Do I need to hire an Architect?
How working with a local design expert protects your investment in the mountains
Designing a home in the Vail Valley isn’t as simple as sketching a floor plan and hiring a contractor. Our terrain is steep, snow loads are real, Design Review Boards are strict, and building costs in resort communities move quickly. A home here isn’t just a home — it’s often a second residence, a legacy property, or a place where families gather for generations.
That’s exactly where an architect becomes indispensable.
As an architecture and interior design studio specializing in mountain homes, we help clients navigate the complexity of building in the high country — from interpreting steep sites and managing permitting to designing spaces that are both beautiful and durable for mountain living. Think of us as your sherpa throughout the process.
You’re not just buying a set of drawings — you’re buying expertise.
A contractor builds a house.
An architect shapes an experience.
Our work goes far beyond floor plans. We study sun patterns to make sure your living room glows at golden hour. We consider snow management, rooflines, material performance, wildfire risks, energy efficiency, and long-term maintenance. We evaluate how a family cooks, entertains, skis, stores gear, and lives season to season.
Because in Vail, design that isn’t thoughtful becomes expensive later.
The mountain environment is unforgiving — design needs to anticipate it.
In the high Rockies, everything is magnified:
Heavy snow loads require structural coordination
Solar exposure matters for heat gain and melt patterns
Freeze-thaw cycles destroy the wrong materials quickly
Site access affects construction cost
HOA/DRB guidelines are strict and nuanced
An architect ensures decisions made today don’t become repairs tomorrow.
Case Example #1 - Mountain Vista House
One of our clients wanted floor-to-ceiling windows facing the view — a dream we shared. But their site orientation meant harsh southern exposure. We worked closely with energy modelers and the curtain wall manufacturer to design a floor-to-ceiling atrium with triple-glazed glass that control the solar heat gain, while maximizing the views overlooking Mountain Village.The result: their energy use dropped significantly compared to before the renovation, and the view became an integral part of the experience of the home. Beauty and performance — that’s architectural thinking.
We protect your investment — before, during, and after construction.
Most of the money in a home is spent after design is completed. A single layout mistake can cost tens of thousands to correct once walls go up. We help clients make informed decisions early to prevent costly change orders.
We also represent you during construction — reviewing shop drawings, coordinating with the builder, answering site questions, and keeping the vision intact.
Case Example #2
We use building information modeling (BIM) in our design process, a tool that allows architects to collaborate efficiently with engineers, and contractors. The U.S. General Services Administration reports that using BIM tools like Revit can cut design and construction rework by as much as 25%.That’s money that stays in your pocket.
We turn ideas, Pinterest boards, and inspiration into a cohesive design.
Clients often come to us with a folder full of dream images — Scandinavian wood warmth, modern lines, a cozy mountain palette, open but intimate spaces. Individually, each is beautiful. Together? They need refinement or it becomes visual noise.
Our process translates inspiration into a design that is unified, functional, and timeless.
Good architecture feels natural — like the house belongs to the place.
You’re not just building a house — you’re building a life here.
You hire an architect so:
Your gear room works for muddy boots and ski season chaos
Your kitchen flows during holiday gatherings
Your home breathes with the mountain air and holds up to snow and sun
Your guest suite feels private for friends and family
Your house feels like Vail — authentic, crafted, and yet, unique
That’s value beyond drawings. That’s a home with soul.
So — do you need an architect?
If you’re building in Vail, yes. You need someone who understands the terrain, the design review process, construction costs, material science, and — most importantly — the way people live in the mountains.
Our role is to guide you through the process and make sure that you feel confident that every decision — from big-picture massing down to the tile in your mudroom — supports longevity, beauty, and comfort.
Because a house here isn’t just somewhere you live.
It’s a place you return to.
A place you gather.
A place that should be designed with intention.
If you’re considering a project in Vail or surrounding mountain communities, we’d love to talk through your vision. Reach out, bring your ideas (and your Pinterest boards), and we’ll help you turn them into architecture that elevates your everyday mountain life.