Navigating the Local Landscape

Building in the San Juan Mountains requires more than just design talent; it demands a deep understanding of local geography and regulation. We specialize in navigating the complexities of the Town of Telluride’s Historic Architectural Review Commission (HARC) and the Mountain Village Design Review Board (DRB).

From steep-slope mitigation to snow-load engineering and solar orientation, our team ensures your project is not only beautiful but feasible and compliant. We handle the paperwork and presentations so you can focus on the vision.

Visualization & 3D Modeling

We believe you should experience your home before ground is ever broken. De Alva Architects utilizes state-of-the-art BIM (Building Information Modeling) and 3D rendering technology during the design phase.

This allows us to walk you through the spatial flow, lighting, and material finishes of your project virtually. This collaborative tool ensures that every detail aligns with your lifestyle, minimizing changes during construction and keeping the project on budget.

From steep-slope mitigation to snow-load engineering and solar orientation, our team ensures your project is not only beautiful but feasible and compliant. We handle the paperwork and presentations so you can focus on the vision.

Sustainable Alpine Design

We design homes that work with the mountain environment, not against it. Our approach to sustainability goes beyond just checking boxes. We focus on:

Passive Solar Design: Orienting the home to capture heat in winter while shading it in summer.

High-Performance Envelopes: designing wall and roof systems that withstand extreme alpine temperatures.

Local Materials: Sourcing stone, timber, and steel regionally to reduce carbon footprint and root the home in its context.

OUR SERVICES

Land use analysis

Land use analysis evaluates and examines existing and regulated conditions for a given site. It involves assessing factors such as zoning, design guidelines, land use code, building codes, environmental conditions, etc.

Programming

Programming refers to the systematic process of gathering and analyzing information about the needs, goals, and requirements of a project to inform the design and development of a space that effectively meets the functional and experiential needs of its users.

Conceptual Design

Conceptual design in architecture is the initial phase where ideas and visions take shape, focusing on creating a concept or a design direction that captures the essence and identity of a project. It involves exploring creative possibilities, generating design concepts, and translating abstract ideas into tangible forms that lay the foundation for the subsequent stages of the architectural design process.

Design Development

(DD) is the stage where the initial concept is refined and expanded upon, with a greater focus on technical and functional aspects, material selection, structural considerations, and integration of building systems, translating the conceptual design into a detailed and comprehensive plan ready for construction.

Construction Documents

Construction documents, also known as working drawings, are detailed and precise sets of documents that provide comprehensive instructions and specifications for contractors and builders during the construction phase. These documents include architectural drawings, technical details, schedules, and specifications, ensuring accuracy and clarity in implementing the design and facilitating a smooth construction process

Construction Administration

Construction administration involves the architect’s role in overseeing and managing the construction process, ensuring that the design intent is faithfully executed, addressing on-site issues and coordination with contractors, and ensuring the successful realization of the project according to the approved plans and specifications.

Wildfire-Resilient Design & WUI Compliance

Future-Proofing Your Legacy Against the New 2025 Standards

As of July 1, 2025, Colorado has enforced the new Statewide Wildfire Resiliency Code, fundamentally changing the requirements for building in the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI). In the high-alpine environment of San Miguel County, these regulations are no longer optional—they are the baseline for protecting your investment and securing your Certificate of Occupancy.

At De Alva Architects, we integrate these rigorous safety standards directly into our design process from Day One, ensuring your project moves smoothly through permitting without the delays that stall less experienced teams.

Our Resiliency Expertise Includes:

  • WUI Zone Navigation: We proactively analyze your site against the new Wildfire Resiliency Code Board maps to determine your specific hazard classification (Low, Moderate, or High) and the corresponding building mandates.

  • Structure Hardening Strategy: We specialize in the “Structure Hardening” techniques required for all new builds and additions over 500 square feet. This includes specifying Class A ignition-resistant roofing assemblies, non-combustible gutters, and 1-hour fire-rated exterior walls that meet the new “Orange Zone” standards.

  • Ember Defense Integration: The new code specifically targets ember intrusion—the leading cause of home loss. We design with required ember-resistant ventilation systems and tempered glass windows that protect the building envelope without compromising the panoramic views you came here for.

  • Aesthetic Continuity: We believe safety shouldn’t look like a bunker. We specify premium, non-combustible materials that align with our Mountain Modern aesthetic, delivering a home that is as beautiful as it is defensible.

Why This Matters: The 2025 code update is retroactive for significant renovations and mandatory for new construction. By hiring a firm that has mastered these technical nuances, you avoid the costly redesigns and supply chain hurdles associated with compliant materials. We build homes designed to last for generations, regardless of what the environment brings. Each AHJ has outlined adoption timline, however, we reccomend all structures consider common sense approach and mitigation efforts.