Our Stories.
We’ve been busy! From major design updates to construction milestones, exams passed, and boards joined—we’ve got plenty to share. Dive in to see what’s happening at WORKSHOP8. Check us out on Instagram & Facebook for more.
Project Updates : Under Construction & On The Boards.
Overlook | Thornton
WORKSHOP8 provided architecture, interior design, and environmental graphic design (including signage!) for this rehab + new construction project. Each of the 9 apartment buildings is marked with a unique color and symbol—making it easier for residents and visitors to find their way home. The clubhouse is coming along beautifully, complete with super cute pendant lights and plenty of space for gathering. And just outside? A brand new pool that’s sure to be a favorite hangout spot for kids this summer. Palace Construction and Maiker Housing Partners are making it happen.
StarRise | Greeley
This Permanently Supportive Housing (PSH) development will bring much-needed homes to individuals who have experienced homelessness. From crisp corrugated metal, and warm stucco textures, to reclaimed brick and glulam beams, StarRise blends new construction with adaptive reuse—honoring the site’s industrial roots while building for the future. Big thanks to High Plains Housing for the vision and dedication to making this possible. Huge thanks to KCI Construction for keeping things moving! The bike pavilion shown above will provide residents with plenty of secure bike parking.
Jacoby Meadows | Windsor
Progress continues at Jacoby Meadows Senior Apartments. This 62-unit, 4-story affordable senior housing project is coming together with Pinkard Construction leading the charge. This affordable housing project is being developed by Loveland Housing Authority on behalf of the all-volunteer Windsor Housing Authority.
Walsh Annex Rehab | Denver
Big things ahead for this 100-unit, 12-story rehabilitation project with the Denver Housing Authority. For the WALSH Rehab project, we’re designing bold supergraphics to enhance wayfinding and visibility. Prisma International is working on the Design Development Pricing Package and WORKSHOP8 is chipping away at the Permit Set.
1818 9th Avenue | Longmont
This four-story mixed-use building is 44,432 square feet, with 44 apartment units and 5 business suites. It is being developed and built by Gabler Construction. The average size of an apartment unit is 650 SF. We will be submitting for building permit this month! This is our second project with this innovative developer.
Favorite Client.
Loveland Housing Authority
At WORKSHOP8, we’re honored to collaborate with organizations that make a lasting impact—like the Loveland Housing Authority (LHA). For over 40 years, LHA has been committed to providing affordable, quality housing and essential support services to families, seniors, and individuals throughout Loveland and Northern Colorado.
LHA’s expertise extends beyond Loveland—they are currently developing Jacoby Meadows in Windsor on behalf of the all-volunteer Windsor Housing Authority, bringing much-needed senior housing to the community. Their dedication to sustainable development, supportive housing, and community-driven solutions ensures that more Coloradans have access to stable, affordable homes.
A big thank you to LHA for their continued leadership in affordable housing!
Announcements.
Joseph Vigil IV | ENVD Advisory Board
The CU Boulder Environmental Design (ENVD) Advisory Board is helping to shape the future of design education!
The board meets as a sounding board for faculty and staff, providing insights on curriculum changes and strategic direction. Most recently, they’ve been advising on ENVD’s transition into the new School of Environmental Design within the College of Communication, Media, Design, and Information (CMDI).
We’re proud to have Joseph contributing his expertise to the next generation of designers and architects!
Learn more about the ENVD Advisory Board: colorado.edu/envd/envd-advisory-board
Elena Robles | NCARB Project Management 5.0
Elena just crushed Project Management 5.0, her third exam on the road to licensure through NCARB ARE 5.0! That means she’s officially halfway there—with just PA (Programming & Analysis), PPD (Project Planning & Design), and PDD (Project Development & Documentation) to go. We’re cheering Elena on as she tackles the next phases of her journey to licensure. You’ve got this, Elena!
Look Back.
From Uncertainty to Innovation
15 years ago, our small firm VaST was facing an uncertain future. The 2009 recession had dried up custom home work, and like many small studios, we were struggling to survive.
Instead of giving in, we turned to collaboration—bringing together a team of designers, architects, and creatives to take on a national design competition for a senior housing project in El Paso.
We won.
And just like that, WORKSHOP8 was born—named in honor of the original eight creators who made it happen.
Since then, we’ve updated our team, expanded our reach, and stayed true to our roots: creating thoughtful, community-driven architecture. Today, our work spans affordable housing, mixed-use development, and urban revitalization across Colorado and beyond. What’s next? We’ll keep doing what we do best—designing with purpose, collaborating with heart, and building spaces that stand the test of time.
And yes, we still take inspiration from our unofficial mascot, Toby the Octopus—a symbol of intelligence, adaptability, and creative problem-solving.
Wild 8s & Toby Sightings.
Spotted a Wild 8 out in the world? We have! From Mitaka to Nagano, our friends and team members are finding 8s everywhere.
Have a Wild 8 of your own? Send it to toby@workshop8.us—we’d love to see it!
Our latest Toby Snapshot features a big orange one (Marcel’s favorite color — we dare you to ask him about it!) on the Ink Monstr van. We’re thrilled to be working with them on a supergraphic wall in the StarRise community space! Ink Monstr is known for their bold, dynamic graphic installations, and we can’t wait to see their work at StarRise. Stumbling across a Toby always manages to put a smile on our faces.
Found an octopus in the wild? Share your sightings with us at toby@workshop8.us!
Thanks for reading.
We’re grateful for your continued support and can’t wait to share more exciting updates with you throughout 2025! Stay tuned for next month’s updates, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn to see what we’re designing, building, and celebrating next!
Brandy LeMae, CEO / Project Executive / Creative Director
