Mountain Living in Aspen
Visionary architects, inspired designers, expert builders and skilled artisans shape Aspen’s timeless appeal.
Photo: Courtesy of Forum Phi
Long celebrated for its rare blend of sophistication and authenticity, Aspen, Colorado, embodies the essence of refined mountain living. Days are filled with outdoor pursuits, while evenings bring gallery strolls, exquisite dining and cultural events that rival any cosmopolitan city.
The Aspen real estate market reflects this elevated lifestyle—exclusive, competitive and defined by exceptional design. Historic homes and thoughtfully reimagined residences line the town’s storied streets, while striking new builds rise impressively from the surrounding slopes. In neighboring communities like Snowmass Village, Basalt and Carbondale, buyers find a broader range of opportunities, yet each shares in Aspen’s unmistakable sense of place and prestige.
Here, we highlight the region’s leading professionals—visionary architects, inspired designers, expert builders and skilled artisans—whose work continues to shape Aspen’s timeless appeal. Together, they craft homes and experiences that capture the spirit of the mountains and the enduring allure of Aspen itself.
EVOLUTION OF STYLE
Photo: Courtesy of Brewster Mcleod Architects
As BREWSTER MCLEOD ARCHITECTS celebrates their 20th anniversary, we sat down with founder Jamie Brewster McLeod to talk about her journey, the firm’s philosophy and what lies ahead for this Aspen-based architecture studio known for its distinctive residential designs.
When did you first know you wanted to be an architect?
Growing up in Glacier National Park, I fell in love with the park lodges at an early age. That early exposure sparked my passion for creating spaces that feel both timeless and deeply rooted in their surroundings.
What do you consider the most important part of your business today?
Without a doubt—client experience. Truly understanding our clients’ needs and expectations is the foundation of every successful project. Architecture is a deeply personal process, and our job is to listen carefully and translate our clients’ ideas into spaces that reflect their visions.
Photo: Courtesy of Brewster Mcleod Architects
How would you describe your architectural style?
Our style is all about responsiveness—tailoring each design to the client and the unique qualities of the site. We consider everything from views and solar orientation to neighborhood context. Having a strong, experienced team and a deep understanding of Aspen’s nuances also play a huge part in our success.
As a boutique firm, how do you balance demand while maintaining the high level of personal service you’re known for?
We focus on our clients’ needs and the unique rhythm of each project. By customizing our schedule and process, we’re able to adapt to changes as designs evolve and construction progresses. Keeping our workload intentionally limited allows us to provide a truly personalized experience and maintain the high level of attention our clients expect.
Looking ahead, where do you see the future of Brewster McLeod Architects?
Honestly, I’m amazed at how far we’ve come. I feel an incredible sense of gratitude for the clients and collaborators who’ve trusted us over the years and look forward to the possibilities and opportunities that lie ahead.
Jamie Brewster McLeod, Principal
970-544-0130
Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Brewster Mcleod Architects
TRANSFORMATION BY DESIGN
Photo: Courtesy of Cathers Home
When longtime clients realized their Colorado retreat no longer fit their growing family, they turned to the design experts at CATHERS HOME FURNITURE + INTERIOR DESIGN. The result: a complete reimagining of a once-boxy ski chalet into an airy, light-filled gathering place built for generations to come.
What was the vision behind this Snowmass renovation?
This Snowmass residence marks the second home we’ve designed for these clients in the Roaring Fork Valley. With their family expanding—marriages and new grandchildren—they envisioned a place where everyone could gather year-round. The goal was to reimagine a 25-year-old home into a warm, open retreat that brings people together after long days on the slopes. What began as a series of enclosed rooms is now a light-filled, connected space perfect for family holidays and casual weekends alike.
How would you describe the home’s design aesthetic?
We call it mountain modern with a hint of Ralph Lauren—tailored yet relaxed, with an emphasis on texture. In the great room, deep brown velvet on the loveseat plays against a linen sofa, navy mohair chairs and shearling ottomans. The layered mix of materials brings richness and comfort, striking a balance between sophistication and mountain ease.
Photo: Courtesy of Cathers Home
What design challenges did you face—and what moments stand out?
Opening up the main living areas meant removing a structural wall that once divided the kitchen, dining and great room. We worked closely with a structural engineer to replace it with a custom wood-wrapped steel beam, a feature that now defines the open-concept layout. Creating one cohesive space completely transformed how the family connects and entertains. That’s the most gratifying part—creating a home that’s truly lived in and enjoyed.
How did your team’s unique approach shape the final result?
As one of the only combined furniture and interior design studios in the Roaring Fork Valley, Cathers Home offers clients direct access to hundreds of furnishings, including customized furniture, as well as choosing from a wide range of finishes and fabrics. That hands-on experience helps tailor every detail to how they live. Our collaborative, relationship-driven approach ensures each home feels deeply personal—a true reflection of our clients’ lives and legacy.
