DESIGN THINKING. THINKING DESIGN.

Thirsty for high-level discourse on design? Us, too. Let’s shake up the idea of discussing ideas—informing in an informal way—and join us as we carve a constructive path for thinking about design. Welcome to Design Conversations. 
This isn’t a conference, and there won’t be slideshows. These are Modern In Denver Design Conversations, where dynamic ideas take center stage. Where your contribution is the blueprint for enlightened exchange, and where we can collectively contribute to making an impact.
Wait, what is this, exactly? Think of it as a casual, high-level discussion—yet moderated and accompanied by passionate peers, suds, and sustenance. It’s conversation in a new way about everything art, architecture, and design. And the topic? Each event is a continuation of a Modern In Denver op-ed; the authors’ opinions serve as the launchpad for our discussions to stir conversation in a meaningful way. And we want you to join us. 
Whether you’re an architect, a design enthusiast, or just simply curious, we want you to read up, chime in, and have an impactful conversation with us in a welcoming space. Spend an hour with like-minded folks in an informal setting, where every opinion is welcome.
This is designed thinking about thinking design.

UPCOMING EVENTS

CHECK BACK SOON!

We have multiple events planned for 2018 that we’re excited to share with you. Come back soon for an updated list!

PAST EVENTS

“LET’S PLAN DENVER RIGHT”

December 8, 2016, 5:30-8 p.m. | General Assembly
Based on Brad Buchanan’s op-ed, “Let’s Plan Denver Right” (published in the fall 2016 issue of Modern In Denver magazine), this Design Conversations event addresses the city’s new community-driven planning process. What is the vision for Denver’s future? Who gets to dictate its development? And how can someone who is not a city planner have an impact on the process? Attendees will get a chance to review the op-ed before Brad initiates the conversation and participation begins. Join the discussion. Make an impact. Elevate design in our community.
> EVENT SUMMARY AND RESOURCES

  
“BRIDGING ARCHITECTURAL THEORY AND PRACTICE”

Thursday, May 5, 2016, 5:30-8 p.m. | College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver 
Based on Colorado Building Workshop’s op-ed, “The Only Thing at Stake Is the Future of Our City” (published in the spring 2016 issue of Modern In Denver magazine), this Design Conversations event addresses bridging the gap between architectural theory and practice. Is there a model that provokes architects into doing work that is a more appropriate reflection of our time, not to mention our lives? Is there an educational model that effectively translates theory into reality? A conduit between the academy and the profession? Attendees will get a chance to review the op-ed before Colorado Building Workshop initiates the conversation and participation begins. Join the discussion. Make an impact. Elevate design in our community.
> EVENT SUMMARY AND RESOURCES

“REGIONALISM: ESTABLISHING A SENSE OF PLACE THROUGH ARCHITECTURE”

Thursday, February 18, 2015, 5:30-8 | Elsy Studios / Watson Furniture, 3528 Tejon Street, Suite 110
Based on Tomecek Studio Architecture’s op-ed, “You Are Here” (published in the winter 2015/2016 issue of Modern In Denver magazine), this Design Conversations event addresses regionalism in Denver and reestablishing a sense of place. As a region, how do we define our architectural style? How does Denver history, culture, and landscape affect our built environment? Hyper-development and detachment have caused us to forget where we came from, so how can we turn space into place? Attendees will get a chance to review the op-ed before Tomecek Studio initiates the conversation and participation begins. Join the discussion. Make an impact. Elevate design in our community.
> EVENT SUMMARY AND RESOURCES


DESIGN CONVERSATIONS FALL 2015: “QUALITY MATTERS”

Thursday, November 19, 2015, 5:30-8 | Studio Como, 2535 Walnut Street, Denver
Based on Studio Como’s op-ed, “You Get What You Pay For” (published in the fall 2015 issue of Modern In Denver magazine), this Design Conversations event addresses adopting a shift in mindset when it comes to furniture investments and becoming educated on materials, construction, and sustainability. We’ll stir dialogue about quality along with large purchase perception. What makes furniture high quality? Why should we invest in it? Has smaller, urban living shifted our priorities? And what can we glean from the luxury automotive industry when it comes to embracing a high-cost investment? Attendees will get a chance to review the op-ed before Studio Como initiates the conversation and participation begins. Join the discussion. Make an impact. Elevate design in our community.
> EVENT SUMMARY AND RESOURCES


“MODERN IS NOT A STYLE”

Thursday, August 27, 2015, 5-7:30 | Workplace Resource LoDo, 1899 Wynkoop, Suite 150, Denver
Based on architectural firm Arch11’s op-ed, “Modern Is Not a Style,” published in the current Modern In Denver magazine, the first Design Conversations event addresses the timely topic of uninspiring new architecture in Denver inaccurately being deemed “modern.” We’ll stir dialogue about design’s decline in quality and explore what it means to be modern in principle. Why do some claim it’s a style? Why has design in Denver suffered? And how as a community can we affect change? Attendees will get a chance to review the op-ed before Arch11 initiates the conversation and participation begins. Join the discussion. Make an impact. Elevate design in our community.
> EVENT SUMMARY AND RESOURCES