Raw Creative Walking Tour

Tickets for this tour will be available to DAF Members on October 6th at 4pm MT. Pending availability, tickets will be available to the public on October 13th at 4pm MT. Membership will be verified upon ticket purchase. Guarantee your spot by becoming a member!

About the tour: Attendees will get a behind-the-scenes look at Raw Creative and the process of bringing custom architectural components from design through fabrication and installation. Using the City of Denver’s Bike Hub project as a case study, we’ll discuss how architects, designers, fabricators, and builders work together to translate design intent into something that can be successfully made and assembled. The tour will move through our wood, metal, CNC, and specialty fabrication areas, with opportunities to see current work in progress and learn more about the tools, materials, and processes behind custom architectural fabrication. We’ll also discuss the role of design-assist and digital fabrication in resolving complex projects before they reach the field.

About the building: Raw Creative operates from a 13,000-square-foot design and fabrication facility in Denver. The shop brings design, coordination, woodworking, metal fabrication, CNC machining, GFRC, and specialty fabrication together under one roof. The space is organized around the full progression of a project, from digital modeling and detailing through prototyping, fabrication, finishing, and assembly. Visitors will experience an active working shop and see how architectural ideas are translated into physical components at full scale.

About the tour guides: Mike Blea, AIA, is a licensed architect, has a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado – Boulder and a Masters of Architecture from the University of Colorado – Denver. He also has a Certificate of Construction Management from Colorado State University and is NCARB certified. Also a licensed general contractor, Mike blends his conceptual training with a lifetime of practical construction and fabrication experience to craft unique and intentional spaces for every client and project. Mike is a featured lecturer in the architectural and design community and has been recognized as one of the University of Colorado – Boulder’s Distinguished Alum and named one of “6 Innovators Changing Denver’s Aesthetic” by 5280 Magazine.

Jason Mauterer brings a lifetime of creative experience to Raw Creative, having cut his teeth in his grandfather’s woodshop as a child. He received degrees in Design and Archeology from LSU and worked as a professional photographer, designer, and marketing director before returning to his roots in woodworking and fabrication. He joined the team of Raw Creative in 2017. Jason is passionate about bringing clients’ visions to life with the highest level of quality and collaboration. When he’s not doing that, he spends his time with his family, working on his home, traveling, competing…anything but sitting still.

Accessibility: The shop and tour route are located entirely at grade with no stairs. Please note that the shop restrooms are not fully accessible. Raw Creative is an active fabrication facility, so attendees should expect typical shop conditions, including equipment, materials, noise, and active work areas. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.

Refund policy: The Denver Architecture Foundation is a nonprofit educational organization. Ticket sales support the Foundation in continuing to provide quality events to the public. We are unable to provide refunds or credits for any reason less than 48 hours prior to the event.

Please note that DAF tours take place rain, snow or shine. If your tour includes an outdoor portion, please dress for the weather. DAF staff will contact all attendees directly should a tour be cancelled for any reason.