CATHERS HOME FURNITURE + INTERIOR DESIGN
Amanda Furlong, Lead Senior Interior Designer
970-927-6566
Basalt, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Cathers Home
BEYOND THE ORDINARY
Photo: Courtesy of Eigelberger Architecture & Design
Cristof Eigelberger and Lucy McCormick, of esteemed Aspen firm EIGELBERGER ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN , sit down to discuss their firm’s deep commitment to creating immersive, fully integrated design experiences at the highest level.
How would you describe the design language that defines your firm?
Our work is guided by a deep respect for place and individual expression. Each project is entirely bespoke—shaped by the client, the local vernacular and the character of the site. Much of our residential architecture draws inspiration from the simplicity of form found in traditional ranch and country structures, reinterpreted through a modern lens to achieve a balance between timeless craftsmanship and contemporary sensibility.
We’re drawn to simple, elegant forms enriched by texture and materiality, with a sense of softness woven throughout. Strong stone spine walls often ground the architecture, balanced by lighter gestures that extend into the landscape. Even in our most modern projects, we emphasize proportion, rhythm and warmth—introducing approachability through thoughtful detailing.
Photo: Courtesy of Eigelberger Architecture & Design
Your work feels deeply personal and client-driven—how do you cultivate that level of connection?
Our process is rooted in relationships. We take time to truly understand our clients—their lifestyles, aspirations and what “home” means to them. This foundation of trust allows us to design with intention, ensuring every decision reflects their vision.
From the outset, we invest deeply in discovery, translating those insights into a cohesive design narrative. Our architecture and FFE teams collaborate seamlessly to define the project’s aesthetic and emotional tone, establishing a clear direction that allows the design to evolve naturally into a home that feels refined, authentic and personal.
What defines your philosophy when it comes to building in the mountains?
Mountain architecture often feels “stacked,” with layered forms competing for attention. We take a more fluid approach—breaking those masses apart to create distinct spaces that frame a range of views and experiences. Materials are chosen to breathe, age and adapt to the mountains’ extreme conditions. The goal isn’t a home that resists change, but one that evolves gracefully, growing more beautiful with every season.
EIGELBERGER ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
Cristof Eigelberger, CEO and Founding Principal, Lucy McCormick, Principal, FF&E Design
970-300-3423
Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Eigelberger Architecture & Design
MODERN RENEWAL
Photo: Courtesy of Forum Phi
The experienced team at FORUM PHI tackles a challenging build that increases in complexity and dimension. Read on to learn how their collaborative spirit and refined touch contribute to a home that feels both grounded in its mountain setting and elevated in every detail.
How did this project come to life—from the early ideas to the finished home?
What began as a straightforward remodel quickly became a full reimagining. Early studies showed that achieving the owners’ goals—raising windows for better views, improving the entry and simplifying the layout—would require replacing most of the original structure. Ultimately, the concept evolved into a new build on the existing site.
Photo: Courtesy of Forum Phi
What inspired the design and set the tone for the overall vision?
The home was designed to embrace its surroundings, centered on stone spine walls that provide privacy while expansive glass to the north and south opens to sunlight, forest and sweeping valley vistas. Cascading rooflines follow the slope of the land, balancing the home’s scale within its mountain setting. A restrained palette of stone, glass and metal gives the exterior a modern, timeless feel.
From the moment you step through the front door, the view stretches directly through to the mountains beyond. Warm wood ceilings, stone accents and steel details inside connect each space to the outdoors, filling the interior with natural light.
How did Forum Phi’s collaborative process shape the way the project unfolded?
Forum Phi’s integrated architecture and interior design process was essential. With both disciplines operating under one roof, every aspect of the design was coordinated collaboratively, often simultaneously. What could have been a series of disconnected handoffs became an ongoing, creative dialogue, ensuring cohesive results from the ground up.
Photo: Courtesy of Forum Phi
How does this project reflect Forum Phi’s broader design philosophy and values?
This home is a testament to the value of process, not just product. Regular site visits, on-the-spot coordination with subcontractors and the ability to visualize spaces before construction led to intentional, well-reasoned design choices—nothing was left to chance.
Ultimately, the project embodies Forum Phi’s ethos: We design together. Its success is shared among the architecture and interiors teams, the engaged client, the proactive builder, and the careful, open communication guiding every decision. It’s proof that quiet, clean architecture often demands the deepest level of thought behind the scenes.
Jennifer Olson, Partner, Ryan Walterscheid, Partner
970-279-4157
Aspen, Colorado
NEW MOUNTAIN AESTHETIC
Photo: Courtesy of Menendez Architects + Interiors
For more than two decades, MENENDEZ ARCHITECTS + INTERIORS P.C. has combined a passion for design, a global perspective and extensive experience to create elegant, one-of-a-kind spaces that reflect the individuality of each client.
