Notes from the Studio | March 2025

A new year brings new opportunities, but before moving forward, we take time to reflect.

At the start of 2024, we each wrote down personal and professional goals, sealing them in a Collab time capsule to revisit a year later. To kick off 2025, our visioning session was a chance to look back—celebrating achievements, acknowledging challenges, and setting new intentions for the year ahead.

We believe good design is a conversation, and this quarter, we focused on where we’ve been and where we’re going. Here’s what came of it.

LIVE //

Hope Springs Development

A home is more than just walls and a roof, it’s a foundation for community, stability, and new beginnings. We were honored to celebrate as Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity welcomed the first six families to their new homes, built in collaboration with Baessler Homes, at the new Hope Springs Development. This milestone represents years of hard work, dedication, and collaboration between families, volunteers, and partners committed to making homeownership a reality.

We’re grateful to be part of this journey and to witness the impact of thoughtful design and strong community partnerships. Congratulations to the Alhag & Ali, Riojas & Monroe, Borum, Clarke, Flores, and Morgan families! Welcome home!

Image from the Hope Springs Home Dedication event with new home owners cutting the ribbon on their home
Image from the Hope Springs Home Dedication event with new home owners cutting the ribbon on their home

LEARN //

Town of Eaton, Public Library

The Eaton Public Library renovation and addition was a true testament to community collaboration. We partnered closely with Fransen Pittman Construction and the library’s stakeholders, ensuring the project reflected the needs and values of Eaton residents. Key improvements include accessibility upgrades, expanded employee areas for enhanced functionality, and a new children’s outdoor learning and play space. This unique children’s space, designed to spark creativity, incorporates elements reflecting Eaton’s agricultural heritage, such as tractors, horses, and garden spaces. The project strikes a balance between modern amenities and preserving the library’s cherished history.

WORK //

Virtual Reality

We’re pushing the boundaries of design visualization by exploring the latest in 3D modeling and virtual reality (VR) technology. From integrating drone footage into our 3D models to experimenting with VR headsets, we’re constantly seeking new ways to bring our designs to life, creating incredibly realistic visuals and immersive experiences that give our clients a deeper understanding of their future spaces. As we continue to explore this technology and its potential, we are also focusing on streamlining compatibility across different platforms and ensuring accessibility for all clients.

EXPERIENCE //

Slate Studios at Loveland Yards

As part of the reinvigoration of Loveland Yards, formerly the Loveland Outlet Mall, Slate Studios reimagines what a salon can be, blending luxury with flexibility to support independent small business owners. This high-end facility empowers independent wellness professionals, hairstylists, estheticians, and more, to lease individual studios within a dynamic, shared space, eliminating the overhead of a full-scale salon. Collab Architecture prioritized adaptability, ensuring spaces can be easily customized and reconfigured as businesses evolve. The result is a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere that fosters both individuality and collaboration.

Lobby of Slate Studios Salon & Spa in Loveland, Colorado, showcasing arched design accents, wood flooring, modern light fixtures, curved seating, a potted tree, and the Slate Studios wall logo near the entrance to the salon suites.
Modern salon suite at Slate Studios in Loveland, Colorado, located at Loveland Yards, featuring sleek styling stations, black accent wall, contemporary lighting fixtures, wood-look flooring, and a backwash station with salon products.

PLAY //

City of Ouray, Hot Springs Bathhouse

In the fall, we were awarded the opportunity to work with the City of Ouray on the reimagining of the Ouray Hot Springs Bathhouse, a cornerstone of the community. In a town where outdoor adventure is part of daily life, this facility serves as more than just a building; it’s a gathering place that reflects the spirit of Ouray.

As we collaborate with city leaders, community members, and local stakeholders, our focus remains on preserving the cultural identity of the bathhouse while exploring ways to enhance its programming and functionality. Through community engagement efforts and interactive surveys designed for all age groups, we are ensuring that every voice plays a role in shaping the future of this cherished space. With thoughtful design and a deep respect for Ouray’s values, we’re excited to help bring this vision to life.

Drone image of Ouray Hot Springs with Bathhouse, the City of Ouray, and Mountains in the background

TEAM SPOTLIGHT //

Kevin Dorsey, Technical Design Manager

Headshot of Design Manager for Collab Architecture

Meet Kevin Dorsey, our new Technical Design Manager, bringing over 25 years of design and construction expertise to our team. Kevin is a valuable resource for our architectural teams, providing technical guidance, design insight, and constructability review. His impressive background includes work with K-12 school districts, CDOT, YMCA of the Rockies, and New Belgium Brewing. Beyond his expertise, Kevin is a collaborative mentor, strengthening our approach to problem-solving and innovation. When he’s not designing, you might find him exploring national parks or perfecting his bocce ball game.

COLLAB IN THE COMMMUNITY //

Bowling for Soup 2025 Event Graphic with Pop Art Influence

Save the Date!!

Mark your calendars—Our annual Bowling for Soup event, benefiting the Food Bank for Larimer County, is coming this April. This fun-filled evening combines friendly competition with a shared mission to support our local community.

Gather your team of up to six players and join us for an evening of strikes, spares, and connection. Whether you’re a seasoned bowler or a first-timer to this event, it’s a great way to come together for a good cause.

We’ll be hosting at Chippers Lanes again this year on Wednesday April 30, 2025! We hope you’ll join us in helping to strike out hunger in Larimer County. More details will be headed your way soon!

Photo collage of collab team at their holiday party including images of secret santa exchange, kids playing games, and staff posing together

'Tis the Season to Celebrate Together

Our annual holiday party was a festive affair! On December 6th, the Collab team, along with spouses and kids, gathered for an evening of fun. We enjoyed a delicious meal from Gourmet Grub, decorated cookies, and unleashed our creativity on a giant holiday coloring page. It was a reminder that the connections we share are what truly makes Collab special.

Collab Architecture meet with Representatives of Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity to present a check for $200,000

Building Community

Before the end of 2024, Collab Architecture strengthened its partnership with Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity by contributing $200,000 to the Hope Springs Development. Spearheaded by CEO Cheri Witt-Brown, this project brings together a diverse network of partners to expand housing opportunities in Northern Colorado. We look forward to seeing this community take shape and continuing our collaboration in the years ahead.

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