Colin D’Emilio

AIA, NCARB

Architect

Location

Denver

Contact

P 303.824.2520

Ask 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 an architect in our Advanced Industries studio.

Colin’s growing specialization in secure environments reflects a deep understanding of the precision and discretion these spaces require. In addition to his work within classified spaces, Colin continues to contribute across the studio’s diverse portfolio of aerospace, industrial, and advanced manufacturing projects. He values strong client relationships and is committed to creating spaces that are both purposeful and 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

BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems

Multiple U.S. locations

Secure space design

Multiple U.S. locations

MSU Denver Brewery Operations Program Facilities

Denver, CO

Nooks Secure Office Renovation

Colorado