Spotlight on Vail Valley

Berglund Architects. | Photo: Ric Stovall

Vail, Colorado, is synonymous with stunning alpine landscapes and world-class skiing, but its appeal goes far beyond winter sports. This vibrant mountain town offers an eclectic mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it a year-round haven for travelers. Whether you’re carving through fresh powder, exploring scenic hiking trails, or enjoying fine dining with a view, Vail promises an unforgettable experience in every season.

In this spotlight, we’ll dive into what makes Vail a standout destination, and introduce you to some of the talented professionals, from architecture and design to flooring and home décor retail, that help homeowners both seasoned and new, create the homes of their dreams in a wonderland of natural beauty and refined living.

DISTINGUISHED DESIGN

Photo: Ric Stovall

BERGLUND ARCHITECTS has been creating innovative, artful Mountain Modern architecture and interior design in the Vail Valley and beyond for 20-plus years. Learn more about their integrated architectural and interior design process, their commitment to sustainability and how their talented team helps homeowners navigate the custom home building process.

First of all, congratulations on your anniversary! Your firm has experienced phenomenal success over the last two decades. Why do you think that is, and where do you hope to go from here?

We believe our success stems from our highly interactive creative process. Beginning with a multi-day “Design Charrette,” a collaborative on-site brainstorming session with our clients, we discuss goals and budgets, study site-specific factors and provide freehand sketches to explore ideas that synthesize into a truly unique home that is reflective of them and harmonious with its surroundings.

Our vision for the future is to continue approaching each project with enthusiasm and curiosity to understand the circumstances particular to each client and site to create timeless, innovative homes that positively impact our clients’ lives by connecting them to the physical and psychological environment and to each other.

In your opinion, what is the key to helping clients navigate the sometimes formidable processes of designing a custom home?

Berglund Architects emphasizes making the architectural and interior design process enjoyable and collaborative. The interactive and trust building process of the Charrette extends throughout the architectural and interior design phases, with quick hand sketches, detailed exterior and interior renderings and 3D computer walkthroughs that help clients fully understand the architectural and interior of their future home and ensure seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces.

How does Berglund incorporate sustainability practices in their projects?

Sustainability is a core principle in Berglund’s designs, from initial sketches that study solar orientation and roof forms for solar panels and shading to final material selections. We focus on thermal comfort, durability, low maintenance and healthy indoor air quality. For more than 20 years, we have incorporated high-performance insulation, nontoxic materials, and energy-efficient windows into our projects. With seven LEED-certified projects, including two LEED Platinum and three net-zero energy homes, we continue to innovate in energy performance and sustainable design into all of our projects. Each project is tailored to withstand unique climatic conditions, reflecting the belief that great design is inherently sustainable.

BERGLUND ARCHITECTS
Hans Berglund, Adam Gilmer, Stephanie Lord-Johnson
AIA, Principals
Edwards, Colorado

MOUNTAIN COLLABORATION

Courtesy of Martin Manley Architects

John Martin and Jeffrey Manley partnered to create MARTIN MANLEY ARCHITECTS in 2005. One of the most dedicated architecture teams in the Vail Valley, they are constantly thinking outside the box and pushing design in new directions.

What, in your opinion, defines a spectacular result?

The best architectural designs rest comfortably in their site and within their context; are handsome in massing and composition; have smart and efficient floor plans; are structurally simple and environmentally responsive; are budget conscious; and fulfill the visions of the client. The perfect balance of all these things is inherent in great architectural design.

What serves as inspiration for your mountain home designs?

The client’s initial vision seeds the inspiration for every project. From there, the site itself informs the development of the design. Sometimes it’s a spectacular mountain view, or the sheltering from snowy winters, or the quiet reflections of a lake, or the nestling into an aspen grove. The Colorado Rocky Mountains never cease to inspire us with majestic beauty and simple charms. We focus on complementing our clients’ lifestyles and needs while emphasizing stylistic variety and designs that fit seamlessly into the mountain environment.

How do you help your clients envision the final product?

We love designing beautiful and efficient homes for homeowners. The owner is served well when they can understand the three-dimensional complexities of the project before the project is actually built. That’s why we use up-to-date computer 3D modeling programs and visualization software. This process helps the client envision themselves within the space, and experience the proportions of the space. We work to make the process as enjoyable and worry-free for the owner as possible.

What sets Martin Manley Architects apart from other architectural firms?

We are truly a collaborative architectural firm that thrives on the strengths of our partners and associates. We build a team with the best design professionals, consultants, specialists, and builders in the Vail Valley. This allows us to tackle a wide range of project types and stylistic diversity.

