Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Resort & Community Architects
Zehren & Associates has been a leader in architectural design, planning, and interior design since 1983. Our firm specializes in creating communities, buildings, and homes that reflect cultural identity and environmental context. With offices in Vail, Colorado, and Santa Barbara, California, we serve clients globally, focusing on projects in unique locations with complex environmental needs. Our interdisciplinary team integrates architecture, master planning, landscape architecture, and interior design to deliver cohesive solutions from concept to completion. We emphasize creative problem-solving, advanced technology, and collaboration with stakeholders to achieve client goals.Our expertise in resort planning, LEED certification, and community engagement has earned us a reputation for excellence in alpine and mountain environments. We maintain long-term client relationships through consistent quality, attention to detail, and a commitment to sustainable design practices. Our work spans hotels, residential communities, civic spaces, and recreational facilities, all designed to enhance user experience and environmental harmony. Awards and recognitions, including LEED Silver certification for The Blake at Taos Ski Valley, underscore our dedication to innovative and responsible design.
Services
Architecture
Master Planning
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Sustainable Design
Community Engagement
Project Management
Feasibility Studies
Entitlement Process
International Projects
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We have 40+ years of expertise in mountain and resort architecture
- Our interdisciplinary team coordinates architecture, planning, and interiors
- We've completed projects in 15+ countries across six continents
- Our LEED-certified professionals integrate sustainable design solutions
- We maintain 90% repeat client retention through proven results
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Outstanding job
Creative solutions
Professional service
Prompt service
High-quality documentation
Services
Architecture
We provide comprehensive architectural services from concept to completion. Our team creates context-sensitive designs that balance aesthetic vision with technical precision. Specializing in resort, residential, and civic projects, we use advanced 3D modeling tools while maintaining traditional design principles. Our architects ensure compliance with local regulations and sustainability standards through detailed documentation and construction administration.
Master Planning
Our master planning services create cohesive communities that balance environmental needs with development goals. We conduct site analyses, density studies, and zoning evaluations to develop sustainable land use strategies. The team specializes in resort communities and special-use developments, integrating infrastructure planning with architectural vision to create functional, aesthetically pleasing environments that meet both client and community needs.
Interior Design
We design interior spaces that reflect client identity while optimizing functionality. Our services include space planning, material selection, and furniture procurement for residential and commercial projects. The team coordinates finishes, lighting, and artwork to create environments that enhance user experience. We maintain continuity between interior spaces and exterior architecture to ensure cohesive design outcomes.
Landscape Architecture
Our landscape architecture practice creates outdoor spaces that harmonize with natural environments. We design planting plans, hardscapes, and public art installations that enhance usability while preserving ecological integrity. Services include garden design, plaza development, and trail systems for residential, commercial, and public spaces, ensuring outdoor areas complement architectural elements and community needs.
Sustainable Design
We integrate sustainable practices throughout the design process, including LEED certification guidance. Our team applies energy-efficient strategies, eco-friendly materials, and water conservation techniques to reduce environmental impact. We balance sustainability goals with budget constraints to deliver cost-effective solutions that meet green building standards while maintaining design excellence and functional requirements.
People
Jack Zehren
Founder
Jack Zehren established the firm in 1983 with a vision for context-sensitive design. He pioneered the integration of architecture and planning for mountain communities, developing expertise in challenging environments. His leadership shaped the firm's interdisciplinary approach and global reach.
Stan Zemler
Former Town Manager
Stan collaborated with Zehren on Vail projects, emphasizing their interdisciplinary strengths. He recognized their unique ability to coordinate planning, architecture, and entitlements. His testimony underscores the firm's value in municipal partnerships.
Questions
What architectural styles does Zehren & Associates specialize in?
We specialize in mountain, alpine, and resort architecture while adapting designs to local cultural and environmental contexts.
Do you handle international projects?
Yes, we've completed projects in 15+ countries across six continents with specialized knowledge of regional design requirements.
What sustainable design certifications do you offer?
Our team includes LEED-certified professionals who guide projects through LEED Silver and Gold certification processes.
How do you approach community engagement in planning?
We facilitate stakeholder collaboration through public presentations, design workshops, and consensus-building strategies during entitlement processes.
What project sizes do you typically handle?
We work on projects ranging from single-family residences to large-scale resort communities and municipal developments.
