A Conversation with Elyse Chudacoff

Elyse Chudacoff

A CONVERSATION WITH ELYSE CHUDACOFF

As an Architectural Manager harnessing a holistic approach, Elyse generates happiness for each of her clients by getting to the heart of their vision. With over 10 years of experience, she joins our team craving design challenges, creative problem-solving, and lasting relationships with each of her clients. Sun-filled spaces, functional layouts, intricate details, and embracing the environment are a few of the elements that define Elyse’s designs.

Here, we get to know Elyse, what inspires her, how she begins the design process, and how she strives for client happiness in every project.

Can you remember the first space that had an impact on your architecture career?
I have always been passionate about architecture, but when I studied abroad in Florence, Italy, I was stunned by the attention to detail and intricacy. I knew from that trip going forward that I wanted to apply that level of care to my own work.

What do you enjoy most when designing a home?
Forming relationships with my clients, space planning, and creative problem-solving. I love being able to connect with my clients and work with them to design a functional flow, sophisticated layout, and home to enhance their lives.

Walk me through your design process…
Upon starting a project, I really dive deep and get to know my clients on a personal level. Asking questions and forming a trusting relationship helps me dial in their personal aesthetic, functionality desires, and their overall vision of home. It’s also important for me to evaluate the lot, the environment surrounding it, and its orientation to the sun. Throughout the entire process, we’re in constant communication. I always make sure client happiness is prioritized.

How do you keep your clients engaged throughout the process?
On top of constant communication with my clients, I love the process and collaboration of creating Houzz and Pinterest boards together. It’s a fun and simple way to recognize likes or dislikes and find inspiration.

How do you pull inspiration from so many different clients?
That’s the fun part! It’s all about the details – each client’s personality, visual desires, and finding inspiration from spaces that make them feel happy and comfortable. I’ll be planning and researching design specifics for one client and stumble upon something that I think another client would love. I like to push my clients out of their comfort zone and give them a platform to think outside the box. That all starts with a great relationship.

What is most important to you when working with your clients?
Forming a strong relationship and setting up an initial trust. I want to make sure that the clients know I have their best interests in mind and that I am going to create a space that fits their wants and needs. I think the most valuable piece of information is how my clients will use their home, so it’s extremely important to have strong, open communication from the get-go.

What do you like best about your work?
I love connecting with my clients, bringing their visions to life, and seeing them happy with the result.

What made you want to be a part of the Collective team?
I made connections with the team before I started working at Collective, sourcing for another company. I always loved Collective’s collaborative team of experts. There are so many people to learn from and grow with.

What sets Collective apart from other architects?
Our people. The Collective team is passionate and personal. We get the job done and have fun doing it. We also provide design-build services that streamline the process of designing a home. Everything under one roof and a team that enhances the lives of our clients sets us apart.

If you want to learn more about our architecture services, whether a new home build or a remodel, get in touch with our team today.

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A Conversation with Tyler Mikolajczak

Tyler Mikolajczak

A CONVERSATION WITH TYLER MIKOLAJCZAK

Have you met Tyler? If you’ve been to the Summit County Parade of Homes, odds are, you HAVE met him, through his work. Since a young age, Tyler has had a passion for architecture and appreciates thoughtful design based on the natural environment and his client’s personal aesthetic.

Tyler’s love of design began in Toledo, where he grew up building architectural models, painting houses with his father, and ultimately launched a career in architecture. Like many of us, he ventured west to expand his career and enjoy the mountain lifestyle.

Here, we get to know Tyler, his love for the industry, and what’s most important when it comes to working with his clients.

Can you remember the first space that had an impact on your architecture career?
Yes! The Frank Lloyd Wright Fallingwater home I visited in grade school. Being in a home that was so intertwined with the natural environment really opened my eyes to the true impact architecture can have on our lives.

What inspires you?
Sustainable design and high–performance building. I’m inspired by clean lines, minimalism, and lack of ornamentation in modern designs.

Also, regionalism – homes that rely on specific knowledge of the climate, geography, and topography of the region. As you can imagine, that’s really important in the mountains.

What is your design philosophy?
Sustainable building that naturally blends itself to its surroundings. It’s also really fun to bring reality to a client’s goals for their home.

Walk me through your design process.
It all starts with understanding the clients’ vision and finding inspiration. We then go to the site to get an understanding of how the design can work in its natural environment. Integrating the site with the vision is the foundational start to my process.

