The Denver Studio of Perkins and Will Announces New Design Leadership
As part of its commitment to Denver, the Rocky Mountain region, and beyond, the Denver studio of global architecture and design firm Perkins and Will welcomes Robin Ault as design director.
“We’re thrilled to have Robin join our firm, and our Denver leadership team,” said Andy Barnard, principal and managing director of the Denver studio. “Robin’s considerable experience and knowledge of the Colorado architectural landscape will be invaluable to our clients.”
As the most senior design position at Perkins and Will, the design director is responsible for leading and overseeing all design work; collaborating with in-house teams and clients; and ensuring clients have access to the firm’s broader resources. Under Ault’s design leadership, the Denver studio—home to a 56-year-old architecture practice that’s a national leader in sports, recreation, and entertainment—can continue its expansion into other practice areas, including commercial, civic, higher education, and science and technology.
“Design has always been the lens through which I see the world, working with clients to create their future. I am thrilled to be a part of a renowned firm like Perkins and Will, and, in particular, to be part of its dynamic Denver practice,” Ault says. “I look forward to working to improve our community and advance the industry with innovative and meaningful work.”
A third-generation Colorado native and alumnus of the University of Colorado, Ault has more than 20 years of experience in the architecture field. His resume includes a wide range of projects, both in Colorado and abroad, for clients in the civic, cultural, higher education, public, and aviation sectors. He subscribes to the philosophy that “design doesn’t happen in a vacuum,” and that a collaborative approach to architecture is always the strongest.
Ault’s work can be seen at high-profile institutions such as the University of California, the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, The Colorado Convention Center, Raleigh-Durham International Airport, and the Los Angeles International Airport, among others. A member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP), he was named one of Engineering News Record’s Top 20 Under 40 in 2012, and several of his projects have been recognized with AIA awards.
David Dragoo Appointed To Colorado Economic Development Commission
David Dragoo, president and founder of Colorado Outdoors, a multi-use riverfront economic development project serving the outdoor recreation industry, has been appointed by Colorado Sen. Leroy M. Garcia, Jr., senate president, to the Colorado Economic Development Commission.
Founded in 1987 by the Colorado General Assembly, the Colorado Economic Development Commission consists of an 11-member panel charged with promoting economic development and employment opportunities in the state. The bipartisan commission oversees the Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit, Strategic Fund, Rural Jump Start Zone, Enterprise Zone, Advanced Industry Accelerator Grant, Regional Tourism Act, and Film Incentive programs.
“At Colorado Outdoors, we’re dedicated to promoting sustainable, economic development and employment in Colorado,” said Dragoo. “I’m honored to be appointed to the Colorado Economic Development Commission and thrilled to work with an incredible team that is committed to growing businesses across the state.”
Dragoo has served as president of Colorado Outdoors since 2016 and has worked to transform Montrose into a compelling destination for families and businesses alike. The Colorado Outdoors development draws new expertise to the growing region and is a desirable home for business catering to the outdoor recreation industry. In June 2019, Mayfly Outdoors, the parent company of high-performance fly fishing tackle brands Abel and Ross Reels, completed construction and moved into a 41,000-square-foot facility.
Mayfly was the first to break ground on the 164-acre Colorado Outdoors development and serves as its anchor tenant. Both Mayfly and Colorado Outdoors have made great progress in the revitalization of the Uncompahgre River corridor, including a three-year river restoration project and a property donation of over nearly 1.5 miles of riverfront land back to the community.