Architects put their stamp all over Denver

In their 32 years in Denver, architects Sarah and Rusty Brown have seen the potential in aging and sometimes abandoned structures, designing new life into old structures such as Denver's Ice House, Memorial Hall in Pueblo and the Highlands Ranch Mansion.

They and their firm, Semple Brown Design, have helped shape and transform parts of Denver from dilapidated warehouse districts into lively commercial and residential hubs of the city, including Larimer Square and Lower Downtown. Their work spans from arts venues to the two new contemporary wings that flank the historic Denver Union Station.

"What drives our designs and drives our projects are really studying what is going to be the most successful solution based on what is surrounding the project," Sarah Brown said.

Sarah and Rusty Brown are the founders of Semple Brown Design, one of the foremost architectural firms in Colorado. Semple Brown is heavily involved in the Union Station renovation. (RJ Sangosti, The Denver Post)

Kevin Eronimous, president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Colorado board of directors, said Semple Brown has an impeccable reputation.

"They're really well-known and respected," he said. "They have a very consistent quality of design."

The firm's largest recent project was the Ellie Caulkins Opera House, which demanded a completely new facility be built within the shell of the 1908 Municipal Auditorium.

The $92 million project took five years to complete. The ribbon was cut in September 2005 on the 2,268-seat auditorium configured to optimize unamplified music such as opera and folk and critically acclaimed sightlines for dance, opera and musical productions.

"That is just a phenomenal project," Eronimous said. "It's very well received in the arts community."

Last year, during the national AIA convention in Denver, Sarah Brown was named an AIA fellow, denoting a "particularly distinguished career," Eronimous said.

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Architects put their stamp all over Denver