How do you keep your clients engaged throughout the process?
The entire process is very fluid and highly communicative. We’re designing as a team, getting input from the client every step of the way. At times, I’ll ask questions that lead my clients to think outside the box creatively, working together toward a design that is completely unique to them.

What do you enjoy most when designing a home?
I love that every project is different, the interaction with the clients throughout the process, and seeing the clients happy when the project is complete.

What is your role throughout the construction process?
I work with the builder to manage the client’s expectations and work as an advocate for the client to help the team achieve the goals that we put into the plans. There’s always an open line of communication.

What is most important to you when working with your clients?
Client happiness. I want to provide a memorable experience and form a great relationship that ultimately leads to a home that they will enjoy for generations to come.

What’s an upcoming project that we should look out for?
Right now, I’m designing a modern home with lots of wood, glass, and steel incorporated. It’s very minimalistic with clean lines and it’s going to have panoramic views of the Gore Range, Ten Mile Range, and Lake Dillon. The home features an expansive living area overlooked by an entertainment loft, an indoor 25-meter lap pool, a theater room, and an executive office to name a few.

What do you like best about your work?
The client interactions, coming up with innovative ideas, and having the ability to create something beautiful that shelters and impacts people’s lives in a meaningful way.

What made you want to be a part of the Collective team?
I formed many relationships with the team at Collective while I was working at another architecture firm in Summit County in my early years. I really enjoy the way the team collaborates and love the company culture.

What sets Collective apart from other architects?
Our team excels in creatively pushing the boundaries of design and goes above and beyond client expectations. We also provide design-build services that streamline the process, components, and decisions that come with designing a home.

If you want to learn more about our architecture services, whether a new home build or a remodel, get in touch with our team today.

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Our Take on Modern Architecture

Modern Architecture

MODERN IN THE MOUNTAINS: ONE ARCHITECT’S TAKE

Zane Levin, head of Collective’s architecture team and Principal Architect, was excited when this project on a three-acre lot in Breckenridge came across his desk: The client wanted true modern design in the mountains (not the amorphous “mountain modern” that seems to represent a whole range of styles, most of them contemporary). “These owners wanted flat roofs, big glass expanses, a material palette of metal and wood, and exposed structure throughout the home—all elements of classic modern design,” Levin says. Driven by the stylistic goals, Levin began by designing boxy volumes and flat roofs of varying heights. “With modern design comes a very open floorplan,” Levin says. So here, the great room, kitchen, and dining are all in one form with doors on both sides of the rectangle: One set of doors opens to the front patio and the other, to the backyard. “The owners wanted that open, modern feel in the public gathering space great for entertaining,” the architect says.
modern architecture

Upstairs are additional bedrooms, a flexible office/exercise space, and a family room with tucked-away bunk beds. The second floor also offers access to a big rooftop deck that stacks over the great room and dining area. “The house is in a valley with mountains all around it,” Levin says. “We wanted to capture those views.”

And nothing’s quite so helpful in that pursuit as glass, which Levin calls this home’s “number one material.” (It’s also essential for the home’s passive-solar design, maximizing energy efficiency throughout the year.) To accent the glass, Levin specified cedar siding to add visual warmth, metal fascia for a handsome contrast, and stone to provide additional texture.

For the home’s interiors, Levin and his team designed architectural details on par with the home’s gorgeous exterior. The most notable of these is the staircase. “We have this massive, glassy corner and the tallest ceiling in the whole house,” Levin says. “It was a great opportunity to showcase the stair from both inside and out.” Warm wood treads, an industrial-style structural system, and glass handrails all combine to give the staircase the desired effect—an ethereal, sculpture-like installation.

modern lighting
modern staircase

The staircase isn’t the only area where Levin focused on the interior details: In the entry, a slatted-wood ceiling treatment was designed to “look purposeful and elegant and also have integrated lighting,” he says. “We spent a lot of time planning exactly what that would look like.” Similarly, Levin brought an industrial look to the dining room’s tray ceiling with a faux I-beams: “We didn’t need those beams to be structural, so those are painted aluminum,” he says. His team dreamed up the design for the bar adjacent to the kitchen and planned careful recessed lighting in the main bedroom’s tray ceiling. “I think we do a really good job coordinating details, visually and functionally, so each house is just what a client wants,” he says.

modern dining table
modern entry

During his architectural work, Levin collaborated with his interior design colleagues at Collective, who selected finishes, furnishings, and fixtures to complete the home’s modern look—and deliver the clients’ dream home.

