Sadie Thurston

Sadie is a first-generation college graduate and Architectural Designer in Denver who is passionate about advancing the profession through leadership, sustainability, and community building. After earning her M.Arch from the University of Colorado Denver in 2022, she has dedicated three years to meaningful project work while actively serving on her firm’s sustainability committee, helping achieve Green Globes certification for three projects as part of the firm’s commitment to the 2030 Challenge. Recognizing the need for an emerging professional group in Denver, she co-founded Framework in 2023—an independent organization that has successfully hosted eight events for over 300 emerging professionals. The programming ranges from networking happy hours to structured enrichment events covering professional development topics like LinkedIn networking and personal finance, as well as a co-sponsored event with Colorado's NOMA chapter featuring diverse industry voices.

Currently pursuing architectural licensure, with five exams completed and inspiring colleagues to begin their own exam journeys, she combines professional growth with community impact. She recently finished AIA Colorado's ASCEND program and participated in the Good Future Design Alliance's sustainability challenge for a personal project. She is committed to continuous learning while contributing to a more connected and sustainable architectural community in Colorado.