Exterior of Boyd Elementary School in Alamosa Colorado

5

Jul

Notes From the Studio | July 2023

Hope you all had a safe and happy 4th of July weekend! As we head into Q3, we wanted to take the time to send a quick update on all the things that have been keeping us busy throughout the last few months. This includes new projects, new team members, fundraising events, recently completed work, and more.

LIVE //

San Luis Valley Housing Coalition | Boyd School Redevelopment

We are very excited to have been awarded the Boyd School Redevelopment project with the San Luis Valley Housing Coalition in Alamosa, Colorado. This project will focus on the conversion of 34,000 SF of an existing school facility into an affordable housing apartment complex with additional housing options and amenities on site. We are really looking forward to partnering with SLVHC and the Alamosa community to bring this project to life.

LEARN //

SMPS Regional Conference

In April, our Marketing Manager, Holly Fink, had the opportunity to attend the SMPS Regional Conference in Santa Fe. This was a great way to brush up on all things marketing and further connect with AEC firms throughout the southwest. A huge thank you to SMPS Colorado for providing this opportunity, it was a highlight of 2023 thus far!

Colorado SMPS members posing in front of banner at regional conference

WORK //

Peakstone Law Group

Collab worked with a private client to complete an interior renovation within the Tech Center in Colorado Springs. Our team was responsible for the architecture and interior design of this law office with the goal of creating a rustic yet modern feel. The program included a mix of private offices, conference rooms, a break room, storage room, and welcoming entrance.

Law group renovated by Collab Architecture near Denver
Conference room of Peakstone Law group renovated by Collab Architecture near Denver

PLAY //

Bowling for Soup | Benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County

A HUGE thank you to everyone that joined us on April 26th for our inaugural Bowling for Soup Tournament benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County! It was an absolute blast and we feel so lucky to be surrounded by so many amazing companies and people. Together we raised almost $5,000 and had a decent food drive to top it off.

Thank you to Chipper’s Lanes for being an incredible host and Wing Shack for providing food for the event. We also owe a big congratulations to CTL Thompson for taking home the trophy belt and DS Construction for bringing the most spirit! 

Needless to say, we are already looking forward to next year’s event.

EXPERIENCE //

Loveland Yards

For the past few months, Collab has been involved in the Loveland Yards project, formerly The Outlets at Loveland. Collab has been tasked with resurfacing the building exteriors and renovating the interiors for multiple uses throughout the complex. Part of this involvement includes exterior façade improvements, and interior renovations for CitiPointe Church and Slate Studios. Once complete, CitiPointe Church will total 32,000 SF, and include a large sanctuary space, community gathering and learning spaces, and childcare areas for parishioners. Slate Studios will total about 6,500 SF, and will provide full service luxury salon and spa services once complete. We have had a lot of fun with all of these projects so far, and are looking forward to watching them progress!
Jordan Lockner standing with a presenter while holding the CU Young Designer of the Year award, posing for a photo in a university classroom setting with a chalkboard and projector screen in the background.

TEAM SPOTLIGHT //

Michael (Mick) Aller, AIA, LEED AP

We are so excited to welcome Michael (Mick) Aller, AIA, LEED AP to the Collab team as QAQC Manager. Mick specializes in commercial and university work, including office, retail, restaurants, athletics, animal research, student housing, multifamily housing, and laboratory facilities. Outside of Bluebeam, you can find Mick glamping, sitting on a beach, struggling to get down in 3 putts, netting everybody else’s fish, and his #1 activity; hanging with the grandkids. Oh yea, and binge watching History Channel, Sci Fi, and most sports.
“Architecture is my thing, and I am passionate about that. So together, let’s make this a better environment to work and play!”
Black and white image of two women discussing a set of architectural plans laid out on a desk, with one pointing to details on the drawings during a review session.

COLLAB IN THE COMMUNITY //

This quarter, we were all in when it came to community engagement, fundraising, and team building.  It’s been a hectic few months, but worth every second of time in and out of the office. As many of you already know, ensuring our impact on the community is positive is at the heart of what we do in our projects, as well as in our down time. Check out some of the highlights of our community engagement and team activities below. 

Q1 Team Outing

We escaped! (with a minute to spare) Nothing like an afternoon of margaritas and unlocking the secrets of the Pharaohs to close out Q1. It’s always fun testing our problem solving skills outside of the office and in new situations.
Photo of the Collab Architecture team while on a team building task to discover the Secrets of the Pharaohs Escape Room

CASA of Larimer County - Light of Hope Luncheon

We had a great time joining CASA of Larimer County for their Light of Hope Luncheon! This organization does so much for our community in creating better outcomes for children and families in need. It has been an absolute pleasure working with them on the renovation and addition to the historic Harmony House, and we’re hopeful that these improvements will allow them to continue to expand the services and support they provide. A big thank you to CASA for this opportunity and all you do!

Kala Bailor of Collab Architecture attends a luncheon to benefit CASA of Larimer County's Harmony House

Weld-Greeley Habitat for Humanity Donations

Through previous connections and projects, we found ourselves with a surplus of lighting and fixtures. This was the perfect opportunity to connect with the Weld – Greeley Habitat for Humanity and provide some fixtures for future projects and extra inventory for their Restore.

Collab Architecture makes large donation of lighting to the Weld-Greeley Habitat for Humanity Restore

Geniuses for GEMS

Our trivia knowledge could use some work, but we had a blast testing our limits in benefit of the Quarter Project GEMS in May! A huge thank you to Leslie from Integrated Mechanical and the Quarter Project / GEMS for all they do in getting girls involved in technology, math, engineering and science. You create incredible opportunities for these young women!
Collab Architecture attends Geniuses for GEMS, a fundraiser benefitting the Quarter Project in Fort Collins

AGC Hockey Tournament

There’s nothing we love more than a little friendly competition on the ice. Made all the better by taking home a win! A big congratulations to Jordan and the Swinerton team for taking 1st in the AGC hockey tournament.

Jordan Lockner of Collab Architecture attends the AGC Hockey Tournament in Denver

Jordan Speaks at CU Boulder ENVD Commencement

As the 2022 Young Designer Recipient, Jordan had the opportunity to give the Graduation Address for the CU Boulder ENVD Recognition Ceremony. A huge congratulations to all the 2023 graduates! We wish you all the best and great success in you future endeavors!
Jordan Lockner speaking at a podium during a classroom lecture at the University of Colorado, presenting as the CU Young Designer of the Year, with the award visible nearby and attendees seated in the audience.

Respite Care Luncheon

We had the opportunity to collaborate with some of our industry affiliates to support and attend the Respite Care Luncheon. It was a great afternoon, with a great turn out, and we are happy to be involved with such a great organization.
Collab Architecture attends a luncheon benefiting Respite Care of Fort Collins.

VOTE FOR COLLAB //

We’re honored and flattered to be included in NOCO Style Magazine’s Best of 2023 in the architectural design category. We’d appreciate any and all votes for our firm – click the image below to cast your vote!

Collab hard hats on a a bookshelf with NOCO Style Best of Badge