Learn more about Collective’s distinctive, integrated approach and tell us about your next home project by getting in touch.

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A Conversation with Zane Levin

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A CONVERSATION WITH ZANE LEVIN

You’ve likely seen Zane’s work before. He’s touched years of projects showcased in Summit County’s Parade of Homes and fills our new construction portfolio with stunning homes. His eye for clean lines and love of mountain design perfectly translate in his architectural work.

Born and raised in the northwest suburbs of Chicago, Zane moved to the Flatirons in Colorado to begin his studies at CU Boulder in environmental design. Knowing he wanted to pursue his passion of architecture, he attended CU Denver, earned his Master of Architecture and moved to Summit County to fulfill his dreams at Collective Design, overseeing and managing the architectural design of new construction projects.

After intensive studying, Zane passed his licensing tests in 2019 and moved into his role as Collective’s Principal Architect, where he is now empowered to lead and run projects. With his license, Collective has been able to expand its offering to include architectural design on new construction and remodels.

Here, we get to know Zane, what inspires him and how the architecture process and his strong relationships with clients are key components in building the homes of their dreams.

What made you want to be an architect?
My parents are artists and my grandparents were engineers, involved in construction. I definitely inherited their traits and took interest in both career paths. Architecture really stood out to me as it lands somewhere in the middle of the two. My love of creativity, paired with logical and strategic thinking, lead me to think architecture would be a great fit.

Can you remember the first space that had an impact on your architecture career?
The Clyfford Still Museum in Denver has always been an inspiring building to me. It’s dwarfed by the Denver Art Museum and sits in its shadow but it’s different and beautiful. Most of the building is made of board-formed concrete, which displays a unique texture.

How would you describe your style?
Leaning mountain contemporary. Homes with sleek, hard lines, rectilinear windows and flat roofs are some of my favorite to design. I also love the mountain modern look with more gables, shed roofs, and slightly more traditional mountain forms.

How do you begin the design process?
The lot and the surrounding environment influences and dictates a large portion of the home design and helps guide the basic home layout. Right off the bat, we focus on sun angles, surrounding views, the slope of the lot, and access onto the lot – via driveway, garage, or how you approach the front door.

We’ll put together an initial site plan, based off those key elements to share with the clients. Then together, we’ll create a general layout with adjacency of the specific rooms; the master bedroom, kitchen, etc.

What do you show along the way to explain the project to clients?
We’re in contact with our clients every step of the way, from initial floor plans, to the 3D model, to site plans, to final construction documents. After we create the basic, conceptual layout and floor plans, we begin to hone in on room sizes, windows and specific spaces. Once the client loves the plan and wants to move forward, we create a 3D model to look at building forms, roof lines, and how the windows and doors look on the exterior.

Then together, we look at and choose exterior materials, including siding, colors, exact window sizes and patterns. We apply materials onto the model so the client can see an exact replica of their new home. We layout interior beams, the fireplace, stairs and railings, but when it comes down to interior details and finishes, we hand things off to the interior designer.

Zane-architects

How important is relationship when designing a client’s home?
It’s so important. From the start we work to establish great relationships and trust with our clients. We want them to trust our opinion and be confident that we’re designing them a home they’ll love for years to come. We take the relaxed and easygoing approach, which makes for an all-around easier and more fun process. We really want our clients to enjoy the process and be excited about their project every step of the way.

What do you expect clients to provide?
Inspiration images are great. We encourage our clients to create a Houzz account or start a Pinterest board to get some ideas going. We talk through the overall style they’re looking for, what they like and dislike, how they’ll be using their home, how many beds, baths, stories, or cars they’d like in the garage. We ask if they want a more secluded, woodsy feel or big mountain views which helps us in window positioning and orientation.

What role do you have during construction?
Once we’ve wrapped up the plans, we hand the project off to our sister company, Pinnacle Mountain Homes, or to the client’s chosen contractor for construction. The clients work directly with the contractor but if they have any architectural or detail-oriented questions, we’re still always here to help. Typically, we constantly coordinate with both the construction team and the clients in order to provide a smooth construction phase.

