SAR+ Architects Announces 5 New Owners
SAR+ Architects has welcomed Dan Craig, Patrick Bohler, Ali Menke, Kristen Rutledge, and Adam Hillhouse as new firm owners. Their extensive experience, dedication, and innovative vision will further propel the firm’s commitment to excellence in architecture, interior design, and planning. As long-time leaders, they bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge that will contribute to SAR+’s continued growth and success in the industry.
Dan Craig, AIA, LEED AP | Principal – Dan has been practicing architecture in Denver for over twenty years and has a diverse background in project type and scale. He joined the SAR+ team in 2016. Over the years, Dan has been fortunate to be a leading creative voice on a number of great educational and cultural projects in the Denver area, including roles on Meow Wolf, The DU Burwell Center for Career Achievement, Mines Park at the Colorado School of Mines, several new projects at Colorado Academy, and most recently leading the design of a new shared office and collaboration space on the Auraria Campus. He is currently engaged in urban design and planning efforts at the University of Denver, Ball Arena, and Winter Park.
Patrick Bohler, AIA, CDT, LEED AP | Principal – Patrick Bohler has been practicing architecture for nearly 30 years, joining SAR+ in 2015. While Patrick’s project experience includes extensive multi-family and hospitality design, his primary area of focus is on the technical execution and constructability of a building. He has become an outspoken mentor within the firm and across the local professional architecture industry and plays a large role in ensuring all SAR+ projects are thoroughly reviewed and maintain our high standard of execution.
Ali Menke, AIA | Senior Associate – Ali has been practicing architecture in Denver for over 15 years and thrives while working on projects at every scale from large master plans to intricate interior details. Since joining SAR+ in 2014, Ali has managed multiple projects from conception to completion at Denver’s 9+CO redevelopment, including Milo Luxury Residences. She is currently working on a, mixed-use development at the intersection of Speer Boulevard and Lincoln, a Waldorf Astoria luxury residential condominium in Cherry Creek, as well as The River Mile masterplan development, all in Denver. In addition to her commitment to and passion for architecture and design, Ali promotes equity, diversity and inclusion opportunities within our office and industry-wide.
Kristen Rutledge, AIA, LEED AP | Senior Associate – Kristen Rutledge joined the SAR+ team in 2012 after previous work with an environmental consulting firm. Her attention to detail is unmatched and has played a big part in her debut project manager roles helping to lead some of Denver’s highest profile skyline-changing projects. At SAR+, Kristen has worked on MyBlock project in Washington Park as well as the Platform and Jasper Towers high-rise projects in Denver’s Union Station neighborhood. Recently, Kristen has transitioned into a leadership role within the Interior Design team at SAR+, showcasing her versatility and capability across projects of varying size and complexities.
Adam Hillhouse, AIA | Senior Associate – Adam Hillhouse is a Colorado native with deep roots in the field of Architecture. Since joining our team in 2012, Adam has led multiple large multifamily projects throughout Denver. Most recently, he has led the project team behind the Citizen West 10 & Kindred multifamily projects in Denver’s Historic Golden Triangle, as well as the renovation of the world-famous Casa Bonita restaurant. He brings to his work a particularly keen eye for urban design, paying special care to the interactions of our buildings and the communities that surround them.
Dan Craig, Patrick Bohler, Ali Menke, Kristen Rutledge, and Adam Hillhouse will now join Chris Shears, Jesse Adkins, Andy Rockmore, Kevin Eronimous and Dean Smith as leaders of the firm and look forward to the continued evolution and success of SAR+ as it enters its third decade of practice.
Steve Johnson Named CHFA’s Chief Operating Officer
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) announced the promotion of Steve Johnson as CHFA’s new chief operating officer (COO). Johnson has served as director of community development and a member of CHFA’s leadership team since 2010, and he has been with the organization since 1996.
“As CHFA celebrates 50 years of investing in affordable housing and community development, I am humbled to be selected as its new chief operating officer,” said Johnson. “I look forward to collaborating with our board, staff, and partners to continue this work.”
As COO, Johnson will manage CHFA’s overall operations, reporting directly to the executive director and CEO and working closely with other members of CHFA’s executive team to execute strategic objectives in pursuit of CHFA’s mission. He will provide direct oversight to CHFA’s Asset Management, Community Development, Home Finance, and Research and Strategy divisions.
“Steve has been a visible presence in the community over the years and is well known for his collaboration, expertise, and responsiveness,” said Cris White, executive director and CEO of CHFA. “Additionally, his experience and knowledge in successfully launching andmanaging key programs within CHFA make Steve a very valuable addition to CHFA’s executive team.”
Following six years in the commercial lending industry, Johnson joined CHFA in 1996 as a commercial loan officer. In his most recent role as CHFA’s director of community development, he led a team responsible for Housing Tax Credit allocation, multifamily lending, and business finance. In 2023, Johnson received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Council of Development Finance Agencies in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the development finance industry. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Hillsdale College.
Brucha Adds New Regional Sales Team Lead
Brucha, a leading manufacturer in insulated metal panel technology with U.S. headquarters in Denver, announces the addition of Jay Hughes to its team as district sales manager.
Hughes brings more than 12 years of material and product sales experience within the commercial construction industry to Brucha. He is focused on increasing sales of Brucha’s products to North American markets, focused on the Southeastern U.S. markets. He’s actively involved with the American Institute of Architects and the Metal Building Contractors and Erectors Association (MBCEA). Hughes joins a team led by Jeff Gerhardt, vice president of sales, who’s based at Brucha’s North American headquarters in Denver. Brucha is a fourth-generation, family-owned firm that has become the go-to provider of insulated metal panel and cold storage solutions in Europe due to its precision manufacturing process that allows for seamless delivery and efficient installation on site.
“We’re thrilled to continue to grow our talented team as we strive to make inroads into the North American market.” said Roman Graf, president of Brucha America. “We are confident our proven manufacturing process, unmatched level of customer service and consistent pricing better serves our customers and partners in the construction industry who are suffering from their own constant challenges to managing schedules, budgets and end-user expectations,” he added.
