Beyond the Facade: Inside the World of OZ

Tickets on sale 1/11 at 4pm MT

OZ Architecture’s recent office expansion and renovation brings its entire team under one roof for the first time in its 60-year history. Located in the heart of RiNo at 3003 Larimer St., the updated office is a testament to the firm’s innovative approach to design. The renovation emphasizes dynamic and collaborative spaces, creating an environment that staff members genuinely enjoy. The office offers a variety of options for individual work styles, with updated finishes and areas that reflect OZ Architecture’s brand and ethos. The open and flexible layout fosters creativity and enhances team synergy, while upgraded technology tools streamline client communication and improve internal workflows. Sustainable materials were used throughout the renovation, aligning with the firm’s commitment to environmental responsibility, and the design incorporates features that promote inclusivity for all staff members.

During a tour of OZ Architecture’s new space, visitors can see firsthand how the design encourages collaboration, with breakout areas, quiet nooks, and vibrant communal spaces. The tour also highlights the integration of advanced tools, including virtual reality technology, that allows clients to immerse themselves in project designs.

In addition to showcasing their office, the tour provides an opportunity to learn about some of OZ Architecture’s other projects in the Denver area. OZ’s impact on Denver includes planning, residential developments, innovative mixed-use projects, workspace, and transformative community spaces. From modernizing historic buildings to crafting cutting-edge urban design, OZ has left an indelible mark on Denver’s architectural landscape. The discussion delves into their design philosophies, their role in shaping the city’s growth, and how they tackle sustainability, affordability, and community impact in their projects.

About the buildings:

OZ Office: OZ’s office is an adaptive reuse of a series of buildings built from the late 1800s through the early 1900s. These buildings served many decades as a pipe and steel facility under multiple companies. In the 1940s pipe and steel from this location helped fuel the war effort. As a modern office, users can still see elements that harken to this history in the I-Beam connecting the two buildings on the site; winches are now stationary, which would move items from one building to the next and within. You can still see some of the train tracks used to move large steel pieces in the back parking lot.

The renovation emphasizes dynamic and collaborative spaces, creating an environment that staff members genuinely enjoy. The new office offers a variety of options for individual work styles, with updated finishes and areas that reflect OZ Architecture’s brand and ethos.

DHA Sun Valley: As the first block in the redevelopment of Denver’s Sun Valley neighborhood, the Block 3 project, sets the stage for the positive evolution of this culturally rich community.

The Denver Housing Authority is in the process of revitalizing the centrally located Sun Valley neighborhood downtown. Sun Valley faces some of the highest poverty rates in the state but is also one of Denver’s most culturally diverse areas. The project aims to keep and reflect that diversity in the new landscape while serving a much larger population in its new form. In total, the entire DHA Sun Valley redevelopment replaces 333 units of public housing with a total of 940 new, mixed units that will have the capacity to serve upwards of 2,500 residents.

Block 3 by OZ is noteworthy for its integration of public and semi-public open spaces that connect a new riverfront park with the rest of this new neighborhood. This new neighborhood provides 358 affordable housing units for families and seniors. OZ has partnered with DHA to provide complete architectural services for blocks two and three. Block 3 is currently under construction and is targeted for completion in 2025.

Platte Fifteen: The first commercial project to utilize cross laminated timber (CLT) in Denver.

Platte Fifteen is a five-story office building that blends a historically inspired brick façade with modern glass and sprawling views of downtown Denver and the Platte River. Located just west of the confluence of Cherry Creek and the South Platte River, it features a striking design that draws architectural inspiration from its historic and revitalized surroundings.

The building mixes patterned brick and transparency in a modern interpretation of the historic streetscape. A retail wrap along the base is tucked beneath a covered paseo, ensuring the energy of Platte Street retail turns the corner. Window patterns derived from studies of neighborhood buildings are punched into hand-selected glazed brick, subtle respectful nods to its context that enhance presence by acknowledging place.

About the presenters:

Becky Dauer, AIA, Associate Principal | Architecture: Becky’s portfolio of projects emphasizes a wide range of resort and restaurant projects. She has proven strength in conceptual design, design development, and construction documentation. Becky excels in conveying ideas through architectural renderings, graphic presentations, and documentation. Her passion for design, attention to detail, and magnetic personality are great assets to her project teams.

Rick Petersen, FAIA, LEED AP, Principal | Architecture: Rick engages communities from Denver to Antarctica to create enriching environments that promote efficiency and well-being. He applies his highly collaborative approach to inspire and discover synergies between experts and stakeholders. Rick, an active mentor and educator, is constantly investing in the profession’s next designers. In addition, Rick provides leadership to design review boards, schools, and not-for-profit organizations like the Leukemia Lymphoma Society.

Joseph Anastasi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal | Architecture: Joe Anastasi brings a fresh design perspective and unique approach to every project. His expertise ranges from stunning graphics to management, schematic through construction, city master plans to individual building details, sustainability, and everything in between. Signature concepts and buildings are critical in Joe’s commitment to creating places that enhance both the personal experience and the environment.

Accessibility: The first floor of the OZ office building is accessible and we will spend much of the beginning of the event sitting down for presentations. The second floor of the OZ office building is only accessible via stairs, and will only be accessed during the office tour portion of this event.