Blitz, a dynamic architecture and interiors firm known for disrupting the status quo of design for household names such as Google, Microsoft, Instacart, and Levi’s, has announced the launch of its third studio. Located in Denver’s historic Lower Downtown Dairy Block district, Blitz’s office expansion in the city comes in response to abundant requests from new and existing technology clients in the Rocky Mountain region desiring the multidisciplinary firm’s expertise in fresh and innovative commercial interior design. The announcement of Blitz’s third location coincides with the firm’s 10-year anniversary — marking a decade of design distinction — and the rapid growth of its one-year-old Los Angeles studio by nearly quadruple. These remarkable milestones add to the success of Blitz’s existing San Francisco headquarters.
Appointed to lead Blitz’s new Colorado studio as Managing Director is Kate Chapman, MBA, IIDA, NCIDQ, CHID, LEED AP, WELL AP, EDAC, who currently serves as president elect for the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Rocky Mountain chapter. Shaped by early design experiences throughout her childhood and education, Chapman deftly combines a background in business with her passion for design. She derives inspiration from crafting client solutions that improve the spaces in which people work, live, and heal, as well as from architects such as Albert Kahn and Louis Sullivan. Chapman will support Blitz’s robust portfolio by leading business development and design initiatives in the Rocky Mountain region, including a new 36,650-square-foot Boulder, workspace for a market leader in IT and network security.
“As a long-time Denver resident, I’ve seen firsthand the boundless opportunities offered by the ‘Silicon Mountain’ region, including those in the tech, finance, and hospitality industries,” says Chapman. “The area boasts a highly educated and esteemed workforce from which we hope to channel a thriving design team. Denver’s rich history of upstarts and dynamic entrepreneurial culture is an ideal atmosphere for Blitz’s relationship-driven, human-centered model.”
Chapman graduated from Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, MI, with a Bachelor of Interior Architecture in 2006 and Magna Cum Laude honors. In 2018, she received her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Colorado Boulder, with Summa Cum Laude honors. Chapman is board-certified by renowned organizations, and her expertise in interior design is distinguished by several professional accreditations. As well, Chapman is an Accredited Professional by the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP), signifying an advanced depth of knowledge in green building practices; and by the International WELL Building Institute (WELL AP), demonstrating expertise in human health and wellness in the built environment.
Since its inception in 2009, Blitz has grown from co-founding principals Seth Hanley, AIA, LEED AP, and Melissa Hanley, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP, working from a modest home office to 30 employees across three studios. During the firm’s early days, when many in the industry were experiencing great hardship or shuttering altogether, Blitz secured its first major contract with then-startup Skype to design its 90,000-square-foot North American headquarters in Silicon Valley’s illustrious Stanford Research Park. Blitz has since grown substantially, garnering numerous awards and international recognition. The architecture firm is responsible for the design and implementation of more than 300 projects across nearly 5.5 million square feet. Blitz specializes in creating fresh, innovative environments, offering its clients a full range of design solutions in the areas of architecture, interior design, graphics, and branding. The firm works with clients throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia, from its offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and now, Denver.
