Parallel Design Group

Business Details

Sustainable Residential Architecture & Design in Denver, CO

Parallel Design Group (PDG) is a Colorado-based architectural firm dedicated to creating spaces that harmonize with clients' lifestyles and the natural environment. Founded on principles of sustainability and client-centric design, we specialize in custom residential projects including new construction, historic preservation, and energy-efficient renovations. Our process begins with understanding client intentions, followed by schematic design, development, and detailed construction documentation.

With over a decade of experience in sustainable practices, including LEED certification and geothermal systems, we combine technical expertise with hands-on construction knowledge to deliver cost-effective, environmentally responsible solutions. Our team's deep familiarity with Rocky Mountain landscapes ensures designs that integrate seamlessly with regional aesthetics and ecological considerations.

Services

Custom Residential Homes Historic Preservation Sustainable Green Design Remodels & Additions Interior Design Energy Efficiency Consulting Geothermal Systems Solar Energy Solutions Landscape Design Design Retreats

Highlights and features

We offer 10+ years of sustainable architecture expertise with LEED-certified professionals
Our hands-on construction experience ensures realistic budgeting and material selection
We implement patented energy-saving strategies in every residential project
Our design process prioritizes client lifestyle integration with natural surroundings
We maintain partnerships with local green building material suppliers

Associations and certifications

LEED AP

Website

Update Listing

Services

Custom Residential Homes

We design bespoke residential homes tailored to client lifestyles and environmental context. Our approach combines modern aesthetics with sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems. Projects include site-specific planning, material selection, and integration with natural landscapes while maintaining strict adherence to budget parameters.

Sustainable Green Design

Our LEED-certified team implements advanced green building strategies including geothermal heating, solar energy systems, and water conservation technologies. We prioritize recycled materials and energy modeling to achieve optimal environmental performance while maintaining design integrity and client comfort.

Historic Preservation

Specialized in maintaining architectural heritage while incorporating modern amenities. Our process includes detailed documentation, material analysis, and code-compliant upgrades that preserve historical character while enhancing functionality and energy efficiency for contemporary living standards.

Energy Efficiency Consulting

We provide comprehensive energy assessments and retrofit recommendations for existing homes. Services include insulation optimization, HVAC upgrades, and renewable energy integration. Our expertise in local utility rebates helps clients maximize cost savings while reducing environmental impact.

Design Retreats

Curated international design experiences to inspire home projects. These retreats combine cultural immersion with architectural education, offering unique opportunities to explore global design solutions and apply them to personal residential projects through guided professional consultation.

People

Julie Zacha Brodsky

President

LEED-certified architect with 10+ years specializing in sustainable design and historic preservation. Holds dual degrees from Albion College and University of Michigan, Masters in Architecture from University of Colorado. Co-founder of World Green Institute and active participant in Colorado's green building community.

Questions

What architectural services do you specialize in?

We specialize in custom residential design, historic preservation, sustainable architecture, energy efficiency upgrades, and geothermal system integration for homes in Colorado and surrounding regions.

Are you LEED-certified professionals?

Yes, our firm includes LEED Accredited Professionals with expertise in Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design standards for residential construction.

How do you incorporate sustainability into home designs?

We use energy modeling, geothermal systems, solar panels, recycled materials, and water conservation fixtures. Our designs optimize natural light and ventilation while meeting strict environmental performance criteria.

What is your design process timeline?

Projects typically take 6-12 months including initial consultation, schematic design, development, and construction documentation phases, with additional time for permitting and construction.

Do you offer energy audit services?

Yes, we provide comprehensive home energy audits with recommendations for efficiency improvements, including insulation upgrades, HVAC optimization, and renewable energy integration.

Can you help with historic home renovations?

Our team specializes in historic preservation with expertise in maintaining architectural integrity while implementing modern energy-efficient systems and contemporary living requirements.

Reviews (5)

Write a Review

Michelle Moreno

Dec 24, 2015 Report

I highly recommend Paralell Design Group and Julie Brodsky! My husband and I did a complete remodel of our condo and worked with Julie through the entire process. Julie's design is beautiful! When we ran into problems with structures that we could not be removed or found things we weren't expecting, Julie made adjustments to her designs and made a potentially stressful situation easy to manage. The end result is a beautiful home that we are proud of and very happy with. One of our favorite features is a light tower that Julie designed. We had a post with wires and pipes that we couldn't remove

Julie Zacha Brodsky

Sep 23, 2015 Report

Jacinda and Kevin Brown, I recently discovered your review which you posted under a false name, Jane Hilley. I cannot express how disappointed I am in your actions and how far from the truth your statements are about our business relationship. It is the most important value of our firm that our clients are happy with the work we perform. Despite your disparaging remarks, we stand behind our work.

I would like to respond to 3 topics that you have grossly misrepresented (and even lied about) in your review:
1) We completed 29 different Schematic Designs for your project, 11 Elevation Views, 3 Complete

Karen Padgett

Jul 21, 2015 Report

My Husband and I worked with Julie on two projects. Our first project with Julie was a large and all encompassing, full house remodel. She assisted with everything from design, materials and lighting and subsequently a full basement remodel. The final project was stunning top to bottom and everything came together beautifully. She worked seamlessly with our general contractor and was always available to advise or make changes. We recently moved into a new house and we contacted Julie again with short notice to help tweak the new house to fit our style. She helped with paint, changing a bathroom

Neal Landauer

Jul 01, 2015 Report

Visionary, knowledgeable, well connected, and easy to work with. We did a full remodel with Parallel and Julie and I would strongly recommend. A good designer needs a special combination of "hard" and "soft" skills- and she's got it. We're very happy with results.

Hampden Heights Membership

Jun 17, 2015 Report

Please note~ We had our work done on our residence, not the pool where I volunteer. My husband and I dreamed for years of 'popping the top' of our tri-level home. We had a TON of ideas that Julie and her team worked with to make our vision a reality. Julie was referred to us by our contractor, BlueSky and, BOY!, she did not disappoint! She came up with NINE (yes NINE!) sets of plans for us to choose from. All nine plans were exactly what we wanted so we had a vast collection to choose from. The one we chose was the biggest space and quite elaborate. Her designs directly reflected what we wanted