The Aspen and Glenwood Springs-based SGM engineering firm recently announced the hiring of new employees.

Phillip Kurth brings a new service capability to SGM — traffic operations. Kurth has the dual registration of professional engineer and professional traffic operations engineer. He came to SGM from the Florida Department of Transportation. His experience includes utilizing the industry’s latest techniques and traffic model simulations, allowing SGM to provide more in-depth analysis of traffic and roadway options.

Andrew Rapiejko recently joined the SGM Glenwood Springs/Aspen offices, bringing 12 years of experience, to provide engineering design and project management support to land development and municipal engineering projects. He brings technical and management skills to meet project objectives and deadlines. His planning and engineering experience includes close interaction with owners, stakeholders, and municipal agencies to complete projects within budget and on schedule.

Longtime local residents Peter and Colleen Carvelli of the Castle Creek Valley won a free home energy assessment followed by up to $2,500 in materials and labor for an efficiency improvement, in a contest run over the holidays by CORE’s Energy Smart Program.

The home was built in 1939 by a local family as a summer cabin using native wood and stone, according to Peter Carvelli. It has been the Carvellis’ goal to maintain this cabin as a year-round home and not to replace it with a new house, so they have continuously conducted upgrades.

The Carvellis currently suffer from high propane heating bills, cold drafts, ongoing risk of pipes freezing and uneven temperature regulation in their home. To correct those issues, Energy Smart started with a complimentary energy assessment conducted by one of the program’s private analysts earlier this month. Next, Energy Smart will work with the Carvellis to identify priority projects, possibly including sealing and insulating a leaky foundation, a heat system upgrade and front door repair.

CORE received applications from 34 area residents seeking financial assistance for home energy upgrades. CORE offered free home energy assessments to eight homeowners who had chilly, expensive-to-heat homes, as well as financial need. Every applicant received a personal response with suggestions for energy improvements and a list of available rebates and financing options specific to their town, county and utility jurisdictions.

Outside of this special holiday offer, CORE, Energy Smart and local utilities offer rebates and a low-interest loan to help all homeowners make upgrades that save money and improve comfort. The nonprofit acts as a free information resource for the valley and staffs a full-time home energy advisor to help residents find contractors, secure financing and select the most cost effective opportunities.

For more information, visit www.energysmartcolorado.com [1] or call 970 925-9775.

Local firm David Johnston Architects is inviting the public to an hors d’oeuvres-and-drinks open house on Friday in its new downtown Aspen office space.

The new offices are located at the Spring Building, a recently completed redevelopment located at 119 S. Spring St., at the Hopkins Avenue corner. The firm’s offices are on the second floor.

The event is on Feb. 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.djarchitects.com [2].