF

This year’s conference theme, THE POWER OF, is an invitation to explore and to act. The power of architecture goes beyond the built environment—it’s the power to influence policy, shape processes, build stronger communities, and challenge the forces that define our built environment. 

In a time of both challenge and opportunity, we ask: How are you using your power? Are you ready to lead, or content to react? Together, we’ll connect with others who are engaging with changing forces—policy, technology, climate, community—and explore how design can be a proactive tool of influence and aspiration for the future. 

Our complete keynote lineup is set, featuring Hank Koning, FAIA, and Julie Eizenberg, FAIA, Vishaan Chakrabarti, FAIA, Michelle Delk and Futurist David Zach. Start your conference experience with Tech Connect, examining the technological shifts transforming architecture.  

View the full conference schedule, breakout sessions, presenters, and meet-ups here. Conference participants can earn 13 CEUs through the full program, including 9 LU|HSW. 

Expo Hall booths are sold out. Sponsorship opportunities are available here.

Conference regular priced registration closes Oct 31st

Don’t miss out! Secure your spot today and start planning your conference experience by registering here.

Save some money and reserve your room in the AIA Colorado room block, either by phone or online. Lodging information is available here.

Register for Conference today!

Join Ken Andrews, AIA, of Arch11, and tour the Vergence House, in Boulder, on the latest episode of America ByDesign. Watch the segment here.

The United States Olympic and Paralympic Museum and Park Union Bridge, enjoy a big segment on America ByDesign. Hear from Andrew Nelson, AIA, of Anderson Mason Dale, and watch it here.

Have a project that you’d like to see in a future America ByDesign episode? The show’s producers are looking for Colorado projects! Information about the show and next steps can be found here.

Is Your AIA Record Up to Date?

Colorado architects must renew their state license by the end of October. As part of that process, you’ll need to confirm that you’ve completed the continuing education requirements:

Now is a great time to review your AIA transcript and make sure your credits are recorded. It’s also a great time to register for the Practice + Design Conference to earn HSW credits. When you renew your license, you will be asked to certify that you’ve met the requirements for both 2024 and 2025. Don’t wait until the last minute, check your record today.

License renewal emails from the State of Colorado have been sent. If you haven’t received the email, check your spam folder. If you’ve changed your email address within the past two years, please contact the State at 303-894-7800 or dora_dpo_licensing@state.co.us To renew your license, please log into your Colorado Online Services account. Remember, your requirement is to obtain 12 HSW per calendar year. For helpful DORA hints of the laws and rules that apply to the practice of architecture, including Continuing Education, visit Vol. 1, April 2022 – ARC Renewals.

AIA COLORADO’S

EVENTS

Oct 15 • Denargo Market tour

Today, Wednesday, October 15th, join AIA members for a rescheduled tour of Denargo Market, the largest mix-use development under construction in the City of Denver right now. The riverfront development will soon host over 3M square feet of new development including thousands of new residential units. The master plan lays out a public realm framework that repositions the site with the river as a front door, with retail and food and beverage spilling out onto a new extension of the RiNo promenade. The first phase of construction includes over 4-acres of new public space including streets, plazas, and parks. Tour approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 17 • Happy Hour in Colorado Springs

Friday, October 17th, join the AIA Colorado Board of Directors and design industry professionals for a casual social event in Colorado Springs at COATI. Food and will be drink available for purchase. RSVP here.

Oct 21 • AIA in conversation with Denver’s new Interim Planning Director

Tuesday, October 21st, 3:30 – 5pm, at the Alliance Center. Denver’s new Interim Planning Director, Brad Buchanan, FAIA, is committed to dramatically improving the Development approvals process. Brad’s recent appointment, background, and interest in hearing from AIA members provides us with a real opportunity to understand his plan, share ideas, and help shape a better path forward for development in Denver. This event is intended for firm leaders and decision makers in the greater Denver area, and an active AIA member number is required with RSVP. More info and RSVP here.

Oct 22 • Drawing on Life: 50 Years with Barrett Studio

Wednesday, October 22nd, join AIA members as we celebrate 50 years of Barrett Studio Architects at one of their most recent projects—Groundworks Art Lab in Boulder. The event will feature a presentation by David Barrett, a tour of Groundworks’ unique facility, and an exhibition of Barrett’s work spanning five decades of Living Design. More information and RSVP here.

EP/YA Happy Hours • Denver, Carbondale, Colorado Springs

Join AIA Colorado’s Emerging Professionals and Young Architects (EP/YA) Leadership Council members, other EP/YA’s, network, and share your ideas on programming or resources that you would be interested in, or simply chat. 