MARTIN MANLEY ARCHITECTS
John Martin, Architect AIA
Jeffrey Manley, Architect AIA
970-328-5151
Eagle, Colorado

CONTINENTAL FLAIR

Courtesy of Kasia Karska Design

KASIA KARSKA DESIGN sets itself apart with a unique design-build model that guarantees a seamless experience for their clients. Discover what else makes a Kasia Karska experience truly exceptional.

Your work is very much rooted in creating homes that become sanctuaries for their inhabitants. What design principles do you focus on that help you achieve this?

Rooted in creating sanctuaries, our team emphasizes integrating nature into our designs. By bringing the outdoors inside and closely listening to clients, we craft homes that truly reflect individual styles and personalities.

In 25 years in business, what is one of the most unusual or interesting homes you’ve built?

In 25 years, each project has been special, but a few stand out. The Elk Crossing project features a stunning backlit slab that turns a bathroom into a spa-like retreat. The Schangrila project boasts a giant granite rock in the primary bathroom shower, perfect for perching, while Windy Hill’s glass showers offer an immersive nature experience.

How do your travels around the world inform your designs?

In particular, Kasia’s global travels deeply influence our designs. European trips inspire craftsmanship and classic architecture, while Hawaiian adventures bring Polynesian touches like decorative gongs. An African safari led to a lodge-inspired home, and a Polish Tatra Mountains house was shipped to and reassembled in Colorado. We often source unique materials worldwide, such as Yaki Sugi charred wood, for projects that blend international elements into our distinctive designs.

KASIA KARSKA DESIGN
Kasia Karska Owner, Lead Designer, General Contractor
970-343-2302
Vail Valley, Colorado

FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Courtesy of LKW Luxury Interior Design

The skilled team at LKW LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN has mastered the art of creating interiors that exude lived-in luxury, effortlessly blending style, quality, and comfort. Read on to get a peek into their process.

Designing homes in an iconic location like Vail, Colorado, comes with certain assumptions. How do you break away from the tried and true?

We’re always exploring fresh ideas by studying the work of other designers, especially those outside of Colorado.This helps us stay inspired by designs we admire but don’t necessarily want to replicate. Instead, we use them as a springboard to create unique designs that are tailored to our clients and their home’s specific location. Working on projects in various states, in addition to Colorado, allows us to experiment with different styles and design approaches. It’s an exciting challenge that keeps our work diverse and creative.

Describe your creative process when working with new clients. What approach do you take to help each one feel seen and understood?

We begin every project with a thorough Project Discovery phase.This is crucial for laying the groundwork for a successful outcome. During this phase, we take the time to understand the client’s functional needs, style preferences, budget considerations, and project scope. It’s similar to dating before marriage—it helps us establish a solid relationship and ensures we’re aligned before moving forward.

In your decade of business together, what is one of the most satisfying projects you’ve worked on?

The Bay House is a standout project that we’re incredibly proud of. We collaborated with the architecture team from the outset, handling interior architecture, fixed finish selections and custom cabinet design. Our team also designed all the furniture and décor, bringing the client’s vision to life. The client loves the result, and we’re now working on additional projects with them, which is the ultimate compliment.

LKW LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN
Kayce Newell and Jamie Critchlow, Principal Designers and Founders
970-446-1619
Edwards, Colorado

AGED TO PERFECTION

Stag Horn residence. | Courtesy of Vintage Woods

Local company VINTAGE WOODS taps into generations of traditional Dutch techniques coupled with a curiosity and desire to refine these processes using modern technology to create one-of-a-kind custom-finished wood and timber building products.

What was the original inspiration behind the creation of Vintage Woods?

Initially, the concept was born out of necessity from the painting side of the business. We were asked to perform some prefinishing work on some siding materials for a project. Very soon, the creative juices started to flow and the drive to create a truly unique product line began to grow.

What is your secret for transforming new wood into truly unique and beautiful design elements?

Wood is naturally beautiful—it has character and dimension of its own, and we believe that subtlety is an art form. The product must perform to the highest standards, so our sealers and patinas are a perfect blend between durable and natural looking.

What are some of the distinguishing characteristics of your favorite species of wood?

It’s difficult to pick a favorite species. Depending on the project, rustic or modern, each species has its place. With the current design trends, the clear vertical-grain hemlock is very clean and contemporary, and its unique grain pattern lends itself to modern architecture in conjunction with glass, stone and steel.

VINTAGE WOODS
Nick Swanepoel, Founder
970-524-4041
Gypsum, Colorado

REFINED DESIGN

Courtesy of Home Outfitters

For over 38 years, HOME OUTFITTERS has offered unique, distinctive and inspired home furnishings and accessories in a beautiful and relaxed atmosphere. Read on to learn more about the full breadth of their offerings.

Beyond your showroom, what other services does Home Outfitters offer?