Do you ever try to nudge clients out of their comfort zone?
We’re always trying to push the envelope towards progressive design. If clients are leaning towards outdated styles, we work with them to provide more modern or contemporary suggestions all while making sure they love our input.

What are you currently working on?
A handful of new construction projects, all single-family custom mountain homes, and a handful of remodels. We’re throughout the design process constantly; always seem to be starting something new when we’re upon completion for another.

Since remodels are relatively new to Collective, how do you compare them to your new construction projects?
Our remodel projects are all different in size and scope, from a fireplace addition to a four thousand square foot home renovation and addition. They definitely present their own challenge; working on a building that already exists and turning it into a home that feels fresh and new. It’s exciting to take on different types of projects. We typically work on additions, an extra garage with a bedroom above, for example. Sometimes we move a few walls to open up a room or add walls to create new spaces.

Many of our remodel clients are those who own short-term rentals. They want to keep their home up to date and relevant for those looking to book lodging in the area.

Architect working
Do you have a current favorite project? Not one specifically. I love pieces of each. Every time there’s something unique and creative to a project, I get more excited. For instance, adding a small climbing wall to the bunk room or showcasing sharp exterior lines, flat roofs and unique deck situations are all things across different projects that have me excited right now.
 
How do you influence sustainability in your designs? We are constantly thinking about passive sustainable practices. We take into consideration the orientation of the house and where the windows are located so that natural light can heat the house in the winter and keep it cool in the summer. We’re always pre-wiring homes to have solar or have the option to add solar in the future. We also include electric car charging battery ports in the garages fairly often.
 
What do you like best about your line of work? I love seeing people excited about the final product. For some, we’re building their dream home. For others, it’s their legacy project that they’ll able to pass down to their children, and their children’s children. It’s all about helping our clients meet their goals through architecture.

What made you want to be a part of the Collective team? Collective has an incredible understanding of the market, and what good design looks like. We’re always working on unique and exciting projects and have amazing clients.

What sets Collective apart from other architects? The fact that we are design-build. We have architecture, interior design, construction, estimating and lodging all under one roof. We have a really good understanding of where the market is, what things will cost overall, and what’s trending. Overall, because we employ experts in so many areas, we make a great team, and are able to design, build, furnish, manage, and rent some truly incredible homes!

If you want to learn more about our architecture services, whether you want to build a new home or remodel, get in touch with our team today.

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Remodel Before & After

BEFORE & AFTER: HOW TO TRANSFORM A LOG HOME
INTO A TIMELESS CLASSIC

This Edwards home has a remodel story that only a pandemic could produce: The owners found themselves quarantined in the home—tucked in the beloved community of Cordillera—during the COVID-19 pandemic. They had approached Collective Design Director, Lisa Yates, to help them remodel their kitchen, but the longer the pandemic wore on, the more they noticed other areas of their home they wanted to change: the dining room, the living room, the main bedroom suite, the mud room and laundry…Before long, the list of areas the owners wanted to transform included nearly every space in the 4,780 square-foot home.

Yates was up for the challenge her clients (and a worldwide pandemic) offered: In lieu of meeting in person, they connected virtually, selecting all finishes and fixtures, furnishings, and décor to give the home a warm, modern feel within the context of its original architecture. The owners wanted Yates to replace the home’s dated and overly ornate elements with a holistic look that was both casual and classic. And instead of ignoring the interior log details, the clients asked Yates to craft a design that embraced them while still giving them a brighter, more modern aesthetic.

For the kitchen, Yates revamped the island shape to make the kitchen more expansive and specified cabinetry in two different finishes from Leadville-based Cutting Edge Woodworking: The kitchen perimeter cabinets are painted Benjamin Moore’s Dorian Gray, while those on the island are finished in a warm brown finish dubbed “Spanish Oak.” Cardoso Black granite countertops on the perimeter and White Pearl quartzite in a leathered finish on the island add to the kitchen’s palette of layered neutrals. New furnishings and a modern light fixture in the breakfast nook make the kitchen a delightful place to enjoy morning coffee, prep dinner, and host guests.

The adjacent living room got an overhaul that began with the fireplace surround: Fresh stacked stone and a more contemporary sandstone mantel set the tone for the space’s new vibe. Yates replaced dated furnishings with a large sectional from Lee Industries and nesting cocktail tables. The simple, elegant lines of the furnishings and the muted color palette help draw attention to the beautiful views from the room’s large window.

