The Populus Hotel is a remarkable new addition to Denver’s skyline, standing as a testament to the city’s commitment to innovative design and sustainable development. Designed by Studio Gang and built by The Beck Group, this 13-story hotel is located at the intersection of Civic Center Park, Golden Triangle and Downtown Denver’s bustling core, occupying a unique triangular lot. By repurposing a former gas station site into a car-free hotel, Populus symbolizes the city’s evolution from its automobile-centric past to a future that prioritizes walkability, environmental stewardship, and a more integrated urban lifestyle.
The design of the Populus Hotel takes inspiration from Colorado’s iconic aspen trees (Populus Tremuloides), with its striking exterior informed by the eye-shaped patterns found on aspen bark. The design and construction teams crafted the hotel’s facade using undulating glass-fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels, creating a dynamic play of light and shadow that evokes the movement of aspen trees in the wind. This nature-inspired motif is seamlessly woven into the hotel’s interior, where organic shapes and natural materials like reclaimed wood and mycelium-based reishi leather create a serene, immersive atmosphere.
My role included collaboration with the construction and design teams to support design-assist delivery across both exterior and interior scopes. I led coordination efforts for the GFRC façade under the design-build scope, ensuring seamless execution from concept to installation. Serving on-site for a year as an architectural designer, I acted as the design lens and model manager for the façade—overseeing surface geometry development in Rhino. I managed 3D detailing, installation sequencing, and provided critical downstream information for trade partners. I also supported QA/QC efforts by field-punching all guestrooms and amenity spaces in coordination with design partners.
Fall 2024
Boutique Hotel
Denver, CO