When it comes to good contractors, it comes down to an essential combination of innovative thinking and practical technical savvy. One craft in particular requires this peculiar creative mix, and that’s: Architecture. Talk about needing a combination of art and functionality in designs, knowhow of both beauty and practicality.
Boulder has long been a city of creatives–ever since its inception we’ve been known for the contemplative and artistic types that think outside the box. And now Boulder is home to some of the brightest tech minds–this combination of fuzzy and techie is a very Boulder way to be, and Boulder’s top notch architects know how to harness both types of brilliance to create works in Boulder’s famously beautiful environment.
Even better: Sustainability is Boulder’s middle name. Ecologically sound and immensely environmentally friendly, Boulder has lots of open space and is known for its outdoors and outdoorsmanship, and so our environment is especially important to us. Our architects in Boulder and all who design within its spectacular landscape work in tandem with the precious and beautiful Nature we have all around us even down in the city. After all, there’s the old joke about Boulder’s semi-high rent: we’re paying for the view.
Who should you look to, to design your gorgeous Boulder space most gorgeously? Here are 5 of the top notch local architects designing for Boulder:
Workshop8
Woman-owned, small business Workshop8, located right at the end of Boulder’s 15th Street Design District, in a beautiful self-designed open workspace, is definitely one of the top notch architecture and design firms Boulder has got to offer. Specializing in affordable multi-family, adaptive reuse spaces, and especially sustainability, Workshop8’s talented team has everything you need, from award-winning architects to interior design that has been featured on TV.
One thing that makes the artistically talented folks at Workshop8 stand out from the crowd is their work with public art. Beyond the beautiful and original decor that you can find within a Workshop8 designed space, you can see the incredible murals that they’ve created, all over Boulder: step into their studio (called the Candy Shop), or into the Stanley Marketplace (which exterior they also designed), to see their work in murals, or you can go no further than the 55th street bike path underpass, to see one of their most beautiful and impressive public art creations, right there under the street.
Stillwater
What Stillwater Architecture wants you most to remember about the way their firm works can be summarized in one word: personalization. A Stillwater-designed home is one that’s intensely personalized; designed down to the tiniest detail with you in tandem with one of the premier partners. They like to call it: home design sans ego, and what could be better for the design process of a high-end residence but that? The design partners at Stillwater want you to be a part of each baby step of their process, and that’s what makes their homes so special.
And the cool thing is, Stillwater is licensed for many places besides Boulder, so you can use their unique-to-your-needs skills for a home in Boulder or in several other states, if you’re looking for a design that’s not going to end up in a local area.
HMH
Colorado Modern is how venerable, award-winning HMH rolls. What’s Colorado Modern? Well, it’s an aesthetic which combines energy efficiency with clean lines, a contemporary look with innovative functionality, and overall a gorgeous, modern, Colorado flavored comfort.
HMH has been established and centered in Boulder since 1989, and has won several awards since: the AIA Design Award for Modern Stair; the ASID awards for Residential Merit, Kitchen Remodel, and Renovation; and Best of Houzz–and that’s only since 2018! It’s easy to see why HMH is a top notch choice for local design needs, whatever they may be, from residential to commercial to interior design or a green efficient remodeling job.
Urban West Studio
Urban West is another Boulder architecture and design firm that does it all, but what they’re most known for is their commercial design and interiors for same. You’ll have heard of them from their various stellar, well-received, and otherwise aesthetically beautiful commercial spots.
Ill-fated brewery Fate, over on Arapahoe? That cool design was done by Urban West. Lucky’s Market, up in North Boulder, and now in various other spots as well as a national rollout? You guessed it–Urban West. And the Boulder Depot bistro and bar, made from the moving of actual landmark train depot building that used to be on 30th Street? That amazing project (and pretty bar) was achieved by Urban West. In fact, several of the most famous Boulder buildings owe their beautiful design to Urban West.
And if they can do all this? Imagine what they’re capable of for private projects. In fact, their In Progress section of their website is something to peruse.
Mosaic
Mosaic Architects & Interiors is a boutique firm that specializes in customized residential spaces and interior designs that are all unique to the client (which makes all Mosaic’s designs different, in a good way). What makes Mosaic a top notch team is their close attention to not only their clients’ styles and needs, but especially the environment around the space they create. They work hand in hand with the landscape architects and so their spaces are uniquely seamless between indoors and outdoors, buildings and views from them.
Mosaic, like all good Boulder firms centered on our precious Boulder environment, are also known (as are many on this list) for their green design consultation and pairing with an eco-friendly landscape, whether your space is up in the mountains or deep in the urban-ish center of the city itself. That’s the outdoors, that they pay attention to with care. As far as indoors, Mosaic also provides furniture design, color consultation, and interior design, so that you can rely on them to create a comfortable, green, and beautiful space that’s ready to move into.
Who are your favorite architects and designers in Boulder? Let us know in the comments.