One of the designer’s favorite elements in the home is the master bedroom’s live-edge wood headboard, crafted by one of Collective’s custom fabricators. Against the silk Phillip Jeffries wallcovering, the bed is a handsome standout—a contemporary riff on high-country design. Details such as custom pillows from Kravet and lamps from Jamie Young Co. add to the room’s elevated feel.

“It’s been really enjoyable to see the evolution of Cordillera throughout the years and be a part of a project that can carry the neighborhood into a new generation,” said Yates in her recent video interview.

The home’s transformation underscores Collective’s ability to slide seamlessly along the spectrum between traditional and modern to deliver the exact look and feel each client desires. We’re always eager to work with homeowners to create their dream homes—whether your project is a new build, a kitchen remodel, or anything in between. Contact us here to begin a conversation about how Collective’s team can help you achieve your home-design goals.

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Meet Our Architecture Team

architecture-hero

GET TO KNOW OUR SUMMIT COUNTY ARCHITECTURE TEAM

Our Summit County Architecture team is continually growing to bring new perspectives, expertise and experience to Collective. Specializing in every detail whether a small remodel or an entire new build, our team of licensed architects and supporting architectural designers have continued to exceed expectations and create striking, progressive spaces for their clients.

Here, we get to know each of our architects and supporting team members, provide insight into the importance of strong designer-client relationships and give an inside look at the streamlined architecture process our team uses to design the home of your dreams.

Architecture-Zane
Zane Levin
Principle Architect

What made you want to be an architect?
My parents are artists, and my grandparents were engineers, involved in construction. I definitely inherited their traits and took interest in both career paths. Architecture really stood out to me as it lands somewhere in the middle of the two. My love of creativity and design, paired with logical and strategic thinking, led me to think architecture would be a great fit.

What do you show along the way to explain the project to clients?
We’re in contact with our clients every step of the way; from initial floor plans, to a 3D model, to site plans, to final construction documents. After we create the basic, conceptual layout, we begin to hone in on room sizes, windows and specific spaces. Once the client loves the plan and wants to move forward, we create a 3D model to look at building forms, roof lines and how the windows and doors look on the exterior. Then together, we look at and choose exterior materials, including siding, colors, exact window sizes and patterns. We apply materials onto the model so the client can see an exact replica of their new home. We layout interior beams, the fireplace, stairs and railings, but when it comes down to interior details and finishes, we will work with the interior design team to make more specific decisions.

Since remodels are relatively new to Collective, how do you compare them to your new construction projects?
Our remodel projects are all different in size and scope, from a fireplace addition to a four thousand square foot home renovation and addition. They definitely present their own challenge; working on a building that already exists and turning it into a home that feels fresh and new. It’s exciting to take on different types of projects, and work on different home styles. We typically work on additions, like an extra garage with a bedroom above, for example. Sometimes we will make major modifications, such as removing a few walls to open up a room or adding walls to create new spaces.

What sets Collective apart from other architects?
The fact that we are design-build for starters. We have architecture, interior design, construction, estimating and lodging all under one roof. We have a really good understanding of where the market is, what things will cost overall, and what’s trending. Because we employ experts in so many areas, we make a great team, and can tackle any type of project. Additionally, we like to progress design and look to the future. No project is ever the same, so we are always pushing the envelope and making our team stronger from a design perspective.

ARchitecture plans
Architecture-tyler
Tyler Mikolajczak
Architectural Director

What’s your favorite aspect of architecture? To have the ability to create something beautiful that shelters and impacts people’s lives in a meaningful way.

Can you remember the first space that had an impact on your architecture career?
Growing up, my parents took me on a trip to Pittsburgh. While we were there, we visited Falling Water, a stunning and unique home designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright in 1935. Being in a home that was so intertwined with the natural environment surrounding it really opened my eyes to the true impact architecture can have on our lives.

What role do you have during construction?
During construction, I work with the contractor and the client to help facilitate making the client’s dreams into a reality, every step of the way.

Architecture
Architecture
Architecture-Josh
Josh Mazar
Architectural Manager

What are you currently working on? I’m working on a handful of new construction projects. We’re designing homes from four thousand square feet all the way up to seven thousand square feet. Each home is unique to its environment and setting, presenting different challenges and opportunities.

