Colin D’Emilio
Assoc. AIA
Architectural Designer
Specialty
Advanced IndustriesLocation
DenverAsk any child what they want to be when they grow up, and you will hear a lot about teachers, athletes, firefighters, and comic book heroes. If you had asked Colin what he wanted to be in elementary school, he would have answered, “Architect.” He never outgrew that dream and is now a designer for the Advanced Industries studio.
With a fresh perspective and eye for people-focused design, Colin brings the firm a strong portfolio of student work along with his eagerness to turn obstacles into solutions. As he studies for his licensure exams, Colin is thriving in the studio’s exciting and diverse portfolio. Colin values the opportunity to connect with our clients to design spaces that are as functional as they are inspiring.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, California, he enjoys Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle. A yearly participant in the Denver office’s Peak Challenge, he hopes to hike all of Colorado’s “Fourteeners” and has already completed 13 in two years.
In 2024, Colin was accepted into the 2024 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program. This program is for emerging professionals to participate in leadership development courses from entrepreneurship and firm management to community leadership.
Get to know Colin
What is your favorite building or landmark?
I love the Golden Gate Bridge because of the nostalgia it brings me from growing up in the Bay Area. It’s also a fun way to explore San Francisco, as you find your way around the city to capture all it’s incredible views and angles.
What is the best part about your job?
My favorite part of the job is working with all of our incredible clients who are at the forefront of their respective industries. I find it personally inspiring to gain knowledge of what their companies do, and to assist them along the journey to achieve their goals.
What is your advice to young professionals in your field?
Embrace the learning curve! It can be jarring to leave school and enter the professional world, because there can be such a disparity between what you learn in a studio class and what it takes to have a project fully realized. It’s important to remember what you’ve learned in the past, because all knowledge becomes part of your personal toolbelt, and it will drive you to create incredible things.
Notable projects
