Colorado Real Estate Journal - December 16, 2015
T he end of the year brings with it jubilant parties and celebrations of another year gone by, tempered with the usual time of quiet reflection and anticipation of what’s to come. It has been a very good year for most of our colleagues in the design and construction professions, and that has had a far-reaching impact on communities across the state. As we all get busier with our daily lives and projects in front of us, it can be easy to lose sight of the value and expertise architects, engineers and contractors – the people – bring to any given project. And particularly during awards season, it can be easy to reduce these awards to little more than giving each other a pat on the back for a job well done. Little appreciation is given to the fact that these award winners have truly taken the time to go above and beyond average, and in doing such, raise the bar for everyone around them. AIA Colorado recently celebrated the projects and contributions of AIA Colorado architects. Though the size and scale of the projects are varied, the one constant was the skill and dedication of the design team members behind all of those projects. The AIA Colorado Honor Awards recognize the firms and individuals who are setting examples in both design and leadership in our state. Each of this year’s winners is not only dedicated to achieving quality design of the built environment, but also to elevating the profession of architecture for generations to come. AIA Colorado presented seven Honor Awards this year: Architect of the Year, Firm of the Year, Innovative Practices Award, Young Firm of the Year, Young Architect of the Year, and two Leadership Awards. The winners are a diverse group of individuals and firms, each dedicated to elevating the profession and designing a quality built environment. Their efforts represent the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, creativity and expertise each AIA member is dedicated to maintaining, as well as the commitment of AIA members to achieving collaborative design of a quality built environment. Naturally, as with any award, there is a sense of pride surrounding AIA awards as a recognition of professional achievement. But beyond that, AIA Honor Awards help to further elevate the profession by not only recognizing professional achievement, but also considering how the honored individuals contribute back to the profession through mentoring, innovation, leadership and dedication. Not only have this year’s recipients given tirelessly to the profession, but also they are active and engaged members of the community. They are ambassadors for a profession that touches some aspect of everyone’s life every day, and with that achievement comes great responsibility to continue to be engaged, enthusiastic and knowledgeable leaders. So as you’re enjoying the holiday season this year, take a moment to reflect upon these award winners and appreciate the efforts they, and so many others, make to help your visions become the great buildings Coloradans live in, work in and visit every day. AIA Colorado is proud to honor the professional achievement of its members and congratulates the Honor Awards Class of 2015. Architect of the Year: Tania Salgado, AIA, Handprint Architecture, Denver Firm of the Year:CCY Architects, Basalt Innovative Practices Award: Tomecek Studio Architecture, Denver Young Firm of the Year: LIVStudio, Denver Young Architect of the Year: Adam Harding, AIA LEED AP, Roth Sheppard Architects, Denver Leadership Award (2): Cara Hlad, AIA, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc., Littleton Cynthia Fishman, AIA NCARB LEED AP, KTGY Group, Denver