 
 
 

What made you want to be a part of the Collective Architecture team?
When I was presented with the opportunity to be a part of the team, I couldn’t turn it down because of their personal approach, unique offerings, and focus on design in the mountains. I could tell right off the bat that the team has a strong sense of camaraderie while offering individual, focused talents throughout. We definitely all have fun together.

What are your favorite types of projects or aspects of a project to design?
I really don’t have a favorite type of project. I think each opportunity is exciting because of the location and lot. I enjoy working with clients that give me the chance to present unique architectural elements to enhance the overall design. The initial schematic design of the home is what I find most enjoyable. During this phase, we work with the client to create and mold the project into a beautiful home.

Architecture-Josh2
Elyse Chudacoff
Elyse Chudacoff
Architectural Manager

What do you enjoy most when designing a home?
Forming relationships with my clients, space planning, and creative problem-solving. I love being able to connect with my clients and work with them to design a functional flow, sophisticated layout, and home to enhance their lives.

 
 
 

What made you want to be a part of the Collective team?
I made connections with the team before I started working at Collective, sourcing for another company. I always loved Collective’s collaborative team of experts. There are so many people to learn from and grow with.

What sets Collective apart from other architects?
Our people. The Collective team is passionate and personal. We get the job done and have fun doing it. We also provide design-build services that streamline the process of designing a home. Everything under one roof and a team that enhances the lives of our clients sets us apart.

 

Alida Toth
Alida Toth
Architectural Manager

 

 
 
 
Amanda Flanagan
Amanda Flanagan
Architectural Designer

Can you remember the first space that had an impact on your architecture career?

This is a challenging question because, in my opinion, several sites of varying scales had a greater influence on my career than one specific space. My first internship in the Vail/Beaver Creek/Cordillera region was the first time I saw extravagant landscape architecture outside of popular public locations or school. These insane landscapes paired with beautiful homes opened my world to upscale residential design.  

What are your favorite types of projects or aspects of a project to design? 

Projects where the client wishes to integrate landscape architecture with their new architecture are my favorite. I enjoy working on projects where we create designs or solutions that the client never would have considered on their own. I also love projects that are centered around a way of life rather than solely aesthetics.

What are you currently working on?

For the past few weeks, I have been organizing and drawing construction details for the Sicard residence. Drawing these details has been a very challenging but educational process for me because my background is in landscape architecture, but I am grateful to be learning by diving in head first in something I am unfamiliar with… especially as we get closer to finishing everything!

Mackenzie-Ivory
Mackensie Ivory
Architectural Designer

As an architectural designer who’s all about the mountain lifestyle, what really gets me excited is the chance to work on homes that bring families closer to nature and each other. Being from Colorado, I have a soft spot for designing mountain homes where coziness meets the great outdoors. It’s the whole process of dreaming up a space with our clients, making sure it’s a perfect backdrop for their snowy adventures and quiet moments alike, that I find incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about creating a home that’s not just a place to stay, but a sanctuary where memories are made, all while keeping those stunning mountain views front and center.

 
 

What I love most about designing a home is picking out materials and colors, making sure every corner feels just right, and ensuring the house respects the environment it sits in, are parts of the process I really dive into. It’s about more than just building houses; it’s about crafting spaces where life happens, laughter echoes, and families can enjoy the beauty of nature right on their doorstep. That connection to nature, the excitement of a ski trip, and the warmth of a family gathering are what drive my designs.

Sarah-Meeves
Sarah Meeves
Architectural Designer

What made you want to be a part of the Collective team?
I made connections with the team before I started working at Collective, sourcing for another company. I always loved Collective’s collaborative team of experts. There are so many people to learn from and grow with.

What sets Collective apart from other architects?
Our people. The Collective team is passionate and personal. We get the job done and have fun doing it. We also provide design-build services that streamline the process of designing a home. Everything under one roof and a team that enhances the lives of our clients sets us apart.

Sophie-Kollar
Sophie Kollar
Architectural Designer

What are your favorite types of projects or aspects of a project to design?

 My favorite aspect of projects revolves around creating communal spaces where families can come together, bond, and build lasting memories. Whether it’s crafting cozy living rooms where loved ones gather around a fireplace or designing inviting kitchens that serve as the heart of the home, I’m passionate about fostering connections within families. I believe these spaces serve as the physical framework in which families shape their lives.

