CREJ

November 2019 \ BUILDING DIALOGUE \ 79 M ichael Mace has never been anything other than an architect. He is second-generation; sharing proudly that he graduated from Washington State University with a degree in architec- ture 17 years after his father died when he was 8 years old. He recalls fondly watching his father work on design projects in their home; first as a student, later as a professional. The expe- rience made a big impression. Today, Mace is the senior principal in charge of operations in the Denver office of Page, an international design practice that promises design that makes lives better. “I love the variety of challenges that tough projects present,” says Mace from Page’s office on the top floor of Denver’s tallest tower, Republic Plaza. “The best work happens on the hardest projects, which is why I am person- ally focused on advanced technology facilities, semiconductors and data centers; tight schedules, challenging and complicated projects are my spe- cialty.” Stuart Crawford shares a similar story. Having grown up in the family design and construction business, architecture is the only profession he’s ever known, and it has served him well. After spending the first 17 years of his career in New York City working at a top-notch firm, he joined Page in 2013. While his work is focused on higher educa- tion and academic facilities, in stages Crawford has his eyes on most projects the Denver office produces. “It’s the best job I ever had,” Crawford says unabashedly. “My role here gives me a chance to look at a lot of different designs originating from a lot of unique programs and ambitions. The of- fice is filled with talented designers, great projects, a sense of collaboration and a variety of tools that facilitate our work.” Like the best of many things, skill, craftsmanship, time, tools and, ultimately, experience is what produces the best archi- tecture. “Page is a 121-year-old firm that originated in Austin, Tex- as,” says Mace of the firm’s lineage. Presently, there are sev- Then, now and tomorrow, Page is always thinking about design Design Influence WORDS: Sean O’Keefe