Board of Commissioners

“Denver’s success depends on thoughtful growth that creates great places and lasting value. I’m honored to serve on the DURA Board and contribute my experience in urban design, planning, and implementation in support of that mission.”

Lilly Djaniants is an architect and urban designer with over 20 years of experience leading complex civic, urban redevelopment, and mixed-use projects in Denver, New York City, and internationally. She serves as an Associate Principal at ZGF Architects, where her work focuses on large-scale urban planning, public-private development, transportation-oriented districts, and place-based economic development. Lilly is known for bringing diverse stakeholders together to establish clear visions, navigate regulatory and financial complexity, and deliver projects that are both economically viable and community-focused.

Her professional experience includes close collaboration with city agencies, elected officials, developers, community organizations, and multidisciplinary consultant teams across a range of public and private contexts, guiding projects from early visioning through implementation. Lilly brings a strong understanding of land use policy, infrastructure, public realm design, and development feasibility, with a particular emphasis on equitable growth, long-term stewardship, and design excellence.

In addition to her role on the Denver Urban Renewal Authority Board of Commissioners, Lilly serves on academic and civic boards and is actively engaged in mentoring emerging professionals. She is deeply committed to advancing economically vibrant, well-designed urban environments that strengthen Denver’s neighborhoods and reflect the city’s evolving needs.