AIA Las Vegas
Sheldon Colen, SCA Design- AIA Las Vegas Member
AIA stands for “The American Institute of Architects.” Architect, Sheldon Colen is a proud member of the AIA Las Vegas Chapter. The AIA is the largest and most influential community of architecture professionals. It was founded in 1857 and has more than 95,000 members. And more than 200 chapters world wide. The association “focuses on creating a business environment that helps firms focus on design.” (1) The Las Vegas Chapter was established in 1956 and has more than 500 architects and design professionals.
AIA Las Vegas Mission Statement:
As a Las Vegas resident, Sheldon Colen is a member of the local chapter. The chapter has a mission statement that is easy to connect with. Advocating for and Advancing the Profession of Architecture and Design in Southern Nevada. (2)
Why it’s important:
As as Architect in Southern Nevada, it is important to recognize the associations we participate in. The AIA Las Vegas Mission Statement provides a strategic plan. The plan helps advance the chapter and profession.
The following categories help make the advancement possible:
- Advocate
- Educate
- Engage
- Empower
- Advance
Advocacy and advancement are important. As laws are constantly changing, it’s important for the industry to stay on top of how it affects development and design. With the development of the LV Chapter, also came the need for a School of Architecture (UNLV). Sheldon employees many UNLV graduates, students, and interns. We believe in educating and mentoring the next generation of architects and design professionals. We engage in committees and participate in the empowerment of women in the industry. Over 50% of the office and design team are women. Sheldon has created a business that compliments and embraces the strategic plan of the local chapter.
About Sheldon Colen and SCA Design:
Sheldon Colen got his start in the business at age 15. He won a high school design competition and the home he designed was commissioned to be built. Beginning in 1986, Colen worked for other local Las Vegas Architecture firms. In 1995, Colen opened his own firm, SCA Design. Colen has designed many commercial and residential projects over the years. Many Projects are notable. Two were recognized in 2019 as the top selling/ highest priced residential resale homes in Las Vegas. In 2010, Colen partnered with Architect Gary Carlson. The two have know one another for over 30 years. Carlson served as the State AIA Secretary and the Las Vegas Chapter President. Together, Colen and Carlson have over 70 years of architecture and design experience. Colen leads the firm of 14.
The team completes projects varying from small commercial tenant improvements to large scale ground up projects and everything in between. With expert experience in the entitlement process, programming and design, there is no scope to large. Check out the design portfolio for sample projects ranging from Casino, Residential, Retail, Commercial, Restaurant and Interior Design.
Contact SCA Design for more information: 702-719-2020
Resources:
- https://www.aia.org/pages/3336-top-issue-the-business-of-architecture
- February 2020- https://www.aialasvegas.org/page/17
