The Best Residential Architects in Colorado

Last updated on August 28th, 2024 at 12:45 am

When building your dream home in Colorado, finding the right residential architect is essential to ensuring the project goes smoothly from start to finish. Finding a good contractor to ensure compliance with local building codes and environmental considerations like weather and terrain. A reputable contractor can navigate these factors efficiently, maintain clear communication with the homeowner, and deliver a well-built, durable home that meets expectations. The stakes are high, with average residential construction costs ranging from $150,000 to $450,000—sometimes exceeding $550,000 for high-end projects. The journey from blueprint to move-in can take up to 30 weeks, and choosing a reliable and skilled architect can make the difference. The cost per square foot for residential projects has averaged $12.71 over the past two years, reflecting the high-quality designs that Colorado residents desire.

Colorado, a state with a population of 5.84 million, is a treasure trove of architectural diversity. Its dynamic housing market, with a median home value of $553,692, is a testament to the state’s unique topography and diverse climate conditions. With 1,495 contractors specializing in residential projects across the state, residents have many options for finding the perfect partner for their construction journey.

The difference between a reputable architect and a subpar one can significantly impact your project’s cost, timeframe, and overall success. To help you navigate this important decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best residential architects in Colorado, ensuring you find a professional who can turn your vision into reality.

Overview: The Best Residential Architects in Colorado

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

HMH Architecture + Interiors

1701 15th Street, Suite B Boulder, CO 80302

Harvey Hine, AIA, Cherie Goff, AIA, and Leah Civiok lead HMH Architecture + Interiors in creating functional, liveable, and environmentally responsible homes. They guide the firm towards architectural designs that transcend styles and trends. These designs are both modern and timeless. The firm’s Modern Farmhouse has sleek, clean lines that are common in contemporary structures. These lines are combined with the coziness of a farmhouse aesthetic to create a sophisticated home without being pretentious. HMH Architecture + Interiors combined the white exterior board and batten with standing seam gray metal roof and windows. The interior has mixed metal accents to complement its warm wood floors and neutral tones for an industrial charm. 

The firm offers custom homes, remodeling, interior design, green design, and commercial services. Clients are allowed to collaborate with the firm’s principles. The projects are completed in a shorter duration and with reasonable fees. The firm’s styles are modern, ranch, contemporary, and luxury. HMH Architecture + Interiors, named AIA Colorado 2022 Firm of the Year and receiving the Honor Award, stands as a leading firm among architects in Colorado.

Centre Sky Architecture LTD

10125 Rancho Montecito Drive, Parker, CO 80138

Centre Sky Architecture’s priority is quality work in creating designs for different projects. Principal architect Jamie Daugaard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, believes that quality, communication, and ecological sensitivity are the key pillars in serving clients and the environment. The firm makes sure to consider future generations and remember to consider present needs when creating a design. The firm services the Yellowstone Club, Spanish Peaks Mountain Club, and Moonlight Basin. 

The firm’s styles include modern, contemporary, craftsman, ranch, and luxury. Its portfolio comprises resort, ranch, and residential projects. Telluride 11—in Mountain Village, CO—is on a down-sloping site off Cortina Drive. It gets a lot of southern and western face sun exposure, making the structure well-suited for a solar element. Centre Sky Architecture designed the home with a contemporary mountain architectural theme. It has common spaces like the great room, kitchen, and dining room on the north side of the house to take advantage of the passive solar gain. Some large windows and doors open up to a patio and deck for cross ventilation. The garage and master bedrooms are on the south side to minimize the amount of regrading. The upper level of the garage also has two large bedrooms.

Rowland+Broughton Architecture

500 W Main Street, Aspen, CO 81611

Rowland+Broughton Architecture / Urban Design / Interior Design (R+B) is a progressive, high-design firm. It has plenty of experience in mountain and urban projects, including custom commercial, hospitality, interior design, and master planning. Clients can expect comprehensive services and a personalized approach to their projects. Principals John Rowland, AIA, and Sarah Broughton, AIA, American Society of Interior Designers (ASID), National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ), encourage the firm to look at architecture, landscape, planning, and interior and urban design as interdependent of one another. R+B  conducts extensive historical and community research to understand a project’s regional and environmental impact. Rowland+Broughton Architecture, recipient of the IDA Silver Award for Urban Design/Interior Design, epitomizes excellence among Colorado architects, pushing aesthetic and functional design boundaries.

The Creek House in Old Snowmass, CO, is a 9,86-square-foot custom home project. R+B provided architecture and space planning services. The firm designed a design that fosters community and interaction, facilitates multi-generational family gatherings, and provides aging-in-place features. The home’s private spaces are intentionally smaller to encourage more time in the social spaces. Large operable doors for cross ventilation and indoor-outdoor living are between the Great Room and the wrap-around porch. R+B’s design team was also able to deploy radiant cooling.

