Renowned Aspen Architect Reflects on His Firm’s Journey Over the Years

Thanks to a comprehensive remodel, the towering windows of this Aspen Ridge great room frame glorious mountain views, with deep walnut floors and ceilings adding a touch of warmth. | Photo: Aaron Leitz

During 45 years of leading his firm, Charles Cunniffe has built a stellar reputation through Charles Cunniffe Architects (CCA) career while also weaving strong ties within the community. If that relationship resembles an extended family, then that’s no surprise. Cunniffe is the eldest of eight siblings, raised on a farm in rural Massachusetts. Both his father and grandfather were carpenters, and he was fascinated with building from the start. While a student at the Rhode Island School of Design, Cunniffe began working at a large firm designing projects including hospitals, schools and airports. Even at that stage, he appreciated “the fact that you’re helping people, that you’re helping communities,” he says. “You’re also doing something very worthwhile and beneficial to society.”

In 1978 Cunniffe embarked on a six-month leave of absence to assist architect Tom Wells in his renovation of the Hotel Jerome in a place called Aspen. “I had never heard of Aspen, and I didn’t know what Aspen was,” he recalls. “I had just started skiing, and I figured, ‘Well, it’s in Colorado, so there’s got to be some skiing nearby.’” Indeed, Cunniffe’s six-month sojourn became a year, and then he never went back. He supported himself by tending bar at the Jerome, working with architect Robin Molny and designing commercial storefronts around town.

A striking steel-and-wood spiral staircase in Aspen’s City Hall is surrounded by channel glass and illuminated by two circular pendant lights that allow views to the Colorado sky. | Photo: Dallas & Harris Photography

“And then I got a call from Goldie Hawn,” he says. “And that led to some work with George Hamilton, and then I started picking up jobs here and there.” Cunniffe continued to attract clients and build a stronger reputation, launching his own firm in 1980. (He rented office space from John Denver, and then helped remodel his house, too.) CCA flourished over the years, eventually expanding to seven offices in locations including Telluride, Scottsdale, Park City and Whitefish. As his firm’s success took off, Cunniffe took to the skies himself, learning to pilot a plane and flying to client meetings. He juggled projects across the country and around the globe, gathering honors and awards along the way.

While Cunniffe has seen changes over the years (he particularly cites advances in 3D imaging and virtual reality, plus sophisticated glazing technology that allows larger expanses of glass for uninterrupted views), some things remain constant. “If you have good architectural skills or training, it’s really all about solving a design problem,” he says. Avoiding a predictable “look,” he sees versatility as a strength, and admires his team’s willingness to take a chance and constantly reinvent. “In the architecture work, I had the sense that if you do something—and you put all this time and energy into doing it, and crafting it—then do it right, because you want it to stay around forever.”

Charles Cunniffe. | Photo: Jessica Jay

Today, CCA is streamlined into two offices, with 20 people in Aspen and Carbondale, and new leadership—including Rich Pavcek, managing principal; Erica Delak, principal; Chad Molliconi, associate principal; and three new  associates—joining Cunniffe, who remains founding principal. Cunniffe and his firm have a strong record of community philanthropy and pro bono work, following his guiding belief, “If you can, you should. And if you should, you must.” As a result, CCA’s local projects range from jaw-dropping residences to affordable housing developments, fire stations, courthouses, concert stages and Aspen’s police department and city hall.

Even after 45 years in business, Cunniffe relishes the opportunity to help a client achieve their dreams. “What’s the point of doing it if you can’t be creative and be invigorated?” he says. “If I wasn’t having fun and being engaged and feeling like it was worthwhile, I would have retired many years ago.”

ARCHITECTURE – Charles Cunniffe Architects

As seen in ML’s March/April 2025 Issue

Charles Cunniffe Architects Team. | Courtesy: Charles Cunniffe Architects

In Phoenix, Arizona, the Desert Oasis home showcases warm stone, expansive glass and bold, clean lines. The lofty entryway’s sculptural design creates a powerful first impression. | Photo: Mark Boisclair

This “wow”-worthy bathroom cleverly keeps the focus on fabulous views of Aspen mountains, with a minimalist glass-and-marble shower cube, a deep soaking tub and double vanities of marble and steel. | Photo: Aaron Leitz

This 15,000-square-foot, Art Deco-inspired, contemporary home features a stone-and-wood exterior and varying roof angles, with huge floor-to-ceiling windows to take advantage of views toward Independence Pass and Aspen Mountain. | Photo: David O. Marlow