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.

GET IN TOUCH