Learning from Leaders: Honor Awards Panel

The “Learning from Leaders: Honor Awards Panel” session at the AIA Colorado Practice + Design Conference brought together award-winning architects and professionals to explore the evolving role of architecture in shaping communities and addressing societal challenges. Moderated by William Logan and Vanessa Kauffman Zimmerly of Modern In Denver, recognized for their contributions to design journalism and as AIA Colorado Impact Award winners, the panel featured distinguished recipients: Kevin Nguyen, AIA (AIA Colorado Architect of the Year), Kaylyn Kirby, AIA (AIA Colorado Young Architect of the Year), Keith Hayes, AIA (AIA Colorado Firm of the Year, Barker Rinker Seacat Architecture), Rick Sommerfeld, AIA (AIA Colorado Educator of the Year), and Sean Jursnick, AIA (AIA Colorado Citizen Architect).

The panelists shared their journeys, highlighting themes of mentorship, collaboration, and community impact. Kevin Nguyen, AIA, emphasized architecture’s ability to enhance creative capacities, while Kaylyn Kirby, AIA, reflected on overcoming imposter syndrome and fostering connections through advocacy. Rick Sommerfeld, AIA, discussed vulnerability and iterative learning in his design-build program, which bridges academia and professional practice, sharing anecdotes about unique projects like a toilet on Long’s Peak and affordable housing on Navajo Nation. Sean Jursnick, AIA, underscored curiosity and communication as tools for addressing the housing crisis, citing his work on housing advocacy and design competitions that engage policymakers. Keith Hayes, AIA, attributed his firm’s 50-year longevity to soft skills, conflict resolution, and collaboration with consultants like Group 14, KL&A, Martin/Martin, JVA, and AE Design.

The discussion highlighted Colorado’s unique design community, characterized by collaboration, a shared love for the outdoors, and a commitment to sustainability. Panelists noted the slower pace of life in Colorado fosters thoughtful design and connection, contrasting with the competitive environments of coastal cities.

Amidst uncertainty, including economic challenges and technological advancements like AI, the speakers emphasized adaptability and the power of connection. They advocated for architects to leverage their unique skill sets in addressing broader issues, from housing advocacy to sustainability, while embracing metrics to quantify the value of design. The session underscored the collective responsibility of architects to shape a better future through collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, inspiring attendees to say “yes” to opportunities and embrace discomfort as a path to growth.

The Transformative Power of Saying Yes

Career trajectories can fundamentally change when architects embrace opportunities by saying yes more often than no, even when facing uncertainty or discomfort.

Curiosity and Questions Drive Professional Growth

Sustained professional development comes from maintaining curiosity, asking deeper questions about societal issues, and not being afraid to reach out to experts while remaining humble about what you don’t know.

“For me, I think one intangible that I found stood out being here, being recognized for housing advocacy, was my curiosity and asking questions, trying to understand things deeper, seeing a lot of conversations happening out in the world broadly, that I thought the architecture profession could contribute to.” – Sean Jursnick, AIA

Using Metrics to Defend Architectural Value

Architects must take control of defining and measuring the value of their work through quantifiable metrics, using research and post-occupancy evaluation to justify design decisions beyond purely aesthetic considerations.

Soft Skills and Conflict Resolution as Core Competencies

Success in architecture heavily depends on developing soft skills, particularly conflict resolution and the courage to have difficult conversations, since much of the work involves navigating relationships with diverse stakeholders.

“There’s a lot of conflict in architecture, and I’m really lucky that one of our former partners, Ron Schneider, really took that Bull by the horns and made sure that we were all trained in conflict resolution… some days, I swear to God, it’s just about being willing to pick up the phone and it could be a hard conversation on the other end.” – Keith Hayes, AIA

Embracing Vulnerability as a Leadership Strength

Effective architectural education and leadership involves showing vulnerability and admitting when you don’t have all the answers, creating authentic learning environments where problems are solved collaboratively.

“I think that the older I get, the less I know. And I’m trying to be more vulnerable with my students, to sort of show them that, you know, in a way, we’re working through the problem together, and we have a tendency to take on projects that we’ve never done before.” – Rick Sommerfeld, AIA

Architecture as Community Building, Not Just Building Design

The most fulfilling and impactful architectural work comes from understanding that the profession is fundamentally about community engagement and translating people’s stories into meaningful spaces.

The Generosity of the Architectural Community

The architecture profession is characterized by remarkable generosity, where experienced practitioners are willing to share knowledge and support emerging professionals, creating a supportive network that extends nationally and internationally.

Architects’ Unique Role in Policy and Advocacy

Architects possess distinctive communication and visualization skills that make them uniquely qualified to influence policy and advocate for community needs, particularly in areas like housing where their expertise can shape better outcomes.

Strategic Team Building Through Personality Awareness

Long-term firm success requires intentional team composition based on understanding different personality types and working styles, ensuring all necessary skills and perspectives are represented on project teams.

Colorado’s Collaborative Architecture Culture

Colorado’s architecture community stands out for its collaborative rather than competitive nature, fostered by shared values around environmental stewardship and a right-sized professional community that encourages mutual support.