Iron Horse Architects

12/19/2025

We’re proud to see the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit project achieve the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure's Envision Silver distinction — a major step forward in reimagining transit along one of Denver’s busiest corridors. Iron Horse designed the stations for this BRT project, which will make transit faster, safer, more accessible, and more comfortable for riders while supporting Denver’s goals for equitable mobility and community connectivity.

“The goal of the East Colfax BRT project is to make Colfax better for everyone. To receive the Envision Silver award means we’re taking the right steps to meet high standards in sustainability, while delivering a more reliable transit option that reflects community values around connectivity and aesthetics and improves access to businesses and services along the corridor.” – Jon Stewart, East Colfax BRT Program Director, City and County of Denver Government

Learn more about this transformative project and its sustainability achievements:

The East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit Project has been awarded Envision Silver.

11/21/2025

Hard to believe it’s already been ten years! Cheers to this magnificent project team for a job well done and a fantastic result that has improved the travel experience for countless Denver residents and visitors. Congrats Denver International Airport!

11/13/2025

Over the next 20 weeks, we’re celebrating 20 years of Iron Horse Architects by sharing 20 projects that shaped our journey!

Let’s rewind to the beginning with The Landmark—Virginia's first project after starting Iron Horse in 2005. Iron Horse provided initial site studies, program evaluation, and massing models for the 500,000 SF mixed-use, transit-oriented development in Greenwood Village, CO, followed by design and construction phase services for the award-winning pair of condominium towers totaling 271 units. Partners included The Beck Group, Lantz Boggio Architects, and E Light Electric.

Not long after the Landmark's completion, Virginia began to diversify, shifting from multifamily residential to more science & tech, office, aviation, and transportation, setting the stage for a period of significant growth. Eventually, Iron Horse would be named #1 in its category on Denver Business Journal's 2012 list of Fastest-Growing Private Companies.

11/10/2025

At Design-Build Institute of America's 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo last week, Iron Horse CEO Virginia McAllister was announced as the new Chair of the DBIA National Board! After multiple years of service as Vice Chair, this new role is a well-earned recognition of her steadfast leadership, collaborative spirit, and dedication to advancing design-build excellence nationwide. We’re honored to see her continue shaping DBIA’s future at the national level. Congratulations Virginia!
📷: DBIA Rocky Mountain Region

05/15/2025

🚏✨A major milestone for Denver’s Colfax Corridor!

Community members and transit enthusiasts came out to watch as the first BRT station arch was installed at Colfax & Franklin Street, and we couldn’t be prouder. As the architects behind the East Colfax Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations, we set out to design more than just bus stops—we aimed to create vibrant, safe, and accessible touchpoints for one of Denver’s most storied streets.

Seeing the community show up to celebrate this first big step is a reminder of how powerful good design can be, and we’re honored to help shape the future of mobility in Denver.

Thanks to our partners City and County of Denver, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, RTD, Parsons Corporation, and contractor Kraemer North America, who said the first arch fit like a glove🧤

The Tight End took a break from the NBA playoffs for some real drama.

05/06/2025

Learn about our Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre Accessibility Enhancements project in the latest issue of Colorado Construction & Design magazine!

Shout out to our partners: City and County of Denver, Denver Arts & Venues, Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure, GH Phipps Construction Companies, S. A. Miro, Inc., Martin/Martin Consulting Engineers, CMTA, Dig Studio, CHURCH Onsite Wastewater Consultants.

Colorado Construction & Design magazine is proud to bring you the Winter/Spring publication available online and in print. Reporting about the best construction projects being built in Colorado today. Meet the people behind the projects and connect with those you want to work with on your next proje...

04/29/2025

Iron Horse is a proud sponsor of the DBIA Rocky Mountain Regional Conference this Thursday, May 1st, in Denver, CO. is the only event centered exclusively on design-build in the Rocky Mountain Region and an excellent opportunity to network and learn from the region’s leading design-build professionals sharing their expertise and insights on what’s ahead for our industry. We hope you’ll join us at the Embassy Suites in Downtown Denver on May 1st by registering at www.dbiarockymountain.org/25conference.

04/18/2025

On this day in 2005, Iron Horse Architects was founded in Denver by Virginia McAllister. Stay tuned this month and throughout the year as we look back at twenty years in business, sharing memories, accomplishments, gratitude, and lessons learned from Virginia and the team.

"What began as a vision to create a firm rooted in Responsible Design has evolved into a national practice, contributing to transformative projects across the country.

I'm proud of the recognition we’ve received, including the SBA Colorado Businessperson of the Year and SAME Small Business of the Year awards. These honors reflect the collective effort and passion of our incredible team.

As we look to the future, our commitment remains: to design spaces that inspire, to foster a workplace that nurtures, and to lead with integrity and heart.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story. Here’s to the next chapter!"

- Virginia McAllister, AIA, DBIA, LEED, NCIDQ

04/08/2025

Virginia McAllister, Iron Horse founder and CEO, will be speaking at Bisnow's upcoming Denver Architecture & Design event on Wednesday, April 23rd. The panel, "Designing Denver's Future: Sustainability, Biophilia, and Renewable Innovations," will feature Virginia and five industry colleagues discussing the emergence, challenges, and successes of various sustainable design strategies.

🗓 Date: Wednesday, April 23rd
📍 Location: Flatiron Crossing, Broomfield, CO
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 5:15 PM
(Designing Denver's Future: 3:00 PM - 3:45 PM)

Learn more and register at the link below.

Join industry leaders from RiNo Art District, TUMU STUDIO, AC Development, Tryba Architects, Santulan Architecture, Dynia Architects, and Iron Horse at Bisnow's Denver Architecture & Design event on April 23, 2025. Explore cutting-edge topics like sustainability, biophilic design, and human-centered...

03/21/2025

Congratulations to an excellent GC, HENSEL PHELPS, and partners TVS, Martin/Martin, and others for a fantastic project outcome for the Colorado Convention Center Expansion!

Congratulations to Hensel Phelps for their outstanding work on the Colorado Convention Center Expansion! Watch for more exciting projects from this ABC Member in 2025!