Oct 23 • The Burrell Tour

Thursday, October 23rd, Studio Completiva will conduct a 20-minute overview and a 40-minute tour of the workforce housing development located at 3575 Chestnut Place in Denver’s River North Arts District (RiNo) and Five Points neighborhoods. It is a key example of a public-private partnership aimed at creating affordable homeownership opportunities for middle-income residents. Tour submitted for 1 LU|HSW. More information and RSVP here.

Nov 6 • Designing for Extreme Environments. Part II – Summit Station, Greenland

Thursday, November 6th, join members for a presentation and discussion led by OZ Architecture and Hugh Broughton Associates of the firms’ partnership over the past year to design a new US Station on the remote Greenland Ice Cap. This virtual event will address topics of Project Acquisition, Teaming Strategies, Design for Equity, Safety and Wellness, Off-grid High-performance Design, Prefabrication and Design for Logistics optimization, and Engagement of local communities to enrich the design. Event approved for 1 LU|HSW. More info and RSVP here.

RSVP to AIA Colorado Events
View Organization Calendar

NEWS AND EVENTS FROM OUR

COMMUNITY

Forever Modern: Colorado Architects Reflect on a Century of Design

In Forever Modern, Modern In Denver’s editors explore how the spirit of architectural modernism endures more than a century after its birth. Through reflections with Colorado architects, the piece examines how today’s designers reinterpret modernism’s core ideals—function, clarity, and connection to place—to respond to contemporary life. The article asks whether modern architecture can stay true to its roots while continuing to evolve for the future. Read thoughts by architects Brad Tomecek, FAIA, Harvey Hine, AIA, Kevin Stephenson, AIA, Chris Davis, AIA, Linnaea Stuart, AIA, Mike Piché, AIA, and Tom Gallagher, AIA, here.

Upcoming CAP Lectures

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 lecture and exhibition series website with full series listings here.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Giraffe Exhibit Construction Tour and Networking

Thursday, October 23, from 5 – 6:30pm, grab your hard hats and join SMPS Colorado for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s exciting new Giraffe Exhibit! This isn’t your average construction site visit—led by the General Contractor, Architect, and key trade partners, you’ll get an insider look at the $40 million expansion that’s transforming how guests and giraffes connect. From the towering new giraffe barn to the expanded outdoor habitat and interactive feeding zones, you’ll see how this project is raising the bar for animal care and guest experience. Use diccount code “GiraffeAIA” to get $50 SMPS member pricing. More information and RSVP here.

CAREER CORNER

JOB BOARD UPDATES

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

AIA NATIONAL

2025 AIA Compensation & Benefits Report

Compensation is one of the most critical—and most sensitive—topics in architecture. That’s why AIA collects and analyzes data from hundreds of architecture firms to produce the industry’s most comprehensive, trusted, and current report on salary and benefits. The 2025 edition delivers a clear picture of how firms structure salaries, benefits, professional development, and workplace practices. For firms, it’s an indispensable resource for recruitment, retention, and equity. For individuals, it offers the insights you need to make informed career decisions and evaluate opportunities with confidence. Learn more and purchase the report here. 

AIA Colorado has copies of the 2025 report available for members to view at AIA Colorado’s offices at the Alliance Center. If you’d like to schedule a time to view the report, please inquire here.

Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS)

Experience the AEC industry’s premier event dedicated to accelerating women into leadership positions in architecture, design, and the allied building industries in Atlanta, November 3–5, 2025! WLS 2025 is three days of networking, education, community, and inspiration designed to create gender equity for women in AEC and change their workplace opportunities and experience. More information and registration here.

AIA COLORADO’S

PREMIER PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

With a history that dates back over 100 years, IMEG Corp. grew from several firms coming together under one uniting vision: people-centered engineering. As a national engineering and design consulting company IMEG intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise. 

IMEG’s specialties are high-performing building systems, infrastructure, program management and construction-related services, but the secret to the success is found in a deep bench of 1,600 team members. For IMEG, people-centered engineering is about more than the people served — it’s representative of the engaged employee culture they’ve worked hard to create. IMEG believes in investing in their people and their professional futures through continuous training, community involvement and the ability to develop a niche specialty.

See IMEG’s AIA Continuing Education Courses

View IMEG’s website

AIA COLORADO’S

ALLIED MEMBERS

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

Helpful Links:

AIA Colorado Firm Directory

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