SSA in Your Community
At Sopher Sparn Architects, community isn’t just a part of our work; it’s at the core of who we are. It inspires our designs, guides our decisions, and shapes our identity. That’s why we’re deeply committed to supporting, nurturing, and contributing to the growth of the neighborhoods we serve. We’re also honored to play a role in shaping policies that influence not only our industry, but the future of these communities as a whole. While our roots are well planted in Boulder, where our firm was founded, our reach extends far beyond. No matter where we work, we bring the same dedication to thoughtful growth, sustainability, and community-driven values.
Boyers Maiker Housing Community Charrette | Adams County
After a devastating fire in 2020 forced the beloved Boyers Coffeeshop in Welby to close, Maiker Housing Partners stepped in to reimagine the site as a permanently affordable housing development with the assistance of Sopher Sparn Architects. To ensure the project reflected the Welby community’s needs and values, Maiker and Sopher Sparn hosted three public engagement events, starting with a charette in early 2024 that brought together housing advocates, county leaders, and members of the Boyers Coffee community. This first charrette focused on who the project should serve, how to meet county goals, and how to preserve the essence of the original coffee shop. A second charette deepened this work by gathering longtime Welby residents to share stories and memories tied to the historic building, originally a schoolhouse built in 1927. Finally, an open-house style neighborhood meeting in October 2024 allowed nearby residents to view plans, offer additional input, and see how their earlier feedback had shaped the project’s direction. With this input Maiker and Sopher Sparn were able to create a redevelopment that honors the site’s legacy and will serve as a catalyst for positive change in the Welby neighborhood of Adams County.
Boulder Chamber | Boulder
At Sopher Sparn, we know that the strength of our work depends on the strength of our community. That’s why three of our principals, Erin Bagnall, Adrian Sopher, and Stephen Sparn, are proud to serve on the Community Affairs Council at the Boulder Chamber of Commerce.
The Council brings together local business leaders to keep Boulder vibrant and prosperous. Through this work, our principals contribute directly to conversations with city staff, elected officials, and community leaders around planning and development policies, helping ensure that Boulder grows in a way that supports local businesses while honoring the unique character of our community.
Urban Land Institute (ULI) | Denver Metro
Sopher Sparn has a long-standing involvement with ULI Colorado, beginning with principal Adrian Sopher, who recently led a Technical Advisory Panel (TAP) application for North Boulder. Following his lead, Ryan Goold and Leah Gordon have actively engaged with the Young Leaders Group (YLG) and the Partnership Forum. Ryan progressed from participant to moderator liaison, and now co-chairs the program as part of his broader role on the YLG Committee. Leah joined the Partnership Forum this year and has already built strong connections in the community. Beyond YLG, Ryan and others have attended major ULI events, including the 2025 Spring Meeting in Denver and the annual Summer Party. In 2024, Ryan was nominated for the Rising Star Award and connected with industry leaders at the ULI Awards. Through this involvement, we aim to build meaningful relationships across the Denver region and broader real estate industry, fostering future opportunities for the firm.
RiNo Talks | RiNo Arts District
At SSA, we’re fortunate to have an office located in the vibrant and ever-evolving RiNo Arts District. The area is constantly transforming—both behind the scenes and in plain sight. RiNo Talks is a platform that brings together local residents and businesses to discuss topics and issues shaping the district and its surroundings. This year, we had the opportunity to host a RiNo Talks event, where we connected with new faces and shared several of our ongoing projects. We look forward to continuing our involvement and contributing to the growth and vitality of the RiNo community.
Career Fair | CU Denver
In February, Sopher Sparn Architects joined the CU Denver Career Fair as part of our ongoing commitment to engaging with the local community and supporting the next generation of design professionals. The fair welcomed both undergraduate and graduate students, offering them the chance to connect with firms from across Denver and beyond. We enjoyed meeting so many talented and motivated students who are preparing to enter the profession. Sharing our experiences and insights was a meaningful way to give back while learning about the ideas and aspirations shaping the future of architecture. Career Fairs like this allow us to build stronger connections between education and practice, benefiting both students and firms alike. We look forward to continuing our involvement in events that foster meaningful connections between students and the industry.
At Sopher Sparn Architects, community isn’t just something we design for - it’s something we’re part of. Whether we’re collaborating on local policy, mentoring future architects, or staying involved in vibrant neighborhoods like Boulder and RiNo, we’re always looking for ways to support thoughtful growth and meaningful connections. From industry events to career fairs, these efforts help us stay rooted, stay inspired, and keep shaping places people truly care about.