Category: Colorado

How to Become an Architect in Colorado

While the pathway that leads to becoming a licensed architect in Colorado is a long road, it is a road that has been traveled by many before you. I say this because just about anything that requires a long-term process can scare people away from pursuing it right at the outset. 

With that being said, becoming a licensed professional architect in Colorado is possible, but it will take some time. In large part, the pathway will not be difficult for those who prioritize this pursuit over some of the other pleasures in their life. 

You may need to watch less TV or spend less time doing recreational activities. Oftentimes this is where becoming an architect will find its difficulties, as the pleasures of life war against the pursuit of an education and a career. 

I write that preface to prepare you for the following statement: It could take as many as 12 years to become a licensed professional architect in Colorado. There are a number of hoops to jump through along the way, but you will be making money long before this time. 

The following is a quick list of the steps to becoming a licensed architect in the state of Colorado: 

• Graduate high school or earn a GED

• Earn a degree 

• Become an architectural intern

• Join the architectural experience program

• Take and pass the architect registration examination

• Become a licensed architect

Why don’t we take a look at each of these steps in depth?

Graduate high school or earn a GED

This may be a given for anyone reading this article. Nevertheless, there are many out there who have not yet graduated from high school or earned their GED. This will be a necessary step for you if you find yourself here.

Earn a degree

If you have already graduated high school or earned your GED, there are two paths that you can travel to receive a license in Colorado. First, you can gain 10 years of experience to forgo having any sort of higher education degree. 

While this option may sound appealing at the outset, it is important for you to know that state licensure regulations vary from state to state. There is more leniency in Colorado than in some of the other states. 

What I mean by this is that, if you do not have a college degree of any kind, you may not be able to transfer your architectural license to another state. Be that as it may, this may still be a good path for you to travel, but you must count the cost prior to your choosing which road to walk. 

The other path consists of earning a degree. This can be done in a number of ways and spans from anything such as an AA architectural degree to an AA non-architectural degree to a BS in architectural design over to a BS in any field of study.

The degrees with which you can enter into the field are many. Nevertheless, the degree you choose will have an impact on your future. For instance, if you have a 4-year related degree, you will need to gain 7 years of experience. If you have a 4-year non-related degree, you will need to gain 8 years of experience.

Along with this, another important factor is enrolling in a NAAB accredited school. While this is not a need in Colorado, it is in some other states and could prove to be beneficial in your future. But have no fear: if you have already chosen a different path, you can still move forward in Colorado.

Become an architectural intern

After you receive your degree, it is time for you to gain some experience—research different architectural firms in Colorado. Put together a list of ones that interest you and are good prospects. 

Finally, create well-written, specific resumes for each of the various firms in order to stand out, so they will want you to join them as an intern.

Join the architectural experience program

It is in this program that you will be guided through your needed hours of experience. This program will help you document your hours through various areas such as project management, project planning/design, and construction/evaluation.

To complete this portion, you will need to have 3,740 hours of experience recorded.

Take and pass the architect registration examination

You could, if you would like, start on this exam prior to finishing the architectural experience program. During this time, you will be tested on your understanding of the practices of architecture. 

The test has two primary focuses. First, you will be tested on your knowledge of practices concerning the overall process that takes place in constructing a building (i.e., stability, soundness, and health of a building). Second, you will be tested on how to successfully conduct your work within a firm.

Become a licensed architect

The last step is to pay for and apply for a license. If you have completed the above steps, paying close attention to your degree choice and needed hours of experience, you can take the final exam. 

Best wishes.

By 2021-05-18.    Architect, Colorado, How-To   

A Quick History Of The Colorado Avalanche

In the National Hockey League (NHL), there are many prominent teams that play each year for the Stanley Cup, but none is more special to people’s hearts than the Colorado Avalanche. While some NHL historians might value the history of the Original Six teams, there is just something about the Colorado Avalanche that speaks blue-blood of the NHL.

 The Colorado Avalanche franchise dated to 1972 when they were originally founded as the Quebec Nordiques as part of the World Hockey Association (WHA). Then in 1979, they became part of the NHL as a result of the WHA-NHL league merger.

 For the next 16 years, they were a mainstay as one of the NHL’s premier Canadian teams in a league that valued Canadian presence in an otherwise US sports professional league. The Quebec Nordiques.

 Unfortunately, for much of their tenure in Quebec, they were not successful. They only won their division twice in their 16-year stay in Quebec during their NHL tenure and never made it to a Stanley Cup Final. It was ultimately a lack of success and not enough fanbase for a struggling franchise that changed things up.

 A new ownership team came in during the 1994-95 season for the Nordiques and made the decision to relocate to Denver. It was ironically during that last season that was shortened due to players’ strike, that Quebec for the first time, had the best overall record in the Eastern Conference.

