HLW Establishes Denver Office to Expand Western Presence

Global architecture and design firm HLW has announced the official opening of its Denver office, signaling a significant expansion of its Western region operations and a long-term investment in Colorado’s evolving built environment.

Strategic Expansion in the West

The new Denver office, located at 1801 California Street, Suite 2400, is under the leadership of Sejal Sonani, managing partner. Sonani has been instrumental in expanding HLW’s presence across the Western United States for the past decade and holds professional licensure in Colorado, California, Washington, and New York. This dedicated Denver presence will not only support HLW’s existing projects in the city but also strengthen its capacity to serve clients in key sectors including mixed-use development, technology, commercial office, multifamily, hospitality, media/entertainment, and life sciences throughout the region.

“Over the last five years, HLW has moved strategically into new markets across the country, following our long-standing client partners as they seek out new opportunities, allowing us to advance equitable, socially responsible, and sustainable change through our work,” said Sonani. “Denver has emerged as a major center for growth, talent, and innovation, making it a natural next step for our firm. Having a dedicated office here allows us to work more closely with the vibrant communities and growing industries that are driving the city’s future.”

HLW’s commitment to Denver is underscored by its current work on a significant adaptive reuse project in downtown Denver. The firm is transforming 621 17th Street and 633 17th Street for The Luzzatto Company, converting approximately 970,000 square feet of commercial office space into “High Fidelity,” a mixed-use, multifamily community. This project, one of the largest office-to-residential conversions west of New York, aims to introduce around 700 rental apartments, ground-floor retail, and community amenities such as a bodega, coffee shop, children’s museum, child care center, and bookstore. The Downtown Denver Development Authority has allocated $63 million to support this initiative.

Integrated Design Approach

The Denver office operates within HLW’s established integrated, cross-office model. This approach brings together a comprehensive suite of in-house specialty service studios, including architecture, landscape, interior design, planning, sustainability and wellness strategy, lighting design, branding, and market research. These studios, such as Ark, BEYOND, brandx, and Spark, collaborate to provide end-to-end project support, from initial feasibility studies through design and final delivery. This multidisciplinary capability is particularly valuable as developers and owners navigate evolving market demands and workplace expectations.

As part of its office launch, HLW is actively recruiting local talent, including Senior Interior Designer Cally Dalton, who brings 15 years of experience in the Denver market. The firm plans to continue growing its Denver-based team in the coming months.

HLW, one of the longest continuously operating architecture practices in the United States, views the Denver office as a key component of its broader growth strategy. The firm is focused on establishing local teams in markets demonstrating strong development momentum and a commitment to long-term investment.

Key facts

This expansion by HLW into Denver is significant for the region’s architectural and urban development landscape. It highlights the growing importance of Denver as a hub for innovation and growth, attracting established firms that can contribute to the city’s dynamic transformation. The focus on adaptive reuse and mixed-use development aligns with broader trends in urban planning, aiming to create more sustainable and community-oriented living and working environments. HLW’s integrated approach promises to bring a comprehensive design perspective to future projects in the area.

Source: The Architect’s Newspaper, https://www.archpaper.com/2026/06/hlw-opening-denver-office/