Business Details
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in Boulder, CO
Maliakai Architectural Design is a boutique architectural firm dedicated to delivering highly customized services tailored to each client's vision. With decades of hands-on experience in architecture, planning, interior design, and sustainable design, we specialize in creating unique, sophisticated spaces that harmonize with their natural surroundings. Our portfolio spans custom homes, high-end residential projects, restaurants, nightclubs, corporate spaces, and hospitality venues across the United States and select international locations. We prioritize collaboration with landscape architects, interior designers, and specialty consultants to ensure seamless integration of indoor and outdoor environments while maintaining strict adherence to budget and schedule. Our team's expertise in site planning, structural design, and material selection guarantees exceptional quality and attention to detail in every project.Whether designing mountain retreats, urban infill properties, or coastal residences, we approach each commission with a fresh perspective to maximize its inherent potential. Our commitment to personalized service and strong owner-designer relationships has earned us the trust of clients seeking one-of-a-kind architectural solutions. As a firm led by Principal Marc Shena Summa Cum Laude graduate of the University of Colorado with 26 years of international experiencewe combine technical excellence with creative innovation. From concept through construction, our process emphasizes clear communication, sustainable practices, and meticulous execution to transform visionary concepts into built reality.
Services
Custom Home Design
Commercial Architecture
Interior Design
Sustainable Design Consulting
Site Planning
Residential Remodels
Hospitality Projects
Color Consultation
Structural Design
International Projects
Highlights and features
- We offer 26 years of architectural experience in custom residential and commercial projects
- Our team holds expertise in sustainable/green design consulting and material selection
- We provide full-service architecture from concept through construction administration
- Our principal graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Colorado at Boulder
- We maintain direct collaboration with landscape architects and interior designers
Services
Custom Home Design
We create bespoke residential spaces tailored to individual lifestyles and site conditions. Our process integrates architectural design, interior planning, and landscape coordination to deliver cohesive living environments. Specializing in mountain, coastal, and urban settings, we emphasize natural materials and energy-efficient solutions while maintaining strict budget controls.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial design services cater to restaurants, retail stores, and corporate offices requiring distinctive environments. We balance brand identity with functional spatial planning, ensuring compliance with zoning regulations and accessibility standards. Projects include full-service renovations and ground-up constructions across diverse market sectors.
Sustainable Design
We incorporate eco-friendly practices through energy modeling, material sourcing, and passive solar strategies. Our sustainable approach extends to LEED certification guidance and integration of renewable energy systems while maintaining aesthetic integrity across residential and commercial applications.
Interior Design
Comprehensive interior design services cover material selection, lighting schemes, and furniture specification. We ensure spatial functionality aligns with architectural intent through collaborative workflows with decorators and specialty consultants for audio-visual and security systems.
Site Planning
Our site planning expertise optimizes land use through topographical analysis and zoning compliance. Services include circulation studies, outdoor living space design, and infrastructure coordination to create built environments that enhance natural site features.
People
Marc Shen
Principal
Principal architect with 26 years of international experience. Graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Colorado Boulder. Specializes in custom residential and commercial projects while maintaining active involvement in outdoor sports and music culture.
Lisa Taylor
Marketing
Marketing director responsible for brand communication and client relations. Coordinates project presentations and maintains the firm's industry presence through digital platforms and professional networks.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We don't adhere to specific styles but create contextually appropriate designs. Our portfolio includes modern mountain homes, coastal contemporary residences, and adaptive reuse commercial projects tailored to client needs.
Do you work on projects outside Colorado?
Yes, we handle projects nationwide and selected international locations including California, Arizona, and Mexico with established consultant networks in each region.
How involved will I be in the design process?
Clients participate in all key decisions through regular design reviews. We provide 3D visualizations and material samples to ensure clear understanding of design choices throughout the project timeline.
What sustainable design features do you incorporate?
We integrate passive solar design, energy modeling, and locally sourced materials. Our approach includes recommending appropriate insulation levels, low-VOC finishes, and water conservation systems based on project location.
How do you manage construction budgets?
We establish preliminary cost estimates during design development and maintain continuous contractor coordination to prevent budget overruns while offering alternative material selections when needed.
