MARCH 2016 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \
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WORDS:
Stephanie Darling
D
enver architect Jeffrey Sheppard is passionate about architecture. His eye for
thoughtful design is matched only by his enduring drive to understand and
maximize the human response to the built environment, while elevating the
quality of design in the world around us. His work is complex, layered and deep-
ly considered, both in form and function. He designs not only with his clients in
mind, but the larger community as well.
In December, Sheppard received the 2015 Medal of Achievement, the highest honor
given by the Denver chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The award recogniz-
es design excellence, as well as significant contributions to AIA, the profession and the
citizens of Denver.
The recognition tops a list of more than 100 design achievement awards – bestowed
on Sheppard and Roth Sheppard Architects, the firm he leads with partner Herbert
Roth, FAIA – for the firm’s restaurants, high-end retail stores, high-profile law enforce-
ment facilities across the country and diverse projects like the Denver Art Museum’s
sublimely realized museum store and administration building.
Sheppard is also noted for his high level of professional engagement, through
teaching, speaking, mentoring, chairing award juries and sponsoring design com-
petitions. He never tires of leading public conversations on the societal impact of
design – as he demonstrated last spring in a Denver Post opinion piece: “Denver
is a Great City, So Why the Bad Buildings?” His particular beef: block after block
of monotonous five-story apartment boxes sprouting up downtown. In his op-ed,
Sheppard urged everyone who cares about the city’s long-term architectural lega-
cy to “pause and consider” a new urban vision and email him with their thoughts.
Building Dialogue recently sat down with Sheppard to talk about that opinion
piece and his passion for the art and science of architecture.
Q: You’ve had 3,000-plus responses to your opinion piece. What did you learn
from that feedback?
JS:
Most responses have come from Denver citizens concerned with our city's
rapid growth in buildings and density. A number of them hinted at a lot of be-
hind-the-scenes discussions between the city and developers and their feel-
ing that outcomes were not making neighborhoods better. Whether or not
that’s true, Denver should recognize that it’s a perception out there.
That’s why I’m advocating broader discussions and a larger design vision
for Denver. If a single op-ed can catalyze 3,000 emails, there’s surely a better
way for the city to engage residents and the building community about
values and vision than what's currently being done.
Q: Are you planning further actions to unite design professionals who want
greater change?
JS:
Well, talking is easy. Action is more difficult. I initiated the conversation,