Tomecek Studio Architecture

3222 Tejon Street, Studio C, Denver, Colorado 80211    

Tomecek Studio Architecture produces thoughtful, collaborative, and lasting designs. Founder Brad Tomecek, AIA, LEED BD+C, hopes to create spaces that improve the quality of life of those who use it. Tomecek encourages the firm to work on projects with curiosity to ensure it can give creative solutions to specific problems. Tomecek Studio Architecture, recognized as LUXlife’s Best Contemporary Architecture Firm 2023 in Colorado, stands out among residential architects in Colorado, renowned for their modern and innovative designs.

The firm offers architectural design, site visits, and design consulting for public and residential projects. The Main House in Black Hills, SD, is connected by a covered breezeway to a barn. Its upper level comprises four modules, including the primary public space and main suite. Its lower level has additional bedrooms and a media room, providing various useful functions. The kitchen and main bedroom walls are low to bring in more light. Tomecek Studio Architecture used modular construction to exploit compressed timelines, controlled building environments, and reduced water factor efficiencies. The project is an Architizer A+ Award Finalist. It also received the AIA Colorado Merit Award and the AIA Denver Honorable Mention. 

CCY Architects

228 Midland Avenue, Post Office Box 529, Basalt, CO 81621

CCY Architects is shaped by three values: the firm feels that design, intellectual curiosity, and fun are all essential to every project. The firm begins each project on-site to understand the site, user experience, and architectural concept. The work is rooted in the specifics of the area and a pragmatic but artistic approach. CCY Architects connects people to the natural environment and fosters communal relationships through thoughtful architecture. John Cottle, FAIA, Rich Carr, AIA, and Larry Yaw, FAIA, lead the firm.

The firm’s most popular styles are modern, contemporary, and ranch. CCY Architects specializes in residential, interior, recreation, hospitality, and community projects. The Z House in Aspen, CO, is a contemporary home with spectacular mountain views. It has living and entertainment spaces that complement the landscape. The firm replaced the traditional corners with glass windows for unexpected views of the environment.

ArcWest Architects

1525 Raleigh Street, Suite 320, Denver, CO 80204

Todd Heirls, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Kevin Anderson, AIA, and Robin Adams, LEED, guide ArcWest Architects in creating creative and solution-oriented designs. The firm’s specialties include progressive multi-use, commercial, and residential structures. It favors modern, farmhouse, Victorian, and luxury architecture. Its experience includes feasibility studies, master planning, schematic design, and production drawings.

The firm’s portfolio features residential, accessory dwelling units, commercial, main street redevelopment, restaurants, brew-pubs, warehouses, print facilities, and corporate offices. The firm’s Denver, CO project includes a home basement renovation. The homeowners of a 1900s brick bungalow wanted more space to live in without moving out. ArcWest Architects dug out the basement and turned it into a fully functional living space. It has a bedroom, bath, kitchen, and living room. There is also a walkout to the patio and garden area.

Barrett Studio Architects

1734 Hawthorn Avenue, Boulder, CO 80304

Barrett Studio Architects creates timeless designs based on people’s lives and creating connections with nature. The firm follows David Barrett, FAIA, ensuring its spaces respond to the site, climate, and community through sustainable practices. The Prairie Bluff in Greeley, CO, is set on top of a bluff in eastern Colorado. Its design is centered around having spaces for interaction and entertainment. The entrance facing the bluff has a more humble look than the rest of the home with its low-slung flat roofs and broad overhangs. Its design then terraces down with walkout rooms to outdoor living at the poolside. 

Architects and design professionals base their work on ecology, connectivity, and rich expressions of function and beauty. The firm’s services include architecture, interiors, master planning, urban design, and community design. Barrett Studio Architects uses modern, contemporary, ranch, revival, and luxury styles for its works.

Godden | Sudik Architects

5975 South Quebec Street, Suite 250 Centennial, CO 80111

Godden | Sudki Architects is a team of engineers and architects who have come together to complete a variety of projects. The firm’s team can provide remodels, production housing, intricate custom homes, interiors, and large multi-family complexes. Principals Scott Sudik, AIA, NCARB, Paul Brady, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Construction General Permit  (CGP), and Alex Jewett, AIA, NCARB, ensure the firm’s designs are future-proof and fitted to the current needs of project owners.

The firm is familiar with modern, ranch, contemporary, Tudor, and luxury styles. Its residential projects include everything from small lot value to high-end semi-custom. The firm’s designs focus on creating marketable, timeless, and diverse market-responsive spaces. Its projects are spacious, open-concept, and efficient. The layout follows the natural flow of movement generated by an owner’s lifestyle.

