The beginning of a new year always invites time for reflection—and in our case, much of that contemplation has regarded the opportunities and challenges currently facing the hospitality industry. On the one hand, we have seen a dramatic rise in demand for traditional hotel concepts, as rising costs, restrictive cancellation policies and hidden fees have soured customer perspectives on Airbnb and similar vacation rentals.

While ASD has always worked in sectors outside the hotel industry—from multifamily developments to the reimagining of landmark buildings—our background in hospitality has shaped the way we view every project. In particular, the mixed private and public spaces at hotels are a unique feature of their functionality, making them destinations for far larger audiences than the guests who happen to sleep there. 

As ASD Principal, Heather Vasquez Johnson, rounds out her term as Chair of the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission, she's reflecting on the unique challenges and rewards of guiding development in one of Denver's most historic neighborhoods.

From processes and guidelines to community engagement and collaborating with city officials, Heather shares four things you might not know about what goes into shaping this neighborhood.

As ASD Principal, Heather Vasquez Johnson, rounds out her term as Chair of the Lower Downtown Design Review Commission, she's reflecting on the unique challenges and rewards of guiding development in one of Denver's most historic neighborhoods.

From processes and guidelines to community engagement and collaborating with city officials, Heather shares four things you might not know about what goes into shaping this neighborhood.

As adaptive reuse of underutilized office space continues to become a priority in cities nationwide, ASD is thrilled to share our work to transform a vacant commercial building at 1200 Lincoln St. In Denver into the bustling residential community known as Art Studios has been named a Downtown Denver Award winner.

We're delighted to share the official opening of two vibrant popup stores downtown: Abstract and Ana’s Norwegian Bakeri at 303 16th St Mall and 918 16th St Mall.

In the spirit of giving, ASD swapped computers and sketchbooks for hammers and hard hats to lend a helping hand for Habitat for Humanity here in Denver.

We’re excited to welcome two talented new individuals to our growing team! These hires represent a strategic step forward in our pursuit of architectural excellence, innovative design, enhanced efficiency, and ability to execute on our clients' visions.

With so many distressed office buildings in our urban core, plus a dire need for more attainable housing here in Denver, the City of Denver is putting a major emphasis on office to residential conversions.

Construction is underway at Foothills Golf Clubhouse, and we are seeing incredible progress at the site!

Our team at ASD Contract+ Interior Design is proud of our Downtown Denver roots, and this year, we are especially proud to be supporting our center city in a whole new way.

As our team continues to expand our architecture and design portfolio in Denver and across the country, we continue to seek out skilled and driven individuals who will be an asset to our team. We’re excited to announce that we have added two talented people to the ASD team!