SLATERPAULL Architects is a third-generation architecture practice established by founding partners Seymour (Sim) M. Slater and James (Jim) F. Paull in 1972.

The firm’s roots trace back to Raymond Harry Ervin (1900-1969), one of Denver’s prominent architects. Ervin was renowned for his work on the Shangri-la, Denver Club Building, J.C. Penny Building, George Washington High School, and the First National Bank Building at 631 17th Street, which stood as Denver’s tallest building at the time. Working under Ervin, Alfred H. “Bud” Piel, Seymour M. “Sim” Slater, John I. Small, and A. Aubrey “Skip” Spenst were elevated to associates and then transitioned to their own firm; Piel, Slater, Small & Spenst in 1960.

In 1972 Slater-Paull & Associates was formed, beginning the long history that continues to date. Clayton Cole and Gary Petri, both principals, joined the firm in 1977. James Pedler, principal and managing partner, joined the firm in 1981. Adele Willson, the firm’s first female architect, began as an intern in 1984 and was promoted to principal in 1998. Jennifer Cordes joined the firm in 1996 and was promoted to principal in 2008. Today, SLATERPAULL Architects is led by this team of five principals with approximately 40 dedicated employees.