Denver Affordable Housing Challenge Webinar Series

Architects Worldwide Invited to Reimagine Affordable Housing in Denver’s Design Challenge

International architecture ideas competition explores how affordability and design excellence can be harmonized to create innovative, high-quality housing solutions tailored to Denver’s specific context.

The competition began April 9th with early bird registration and closes September 18th. Winners will be announced December 10^that a media event open to the public, in Denver, the first week of December.

Competition link: architecturecompetitions.com/denverhousing

Buildner, in partnership with AIA Colorado, is hosting a two-part webinar series to support participants of the Denver Affordable Housing Challenge. These sessions feature local experts sharing real-world insights on housing, permitting, and design — helping you better understand the context and challenges shaping development in Denver.

Susan Powers, founder and president of Urban Ventures LLC, shares her experience working at the intersection of design, affordability, and community development. She discusses key strategies for delivering housing that meets real needs, while addressing the economic and social challenges unique to Denver.

Jill Jennings Golich, Director of Denver’s Permitting Office, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the city is working to make affordable housing easier to build. She talks through initiatives like the Affordable Housing Review Team and Proposition 123 — focused on streamlining approvals while encouraging inclusive, well-designed spaces.

View Media Release (PDF)

The City of Denver, The Colorado Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, and Buildner, a leading global design competition platform, have launched an international call for ideas to address Denver’s housing needs with a focus on the role of design excellence. The competition anticipates over one hundred entries to be submitted by a local and global audience of architects engaged in addressing affordable housing, providing Denver with a platform of ideas to consider as the region addresses future affordable housing needs.

Through a jury of respected architects, City of Denver representatives and Councilmembers, and affordable housing developers, submissions will be reviewed and selected based on creatively addressing design excellence, sustainability, demonstrating how affordability and design can coexist.

Building Community

Denver Community Planning and Development (CPD) is responsible for visionary city planning and ensuring safe, responsible, sustainable building. CPD regulates planning, zoning, development and maintenance of private property in Denver. We’re working hard to make Denver a great place to live, work and play!
DenverGov.org/CPD

About AIA Colorado

AIA Colorado is a membership association working to advance the architecture profession in Colorado. Through advocacy, leadership development, education, and resources, the organization supports architecture professionals throughout the state in designing a better world. Our 2,500 members include architects, those working toward licensure, and allied industry professionals. 
aiacolorado.org

AIA Colorado Media Contact: 
Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA
CEO, AIA Colorado
303.228.3915 
mike@aiacolorado.org

City and County of Denver Media Contact:
Ryan Huff
Communications Director
Community Planning and Development
City and County of Denver
720.913.1608
ryan.huff@denvergov.org