Colorado Real Estate Journal - April 6, 2016
Every April, AIA Colorado celebrates Colorado Architecture Month. This month provides an opportunity for people to get out and explore their communities, interact with architects and designers, and gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the importance of design and the role it plays in their daily lives. By engaging with the past and present of Colorado architecture, it is also an opportunity to envision an exceptional future for architecture in our state. With more than 1,700 licensed members throughout the state, AIA Colorado architects are uniquely trained to use design to solve problems, transform lives and create a better world. We share a passion for design and a conviction that it matters. Through continuing education and dedication to high standards in professional practice, AIA Colorado architects are leaders in the collaborative design of our state’s built environment. We recognize how multidisciplinary teamwork leads to a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Involving an AIA Colorado architect at the earliest stage in project planning can allow for a better opportunity to analyze an owner, builder or contractor’s needs, develop effective solutions, and propose more ways to effectively and efficiently put the client’s budget to the best possible use. And because we have a broad understanding of design and construction, AIA Colorado architects can help guide clients through the entire process more smoothly. “Architects are problem solvers, but we're not solving only one problem at a time,” said Nate Huyler, AIA of Humphries Poli Architects. As defined by my colleague Dan Craig, AIA, of SA+R, “Architects are focused on finding hidden opportunities, developing creative solutions, and helping their clients to thrive in thoughtful and inspiring places.” This is especially true when considering Colorado’s spectrum of climates and landscapes: AIA Colorado architects possess a unique understanding of our state’s many environmental factors that can impact design projects. “Familiarity with the local conditions, such as the location of the sun, direction of the wind, geological features and our freeze-thaw cycles can greatly benefit a project,” expressed Brad Tomecek, AIA, owner of Tomecek Studio Architecture. We recognize our state as a rich and diverse place to practice architecture, and are dedicated to making a lasting contribution to our communities through effective and inspiring design. AIA Colorado looks forward to celebrating the achievements of our member architects and design professionals across the state this month, and we hope you – our partners in design – will join us. Has an architect ever helped you explore innovative possibilities or discover new pathways to success? What do you think an architect brings to the table, and where do you see his value? These are the questions we ask you to consider this month as you reflect on the influence of design and continue your work to improve Colorado’s built environment. Whether you are looking for architects to join a project, contract documents to manage transactions and relationships, or advice on how to actively engage with architecture and design professionals, AIA Colorado can serve as a valuable resource. Visit our website at www.aiacolorado.org and follow AIA Colorado on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to stay up to date on architecture news, events and happenings across the state. And for all-things Colorado Architecture Month, use #CoArchMo16 to join the conversation throughout April.