Business Details
31 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Boulder
Founded in 1995, Arcadea Architecture translates client visions into beautiful, functional, and cost-efficient spaces. Our team prioritizes design excellence, leveraging advanced 3D modeling and practical sustainability principles to create solutions tailored to each project's unique context. With expertise in residential, commercial, and multi-family developments, we emphasize clear communication, rigorous cost analysis, and seamless integration of interior and exterior design. Our process begins with active listening to understand client needs, followed by meticulous planning and construction oversight to ensure quality execution.Over decades, we have refined proprietary cost-control tools that deliver accurate estimates within 10% of final costs, demonstrating our commitment to financial transparency. Sustainability is embedded in our approach through durable materials, energy efficiency, and land-use advocacy, rather than performative trends. Having worked on nationally recognized projects, we balance artistic vision with practical considerations to deliver spaces that enhance quality of life while maintaining long-term value for clients.
Services
Custom Homes
Remodels
Residential Interiors
Multi-Family Developments
Commercial Design
Green Building
Construction Oversight
3D Modeling
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We invented proprietary cost-control tools with 10% accuracy in construction estimates
- Our team integrates 3D modeling for intuitive design visualization
- Sustainability focus balances environmental impact with practical needs
- Comprehensive services cover design through construction oversight
- Principal has 40+ years studying eco-friendly building systems
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke residential spaces tailored to client lifestyles and site contexts. Our process combines 3D modeling with practical cost analysis to deliver functional, aesthetically cohesive homes that maximize spatial efficiency. By prioritizing natural materials and energy-efficient systems, we craft durable properties that maintain long-term value while reflecting individual client identities through unique design solutions.
Remodel Design
Specializing in transforming existing structures, we optimize spatial layouts while preserving architectural character. Our team addresses structural challenges through innovative problem-solving, integrating modern amenities without compromising historical integrity. By focusing on multi-functional spaces and sustainable material choices, we enhance property value and livability through thoughtful, code-compliant renovations.
Green Building Design
Our eco-conscious approach prioritizes resource efficiency and environmental responsibility. We implement passive solar design, low-impact materials, and energy recovery systems tailored to project requirements. By balancing client sustainability goals with local regulations, we create buildings that minimize ecological footprints while maintaining aesthetic appeal and functional performance through rigorous lifecycle analysis.
Construction Oversight
We provide comprehensive construction phase services to ensure design intent realization. Our team conducts regular site visits, document reviews, and contractor coordination to maintain quality standards. Through early issue detection and solution implementation, we prevent costly errors while advocating for client interests throughout the building process to guarantee final outcomes match approved plans.
3D Modeling
Using advanced BIM technology, we create immersive spatial representations that clarify design concepts. These models facilitate client understanding of proportions, material choices, and lighting effects before construction begins. This digital approach enables real-time design adjustments, improving decision-making accuracy and reducing costly changes during later project stages through enhanced visual communication tools.
People
David Biek
Principal Architect
With 40+ years studying sustainable systems, David founded Arcadea in 1995. He pioneered cost-analysis tools and advocates for balanced green building approaches that prioritize practicality over trends.
Christopher Thorp
Senior Architect
Bringing extensive technical expertise, Christopher ensures design integrity through construction documentation. He specializes in translating complex concepts into buildable solutions while maintaining aesthetic coherence.
Jason Ragan
Senior Architect
Jason focuses on spatial optimization and code compliance. His experience with diverse project types informs practical design decisions that balance creativity with regulatory requirements.
Rysha Mather
Designer/Project Manager
Managing project timelines and client communications, Rysha coordinates design teams to maintain schedule efficiency. She specializes in interior spatial planning and material selection for functional environments.
Sarah Kingdom
Interior Design Consultant
Sarah advises on color schemes, finishes, and furnishings that complement architectural elements. She collaborates with architects to ensure cohesive interior-exterior relationships while addressing client lifestyle needs.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We create context-responsive designs inspired by local landscapes. While modern mountain aesthetics feature prominently, we adapt to client preferences ranging from contemporary to historic preservation.
How do you control construction costs?
Our proprietary cost-analysis tools provide room-by-room estimates accurate within 10% of final costs. We conduct value engineering during design and track bids to prevent budget overruns.
Do you work outside Boulder County?
While based in Boulder, we accept projects throughout Colorado. Our familiarity with regional building codes and climate challenges ensures quality service across diverse locations.
Can you help with historic renovations?
Yes, we specialize in updating older structures while preserving character-defining elements. Our team navigates landmark regulations to modernize functionality without compromising historical integrity.
What sustainability certifications do you have?
We prioritize practical sustainability over formal certifications. Our principal has studied eco-building systems since the 1970s, implementing energy-efficient solutions tailored to each project's needs.
How involved are principals during projects?
David Biek remains actively engaged throughout design and construction. Senior architects lead daily operations while maintaining direct access to principal-level expertise for critical decisions.
Reviews (7)
Mary Swanson
Jan 03, 2022
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David Biek, principal architect, at Arcadea designed our dream house 17+ years ago. His attention to detail, ability to listen to your wants / needs and translate that in design is exceptional. Currently David and Sage are working on a two-story addition for us. I would recommend them without hesitation. Arcadea is a superior architectural firm.
Greta Braddock
Jun 17, 2020
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We met with David in the very early stages of a project we have been considering undertaking, and we were so impressed with his ability to listen to our ideas in transforming our space and provide creative options for us to consider. We were drawn to Arcadea because of the beautiful portfolio of amazing projects theyve created. David started sketching out ideas immediately during our meeting and his creativity and level of skill were extremely apparent. It is clear he really cares about his clients, his community, and is truly passionate about what he does.
Jeffrey Pedigo
Dec 27, 2019
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I've worked with David Biek and his team on a home remodel project. They were thoughtful and creative in the effort. I really liked the 3D Models they provided early on. Those helped me understand what the remodeled space would be like when the project is complete. They were also quite experienced and helpful in guiding me through the Boulder planning department and local Subcontractors.
Randolph M.
Dec 17, 2019
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David Biek and Christopher Thorp of Arcadea Architecture designed our house. It wouldn't be fair to Arcadea to just call it our dream house; it's far better than anything we could have dreamed without their help. Their design was practical, affordable, thoughtful and beautiful. They optimized our use of the site, giving us enjoyable views north to south, and provided us with an extremely comfortable and serene home. They made it easy for us to describe what we wanted, make suggestions and discuss every aspect of the plan. Every building project requires compromise. Arcadea maintains a
Konoy Mandal
Dec 17, 2019
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Wonderful team headed by principal David Biek. my wife and i checked out 4 other local architects and went with David because of his experience and great cost analysis. we were thinking of going with a design/build firm but David was able to coordinate for a great contractor at a better design/build price than any other option. very thorough review meetings and extremely accessible. work product was excellent and many options were shown to us. Arcadea made us feel in control of costs and still get an excellent product. they coordinated the engineering, surveying, permit timeliness and applications
Nikki Barnett
Jun 27, 2019
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Highly recommend! Used Arcadea for a new build and a remodel. The team is organized, professional, and helpful. Love the final products and get compliments all the time on the thoughtful and beautiful design.
Peter Aweida
Jun 01, 2019
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We have worked with David and Christopher for about five years now. They have really brought a lot to the table for us with their ideas, knowledge of codes and their experience. We appreciate working with such friendly and talented people and will continue to rely on them going forward. They are a valued business partner for our commercial properties.
