Business Details
22 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Aspen
Founded in 2004 by Luis Menendez and Nasrin Nourian Menendez, our firm is a full-service architectural practice dedicated to high-end residential, civic, and community design. Our approach combines global sensibility with deep local expertise, ensuring each project reflects both refined 21st-century living and the unique challenges of mountain environments. We prioritize collaboration, working closely with clients, land-use consultants, contractors, and specialty craftsmen to create enduring, character-rich spaces.Our team's international backgrounds and decades of combined experience inform every project, from feasibility studies to final construction. We limit our annual project load to maintain exceptional quality standards, with LEED-certified professionals guiding sustainable design strategies. Our work has earned recognition through awards and testimonials from clients who value our creative problem-solving and meticulous attention to detail.
Services
Residential New Construction
Residential Remodel
Commercial Projects
Interior Architecture
Construction Documentation
Details
- Year established: 2004
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in mountain environment architecture
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals for sustainable design
- We maintain quality through limited annual project capacity
- Deep expertise in Aspen's unique building regulations and challenges
- Proven track record with complex historic preservation approvals
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Creative and attentive
Deep understanding of local building
Impossible to determine old vs new
Outstanding work
Reliable and knowledgeable
Services
Residential New Construction
Creating modern mountain homes that blend with Aspen's environment while meeting 21st-century needs. Our process includes site evaluation, feasibility studies, and collaboration with environmental experts to ensure sustainable development. Clients benefit from our deep understanding of local regulations and decades of experience in luxury residential architecture.
Residential Remodel
Transforming existing structures while preserving architectural integrity. We specialize in seamless additions that make old and new indistinguishable, with expertise in historic preservation approvals. Our approach maintains each home's character while updating functionality through modern design solutions tailored to mountain living.
Commercial Projects
Designing functional commercial spaces that balance aesthetics with practical requirements. Our experience includes office buildings, community centers, and civic projects requiring specialized planning. We coordinate with engineers and contractors to ensure compliance with commercial building codes while maintaining design excellence.
Interior Architecture
Creating cohesive interior environments that complement architectural exteriors. Our services include space planning, material selection, and custom finishes that reflect client personalities. We integrate color theory and cultural influences to produce spaces that are both beautiful and functional for daily living.
Construction Documentation
Producing detailed technical drawings and specifications for accurate construction execution. Our documentation covers every project phase, from initial concepts to final details. This ensures clear communication with contractors and maintains design intent throughout the building process while meeting all regulatory requirements.
People
Luis A. Menendez
President / Founder
Licensed architect with 20+ years experience, specializing in mountain environment design. Graduated from SCI-Arc, combines artistic innovation with technical expertise to create award-winning spaces that enhance clients' lives through thoughtful, sustainable design.
Nasrin Nourian Menendez
Co-Founder / Interior Designer
ASID-certified interior designer with expertise in creating cohesive environments that reflect cultural heritage. Specializes in color theory and material selection, bringing global sensibilities to luxury residential projects while maintaining strong connections to architectural context.
Martin Taffarelli
Project Manager
LEED AP professional with 21+ years architectural experience. Manages production work and sustainability strategies, ensuring projects meet environmental standards. Holds architecture licenses in Argentina and Colorado, with expertise in residential and civic building types.
Emanuel Baldino
Architectural Staff
Licensed architect with 13+ years experience in luxury residential and commercial projects. Specializes in construction documentation and has received awards for design competitions. Brings international perspective from work in Argentina and the United States.
Matias Casetta
Architectural Staff
Experienced designer with 10+ years in commercial architecture, including airports and office buildings. Handles design development and construction documentation while applying field experience in construction phase services to ensure practical implementation of design concepts.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in high-end residential design, commercial architecture, and civic projects with expertise in mountain environment challenges and historic preservation.
How long have you been practicing architecture in Aspen?
Our firm has served Aspen since 2004, with principals having practiced architecture in Colorado and California for over 20 years combined.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we serve local, national, and international clients with design solutions that adapt to diverse cultural and environmental contexts.
How do you handle complex building sites?
We conduct thorough feasibility studies and collaborate with environmental experts to develop site-specific solutions that address unique challenges.
What makes your firm different from others?
Our combination of international experience, LEED-certified professionals, and limited project capacity ensures personalized attention to detail and quality.
