Denver Affordable Housing Challenge Winners Announcement

Denver, Colorado – Colorado architects and City of Denver representatives will gather on Wednesday, December 10^th at 5pm for the public reveal of the winning entries in Denver’s Affordable Housing Challenge. Media representatives are invited to attend and cover the event, which takes place at the Denver Arts Complex, 1245 Champa Street.

The competition, organized by the City of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner, a leading global design competition platform, attracted hundreds of submissions from around the world. Entrants explored how affordability, sustainability, and design excellence can be combined to create innovative housing solutions tailored to Denver’s local context. Submissions were reviewed by a jury of architects, City of Denver leaders, and affordable housing developers.

“The volume and quality of entries show that architects are eager to bring fresh thinking to the future of housing in Denver,” said Mike Waldinger, Hon. AIA, CEO, AIA Colorado. “This challenge proves that affordability and design excellence do not have to be competing priorities.”

Winning projects will be recognized from a $20,000 prize pool jointly funded by the City of Denver, AIA Colorado, and Buildner. Awards include first, second, and third place, along with a Student Award, a Sustainability Award, and six honorable mentions. The competition follows the success of Buildner’s recent Denver Single Stair Challenge, which received two hundred submissions from global participants.

The December 10 event will offer media access to the winning designs, jury representatives, and key partners involved in the housing initiative. Visual assets will be available, interviews can be coordinated on site, and a link will be provided to view the winning projects in detail at the time of the reveal.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, December 10
• Time: 5:00 p.m.
• Location: Denver Arts Complex, 1245 Champa Street
• Format: Public media event with award announcements, remarks, visuals, and opportunities for interviews

About the Affordable Housing Design Challenge
Launched on April 10, 2025, the competition called on architects and students to submit ideas that elevate affordability through design, with the goal of generating new models and insights for future housing in Denver. Registration opened in April and closed September 11. Winning entries will help inform ongoing dialogues about how thoughtful architecture can support equitable growth in the region.

Media Attendance
Media are encouraged to RSVP or request interviews by contacting jon@aiacolorado.org.