Colorado Architecture News | 12.04.24

In this Newsletter:

• 2025 Call for Volunteers submission window closes today
• 2025 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program application window closes this Friday
• 2025 Ascend program application window closes Dec. 11
• Recapping GENERATE Practice + Design Conference: Part 2
• J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline Committee at DPS 8th Grade Career Fair
• Add your firm to the AIA Colorado firm directory
• Dec. 6: Code Class: Getting the IECC Out of the Code Book and Into Everyday Life
• Dec 6. Denver Section Holiday Happy Hour at OZ Architecture
• Dec 10: West Virtual Connect: Managing the Cost Spike
• Dec 11: North Section Holiday Happy Hour in Boulder
• Dec 18: West Section Holiday Happy Hour in Aspen
• Dec 18: South Section Holiday Happy Hour in Colorado Springs
• Partner news
• National news
• Premier Partner spotlight: IMEG

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:

• Academy of Architecture for Health Knowledge Community (AAHKC)
• Awards Committee
• Business of Architecture Knowledge Community
• College of Fellows Nominating Committee
• Committee on the Environment (COTE)
• Conference Committee
• Government Affairs Committee (GAC)
• Housing Committee
• Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Committee
• Local Advisory Councils (Denver, North, South, West)
• Regional and Urban Design Knowledge Community
• Colorado Sesquicentennial Task Force 

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.

A recent update to our Call for Volunteers now includes a call for a Disaster Response Coordinator. This position helps connect AIA Colorado with AIA National and future response efforts around the country. Please consider this position as you apply for volunteer for 2025.

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:

• Entrepreneurship and firm management
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Negotiation skills
• Client development
• Community leadership
• Understanding industry trends

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:

• Guidance
  • Awareness and identification of culture of architecture profession. Training on professional etiquette and expectations. Negotiate the adjustments from academia to profession.
• Support, Problem Solving
  • Preparing for and dealing with challenges in the working environment. 
• Career Planning, Goal Setting
  • Understanding the different career paths in architecture. Setting goals in a career and developing a pathway to achieve those goals.

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.

Conference Wrap Up and Photography

Delve into GENERATE 2024 Practice + Design Conference presentation recaps, access download links to the conference photos, and catch up on everything that unfolded over three very full and enjoyable days, visit the conference page at aiacolorado.org/conference.

To view and download photography from the conference, follow these steps:

• Follow this link to access your secure and shareable gallery. https://theunfounddoor.sproutstudio.com/gallery/aia-generate-2024
• To download, click the download cloud icon in the top right corner of the gallery.
• Enter your email address for the delivery of the digital download and use the following passcode:
  • Full Resolution Passcode: aia2024 
  • Web Resolution Passcode:  aia2024web

Keynote recap: Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIA, “Radical Practice”

The final keynote of the conference offered a delightful twist: hearing from both Marlon Blackwell, FAIA, and Meryati Blackwell, AIA, together. During soundcheck, Marlon remarked, “You know, we don’t get to do this together very often.” This set the tone for an engaging and dynamic presentation, as the duo stood side-by-side, working through nearly 200 slides. They drew deeply from their vault of expertise, sharing insightful and captivating nuances for each project they highlighted. Jon Bell, AIA Colorado Communications and Creative Director, shares thoughts and project overviews here.

Keynote recap: Julie Snow, FAIA, “Architecture’s Trajectory”

Julie Snow’s keynote focused on how small ideas can bring a project to life. She stated “as a studio, we rely on the power of small ideas. The ability of small ideas to navigate the design process. I would suggest that the most critical design decisions may not be the singular big idea, but instead the small ideas that refine the project.” Jose Banuelos, a junior majoring in architecture at the College of Environmental Design, University of Colorado at Boulder, was on hand to share from the keynote presentation here.

Breakout Session recap: Designing neuro-inclusive and accessible spaces

During the first set of breakout sessions, the J.E.D.I. committee presented “If design can be the source of exclusion, can it also be the remedy? Designing neuro-inclusive and accessible spaces,” a breakout session that was the culmination of many years of planning, in part to gain HSW certification. The session began with an explanation of neurodiversity and expanded into actionable suggestions for designers to consider when designing for neurodiversity and neurodivergence. Anna Friedrich, AIA, AIA Colorado Associate Director shares about the journey for HSW justification and key session takeaways here.