What unique challenges are architects facing when designing in Aspen today?
Building here has become more complex as regulations grow increasingly focused on energy efficiency, building performance and fire prevention. Coordinating those requirements with the design intent is a bigger part of our process now—we have to think holistically from day one to ensure compliance doesn’t compromise creativity.
Photo: Courtesy of Menendez Architects + Interiors
How are those challenges influencing the way mountain homes are designed?
Wildfire awareness is a major driver. We’re using more fire-resistant exterior materials and designing defensible space around homes to reduce risk. Insurance considerations also play a larger role now, influencing material choices and site strategies.
What design strategies help your projects perform well in these conditions?
Energy performance is central to everything we do. That means higher levels of insulation, advanced mechanical systems, thoughtful site orientation, strategic window placement and smart use of solar energy.
How does your firm’s integrated approach benefit clients?
We manage every part of the process—from architecture to interiors and furnishings—so the design feels unified from start to finish. This consistency is harder to achieve when multiple teams are involved. Our clients value that every element inside and out follows the same vision and design intent.
MENENDEZ ARCHITECTS + INTERIORS P.C.
Luis A. Menendez, A.I.A., President and Founder, Nasrin Nourian Menendez, ASID, NCIDQ, Co-Founder and Lead Interior Designer
970-544-4851
Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Menendez Architects + Interiors
BESPOKE LUXURY
Photo: Courtesy of Anne Grice Interiors
Renowned for their sophisticated design solutions, the team at ANNE GRICE INTERIORS brings mountain modern warmth to a family’s Snowmass Village retreat.
What inspired this stunning Snowmass Village remodel?
The owners relocated from Chicago, drawn by the mountain views and year-round outdoor lifestyle. They envisioned a modern family retreat that honored the home’s existing character. Since the layout already fit their needs, the focus turned to refreshing materials and furnishings in a thoughtful, sustainable way rather than starting anew.
Photo: Courtesy of Anne Grice Interiors
Are there particular elements that define this home’s mountain modern aesthetic?
In the living room, a custom-designed sectional anchors the space, paired with oversized wood swivel chairs and metal-and-leather lounges to create two inviting conversation zones. Locally crafted coffee and side tables lend warmth while thick custom rugs add softness and texture.
The dining area opens to a patio with sweeping views of Mt. Daly, where a custom glass light fixture and made-to-fit furniture, all designed by Grice, complete the tailored look. From the kitchen and dining spaces, skiers can be seen gliding down the Dawdler Trail in winter, while in summer, a fountain by Craig Bergman brings life to the landscape. In the kitchen, Cristallo quartzite countertops offer a luminous, icy contrast to the cool gray cabinetry—an elegant reflection of the mountains beyond.
Anne Grice, Owner and Principal Designer, Whitney Norton, Owner and Designer
970-429-4148
Aspen, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Anne Grice Interiors
ENDURING LEGACY
Photo: Courtesy of Z Group Architecture and Interior Design
For over 70 years, Z GROUP ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN has helped shape Aspen and mountain communities across the West with sophisticated designs honoring both legacy and landscape. Now in its third generation of leadership, the firm continues to set the standard with a people-first ethos and a deep respect
for place.
Your firm has been part of Aspen’s design story for generations. How does your history influence your work today?
Our deep roots begin with our founder, Samuel Caudill, FAIA—Aspen’s first registered architect in 1952. He championed a philosophy honoring the natural environment through designs that reflect the “same elements as the mountains that frame the valley.” Guided by nature and with perspectives shaped by local legacy and global experience, this remains at our heart.
Photo: Courtesy of Z Group Architecture and Interior Design
Strong client relationships seem central to your process. How do you build those connections?
Our practice is grounded in people. Our tagline—Your Story. Your Journey. Your Legacy.—is the foundation of how we work. We build friendships with our clients, listening to understand how they live and thrive. That depth of connection allows us to design homes that are deeply personal and reflect their values, hold their memories, and stand the test of time.
Mountain towns can favor a particular aesthetic. How do you keep things fresh while still honoring place?
Our portfolio ranges from mountain modern to traditional, even 70s-revival—across bespoke homes, boutique hospitality, and mixed-use projects. We believe meaningful design arises from the unique stories of people and place. To us, design isn’t just about structure—it’s about creating places that inspire, foster connection, and create generational legacies.
Z GROUP ARCHITECTURE & INTERIOR DESIGN
Seth Hmielowski and E. Scott McHale, Principals
970-925-1832
Aspen & Basalt, Colorado
Photo: Courtesy of Z Group Architecture and Interior Design
