Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Mountain & Resort Architects
Founded in 1983, Zehren & Associates has built a reputation for creating communities, buildings, and homes that embody a strong sense of place and cultural identity. Our interdisciplinary team specializes in architecture, master planning, landscape architecture, and interior design, with a particular focus on projects in unique environmental settings. We combine creative hand sketches with advanced 3D modeling technologies to deliver precise, innovative solutions tailored to each client's vision. Our approach emphasizes environmental balance, social interaction, and economic viability, ensuring that every design respects both natural and man-made contexts. With extensive experience in resort communities across mountain, coastal, and international locations, we have developed a deep understanding of the golf and ski markets, as well as specialized expertise in alpine and mountain environments.Our commitment to quality extends from project visioning through construction administration, with a proven track record of meeting deadlines and budget constraints while maintaining artistic integrity. We foster collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders, ensuring that every project aligns with community values and achieves long-term value. Our repeat client base reflects our reliability and dedication to exceeding expectations through meticulous attention to detail and innovative problem-solving. With offices in Vail, Colorado, and Santa Barbara, California, we offer a unique blend of technical proficiency and creative vision to clients worldwide.
Services
Architecture
Master Planning
Interior Design
Landscape Architecture
Sustainable Design
Tenant Improvements
Community Engagement
Feasibility Studies
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of specialized expertise in mountain and resort architecture.
- Our interdisciplinary team provides complete project management from vision to completion.
- We combine creative design with advanced 3D modeling technologies for precision.
- Our LEED-certified projects demonstrate commitment to sustainable design principles.
- Proven track record in international resort communities across six continents.
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Outstanding job
Creative problem solver
High-quality documentation
Collaborative approach
Lasting designs
Services
Architecture
Our architectural services focus on creating purposeful buildings that harmonize with their natural surroundings and cultural context. We specialize in resort architecture, residential communities, and commercial spaces with an emphasis on sustainability. Our team excels at translating client visions into functional, aesthetically striking designs that maintain long-term value through thoughtful material selection and energy-efficient systems.
Master Planning
We develop comprehensive master plans for communities, resorts, and special-use developments that balance environmental stewardship with economic viability. Our approach integrates land use analysis, zoning compliance, and infrastructure planning to create cohesive, enduring communities that foster social interaction while respecting natural landscapes in mountain, coastal, and international environments.
Interior Design
Our interior design services create distinctive environments that reflect client personalities while meeting functional needs. We specialize in hospitality spaces, residential interiors, and civic buildings, focusing on material selection, lighting design, and spatial layout. Our designs enhance user experience through thoughtful details that maintain aesthetic continuity with the building's exterior and surrounding environment.
Landscape Architecture
We craft outdoor spaces that seamlessly integrate natural elements with built features for residential, commercial, and public projects. Our landscape architects design planting schemes, hardscapes, and water features that enhance environmental sustainability while creating functional, inviting spaces. We emphasize contextual relationships between architecture and landscape to strengthen overall project identity.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainable design practice incorporates LEED certification standards and energy-efficient strategies across all project phases. We implement innovative technologies and regional materials to reduce environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic quality. Our expertise includes green construction codes, energy modeling, and sustainable site planning tailored to mountainous and sensitive ecological environments.
People
Jack Zehren
Founder
Jack Zehren established the firm in 1983 with a vision for creating place-specific architectural solutions. He has led award-winning resort and mountain community projects across continents, bringing decades of experience in balancing environmental needs with client objectives while maintaining artistic integrity in every design.
David Kaselak
Architect
David Kaselak specializes in residential mountain architecture, known for creating light-filled spaces that maximize natural surroundings. His expertise in translating client needs into detailed, functional designs has earned praise for successful complex renovations and new construction projects in challenging alpine environments.
Susan
Interior Designer
Susan leads our interior design team with a focus on creating cohesive spaces that reflect client personalities. Her work on high-end residential renovations demonstrates exceptional attention to detail, seamlessly transitioning design concepts into reality while maintaining warmth and functionality in mountain home environments.
Pedro
Community Planner
Pedro specializes in community engagement projects requiring extensive public consultation. His ability to build consensus among diverse stakeholders has successfully advanced complex planning initiatives through zoning approvals while maintaining adherence to budget constraints and project timelines.
Stan Zemler
Former Town Manager
As Former Town Manager of Vail, Stan Zemler collaborated with our team on interdisciplinary projects requiring coordinated entitlements and approvals. His endorsement highlights our firm's ability to handle complex municipal processes and deliver streamlined design solutions for public infrastructure projects.
Questions
What architectural specialties does Zehren & Associates offer?
We specialize in mountain and resort architecture, master-planned communities, LEED-certified buildings, and culturally significant spaces that respond to unique environmental contexts.
How does the firm approach sustainable design?
We integrate LEED standards, energy-efficient technologies, and regional materials while maintaining aesthetic quality across all project phases from initial planning to construction.
What international markets does the firm serve?
Our international experience spans projects in Canada, Mexico, India, Argentina, China, South Korea, and Vietnam with culturally sensitive design solutions.
How does the firm handle complex community projects?
We use interdisciplinary coordination between architecture, planning, and landscape teams to ensure cohesive solutions that meet both client goals and community needs.
What construction documentation services are provided?
We offer complete construction documents and specifications with precise detailing to ensure accurate implementation of design intent during building processes.
How are client visions translated into reality?
Through collaborative workshops, 3D modeling, and iterative design reviews that maintain open communication from concept development to project completion.
