How Architecture Firms are Failing Denver
It's a common sentiment in Denver's architecture community: "If only the developers would let us, we'd build something beautiful." This narrative, often repeated in op-eds and local discussions, paints developers as the sole problem. The profit-driven, uninspired, developer narrative makes for a convenient scapegoat for every boring apartment complex or the ugly buildings that clutter up an elegant neighborhood.
A Glimpse Inside Denver's Architecture Firms
I've sat in meetings at an institution of Denver architecture, the place that is the bedrock for creating some of our city's most disposable buildings. What I saw firsthand was not a creative team fighting a losing battle against an uncompromising developer. Instead, it was a team that knew nothing beyond mediocrity, using the developer as a shield to deflect responsibility. Developers are only part of the equation, most are amenable to a wide breadth of design decisions. The real issue is far more complex than the prevalent narrative and involves the very architecture firms that claim to be hamstrung by their clients.
The projects kept coming, a steady stream of work from developers who valued the firm's established name and reputation for getting things done, not for their design prowess. This cycle of low-risk, low-reward projects has created a self-fulfilling prophecy. These long-standing, local firms lack the creative acumen and design talent needed to truly elevate the city's built environment. They're not fighting for better design because, in many cases, they simply don't know how. The skill and vision required to push boundaries and create something truly meaningful have atrophied, replaced by a formulaic approach that prioritizes efficiency and predictability over innovation.
What I walked away from those meetings between the principals in charge and developers was that developers aren't always the design-averse overlords they're made out to be. Many understand that superior design can lead to a higher return on investment (ROI) and something that they can be proud of building. They are often looking for designs that can deliver a premier product that stands out in a crowded market.
If developers were truly those that impeded creativity, then how do we explain the incredible, award-winning designs being built in other cities across the country? Firms in places like Chicago, Portland, Seattle, Austin, and Los Angeles are consistently pushing the boundaries of what's possible, collaborating with developers to create landmark buildings that are both functional and beautiful. They manage to secure national awards and recognition, proving that great design can, and does, happen within the same market-driven constraints. These firms prove that great design can, and does, happen within the same market-driven constraints that Denver architects complain about. The difference is a fundamental commitment to design excellence. These firms don't just lean back on their duopoly establishment status; they partner with developers to create something extraordinary. They've built their reputations on a foundation of creativity and innovation, which, in turn, attracts clients who are seeking exactly that.
How can Denver do better?
Denver's built environment will not improve until its established architectural community is willing to look inward. It's time to stop pointing fingers at developers and, instead, have an honest and difficult conversation about the role of local architects in shaping our city. New, innovative firms need to rise up to fill the design void, the future of Denver depends on it.