 

What do you enjoy most when designing a home?

What I enjoy most when designing a home is the opportunity to forge personal connections with my clients. I love getting to know their unique lifestyles, preferences, and dreams, which allows me to tailor the design to perfectly suit their needs. Working through spatial relationships within the home is like solving a puzzle, where each piece contributes to creating a functional living space. Being part of an incredible team of designers adds an extra layer of inspiration and collaboration, enriching the creative process and ensuring we deliver the best possible outcome for our clients.

What are you currently working on?

I’m currently working on a remodel project right here in Breckenridge! I love that remodels allow the client to rejuvenate their home, enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of their space. What’s particularly exciting is that we’re achieving this without the environmental and financial impact of demolishing and rebuilding. It’s incredibly fulfilling to repurpose existing elements and breathe new life into the home, creating a space that truly reflects the family’s needs and values.

It was amazing to be able to create my design from a “blank canvas” with a few restrictive obstacles in the way. Moving back towards this level of design, but being able to dive deeper into architecture, has been a great move in my career and is helping Collective Design bridge the gap between architecture and interior design. I love space planning and that, to me, means creating a home interior that not only functions well but has a cohesive esthetic throughout that coordinates back to the exterior. Did building and designing your home inspire more of a career focus in architectural design? Designing my own home and working with Zane on finessing the details before submittal showed me the interior design areas where I thrive, and that there is so much more I want to learn about architecture. Being on site constantly to physically build my house with my father-in-law and husband has taught and inspired me so much more than I would have ever anticipated. Working on my own project reiterated that building a great designer-client relationship and maintaining consistent communication throughout the project is so important from thinking big picture to the little details and everything in between. How do you influence sustainability in your design? There are many parts of sustainability. In design the finished material, whether it be low flow plumbing fixtures, Energy Star appliances, LEED light fixtures, or low emissions paint, all have an effect on sustainability. Starting in 2021, we are working to make any newly built house Zero Energy Ready Home (ZERH) compliant.
David Rynes
EVP of Client Relationships


How important is relationship when designing a client’s home?
SO important. Like any successful relationship, the key is listening. When we start by listening to our client’s goals and getting personal, the rest unfolds.

 
 
 
What do you show along the way to explain the project to clients? From a design standpoint, we show conceptual diagrams, floorplans, 3D modeling, and photorealistic images along the way. From a process standpoint, we provide a detailed timeline, milestones, and deadlines.

What sets Collective apart from other architects? Our ability to listen and communicate is really a defining characteristic of our team and business model. Critically, we listen to our client’s budget goals and we know how to design to meet their goals. We’re not designing for us, we’re designing for them, and that starts by understanding how to execute what they’re looking for, on their budget. Want to learn more about our architecture offerings?

Check out our remodel blog featuring before and after images and an interview between the architect and client or view our full portfolio. We’d love to help you bring your vision of home to life. Get in touch with our team of architects and designers today.

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Renovation Before & Afters

breckenridge remodel

BRECKENRIDGE REMODEL BEFORE & AFTER

Whether you’re considering a remodel an existing space or building a new home from the ground up, our full-service architectural offerings have you covered from the first client meeting and initial renderings to the final product. Our approach towards bringing our client’s visions to life is founded on our guiding principles of trust, transparency and collaboration. By combining the forces of our award-winning designers and our in-house architects, Collective is fully equipped to tackle challenges like this remodel located in Breckenridge’s Warrior’s Mark neighborhood.

Beginning with a home built in the mid-70s with many years since an update, our team focused on introducing a more progressive design while adding more spaces for gathering. “We completely stripped the house down to the studs. We rebuilt the garage to create three new bedrooms, added a new garage with a rooftop deck and ripped out the original bedrooms to make room for an entertaining space. Finally, we combined the kitchen, living and dining areas into one airy, open-concept space,” said Architect, Zane Levin. “This is one of the larger remodels I’ve worked on and resulted in one of the coolest transformations.”

Here, we share this home’s before-and-after evolution and how the clients of this project appreciated our seamless design process, personal approach and attention to detail. Join Zane as he sits down with the client to get the full story on this unbelievable remodel.

