Member Spotlight: Andy Rockmore, AIA

From helping shape Denver’s urban renaissance to leading one of Colorado’s most respected design firms, Andy Rockmore, AIA, has spent more than two decades creating places that strengthen communities and enrich the public realm.

As a Principal at SAR+ Architects and the 2026 President of AIA Colorado, he believes architects have a responsibility that extends well beyond buildings, serving as problem solvers, civic leaders, and advocates for resilient, vibrant communities.

In this Member Spotlight, Andy reflects on discovering architecture as a teenager, finding creativity within constraints, the future of artificial intelligence in practice, and why connecting with fellow architects remains one of the profession’s greatest rewards.

What drew you to architecture, and when did you know it was the right path for you?

As a child, I was always drawing, everywhere! My parents once found an entire mural on the wall under my bed, 1 foot tall, 6 feet long. My father also loved to build additions to our house, furniture, and anything else the family needed. I loved being his helper. 

In 10th grade, my mother took me to see the architecture studio at RPI, where I eventually went to college. I’ll never ever forget that moment, walking into a room full of drawings and models and people making amazing structures. It was a whole new world I didn’t know existed! I still feel similarly when I walk into our office every day.

“I still feel the same excitement walking into our office today as I did walking into my first architecture studio.”

How do you approach the balance between creativity and constraints such as budget, code, and client needs?

Balance is the perfect word to describe what architects try to achieve between all those forces and many more. The most important approach is accepting the possibilities AND the constraints! We are professional service providers, working in the interest of others first. Too often architects prioritize creativity and ignore constraints, leaving a client unable to implement what they need. Responsible architects know all too well, creativity is found within the constraints, not in avoiding them.

“Responsible architects know all too well that creativity is found within the constraints, not in avoiding them.”

What is one tool, habit, or process you rely on that others might not expect?

I still take notes by hand, because I remember what I write/draw. I find it easier to focus, listen intently, and remember what I’ve documented immeasurably better than typing.

In your view, what role should architects play in shaping Colorado’s communities?

As architects, we need to be using our diverse problem-solving skills to play in many roles. Colorado is a relatively young state with a national identity tied to its mountain towns, our front range cities, and outdoor culture. Colorado architects should ensure new development reinforces our state’s unique character, rather than superimposing ideas from other places. 

Colorado architects should be leaders in climate resilience, focusing on wildfire risk, water scarcity, and increasing energy demands. 

Our profession needs to keep expanding our traditional role by serving the public, not simply private clients. Architects should get involved in local government to help influence affordability initiatives, school planning, community development, and civic infrastructure. Our communities need us!

Our communities need us!

As part of the first phase of the KSE Ball Arena Redevelopment, Wynkoop Crossing will connect Denver’s historic Lower Downtown district to the emerging mixed-use neighborhood surrounding Ball Arena, helping transform a formerly disconnected edge of downtown into a vibrant, accessible urban corridor.

Rendering provided by SAR+ Architects

Where do you see the future of architecture heading in the next 5 to 10 years?

I believe that AI will continue to impact our profession in very significant ways. However, unlike some of the doomsayers, I’m confident there will be even more value placed on an architect’s judgement, reason, empathy, and ability to solve problems that create healthy places, meaningful connections, and a sense of ease to help people thrive in our complex world.

How has AIA Colorado supported your career or practice?

I’m continually grateful for the ways AIA supports our firm by providing resources that help us run our business and stay ahead of our evolving profession. Whether it’s the Compensation Report, the latest AI Toolkit, or leadership and mentoring opportunities like AIA Colorado’s Ascend and the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, our firm has benefited tremendously from AIA’s support.

On a personal level, my involvement with AIA has connected me to the profession in meaningful ways. I’ve had the opportunity to build friendships with architects from across the country, and I’m continually struck by, and comforted by, how much we all have in common. Despite practicing in different places and facing different challenges, we share a common passion for improving our communities through design.

I’ve really enjoyed getting to know and connect with AIA Colorado members from across the state, and this year’s AIA Conference in San Diego was a great opportunity to spend time together.

If you were not an architect, what would you be doing?

If I couldn’t practice architecture, I’d be a therapist. I find people and their stories far more interesting, complex, and wonderful than any building or place.

Thank you to Andy Rockmore, AIA, for sharing his story to kickoff the AIA Colorado Member Spotlight series!