 After losing to the eighth seed New York Rangers in the 1st round of the 1994-95 NHL playoffs, the team’s days of irrelevance would soon be put behind them. In their first season as the Colorado Avalanche, they won their franchise’s first Stanley Cup.

 After this, they would string off an NHL record nine straight division titles in their division and would add another Stanley Cup to their resume in 2001. Their 2001 Stanley Cup is deemed one of the most memorable as former Boston Bruin Raymond Bourque was in his 22nd and final season and was able to raise the cup in his very last NHL game as a member of the Avalanche.

 During this nine-year stretch, they were part of one of the most NHL rivalries to date between them and the Detroit Red Wings. In this nine-year stretch, these two teams would have very heated contests and would frequently meet in the playoffs, sometimes with a trip to the Stanley Cup Finals on the line.

 Ultimately in this period, the Red Wings would win three Stanley Cups to the Avalanche two, but it was integral towards the popularity of the NHL and improving the fan base of those two franchises. Colorado Avalanche games are one of the more popular games to attend.

 After the 2002-2003 season, the Avalanche fell back into mediocrity, as stars such as Patrick Roy and Raymond Bourque retired. Between finding their new star players, and other teams in their divisions upping their level of play, they would not see another division title until the 2013-2014 season. They have not been to a cup final since winning it all in 2001.

 The last decade has seen many new stars come into the picture to make the Avalanche a new perennial powerhouse. With names like MacKinnon and Rantanen, the Stanley Cup should be obtainable in the near future.

By 2021-04-27.    Colorado, Recreational   

Moving To Colorado – Choosing Between Denver And Boulder

There are increasing numbers of people who are choosing to relocate to Colorado. Clean air, great outdoor entertainment options, and a lower cost of living are only a few of the reasons that the state is seeing an influx of new residents. However, choosing between Denver and Boulder can be challenging – both offer the opportunity to enjoy a great lifestyle, but each has unique experiences that set them apart. Here are some of the factors that can help make the decision of which of these great cities to choose as a home base.

Property and Cost of Living.

For those who are looking for property, there’s a clear distinction between Denver and Boulder. Denver is simply the cheaper of the two when it comes to purchasing or renting a home. In fact, according to recent research housing in Boulder is 30.1% more expensive than Denver. For those with families who are looking to rent smaller homes such as a two-bedroom apartment or landed home, they will be spending around $200 more in Boulder. That can quickly add up, especially when one takes into account that the general cost of living in Boulder is significantly higher in Boulder when one looks at factors such as utilities, food and groceries and healthcare (to name only a few of the contributing factors).

Employment.

Both Denver and Boulder have plenty of opportunities for employment – however there is a marked difference in the type of companies that offer room for professional growth. Boulder has a variety of companies in the fast-growing Biotech sector which are attractive options for those searching for employment. It also has an extremely active tech sector. Denver also boasts a vibrant tech sector, but its reputation as offering great outdoor experiences has led to a number of well-known companies focused on the outdoor lifestyle choosing it as their headquarters (Recreational Equipment Inc. is just one). In addition, Denver also has extremely active financial services and real estate sector – as well as a growing number of startups which may allow entrepreneurs an opportunity to get in on the ground floor of fast-growing companies.

Outdoor Lifestyle.

Both Denver and Boulder are great options for those who want to enjoy the outdoor lifestyle. The fact that the Rocky Mountains are on the doorstep of each of the cities means that activities such as hiking and skiing are easy to access and there are some great trails to be enjoyed. However, for those who want to enjoy nature within the city limits it’s worth noting that Boulder is also known as the ‘city within a park’ – it has magnificent green spaces, not that Denver is any slouch when it comes to offering families great places to enjoy Mother Nature without leaving the city. Those who own dogs may be attracted to Denver as it is incredibly dog-friendly. Parks such as Cherry Creek State Park are perfect for a day out with man’s best friend. 

Entertainment and Leisure.

Each of these great cities has numerous options when it comes to entertainment. Denver offers easy access to a number of exceptional eateries and retail outlets within easy access to the attractive Union Station (which also plays host to the weekly farmers market). Larimer Square in Denver is wonderfully attractive with its Victorian-style architecture and access to many entertainment options. Boulder attracts families and many of the younger generation due to the fact that it is a college town and is snug enough to be enjoyed on foot. Students and those who enjoy some exercise will have ample opportunities to enjoy some great bike trails. It’s also home to fabulous dining destinations.

Choosing between Denver and Boulder can be a challenge, however, what is true of both cities is that those choosing to relocate will have access to an area that boasts astonishing natural beauty. The cost of living, which is lower than many major coastal cities is another drawcard – as are great educational opportunities. These cities offer lifestyles that tick all the boxes – it’s a choice many will be glad to make.

By 2021-04-27.    Colorado, Moving, Relocate