JLA Expands their Denver Team with the Addition of Senior Designer Ari Irfano
DENVER — JLA Architects is pleased to announce Senior Project Designer Ari Irfano has joined the firm’s Denver office in RiNo. As a designer at JLA, he will work collaboratively with our clients, consultants, and project teams to guide project design from conception through building occupancy while maintaining JLA’s reputation for high-quality, real-world design solutions. Although based in the Denver office, Ari will regularly collaborate with team members at all three of JLA’s offices.
He brings over 25 years of experience in hospitality, urban living, commercial & education projects. Growing up in a city with a population of 20 million, he has seen firsthand how architecture can impact the lives of people. In his work, he strives to create better spaces for humans to learn, live, work, and play. His recent projects have included education buildings at Rocky Vista University and student housing projects serving Ohio State University. Internationally, he’s worked on projects in Indonesia, Montenegro, and the United Arab Emirates.
When asked what drew him to JLA, he explained, “I’m excited to have the chance to contribute to the community by doing more multifamily housing with a focus on affordability.”
Denver Office Director/Vice President Erik Jansson is excited to welcome Ari to the team, “Ari brings a wealth of design experience across multiple project types serving a diverse range of clients. We look forward to his collaborative approach to designing projects and his positive energy and passion for mentoring others.”
Ari acquired his Master of Architecture in Urban Design from the University of Colorado Denver.
Learn More About Ari:
What’s your favorite (or most unique) project you’ve worked on and why?
Most unique: A project off the coast of Eritrea (East Africa) – Dahlak Island, creating a conceptual master plan for a resort/residence. Favorite: Rocky Vista University, Ivins UT. It was my first osteopathic medical school. I was able to create a place for education (and student living) inspired by its amazing setting in southwest Utah.
What do you do for fun? Do you have any hobbies or special interests?
I love to travel, to explore new destinations and cultures.
Are you involved in the community? If so, what causes/organizations mean the most to you?
I’ve always been interested in teaching and sharing knowledge with others. In my early career, I had the opportunity to engage with elementary school students through the Cleworth Architectural Legacy (CAL) project, a program of the Denver Architectural Foundation that helps educate public school students about architecture.
