Westminster is one of the best places to live in Colorado. It offers idyllic mountain scenery, a lot of recreational activities, and access to great schools. It is also home to some of the best residential architects in the state, even the nation.
Below are the top 15 firms, chosen after our editorial team considered their awards, publications, accreditations, and reviews.
Tomecek Studio Architecture
3222 Tejon Street, Studio C, Denver, CO 80211
Tomecek Studio Architecture invites its clients to partake in their unique creative process. Their vision of using collective creativity to design experiences has led to them becoming an award-winning firm. In 2020 alone, they won six awards including the Best Residential Award from Denver Architects, and the Young Firm of the Year and Cemetery Residence categories from AIA Colorado Awards.
Since its founding in 2013, Tomecek Studio has been widely acclaimed for its residential architecture projects and has been featured in more than 80 publications. They focus on contemporary, modern, and 21st-century architecture and incorporate sustainability into their designs. One of their exemplary work is the Mallard Creek residence in Berthoud, Colorado. The residence’s design takes inspiration from site features like a wetland with a stream, a lake surrounded by an alfalfa field, and Long’s Peak views. There is a long stone wall that connects private and public spaces and indoor and outdoor areas, as well as a sunrise court. Tomecek Studio Architecture’s deisgn reinterprets the use of traditional materials and agrarian forms.
The founder and principal of Tomecek Studio, Brad Tomecek, started the firm after winning the AIA National Architect Award in 2012. He has a bachelor’s degree in design and a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Florida. Today, he shares his expertise with the next generation of architects at the University of Colorado, College of Architecture and Planning.
Gettliffe Architecture
3014 Bluff Street, #101, Boulder, CO 80301
Gettliffe Architecture has been championing sustainability and eco-friendliness in its designs since 1984. The firm’s aim is to create structures that are in harmony with nature. In 2019, it received the Green Building of the Year award from the Colorado Green Building Guild for its Sugarloaf Outcrop residence project.
Gettliffe has established its reputation in both the local and international markets. It has also passed the standards of several accreditation bodies including the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and The International Ecotourism Society.
This year, Gettliffe earned a spot in “The Best Residential Architects in Boulder, Colorado,” an article in the Home Builders Digest. The firm has also been consistently featured in magazines like Dwell, 5280 Homes, and Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.
Principal Dominique Gettliffe has a master’s degree in architecture from l’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He directs the humanitarian and sustainability efforts of the firm.
HMH Architects + Interiors
1701 15th Street, Suite B, Boulder, CO 80302
HMH Architecture + Interiors is an award-winning Colorado-based design studio known for their creativity, elegant finishes and attention to detail. Since 1989, they have been curating a diverse portfolio spanning custom homes, renovations, workplace and retail projects. They are passionate about all facets of design and approach projects with no preconceived agenda, believing that the finest design arises from a dynamic process of collaboration with the client – their projects take on a multitude of forms. Beyond beautiful buildings, the principles of sustainable design have always been integral in their work. Their projects are charged with customized, eco-friendly solutions that are achievable for their clients and can evolve with their changing needs.
HMH’s work has received acclaim for engaging the public in unique expressions of place, as demonstrated by more than 40 design awards, including eighteen AIA awards—generally regarded as the highest level of design achievement. The firm’s work has appeared in numerous publications including Modern in Denver Magazine, Mountain Living Magazine, 5280 Home, LUXE Magazine, Architect Magazine and Boulder Lifestyle.
Photo by David Lauer Photography
Harvey Hine, a master’s degree graduate in architecture from Harvard University founded the firm and currently serves as its managing principal. In 2021, Leah Civiok and Stephanie Bingham were elevated to partners in the firm. Leah is a SCAD Grad (Savannah College of Art & Design) which uniquely prepared her to lead the Interior Design team. Stephanie joined HMH in 2014 bringing twenty (20) years of Marketing and Design experiences and oversees the day-to-day processes of the office.
KGA Studio Architects
KGA Studio Architects 950 Spruce Street, Suite 2d, Louisville, CO 80027
KGA Studio Architects is the perfect match for clients who want to be highly involved in the process of designing their homes. Above all else, this firm works to ensure that its clients are comfortable sharing their ideas and that the design meets the client’s needs.
The firm has been in the business of residential architecture for more than four decades. It has won many local and national awards since its establishment, including principal Paul Mahony’s induction into the Colorado Homes & Lifestyles’ 2018 Circle of Excellence and the 2022 Nationals Gold Award for Best One of a Kind Home – Custom or Spec.
One of the firm’s most notable designs is the Buell Mansion Contemporary Custom Home in Cherry Hills Village, Colorado which won three awards and was featured in the March-April 2021 issue of Colorado Homes & Lifestyles.
Principal Paul Mahony started working with KGA Studio Architects as a draftsman in 1993 and has been a partner since 2002.
BONSAI
2931 W 25th Avenue, Denver, CO 80211
Bonsai offers both architectural and construction services. It follows an architect-led design-build process which allows it to approach a project holistically. Clients seeking a convenient two-in-one arrangement will find working with Bonsai a pleasure.
Bonsai is the 2020 recipient of the Best Architecture Firm in Denver from Archareer and the 2021 Best Architects in Denver from the Industry Oversight Report. The firm was also listed as one of the 22 Best Architects in Denver in an article by Expertise.com.
The firm’s portfolio is populated with work on existing structures as well as fresh, new designs. One that stands out the most among its residential design and construction projects is the Muir House at Lakewood featuring 3000 square feet of contemporary and sustainable architecture.
