Colorado Architecture News | 11.06.24


News from the Colorado Chapter of The American Institute of Architects | 11.06.24

In this Newsletter:

AIA COLORADO NEWS

PRACTICE + DESIGN CONFERENCE IS NEXT WEEK!

It’s almost time to gear up for the keynotes, breakout sessions, learning labs, community, sold out expo floor, and networking that will make this year’s conference one to remember! Featuring keynote presentations by Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIAAIA President-Elect Evelyn M. Lee, FAIAJulie Snow, FAIA, and Anne Mooney, FAIA!

Registration is still available for this year’s special edition of Tech Connecttaking placeNovember 13th, and GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference taking placeNovember 14 – 15. Earn 1 LU|HSW & 2 LU at Tech Connect and 9 LU|HSW & 4.5 LU at GENERATE! 

Late registration ends Tuesday, November 12th, and on-site registration will be available for an additional $50. Room rates through the AIA Colorado room block are still available, so make sure to pick up the phone and call Keystone in order to get the best rate!

Tech Connect 1-Day

Join us Wednesday, November 13th, from 2 – 6pm, at Keystone Conference Center, for a special event featuring three presentations that you will not want to miss:

Register for Tech Connect at the GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference registration website.

2025 Call for Volunteers

Volunteering with AIA Colorado is a great way to use leadership skills, meet like-minded colleagues, expand your network, and shape the profession. As you consider involvement, note that many committee meetings take place via video conference, allowing geographical participation from across the state. Commitments for committee participation are for one calendar year and committee chair positions are appointed annually. We encourage candidates from a variety of perspectives and backgrounds including career stage, firm size, practice type, location, and personal demographics. 

Apply today to join one of the following committees:

Also, do you have an idea to bring like-minded colleagues together outside of these opportunities? Would you like to submit an inquiry or pilot program for consideration? If so, you are welcome to submit an application to form a new group through the same submission platform.

Before applying, review all volunteer opportunities and descriptions. The application deadline is Wednesday, December 4th, at 5pm.

Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program

The Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program (CKLDP) aims to train the next generation of leaders in architecture through a series of nine half-day sessions. The curriculum focuses on honing skills like:

Each year, this competitive program accepts 16 emerging professionals to collaborate, learn together, and develop as leaders in architecture. This program is ideal for members who are eager to advance in their career and either have not yet become a licensed architect, or have been licensed for 10 years or less. 

Applications for the 2025 Class are now available with the window to apply closing Friday, December 6th.

Ascend Mentorship Program

The Ascend Program connects emerging architecture professionals with mid-career architects through mentorship as an intentional first step into the profession. These connections will support EP’s in the early stage of their careers, guiding through challenges, setting goals, and developing the skill set to succeed. Ascend groups are organized locally. Program Outcomes:

Mentors and Mentees for the 2025 program are now invited to apply. Mentors and Mentees are invited to apply no later than Wednesday, December 11, 2024.

Add your firm to the new AIA Colorado firm directory!

AIA Colorado staff often receives inquiries from clients looking to hire architects from firms of all sizes across Colorado. Our goal with this Firm Member Directory is to help you get discovered and connect with potential projects. We’re excited to launch this new directory, currently in its beta phase. This means we’re still fine-tuning the features and gathering feedback to ensure it meets your needs. Join now and pay nothing for the rest of the year! See the directory here and join here.

AEF celebrates scholarship recipients

This past October 23rd, representatives from the Architectural Education Foundation (AEF) celebrated several scholarship recipients at the College of Architecture and Planning Scholarship Breakfast. The honored recipients are:

AEF, in partnership with AIA Colorado, offers traveling and professional development scholarships to advance the interest of the profession of architecture in the State of Colorado. Learn more about AEF and donate to the organization here.

Member News

Congratulations to Ekman Design Studio for winning “Best Residential Folly” at the Palladio Awards honoring outstanding achievement in traditional design for their Humboldt Pool Pavilion and Folly project in Denver. To our knowledge, this national recognition is a first for a Colorado firm.

