Our Mission

Inspiring people to explore our dynamic city, experience the importance of design to our quality of life and envision an exceptional future for Denver.

Founded in 1990, the Denver Architecture Foundation continues to champion the deep-rooted connections between architecture, education and community-building through diverse and expanding programs. DAF is a unique organization in the Denver area, fulfilling strong public interest in local architecture and its relevance in shaping Denver’s past, present and future. As the city continues to experience unprecedented growth, DAF’s importance also grows – and we have responded by expanding and enhancing program offerings for all people living, working and studying in the Mile High City.

Download DAF’s one-page overview.

Staff

Pauline Marie Herrera, MNM

President & CEO

Pauline Herrera joined DAF in early 2015 to provide strategic guidance to the organization and build upon the successes of its long-standing events and programs. Pauline brings over 20 years of experience in cultural administration, nonprofit management and communications. From 2003 to 2011, as the Director of Communications and Marketing for the Denver Office of Cultural Affairs, Pauline was integral to the success of such initiatives as Doors Open Denver, Create Denver and One Book, One Denver. In 2011, she launched PaulineMarie Consulting specializing in nonprofit arts and culture organizations. She is a graduate of Leadership Denver and holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University (’04). Pauline serves on the board of the Chicago-based Association of Architecture Organizations and the Colorado Committee for the National Museum of Women in the Arts.

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Natalie Thomas

Program + Communications Manager

Natalie joined DAF in the spring of 2022. She brings a passion for creating creative and engaging experiences. Prior to joining DAF, she spent nearly a decade at the Denver Art Museum, most recently as Associate Manager of Family Interpretation. Natalie’s experience included developing self-guided activities for museum visitors and playful, creative spaces for kids and their grownups. Natalie holds a MA in Anthropology, Museum and Heritage Studies from the University of Denver and a BA in Anthropology from Miami University.

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Alyssa Hornyak

Program + Membership Coordinator

Alyssa joined the DAF team in the spring of 2023. Originally from Michigan, Alyssa lived in New York City for four years before relocating to Denver to be close to the mountains. Alyssa has a background in customer service, program coordination, and youth development. She holds a Bachelor of Social Work from New York University and a Master of Social Work from University of Denver and is excited to merge her social work background with her interest in arts and cultural programming.

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Board of Directors

Carolyn Riedlin, Chair

Retired Principal, Denver Public Schools

Cade Scholl, CPA, Treasurer

Chief Financial Officer, Zócalo Community Development

Mike Shomo, Secretary

Shareholder, Polsinelli PC

Kaci Taylor, AIA, JEDI Chair

Founder/CEO, THE5WH

Bart Dickson

VP of Construction Operations, Shaw Construction

Lauren Grenz, P.E.

Senior Structural Engineer II, IMEG Corp.

Chris Jahn, AIA

Principal, DAVIS URBAN

Isabelle Lockwood

Vice President, Development, AMLI Residential

Emeritus Board Members

Alan Golin Gass, FAIA

Principal, AGGA Architecture & Urban Design

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