Principal Josh Oqueli has a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture. Inspired by the architectural structures in Barcelona, he decided to dedicate his life to designing structures and then building them.
Entasis Group
1501 W 124th Avenue, #100, Westminster, CO 80234
Entasis Group is the firm behind the Home of the Year Award Winner, Evergreen Modern. This project sits on a hilltop west of Denver and features a sky deck that allows owners and guests to enjoy views of the surrounding mountain and sky. It set the bar high for future projects from the firm.
Entasis Group is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and licensed to practice architecture in Colorado and Florida. It has been featured in many publications, including LUXE, Colorado Homes & Lifestyles, Modern in Denver, and Colorado Expressions Magazine.
Principal Brian Ojala has a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture. Partner Aaron Ojala has a master’s degree in build discipline and is an Energy Star Certified Builder. Both of them have been included on the list of Top 40 under 40 Business Professionals provided by the Denver Business Journal.
Zaga Design Group Inc.
3630 W 32nd Ave, #2 Denver, CO 80211
Zaga Design Group creates architectural designs that center on the ideas of community, practicality, and efficiency. The firm incorporates 21st century and contemporary concepts into its designs. Zaga commits to improving the quality of life for their clients by providing a customized approach and personalized touch throughout every phase of a project, from conceptual design through construction. Their project portfolio includes single family, multifamily, mixed-use commercial developments, community buildings, educational facilities, and historic renovations.
The firm is a proud member of the American Institute of Architects and a recipient of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification. This year, Expertise.com featured it as one of the best architects in Denver, and they are a recipient of the NAHB award for Best in American Living.
Principal Sandra Thompson has a bachelor’s degree in architecture and more than 25 years of experience in designing homes in Colorado. She is also a recipient of the Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) certification from the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC).
AGAPP
9208 Lamar Street, Westminister, CO 80031
A Guy A Pencil and A Plan (AGAPP) is a firm with more than a decade of experience in designing residential homes. The firm is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
The firm works mostly on single-family custom homes with modern and luxurious designs. One of its best is the Muilenberg Residence, a home designed to mimic life in Colorado. Principal Jim Felmlee is an expert in residential architecture; he started working for small firms in 1998 and built this firm in 2009.
Mues Architecture
215 South Wadsworth Boulevard, Suite 300, Lakewood, CO 80226
MUES is an unconventional architecture firm founded by Richard Muller and Anthony Ries, AIA. The projects of the firm include multi-family, single-family, hospitality, commercial, and senior living.
Principal Richard Muller is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He is licensed to practice his profession in Colorado, Arizona, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Principal Anthony Ries, AIA is a member of the American Institute of Architects and has a bachelor’s degree in environmental design and a master’s degree in architecture and business administration. He is an NCARB certified, a LEED AP professional who is licensed to practice architecture in Colorado and Utah.
Richard A Lefcourt Architect
10153 Meade Court, Westminster, CO 80031
Richard A Lefcourt Architect has extensive experience in designing for projects in various states. The firm is licensed to practice architecture in Colorado and Florida. It specializes in styled ranch and new traditional designs. One project that stands out in their portfolio is the Pacific Dream Home. It was designed to accommodate the needs of a professional couple engaged in a home-based business.
Principal A Lefcourt has a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in urban design. He was a former member of the American Institute of Architects.
Arcadea Architecture
Arcadea Architecture, 741A Pearl Street, Boulder, CO 80302
Arcadea Architecture translates stories into designs. The name of the firm is a contraction of Idea and Architecture as well as an allusion to Arcadia of Greek Mythology, a setting of idyllic simplicity. Most of the firm’s projects have a 21st-century architectural design. One great representative of their exemplary work is the Mine House. It was inspired by mining structures and designed to conserve water and energy.
Principal David Biek graduated with a master’s degree in design from Harvard University. He also has a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a diploma in specialized architecture studies.
Ellen Lind Architect
Westminster, CO
Having worked in the industry for over 12 years, and been licensed since 2017, Ellen Lind has a passion for helping homeowners see their vision come to life. Whether it’s a simple basement finish, a historic renovation and addition, a full house renovation, or a brand new home. For more info reach out at ellenlind.com.
Daniel J Mazotti-Architect
10322 Tennyson Court, Westminster, CO
Daniel J Mazotti (DJM) Architecture won the National Silver Award from the National Association of Home Builders twice. It is also the recipient of the 2013 Major Achievements in Merchandising Excellence Award and Mayor’s Design Awards.
Principal Daniel J Mazotti is a detail-oriented professional who has been in the business of residential architecture since 1993. His firm is based in Westminister, Colorado. It specializes in custom homes and builder/production housing. Over the years, it has built a solid reputation at both the local and international levels.
DAO Architecture
7230 Meade Street, Westminster, CO, 80030
DAO Architecture is a client-centered firm based in Westminister, Colorado. The firm was founded in 2019. The firm’s portfolio consists of both residential and commercial projects. Most notably, it has been employed by several schools, namely Aruppe Jesuit High School John E. Fylnn Elementary School, and STEM Middle School. Healthcare facilities such as Boulder Health Center and Lone Tree Family Center also chose to trust and employ this firm.
Principal Dan Orecchio has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture from the University of Nebraska. In his 13 years of experience, he has worked on different project types including offices, schools, healthcare facilities, and transportation facilities.
