By Job Gutierrez, AIA, LEED AP, partner at Wold Architects and Engineers
In today’s rapidly evolving world of architecture, engineering and construction, making a difference means having more than just cutting-edge design — it requires a commitment to the communities you serve. For Wold Architects and Engineers, a national full-service planning, architecture and engineering firm, innovation is built on one key foundation: community. Wold’s Denver office is a prime example of how the firm blends forward-thinking design with a deep understanding of local needs, driving impactful change across Colorado’s landscape.
Ranked No. 31 in the 2023 Building Design + Construction Giants 400 Report, Wold is recognized for its expertise in sectors like K-12 education, government and healthcare. With a growing team of over 30 architects, engineers and planners in Denver, the office is a catalyst for Wold’s expansion in Colorado. But it’s not just their design capabilities that set them apart; it’s their people, values and commitment to fostering meaningful connections with the communities they serve.
A Culture of Collaboration and Integrity
Wold’s approach begins with people. Their culture of inclusivity and integrity extends beyond the office to the heart of the community. Collaboration is key, starting with building diverse core planning groups that include community members, staff, district or organizational leaders and other stakeholders. These early planning conversations prioritize needs, foster trust and guide design decisions, ensuring that each project reflects a shared vision.
Wold’s use of tools like collaborative dashboards and listening tours enables deeper engagement with communities, ensuring that every voice is heard and integrated into the design process. This holistic approach guarantees projects not only meet client expectations but also serve local residents’ long-term needs.
Designing for Lasting Community Impact
Wold’s portfolio in Colorado is a testament to their dedication to community-driven design. From the design of the Thompson School District’s new Riverview PK-8 school to the City of Colorado Springs Council Chambers remodel to the Wray Community District Hospital expansion and renovation, these projects emphasize the firm’s commitment to functionality, resiliency and community well-being.
Through diverse conversations with stakeholders, Wold ensures community goals are planned for and met, especially ones focused on sustainability. Whether designing new schools or healthcare facilities, Wold integrates environmentally responsible design principles, ensuring their projects meet current needs and contribute to healthier, more resilient Colorado communities. Recently, Wold partnered with Montrose Regional Health to develop a sustainability-driven master plan with long-term goals to create energy-efficient healthcare facilities that promote both public health and environmental responsibility for many years to come.
Specialized Solutions for Future-Ready Communities
Wold’s commitment to creating sustainable, long-lasting communities is showcased in its track record of specialized facilities. Recent projects like the state-of-the-art law enforcement training center for Colorado Parks and Wildlife and the Career and Technical Education (CTE) Trades Center for Sheridan School District show how Wold designs spaces that empower communities to thrive based on what they individually need. The CTE Trades Center, in particular, was designed in response to community feedback that local industries needed more workers. The new center offers students hands-on learning in various trades, directly addressing the need for skilled workers while supporting local economic growth.
Flexibility and adaptability are at the core of Wold’s designs. Whether it’s multipurpose healthcare spaces, flexible learning environments in schools or community recreation centers, their designs aim to create spaces based on community input that serve immediate needs while being able to evolve over time. By listening closely to district and community objectives, Wold’s designs ensure that spaces remain relevant and impactful long after the project is completed.
Looking Ahead: Wold’s Continued Commitment to Community
As Wold’s presence in Denver grows, so does its commitment to strengthening ties with the local community. In the past three years, the firm has expanded its Denver office space twice, doubling its capacity to meet the region’s increasing demand. This growth not only reflects Wold’s ability to scale but also fosters a creative and collaborative environment where innovation thrives.
The office features cutting-edge technologies, such as integrated 3D modeling and virtual reality, which allow clients and stakeholders to virtually explore a new design before construction begins. Furthermore, leveraging AI technologies to conduct mid-journey trials allows for real-time testing and optimization of ideas, driving innovation and efficiency. This technology ensures that designs align with community needs, making informed decision-making easier and more transparent.
Wold’s commitment to community-centered design continues to drive its success in Denver and beyond. The firm’s projects prioritize the health, sustainability and adaptability of spaces, ensuring that they meet current needs while supporting long-term community growth. As Wold continues to expand and innovate, its approach will remain focused on building lasting connections with local communities, creating spaces that not only function but truly make a difference.