At Home Outfitters, we offer a range of services that showcase who we are. Our 5,000 sq. ft. retail showroom features a diverse selection of furniture, accessories, and art, along with the opportunity to special-order custom pieces. We also serve as a design hub, not only for our in-house interior design team but also for local and visiting designers. Additionally, our warehouse team expertly handles the receiving, inspecting, storing and delivering of merchandise. We’ve also launched a staging department to help buyers envision the potential of homes on the market.

Vail is a magical place. How do your offerings uniquely reflect the mountain lifestyle that makes it so special?

We specialize in curating a relaxed, casual style or a more sophisticated look, ideal for mountain homeowners, blending Mountain Modern with our clients’ tastes for personalized, eclectic spaces. This might include pairing an antler chandelier with antique crystal over a contemporary dining set. We love incorporating colorful, cozy elements like alpaca throws, shearling fabrics, and plush seating elements. Understanding that Vail Valley homeowners cherish time outdoors and with family, our versatile designs seamlessly transition from a family game night to an elegant
dinner party.

HOME OUTFITTERS
Donna Lang Arenschield, Owner
info@homeoutfittersvail.com
970-476-1320
Avon, Colorado

DEDICATION & INNOVATION

Courtesy of NDG Architecture

Get to know Bill Nutkins, principal at NDG ARCHITECTURE, whose passion for architecture as art translates into the highest level of design for his team’s award-winning luxury homes. Read on to learn how their approach sets them apart.

What is the advantage of working with a boutique architecture firm like NDG Architecture?

As a boutique firm, NDG Architecture delivers the same high-quality services as larger firms but with a distinct advantage: a personalized design experience. Unlike bigger firms, we focus on a tailored approach, working closely with each client to fully understand their unique needs and preferences. Additionally, with a small boutique firm, you benefit from a more engaged and responsive team, allowing for more direct communication. We pride ourselves on forging close partnerships with our clients, which enables us to turn their dreams into exceptional, custom-designed solutions that perfectly align with their vision.

Your portfolio has been built through 25 years of work in the Vail Valley. Tell us a bit about your journey.

When I arrived in Vail 25 years ago from the flatlands of Michigan, I was instantly inspired by the endless possibilities for distinctive mountain architecture. Collaborating with talented architects, interior designers, landscape architects, and builders has been key to refining my skills over the years. Each project has been a chance to grow as a designer, and while much of our work is centered in the Vail Valley, the visibility of these projects has allowed us to extend our design expertise across Colorado and into other stunning mountain regions like Montana and Wyoming.

NDG ARCHITECTURE
Bill Nutkins, Principal and Founder
970-471-0698
Edwards, Colorado

ELEVATING DESIGN

Courtesy of LA Studio & CO

Meet Addie Pecord, the creative force behind LA STUDIO & CO, where home décor meets inspired interior design, and discover her take on the latest trends in the Vail Valley.

What does it mean to be “design forward,” and how is this principle reflected in both your boutique’s inventory and your interior design projects?

Being design forward means staying ahead of evolving trends while staying true to a personal design aesthetic. I keep up with the latest trends but selectively incorporate only those that align with my vision. The boutique always reflects a neutral, calming palette in both color and design style. For clients, we tailor the approach, adding more forward or vibrant design elements based on their individual tastes.

What home goods and décor trends are homeowners gravitating toward this season?

This season, I’m seeing a shift toward warmth in home décor. Rich leathers and cozy cream tones are making a strong comeback, breathing new life into spaces that were once dominated by the cool gray trend.

LA STUDIO & CO
Addie Pecord, Owner
970-343-6763
Edwards, Colorado

BEAUTIFULLY GROUNDED

Belgium Custom Wood Flooring with optional metal inserts Style: Judah 5200-00. | Courtesy of Creative Floors

CREATIVE FLOORS has been delivering beautiful flooring with impeccable service throughout Vail and Aspen for over 10 years. Many of our clients have multiple homes across the country enabling us to work in amazing homes nationwide.

What kind of impact does high-quality flooring have on a room’s/home’s design?

Flooring is truly the foundation of your home’s interior as it sets the tone for the design and atmosphere. The texture, color and character of the floor will dictate the overall feel of the room. We are constantly bringing in the newest samples from our suppliers to make sure we are on the cutting edge of design.

Tell us a bit about your Specialty Collection and the ways some homeowners are incorporating these choices into their mountain homes.

Many of our clients are increasingly drawn to unique, inspiring choices, favoring one-of-a-kind products that stand out in the market. We specialize in custom handmade area rugs, carpeting, and hand-stained, hand-hewned wood flooring sourced from Belgium and Spain. These exceptional products offer limitless possibilities, allowing us to fully tailor our offerings to meet our clients’ specific needs and preferences.

CREATIVE FLOORS
Shannon Elicker, Owner
970-855-0250
Edwards, Colorado