In today’s podcast, I sat down with Chris Aronson and Jeff Fleischer, the Principals at VFLA in Fort Collins. VFLA has arguably been the leading architecture firm in Northern Colorado since its founding in 1986, and this year celebrates 40 years of service to the commercial and residential construction industries.
My connection with VFLA goes back to my banking years in the late 90’s, but is personal because of the L that’s now missing. Justin Larson was my primary “highly-spirited canyon riding” companion for several years, until his untimely death in 2019 - in a motorcycle crash in Mexico. Justin had merged his firm with the then Vaught-Frye in 2011, and led the firm during my transition from banking into LoCo Think Tank - which he was always an advocate for.
But back to our guests - Chris Aronson was interviewing with both Vaught-Frye and with JCL Architecture back in 2011, and when he came in for a final interview - the leadership of both firms were there to share news of the impending merger! He became a Principal and part of the leadership team in 2014. Justin lured Jeff Fleischer back to the firm only 3 days before his passing. So for me, this podcast was a bit of a cleanse.
And - both men have fascinating journeys all their own, and perspectives on architecture that I found truly refreshing! So I hope you’ll tune in and enjoy my conversation with Chris Aronson and Jeff Fleischer, Principals at VFLA.