LGA Studios

201 E Las Animas, Suite 113, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

LGA Studios is an award-winning firm. Its work has been recognized with awards from The Gazette Best of the Springs, ColoradoBIZ Magazine, the Housing and Building Association of Colorado Springs, and the American Institute of Building Design. The firm specializes in custom, luxury, and production home design, commercial architecture, and sustainable building methods. The team is led by Larry Gilland, LEED AP BD+C, CSI, NCBDC, CPBD, and CAPS, who brings over 30 years of experience to the firm.

A team of design and technical professionals—including a registered architect and an urban planner—collaborated with clients to complete projects. The Woodmen Valley Refined in Colorado Springs, CO, features the style of a European Country estate. It has timber trusses and soaring ceilings for the entryway. There are wooden shutters and petite balconies that create a cozy feeling. LGA Studios added the client’s sculptural pieces to the tranquility of the gentle stream flowing under a small bridge and a wooded garden. Its interior features include curving staircases, elegant archways, and stately woodwork throughout the home. There is also a home theater with recliners. The lower level has a wine cellar in a cove behind the bar.

BONSAI Architect-Led Design+Build

2931 W 25th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211

BONSAI Architect-Led Design+Build is led by Brandon Sweeney, NCARB, and Josh Oqueli, NCARB. The firm was established after its founders saw the potential in combining architecture and construction. Its designs are rooted in creating sustainable residential and commercial spaces for clients. The Xavier Church Adaptive Re-Use in Denver, CO, is a project where the firm re-imagined a 1901 church building into a single-family home. Its new design and layout were taken from the original arrangement of the pulpit, nave, and sacristy. BONSAI took advantage of the vaulted ceilings and added a second-level loft for the main suite. The main foyer was converted to a living/kitchen area with two new bedrooms.

The firm offers remodeling, retrofitting, restoration, and renovation services for historic and existing structures. It uses sustainable design principles to reduce or eliminate thermal bridging, airtight building enveloping (to reduce condensation), high-performance fenestration, and solar gain management. Its style varies between modern, passive, and contemporary.

bldg.collective

2872 Bluff Street, Boulder, CO 80301

bldg.collective specializes in custom home architecture and design. The firm works to create collaborative design and use sustainable construction for each project. Steven Perce, Chris Gray, and Jennifer Lombard lead the firm in designing spaces that accommodate a client’s way of living, style, and vision. The firm’s team uses the latest technology to employ modern architectural and sustainable practices. Its goal is to go beyond the set style and trends of the industry.

Clients can use services for custom homes, remodels, interior design, and commercial projects. bldg.collective collaborates with GC firms and developers to complete its modern and contemporary styled structures. The Utica Residence in Boulder, CO, is one of the firm’s residential projects. The homeowners wanted a home with clean lines, open spaces, and a warm, modern look. It was originally a 1979 cedar and brick-sided home. The firm rearranged the interior spaces to open the house to different views. New exterior insulation and high-performance windows for energy efficiency are featured. There are custom built-in cabinets throughout the house, which creates a coordinated, unifying look. The project was featured in 5280 Home.

Charles Cunniffe Architects

610 East Hyman Avenue, Aspen, CO 81611

Charles Cunniffe Architects (CCA) provides clients with comprehensive and integrated design services. The firm has over 40 years of experience in over 17 countries. It was named Firm of the Year and Mentor of the Year by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Colorado West. Numerous projects have received awards or have been certified by Environmental Design (LEED). The Elk Peach Ranch project in Aspen, CO, is one of the firm’s LEED silver-certified projects. The ranch is carefully oriented towards the Elk Mountain Range; its structure stretches alongside a 10-acre hayfield. Exterior and interior spaces provide south-west views and natural daylight throughout the home. The roof plane floats over the main living area and slopes to a 23-foot tall glazed curtain wall, which draws the gaze to the mountain landscape. A south-facing glazed wall with tall pivot doors to the patio creates a seamless experience between interior and exterior dwelling. The main living area is flanked by the guest and master bedroom wings. The master wing is separated from the main living area by an interior bridge.

CCA’s goal is to provide solution-oriented designs that display the inspiration behind them. The firm provides services for projects of every size and scope, always emphasizing service and design excellence. Owner Charles Cunniffe, Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA), ensures the firm remains dedicated to a humanistic, socially responsible, technologically sophisticated design vision. Charles Cunniffe Architects, honored with a 2023 Luxe RED Award, showcases their exceptional talent and creativity among architects in Colorado Springs, setting new standards for innovative design in the region.

Semple Brown

1160 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204

Semple Brown designed the Williams Ridge in Evergreen, CO. The home is a collaboration between the firm and the project owner. It is situated on a 39-acre parcel of a privately held nature preserve. Semple Brown designed a modern and elegant home for a rugged landscape. Its windows were carefully placed in spots that would perfectly frame landscape views. The house opens itself to the views and solar orientation on the south side; the north face of the home shows individual views of landforms. 

