Architecture and Planning Student Organizations
CAP Student Organizations
Entering the College of Architecture and Planning, you will find a diverse and stimulating atmosphere. The student clubs and organizations contribute to that atmosphere. They are a great way to network and meet your peers, because as they say, sometimes it comes down more to whom you know than anything else.
Here are prominent student organizations you might be interested in learning more about.
National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS)
“We add strength to the voice with which we can speak against apathy, bigotry, intolerance and ignorance; against abuse of the natural environment; and for the un-empowered, the marginalized and disenfranchised.”
Started by black architects nearly 50 years ago, NOMA’s purpose is to minimize the effects of racism in the architecture profession. The student-run branch, known as the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS), is a student group whose aim is to foster a community of educated and empowered designers, who recognize and speak up against racism, bigotry, and injustice in the profession. NOMAS is an organization that champions diversity and inclusivity, and which recognizes the creativity, success, and excellence of socially equitable design practices which have been ignored for so long. Through advocacy, community engagement, and professional development, NOMAS challenges its members to advocate for justice and equity in their profession and communities.
NOMAS Purpose:
- To foster communication and fellowship among minority architects through educational, social, and charitable programs and projects.
- To fight discrimination and other selection policies being used by public and private sector clients to unfairly restrict minority architects’ participation in design and construction.
- To promote the design and development of living, working, and recreational environments of the highest quality for all people.
President: Rashna Heaps
Vice President: Ayah Almutkassi
Treasurer: Gino Loevy
Faculty Advisor: Leyuan Li
For more information or to join our email list, contact us at: [email protected].All for Women in Architecture (AFWIA)
An organization that is focused on the work of women architects. The mission of the group is to bring to light some of the forgotten women architects from history as well as the work of other women architects to date. The organization shall also be conducting presentations, discussions, and other events in the light of architecture by women. The organization shall serve the department and university by preparing the students to enter the industry as soon as they graduate and to prepare other genders with the awareness of being a female architect in the industry. There are many male and other gender architects who have promoted the growth of some of the women architects who shall be hailed and talked about through this organization. All for Women in Architecture is a social group bringing awareness and broadening perspectives about works of women in architecture, hence it is open to all genders with a male participant as the vice-president of the organization. It will serve the CU Denver community through awareness and the opportunity to participate in different events.
President: Claire Messer
Vice President: Kala Granger
Treasurer: Dania Morelli
American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS)
The AIAS CU Denver Chapter is an outgoing group of architecture students interested in investing extracurricular time in being more engaged in the world of architecture. Our members have established and participated in various student committees where they can learn more about and make a difference in their specific areas of interest, such as the Committee on the Environment for those interested in sustainable design, and many others. Furthermore, AIAS members have access to more design competitions and networking events than many others.
President: Dania Morelli
Vice President: Andrew Keady
Secretary: Maddie Fulmer
Treasurer: Santiago Aguilera
Outreach Director: Hannah White
Faculty Advisor: Leyuan Li
AIAS: Freedom By Design
Freedom by Design™, the AIAS community service program in partnership with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), uses the talents of architecture students to radically impact the lives of people in their community through modest design and construction solutions.
President: Valentina Cartegena
Project Director: Colby Sroda
Community Outreach Officer: Charlotte Rose
Content Director: Sophia Siedschlag
Faculty Advisor: Cynthia Fischman
American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)
ASLA CU Denver is the student chapter of ASLA at the University of Colorado Denver. Our mission is to further the profession of landscape architecture through student leadership, education, service, and professional interaction. We strive to promote the mission and goals of ASLA and ASLA Colorado.
President: Lexi Bernstein
Vice President: Bob Vibert
Treasurer: Julia Beery
Communications Director: Kirsten Beard
Events and Outreach: Rachel Lestina
Student Faculty Liaison: Gillian Ford
Horticulture Coordinator: Paloma Fernandez
Marketing and Media: Max Jakiela
Faculty Advisor: Louise Bordelon
American Planning Association Students (APAS)
The intent of the organization for Planning students is to bring together students interested in the field of planning and facilitate connections between them and the professional planning community. The spirit of the organization is to allow you to explore your potential in the field and to have a lot of fun interacting with your fellow students.
President: Taylor Lucas
Vice President: Tegan Gough
Treasurer: Amanda Spidel
Secretary: Rhyan Gonzales
Student Body Representative: Peyton Robbins
APA Colorado Student Representative: Christina Noto
WTS Colorado Student Chapter
WTS Colorado Student Chapter is about bringing people together - all genders and disciplines - to elevate women in leadership and advance transportation equity and innovation. WTS Colorado Student Chapter provides opportunities for students to engage with like-minded students and professionals in the transportation field through networking events, participating in mentoring and job shadowing opportunities, and engaging with fellow students in social and service activities. This organization is open to all students (elementary through grad school), across the entire state of Colorado, interested in the transportation field. WTS Colorado Student Chapter welcomes students from the University of Colorado Denver and Auraria Campus, with the goal of reaching out to students at other universities throughout Colorado. There are yearly scholarship opportunities available for high school, junior college/trade school, undergraduate, and graduate students on the WTS website.
Student memberships with WTS International are free and give access to professional development opportunities and networking events. Sign up here.
President: Madison Hardick
Vice President: Zane Newell
Secretary: Molly Rafferty
Treasurer: Jordan Freeman
Programming: Karlyn Russell-Carlson
Educational Opportunities Coordinator: Peri Muellner
Job Shadow Coordinator: Anna Kramer
Recruitment: Zach Freeman
Planners Network CU Denver Student Chapter
The CU Denver Student Chapter of Planners Network promotes the Planners Network principles of social, economic, and environmental justice locally.
Faculty Advisor Email: [email protected]