35 Years of Design

Acquilano Inc. commemorates its 35th anniversary in 2021 and is celebrating their many decades of sustained success as a women-owned business focusing on corporate interiors. The company was founded in 1986 by Donna Acquilano, who’s sole-proprietor design work was quickly garnering some of Denver’s top commissions. Within a few years her husband, Owen Leslie, joined Donna setting the newly formed family business on its trajectory to become one of Colorado’s top commercial design studios.

Over the past 35 years, Acquilano has consistently demonstrated an ability to creatively solve for the changing demands of the modern workplace. The two emphasized a process that starts with listening to their client’s needs and responding with specific solutions that are uniquely tailored – later adopting the tagline “we listen, then create.” Their legacy continues today under the leadership of Principals Melissa Marlow, Drew Marlow, Ashley Stinson, and Jill Taylor.

While the celebration is year-long, the company recently raised a glass to honor its history and acknowledge the talented professionals currently advancing the firm. With their contributions, Acquilano is enjoying its most notable commissions to-date. The home-team design studio has completed local headquarter facilities for DaVita, Ent Credit Union, Janus Henderson, REMAX, and Zayo and is engaged with some of the state’s most exciting businesses including Comcast, Microsoft, Northwestern Mutual, Perkins Coie, and The Motley Fool.

Donna Acquilano reminisces, “As we celebrate, it’s fun to recount the evolution of our industry. When I started, hand-drafting was the norm and fax machines were cutting edge. While a lot has changed, the importance of great design has remained. The ability to positively influence the daily experience for so many has been extremely fulfilling. We’ve partnered with some exceptional individuals and are excited to devise solutions for this rapidly changing work environment over the next 35 years!”