Sarah Semple Brown, FAIA, and Rusty Brown, AIA, NCARB, lead the firm, and their ability to produce highly integrated architecture and interior design is clear. They both encourage designs that build strong connections between indoor and outdoor spaces while providing dynamic and comfortable spaces. The firm’s services include architecture, interior design, planning, and programming.

KGA Studio Architects

950 Spruce Street, Suite 2d, Louisville, CO 80027

KGA Studio Architects follows the philosophy of designing from the inside out. Founder Jerry Gloss, AIA, encourages his team to look at architecture to solve problems, meet needs, and enhance daily life. Gloss’s respect for the process that great projects require has led the firm to take a collaborative approach to its projects. The Modern Farmhouse Remodel in Cherry Hills Village, CO, uses a design that connects nature and family to enhance the well-being of its residents. The remodel prioritizes outdoor living in abundance while offering a seamless transition between interior and exterior. Large floor-to-ceiling windows provide a view of the Colorado landscape, an expansive deck, and an outdoor kitchen. The barn and garden next door provide a space to host guests with a farm-to-table experience.

The firm specializes in community-based design, including attached and multi-family projects, community buildings, custom homes, mountain homes, remodels, and single-family homes. The firm examines how the space will be used, how the design will accommodate everyone’s lifestyles, and how to make it affordable for the client. The firm often uses modern, contemporary, ranch, and luxury styles for its designs.

Tremmel Design Group

201 E Las Animas Street, Suite #113, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

Tremmel Design Group (TDG) designs modern and contemporary spaces. Among its projects is the Manitou Southwestern Residence in Manitou Springs, CO. The firm created a design that adds a southwestern touch to the Manitou Springs area. TDG’s scope of work involved adding a covered extension with enclosed storage to the parking space at the property’s front entrance. The exterior stairs were relocated to create a more organized space for the client. Patios, drainage patterns, and retaining walls underwent exterior changes to enhance the existing house’s features and improve the property’s functionality.

The firm combines nearly seven decades of experience in beautiful and responsible architectural design, construction, and documentation. Founder Mark Tremmel, AIA, ensures the firm continues providing clients with solution-oriented designs that show a homeowner’s individuality. The firm has experience in assisted living, multi-family, and private residence projects. It provides both new construction and renovation work.

Studio B Architecture + Interiors

501 Rio Grande Place, Suite 104, Aspen, CO 81611

Studio B Architecture + Interiors creates spaces that foster a lifestyle of innovation. The firm follows a culture of exploration and collaboration. It produces sketches, physical model buildings, and computer-generated 3D models for its clients. Studio B’s process is rooted in environmental sensitivity; it builds spaces that connect structures to their environment. Studio B Architecture + Interiors, recipient of the 2021 Residential Design Magazine Architecture Award, exemplifies excellence among residential architects in Colorado.

Founder Scott Lindenau, AIA, guides the firm in exploring sustainable concepts in pattern, light, repetition, texture, and palette design. The Wrap House in Aspen, CO, was required to respect the neighboring house’s design while having an original concept. It has three levels with floating stairs linking the floors. The stairs also act as a light shaft to the lower level. Its interior spaces are wide open, bringing in as much light as possible. The project received the 2011 AIA Colorado West Merit Award and the 2011 Aspen HPC Preservation Honor Award.

EVstudio

5335 W 48th Avenue, Denver, CO 80212

EVstudio follows the lead of Dean Dalvit, Professional Engineer (PE), AIA, Alex Knuth, International Code Council (ICC), Brian Welch, PE, Jim Houlette, PE, Ross Maxwell, PE, Roxanne Jacobson, Sean O’Hara, AIA, Shane Donalson, PE, and Thomas Stuart, AIA LEEP AP in delivering innovative and enduring designs. The firm focuses on creating spaces that positively impact people and environments. The firm provides services for commercial, residential, multi-family, mixed-use, industrial, office, retail, hospitality, education, healthcare, government, parks and recreation, and worship projects. EVstudio, a finalist in the 2019 MDHBA Denver MAME Awards for Interior Merchandising, Design, and Architecture, showcases its expertise and creativity among the best architects in Colorado.

EVstudio has provided new construction and renovation work for over a decade. Its specialty lies in architecture, engineering, and planning. Most of its works are luxury and modern-styled. The Mountain Modern project in Evergreen, CO, features a 4,736-square-foot home with panoramic views, a gourmet kitchen, and modern luxury. There are three bedrooms, four bathrooms, a fully furnished basement, African mahogany, floor-to-ceiling passive solar windows, and stylized concrete floors.

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of contractors, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the residential architects in the Colorado area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.