Business Details
14 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture & Green Design Solutions
Founded with a vision to merge ecological responsibility with innovative design, Gettliffe Architecture has spent decades cultivating a collaborative approach to architectural practice. Our team of architects, based in Boulder, Colorado and Managua, Nicaragua, prioritizes sustainability, cultural sensitivity, and community engagement in every project. We specialize in creating spaces that harmonize with their natural surroundings while addressing the unique needs of our clients. Our process emphasizes participatory workshops, site-specific analysis, and integration of renewable materials. With expertise spanning residential, institutional, and community developments, we strive to deliver designs that inspire human connection and environmental stewardship.Our international portfolio demonstrates adaptability across diverse climates and cultural contexts. By maintaining close partnerships with consultants and contractors, we ensure technical precision while preserving creative integrity. This commitment to holistic design has earned us recognition for projects that balance aesthetic innovation with functional excellence. Our work reflects a deep understanding of how architecture can enhance quality of life while minimizing ecological footprints.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Residential Design
Community Planning
Green Building Consultation
International Projects
Eco-Friendly Renovations
Site Analysis
Construction Documentation
Interior Design
Master Planning
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We implement LEED-certified sustainable design principles across all projects
- Our team maintains 30+ years of combined experience in ecological architecture
- We employ participatory design workshops for community-driven outcomes
- We offer cross-cultural expertise through our Boulder-Nicaragua studio network
- Our process integrates advanced energy modeling and climate-responsive techniques
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice creates energy-efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant well-being. We employ passive solar design, renewable materials, and climate-responsive strategies tailored to each project's unique context. This approach reduces long-term operational costs while creating healthier living environments.
Residential Design
We craft custom residential spaces that balance aesthetic innovation with functional efficiency. Our designs prioritize natural light integration, spatial flow optimization, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections. Each project incorporates client-specific lifestyle needs while maintaining ecological sensitivity through material selection and energy-conscious planning.
Community Planning
Our community planning services focus on creating walkable, mixed-use developments that foster social interaction and environmental stewardship. We employ participatory design workshops to ensure stakeholder input shapes every project. The process emphasizes sustainable infrastructure, shared green spaces, and context-sensitive architectural character.
International Projects
We deliver culturally responsive architecture across diverse geographic contexts. Our cross-cultural expertise ensures designs respect local traditions while implementing modern sustainability standards. The practice maintains dual studios in Colorado and Nicaragua to better serve international clients through on-site collaboration and regional material sourcing.
Construction Documentation
Our detailed construction documentation ensures precise realization of design intent. The process includes technical drawings, material specifications, and systems integration coordination. We maintain quality control through continuous collaboration with engineers and contractors, ensuring sustainable design principles are preserved throughout the building process.
People
Dominique Gettliffe
Founder and Architect
Licensed architect with 30+ years of experience in sustainable design. Specializes in integrating ecological principles with modern architectural forms. Holds professional certifications in green building practices and international construction standards.
Alejandra Baltodano
Architect
Licensed architect bringing expertise in cross-cultural design solutions. Focuses on community engagement processes and climate-responsive building techniques. