News
Denver, CO
On October 24, 2008 the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Western Mountain Region Chapter announced Humphries Poli Architects, P.C. (HPA) as the 2008 Firm of the Year, a distinction that follows the firm's selection as the AIA Colorado Firm of the Year in 2006 and the AIA Denver Firm of the Year in 2005. The award recognizes the continuing collaboration among individuals in a firm who have produced distinguished architecture over a period of at least 10 years, and have made significant contributions to the institute, the profession and their community, and have transcended their local boundaries in making these contributions. The honor, which is the highest the six state regional chapter bestows, recognizes Humphries Poli's exemplary contributions to the profession and the example the firm has set in design and professional leadership. "A firm wide commitment to design excellence and creative solutions is the foundation of our practice," remarked HPA Principal, Joe Poli, AIA. "This will continue to be fuel for our future growth." Humphries Poli Architects presented a diverse body of work to the award selection committee that represents the firm's 14-year history, spanning public safety, libraries and community centers as well as work for private sector clients in mixed-use environments, multi-family residential and commercial office buildings. Currently HPA is completing commissions that include four new branch libraries for the Rangeview Library District and NorthCreek, a 200,000 square-foot mixed use project located in the heart of Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood. "Humphries Poli is one of the best of the best. They have risen above the norm and have contributed significantly and creatively to the true meaning and objectives of the profession, the practice and the art of architecture," exclaimed Urban Design Consultant Ron Straka, FAIA in his nomination of the firm.
Brian Klipp, FAIA further noted in his nomination letter, "Leadership by example best describes the ongoing, significant contribution to the architectural profession Dennis and Joe have made." "It is a very exciting yet humbling honor," remarked Dennis Humphries, AIA. "We feel this recognition is a reflection of the talent and dedication of our staff. Our firm has accomplished great success as witnessed by this honor. Now the bar has been set for us to reach higher and ask more of ourselves."
Humphries Poli Architects is comprised of a diverse group of architects, landscape architects, interior designers and preservationists who reflect a commitment to exceptional design solutions and comprehensive processes. The firm strives to create special places that reflect the best in themselves, their clients and their communities.
Denver, Colorado
The Colorado Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) honored Humphries Poli Architects, P.C. as the 2006 Firm of the Year. The honor recognizes firms that have made exemplary contributions to the profession, and have set an example both in design and leadership over a period of at least 10 years. The award, the highest honor offered by AIA Colorado, was presented to Dennis Humphries and Joseph Poli at the AIA Colorado 2006 Design Conference and annual awards gala on Saturday November 4th in Vail, Colorado.
Chaired by Christopher Nims, FAIA, the honor awards jury committee noted Humphries Poli's portfolio of projects as "an impressive array of building types and diverse design." In the firm's 12 years of practice, Humphries Poli has always held a commitment to the community as a guiding principle. Acknowledging this the jury committee commented that "the portfolio almost takes a back seat to their dedication to the community. This dedication, exemplified by its principals, Dennis and Joe, permeates the firm."
In his nomination letter, architect Brian Klipp, FAIA, recognized the firm's ongoing and significant contribution to the architectural profession as leadership by example. He wrote, "Through their community service and consistent design excellence for over 10 years, Humphries Poli Architects is widely recognized as a model firm to others in the profession."
Upon learning of the firm's selection as Firm of the Year, Dennis Humphries expressed his appreciation for the award by saying, "We are both humbled and honored by this exciting acknowledgement. It's a testament to the talent and dedication of our staff that our best efforts shine as brightly as they have." "Design excellence is the foundation of this recognition, and of our practice," said Joe of the award. "We strive, in our work, to create special places that reflect the best in ourselves, our clients, and the communities we design for. This award is a validation of our pursuit for design excellence and will be a source of inspiration for many years to come."
Denver, CO
The City of Fort Collins' new Police Services Facility has been recognized by the American Institute of Architecture's Academy of Architecture for Justice Knowledge Community (AAJ) as a 2008 Citation winner. Designed by Humphries Poli Architects of Denver and built by the Neenan Company of Fort Collins with Police Facility Programming and Design by Brinkley Sargent Architects of Dallas, the commission was the result of a highly competitive design process. Envisioned as a new civic landmark, the building embodies the City's forward thinking while simultaneously reflecting local history and the unique characteristics of the site. Sustainable design and green strategies abound, including specialized mechanical systems with integrated controls, extensive use of daylighting and automated lighting controls, and building orientation, materials and drought tolerant landscaping to enhance energy efficiency. The project has received the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Certification.
"Sustainability is an important part of civic responsibility, from both environmental and financial standpoints," offered Project Manager, Michelle Lopez-Orsini, of Humphries Poli Architects. "Thinking about the future, the City really understands the value of investing in sustainable measures." Maintaining necessary high levels of security without presenting a fortress like image was accomplished by designing the building into three distinct circulation zones - public, private and secure. By breaking the building program into use-specific components, the overall footprint was reduced leaving more room for landscape and planting. An open lobby and light-filled three-story central atrium define the vertical flow of the building, increasing interaction and communication among users.
"We found the City and the Police Department to be great collaborators and very stimulating clients," remarked Humphries Poli Principal, Joe Poli. "They were very actively engaged throughout and challenged us to tailor a solution that met their needs, and evokes civic pride." As part of the AAJ's recognition, the Fort Collins Police Services Facility will be published in the Justice Facility Review 2008 and featured in a traveling exhibit scheduled to be displayed at industry trade shows in Sacramento, Anaheim, and San Francisco, California and New Orleans.
Humphries Poli Architects is a 36-person design firm offering architecture, interior design, urban design, preservation, and landscape architecture services. The Fort Collins Police Services Facility is one of several recent Justice and Public Safety Projects designed by HPA.
Denver, Colorado
Joining an illustrious list of past recipients Dennis Humphries, AIA, received the Silver Medal from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Western Mountain Region at a recent awards gala in Lake Tahoe, NV. The Silver Medal, the highest honor presented by the Region, recognizes an individual who has made significant contributions to the institute, the profession, the citizens of the Western Mountain Region, and their community; and who has transcended local boundaries in making these contributions. Humphries, a principal of Humphries Poli Architects, P.C. (HPA), was recognized for his relentless community activism and passionate professionalism in a wide range of organizations and activities. Dennis has also been previously recognized in 2006 as the Architect of the Year by AIA Denver and in 2005 as the Architect of the Year by AIA Colorado.
"It's a wonderful honor to have been even nominated for such an award," exclaimed Humphries. "I am very humbled to be associated with the handful of celebrated Colorado architects previously selected for this award over its 40 year history. This is such a deeply rewarding and wonderful profession. To be able to share these values and excitement with our community has always been something our practice has focused on. I feel very fortunate to be associated with opportunities that successfully engage our skills and passion. I hope to continue to build upon the great things we have done at Humphries Poli to explore the possibilities of design excellence with the talented group of designers in our practice."
Among the recent award winning commissions completed under Dennis' direction are Blake Street Flats, a Denver affordable housing project completed in 2005; the Granby Library, a 10,800 square foot contextually inspired community library completed in 2006; and the Louisville Public Library, a 32,000 sf facility located in a historic setting also completed in 2006. Dennis was acknowledged by a cadre of prominent Denver architects through the nomination process for his ability to engage and energize others.
"His thoughtful style and integrity has always created an atmosphere which has inspired others to rally in support of his creative ideas," wrote Ron Mason, FAIA, of Anderson Mason Dale in his nomination letter. "This has made him immensely effective and exceptional among his peers in making things happen," Mason continued.
In addition to his commitment to design excellence and effective leadership, Dennis is a tireless civic activist and promoter of the profession and practice of architecture as a powerful vehicle for community enrichment. Dennis currently serves as Vice Chair of Denver's Landmark Preservation Commission by mayoral appointment and is Vice President of Denver's Civic Center Conservancy. A visionary, Dennis was instrumental in the creation of the Cleworth Architectural Legacy (CAL) project through the Denver Architectural Foundation, a program whose eight-week curriculum introduces architecture to elementary and middle school students throughout metro Denver.
"He is a leader full of dedication, vision and energy, personal sacrifice and commitment to the principles and ideals of the profession," commented Ron Straka, FAIA in support of Dennis' nomination. "He is committed to educating and mentoring students, making the public more aware of the importance of design and architecture, and demonstrating by example, his civic role and responsibility."
Denver, Colorado
Humphries Poli Architects, P.C., has been honored with a Citation Award by the American Institute of Architects, Denver Chapter for the design of the new Louisville Library.
The new 32,000 sq. ft. library is the product of a strong collaborative relationship between the architect, the City and the citizens of Louisville. During the project's site selection phase, the design team encouraged a forward thinking community vision by suggesting a location within the heart of the City's historic district rather than a more removed commercialized location away from the center of town. Embracing the larger community context, the library now stands in the historic downtown across the street from what will soon be Louisville's commuter rail station and will play an important role in the reinvigoration of the City's core.
"Libraries are about people, about community, and about continuity between the past and the future" design Principal Joe Poli remarked. "Siting this building within the historic fabric of Louisville is the bold move that allowed this building to become a catalyst for Main Street revitalization."
The internal organization of the two-story building is based on clarity and ease of navigation, incorporating both demographic specific user spaces and numerous self checkout technologies including mobile carts that can be plugged into any outlet. Supporting the need for streetscape activation, the design placed frequent use materials such as cds, dvds, and books on tape in the first floor storefront space adjacent to the main circulation desk. By placing high traffic areas on display, the library contributes to a lively street presence, which is enhanced by locating parking below-grade and out of sight with direct elevator access to the lobby. Other internal amenities include after hours public meeting space and a vibrant children's library.
The Chicago-based awards jury was led by John Norquist, former four-term mayor of Milwaukee and current president of the Congress for New Urbanism. Mr. Norquist commented at the recent awards presentation that the jury was impressed by the extraordinary efforts of the architect to celebrate this public resource in the historic core of this former mining community.
Denver, Colorado
The Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Council of Educational Facility Planners, International recently awarded the North High School Historic Preservation, Renovation and Addition design project the Rockies Design Award. North High School, one of Denver's oldest schools, was initially the subject of Denver Public School's (DPS) first Master Planning effort in 2004, when Humphries Poli Architects, in association with klipp, was hired to complete a campus Master Plan. Approved by the Board of Education in 2005, the Master Plan established the fundamental guiding principals and recommendations for the school's preservation and transformation based on a myriad of educational, community and historic issues. The primary goals of the plan were to provide 21st Century educational facilities, support on-going educational reform, encourage beneficial community / school alliances, and rehabilitate and preserve the historic North High School buildings. At the completion of the Master Plan, the Humphries Poli / klipp team was selected to begin the plan's phase implementation which included historic preservation (Phase I) and an addition and expansion (Phase II).
"We are pleased that this important project has been recognized," said Rodney Buffington, project manager for Humphries Poli Architects who worked on the project. "It was an exciting and challenging commission. We applaud the Denver Public Schools for undertaking such and ambitious project and hope to one day see its competition."
The design personnel at both Humphries Poli and klipp were greatly inspired by the staff of Denver Public Schools (DPS), particularly Superintendent Michael Bennet and Project Director Miguel Lander. The forward thinking vision of the DPS has been a great source of fuel for the creative ideas that make this project worthy of recognition.