Business Details
20 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture & Interior Design in Aspen, CO
Forum Phi is an award-winning architecture, interior design, and land planning firm founded in Aspen, Colorado in 2006. Our approach is rooted in a commitment to serving people and place, driven by collaboration, thoughtful composition, and dedication to client needs. With expertise spanning residential, commercial, and land-use projects, we harmonize design with environmental and community contexts. Our team of certified architects and interior designers brings decades of combined experience, having earned recognition as one of Outside Magazine's 50 Best Places to Work for eight consecutive years. We prioritize integrity, transparency, and innovation, navigating complex regulations while delivering industry-leading solutions.Our work reflects the vibrant communities we serve in Aspen, Carbondale, Denver, and beyond, celebrating the diverse contributions of clients and collaborators. Through rigorous site analysis, schematic design, and construction administration, we ensure every project realizes its full potential. Our accolades from Luxe Magazine, PSMJ Resources, and Mountain Living underscore our authority in mountain-region architecture. By maintaining employer-paid premiums and generous benefits, we foster a trusted team culture that translates to exceptional client service.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Land Planning
Site Analysis
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documentation
Procurement Services
Zoning Analysis
Residential Renovations
Details
- Year established: 2006
Highlights and features
- We have over 18 years of experience in mountain-region architecture and design.
- Our team includes AIA-certified architects and NCIDQ-qualified interior designers.
- We maintain employer-paid premiums and generous benefits for our staff.
- Recognized 8 years running as Outside Magazine's Best Place to Work.
- Specialize in navigating complex land-use regulations in Colorado's mountain communities.
What people say
Award-winning designs
Exceptional client collaboration
Expert mountain architecture
Sustainable solutions
Timely project delivery
Services
Architecture
Forum Phi's architectural services combine innovative design with technical precision. Our AIA-certified architects create spaces that harmonize with mountain environments while meeting functional needs. From concept through construction administration, we ensure code compliance and material integrity. Our portfolio includes residential homes, commercial developments, and historic renovations across Colorado's mountain communities.
Interior Design
Our NCIDQ-qualified interior designers craft cohesive, functional spaces that reflect client personalities. Services include finish selection, furniture specification, and spatial reconfiguration. We prioritize timeless aesthetics with practical layouts, enhancing both residential and commercial environments. Recent projects feature custom kitchens, luxury bathrooms, and hospitality spaces that balance beauty with everyday usability in mountain settings.
Land Planning
Forum Phi's land planning experts navigate complex zoning regulations and environmental constraints. We conduct site analyses, sun studies, and viewshed assessments to optimize property potential. Our services include schematic planning, title summaries, and land-use approval coordination. This expertise ensures successful project outcomes for both private residences and larger developments in Colorado's mountain regions.
Zoning Analysis
Our zoning analysis service provides comprehensive evaluations of property development potential. We examine local land-use requirements, environmental constraints, and regulatory opportunities. This includes preparing documentation for approvals and facilitating government agency communications. This service helps clients make informed decisions about property acquisitions and project feasibility in Colorado's complex mountain-region jurisdictions.
Residential Renovations
Specializing in mountain home renovations, we preserve architectural character while modernizing functionality. Our team handles historic Victorian restorations and contemporary updates, maintaining structural integrity while improving energy efficiency. Services span from initial programming through construction administration, ensuring seamless integration of new systems with existing structures while respecting local building traditions.
People
Jennifer Olson
Partner
With over 15 years in architectural design, Jennifer Olson leads Forum Phi's collaborative approach to mountain-region projects. Her expertise in sustainable design and client relations drives innovative solutions that balance aesthetics with functionality.
Ryan Walterscheid
Partner | AIA, NCARB
As a licensed architect, Ryan Walterscheid specializes in complex residential and commercial developments. His technical mastery ensures code compliance while maintaining design integrity across Colorado's challenging mountain environments.
Ryan Lee
Partner | AIA, NCARB
Ryan Lee brings extensive mountain architecture experience to Forum Phi's Carbondale office. His focus on contextual design creates buildings that seamlessly integrate with Colorado's natural landscapes while meeting modern living standards.
Sara Upton
Principal | AIA, NCARB
Sara Upton leads Aspen-based projects with a focus on historic preservation and sustainable modernization. Her expertise in navigating local regulations ensures successful outcomes for heritage properties requiring contemporary updates.
Forrest Lundgren
Creative Director
As Creative Director, Forrest Lundgren shapes Forum Phi's design vision across projects. His background in architectural theory and mountain aesthetics influences innovative solutions that respect environmental contexts while pushing design boundaries.
Questions
What services does Forum Phi offer?
Forum Phi provides architecture, interior design, and land planning services for residential and commercial projects in Colorado's mountain regions.
How long has Forum Phi been in business?
The firm was founded in Aspen, Colorado in 2006 and has served mountain communities for over 18 years.
What makes Forum Phi unique?
Our collaborative approach combines AIA-certified architects with NCIDQ-qualified designers, specializing in mountain-region projects with environmental sensitivity.
Do you work on residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we handle both residential renovations and commercial developments, including recent work on Aspen Street Lodge and affordable housing initiatives.
How do you handle complex land-use regulations?
Our team has extensive experience navigating Colorado's land-use approvals, zoning analyses, and environmental constraints for successful project outcomes.