Creating the Regenerative School, the new book co-authored by Alan Ford, FAIA, was recently featured in the magazine Learning by Design. See an online version of the coverage here.

AIA Colorado Events

AAHKC Happy Hour

Thursday, November 21st,  5:30 – 7:30pm, hosted at HDR, join the Colorado Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAHKC) for a happy hour networking event.

RSVP here

Business of Architecture Roundtable: Remote Work Do’s and Don’ts

Tuesday, December 3rd, 5:30 – 8pm, join the AIA Colorado Business of Architecture Committee for a roundtable discussion of remote work do’s and don’ts.

Topics to be discussed include:

Event will be held in person at Neoera’s office in Denver with virtual attendance available.

RSVP here

Code Class: Getting the IECC Out of the Code Book and Into Everyday Life

Friday, December 6th, starting at 9am, let’s talk about the process that is needed to get projects compliant with the energy code. We will take a look at plan examples and field pictures, view good examples and some with have room for improvement. We’ll discuss what details are needed to be placed on the plans to give the project the opportunity to be successful. We will also discuss the available tools and resources to assist with energy compliance with any project. This full-day program includes lunch. This class has been approved for 6.0 AIA LU|HSW.

RSVP here

Denver Section Holiday Happy Hour

Friday, December 6th, from 4 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado Denver Section members for a Holiday Happy Hour hosted by OZ Architecture, where members can tour the firm’s recent remodel/expansion, connect, and celebrate the season. Light food and drink will be provided. Please RSVP so that we can be prepared, and we will look forward to seeing you!

RSVP here

West Virtual Connect: Managing the Cost Spike

Tuesday, December 10th, from 8 – 9:30am, join Western Slope members for a time of conversation. The topic for this call will be “Managing the Cost Spike while Maintaining Design Integrity”. There will be a brief presentation followed by Q&A. Many of us are facing the same challenges day after day and we gather regularly to share concerns, goals, and ideas for Western Colorado AIA membership. Hopefully, these conversations will create a springboard for more to come. This will be a virtual gathering and the Zoom link will be included in the confirmation email.

RSVP here

North Section Holiday Happy Hour

Wednesday, December 11th, from 4 – 6pm, join AIA Colorado members in the North for a Holiday Happy Hour at T-ZERO Lounge in the lobby of the St. Julien Hotel, downtown Boulder. Please RSVP beforehand!

RSVP here

West Section Holiday Happy Hour

Wednesday, December 18th, 5:30 – 7:30pm join fellow Western Slope members for a Holiday Happy Hour hosted at Forum Phi’s Aspen office. Light food and drink will be provided. Please RSVP so that we can be prepared, and we will look forward to seeing you!

RSVP here

South Section Holiday Happy Hour

Wednesday, December 18th, from 5 – 7pm, join AIA Colorado members in the South for a Holiday Happy Hour at Ivywild School in Colorado Springs. Head upstairs to the Study Hall event space and look forward to a time to connect and celebrate the season. Please RSVP beforehand!

RSVP here

Partner News

Framework emerging professional networking happy hour

This afternoon, November 6th, starting at 5:30pm, join the Framework Emerging Professional group for a networking happy hour at Rino Beer Garden. Framework is a community of emerging professionals in architecture that allows individuals to build their network, grow in the profession, gain personable skills, and most importantly, have FUN.

CAP Fall lecture series

Lecture will be held at the Second Floor Gallery, CU Denver. More info and RSVP here.

Path to Fellowship session at Keystone

Immediately following the closure of this year’s Practice + Design Conference, starting at 4:30pm, Friday, November 15th, join the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region members for an event to learn about Fellowship, the path to apply, and meet Fellows from Colorado who can help guide you on your Fellowship journey. Panelists include Ron Abo, FAIA (2023), Will Babbington, FAIA (2024), Phil Gerou, FAIA (1993), Greg Gidez, FAIA (2022), and Jon Sparer, FAIA (2018). Session will take place at Keystone Conference Center and there is no need to RSVP beforehand and no charge to attend.