J.E.D.I. Education Pipeline Committee at DPS 8th Grade Career Fair

On November 20th and 21st, 2024, the AIA Colorado Justice, Equity,Diversity, Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Education Pipeline Committee, NOMA Colorado, College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver, and AIA Colorado members hosted an “architecture” table at the Denver Public Schools 8th Grade Career Fair. Over 3,400 middle school students were introduced to exciting career possibilities and exciting post-secondary options. Learn about the event and some of the questions that 8th graders have for architects here.

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.

Congrats to Brian Nelson, AIA, of Animal Arts for being randomly chosen to receive a $100 gift card for his participation in our conference attendee survey!

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

Thursday, December 19th, 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

Western Mountain Region College of Fellows Announces their 2024 Design Awards, Jason Pettigrew Award, and Silver Medal recipients

The newly reestablished Western Mountain Region College of Fellows convened at Keystone Conference Center following AIA Colorado’s Practice + Design Conference and members enjoyed the time together. The inaugural design award program celebrates the best architectural designs and service achievements from AIA members in the AIA College of Fellows Western Mountain Region states and those AIA members who have worked on projects in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. 

Congratulation to Gregory M Friesen, FAIA, recipient of a Silver Medal award and congratulations to Jason Pettigrew Scholarship Award recipient Brittany Goldsmith, Assoc. AIA. Congratulations to all of the Colorado recipients! View coverage of the event and design award recipients here.

Denver Architectural Foundation (DAF) calls for participation in K-8 classroom program

The Cleworth Architectural Legacy (CAL) Project enlivens K-8 classrooms with architecture education, inspiring learners to think critically about our built environment. DAF connects teachers to resources, training and support to implement CAL in their classrooms. Volunteers are one such resource, representing many of Denver’s leading architecture and engineering firms. Together, teachers and volunteers utilize architecture as a tool for students to actively engage with their classroom subjects. For more information and to get your firm involved, contact DAF here.

Looking to downsize your library?

Historical Larimer County is building out an Architecture and Preservation Library for Northern Colorado and has asked if AIA Colorado members would like to donate any architectural books or magazines. They are a registered 501(c)3 tax, so your donation may be tax deductible too! Contact them directly for more information here.

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:

• Architectural Designer at Carvell Architects, Inc.
• Project Coordinator at Arrow B Architecture
• Architect/Architectural Designer at GB DesignBuild

ABI October 2024: Business conditions at architecture firms begin to moderate

After twenty months of declines, architecture firm billings were flat in October. The AIA/Deltek Architecture Billings Index (ABI) score for the month was 50.3, meaning that the share of firms that reported declining billings was essentially equal to the share of firms that reported increasing billings. Read at AIA.

Young Architects Forum August newsletter

A newsletter from the AIA Young Architects Forum (YAF). Look out for important news, AIA updates, and ways to engage, no biggie. Read here.

Preparing for interviews in the age of AI

The convenience and efficiency of AI are undeniable, but relying too much on technology can also lead to job applications that feel generic and even impersonal. As AI use becomes prevalent, knowing how to properly leverage its resources while recognizing its advantages and drawbacks becomes crucial. With a leveled playing field, how can you make yourself stand out? Here are four takeaways for using AI to supercharge your job hunt. Read about the tour takeaways at AIA.

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

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

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 they have intentionally localized a focus to serve carefully chosen regions and markets, allowing them to put relationships and communities first, without sacrificing expertise.

View IMEG company website

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.

Allied Memberships for 2025 are now open!

Do you know a company that should be an Allied member of AIA Colorado? Reach out and let them know!

Allied members are a vital part of AIA Colorado’s community of industry leaders shaping Colorado’s built environment. A membership provides:

• Access to events with exclusive member pricing the same as AIA members.
• Opportunities to connect with architects and professionals across Colorado.
• Visibility through the Allied Member Directory and our member communications.
• Priority window to purchase sponsorships and booths before we open the opportunities to non-members and the public

For 2025, Allied Membership remains $500 per member. While not tax-deductible as a charitable contribution, it may be deductible under other IRS provisions. Please consult your tax advisor for details. Renewal deadline for current Allied Members: January 15, 2025.

Read about the benefits here, and sign up here.

Helpful Links:

• Contact AIA Colorado Staff
• AIA Colorado Calendar
• AIA Colorado News and Articles

Save the Dates:

• 2025 Design + Honor Awards
  • Submission window: March 12 – May 16
  • Celebration event: September 18th
• 2025 AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference
  • November 12-14, 2025 at Keystone Conference Center, Keystone, CO.
  • Breakout session submission window opens May 28th.