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Zane: What was different about working with Collective compared with what you expected?
Client: The level of detail Collective provided from the beginning and through the project was much greater than I expected. I felt comfortable that nothing was going to get missed because there were so many details to see and choose. The team made it easy by offering great suggestions for us to review and choose.

Zane: Why did you initially choose Collective?
Client: The professionalism and experience. Throughout the process, the team had it all under control and laid everything out very easily for us.

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Zane: What was your biggest concern in choosing Collective, and what put your fears to rest?
Client: My biggest concern was having to make a thousand decisions on my own in something I have never done, a full remodel. Collective put those fears to rest early in the process when they made it clear that they will keep everything under control and won’t let us make a single mistake.

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Zane: What were you hoping to get out of working with Collective, and how did the experience compare to your expectations?
Client: We were hoping to get great guidance on the project and suggestions that fit our idea and desires for the home and for the way we live. Collective nailed it and took our initial idea to a new level that ended up even better than we could have ever expected.

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Zane: What made you happiest working with Collective? Client: The end result. Through the process, the designers made every little detail very seamless for us, but the end result of the home, what we were looking for and more, really makes us the happiest. Learn more about our Summit County architecture team, our process and browse our breadth of work. If you’re ready to bring your vision of home to life, get in touch with our team of architects and designers today.
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Considering a Remodel?

remodel

REMODELS – BEFORE & AFTER

Refreshed. It’s that feeling you get from new beginnings. It’s recognizing the inevitability of change and celebrating a new season of life. It’s seeing your home in a whole new light, and injecting energy back into your space with thoughtful design updates.

There’s never been a better time to breathe new life into your home with a remodel or renovation, leaning on our designers to build upon what you already love while embracing the evolution of your vision and the optimism of a fresh start.

Here, our designers and architect share how they revive spaces through remodels, their personal approach and attention to detail to bring their client’s vision of home to life.

Catherine Lykins, Associate Designer

Before

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After

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What were your clients looking to update and why?
They were looking to remodel the entire basement to add a larger family room, bar, bunk room, office, and bathroom. The rest of the home focused on mainly cosmetic updates, space planning, and new furnishings and accessories.

What was the process like for this project?
Since this is remodel, we had to start by figuring out what the scope of the project was and what the clients were looking for. After meeting with them, talking through how they’ll be using their home, and honing in on their style, we moved into the design set phase. The general contractors then take over and we act as their right hand with anything they need design related. Once construction was finishing up, we went through the same process for furnishings.

What’s something unique about this remodel?
This ski-in, ski-out home was built in 1975. You can see how different these spaces feel simply by updating the floors, paint, and ceiling.

Collective Design Team

Before

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After

eagle-county-remodel-kitchen-after

What were they looking to update and why?
The clients were looking to update the kitchen and living spaces on the main floor, the place where they gather and entertain most. We pushed the kitchen island out, created a custom wet bar, updated to neutral washed cabinets, lighter tile, and new hardware. We also stripped the dark, traditional look of the log accent wall and added a neutral wash to make the room look larger and brighter. All the details and pieces were thoughtfully chosen to reflect their lifestyle and aesthetic.

What’s something unique about this remodel?
Textures play a huge role in making a space warm, inviting ,and unique. We were able to work with our clients to design stunning, custom area rugs which tied it all together.

Zane Levin, Principal Architect

Before

eagle-county-remodel-architecture-before

In Progress

eagle-county-remodel-architecture-during

After

eagle-county-remodel-architecture-plans
What were they looking to update and why?
Everything besides the roof and the walls. We completely stripped the house down to the studs. We rebuilt the existing garage to create 3 new bedrooms, added a new garage with a rooftop deck, ripped out the original bedrooms to be an entertaining space and incorporated an open concept in the kitchen, living and dining areas. The clients wanted more sleeping capacity, a new master bedroom larger than the existing bedrooms, and fun areas for gathering.


What’s something unique about this remodel?
When we use the term, “remodel” or “renovation”, it’s typically a change to a portion of the home. An addition is a singular space that’s added, like a new master suite or new garage. This home is a remodel with an addition, making it unique in itself. The project was a lot like a new construction build because of its huge undertaking and we’re doing so much. 

Want to see more of our projects? Check out our before & after refurnish blog or our interior design portfolio. If you’re ready to bring your vision of home to life, get in touch with our designers today.

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