Beyond the Facade: Inside the Work of Davis Partnership Architects

Thursday, November 14th, 4:30 – 6pm, join Denver Architecture Foundation and Davis Partnership Architects for a tour of Davis’ historic office building and a presentation of the inner workings of two major buildings in Denver: The Freyer Newman Center at the Denver Botanic Gardens and One River North. Presentations will cover the overview of the buildings and the process of bringing these projects to life. Following the presentations, join for a tour the historic building where Davis works, The Bindery on Blake. More info and purchase tickets here.

Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB) 

Licensed architects residing in the City and County of Denver, and retailers from the Cherry Creek North District, are encouraged to apply for two openings on the Cherry Creek North Design Advisory Board (CCNDAB). Learn more and apply here.

Energize Denver December Feedback Sessions

The Energize Denver program is updating its rules and regulations to add additional flexibility options for meeting the 2030 targets. This session is designed to present the second draft of changes and gather feedback to refine the design of the options. 

Public Sessions 

Service Provider Sessions 

Manufacturing, Agricultural, and Industrial Buildings 

Career Corner

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:

NEWS AT NATIONAL

AIA Firm Survey Report 2024 

Newly updated for 2024,?The Business of Architecture: AIA Firm Survey Report is the only report that covers the full complexity of firms that power the architecture and design profession. With data from more than 1,200 firms—more than double that of 2022—this essential resource includes metrics to measure practice, evaluate performance, and set strategy. Free for AIA members! Get it at AIA

Young Architects Forum October Newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Highlights in this newsletter include: 

 Read here 

12+ AIA Awards are now open for submission

AIA Awards is launching a new application process for 2025 awards. AIA is streamlining its award submission timeline and improving the submission process by implementing a common submission form for all project-based AIA awards. The common submission form will offer a more cohesive and user-friendly experience for applicants and allow project-based submissions for multiple categories in a single application. This approach reduces the administrative burden on both applicants and the AIA. Learn more and start your submission at AIA.

Business conditions continue to worsen at architecture firms, ABI data shows

September marked the twentieth consecutive month of declining billings for architecture firms, according to the latest data from the AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI). Read at AIA.

Call for Proposals to present at AIA25 closes October 23rd

Submit your proposal for an educational session or architectural tour at AIA25 in Boston! AIA is looking for ahead-of-the-curve educational content from a diversity of voices, career stages, and industries. Start submission here.

Watch Season 2 Episode 1 of America ByDesign: Architecture

America ByDesign: Architecture Season 2 is a magazine-style half hour television program exclusively showcasing some of the best of American architecture from AIA members. From awe-inspiring architectural homes on the lake, to design that reflects culture and learning, to architecture centered on sustainability and collaboration. AIA has exclusive first access to each episode in the series for the AIA community – ahead of the general broadcast. Just as AIA believes “design belongs to everyone”, ByDesign is committed to showcasing design in technology, living, science and architecture to everyone. As associates and members of AIA are passionate about excellence in design, a collaborative partnership with the ByDesign series is a natural fit! 

Premier Partner Spotlight

We’re proud to highlight one of AIA Colorado’s Premier Partners, JVA, Incorporated, and look forward to their ongoing support and involvement serving Colorado’s architecture community.

JVA is a consulting engineering firm with offices in Boulder, Fort Collins, Winter Park,
Glenwood Springs, and Denver, Colorado. Since 1956, JVA has provided engineering
services to architects, owners, building departments, and general contractors in Colorado
and nationwide. Our Structural, Civil, and Environmental engineering departments offer
highly skilled engineers who complement your experience to fully meet your design and
construction needs. We take pride in our commitment to provide excellent service.

Learn More About JVA, Inc.

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.


Helpful Links:

Save the Date:

© AIA Colorado 2025
Skip to content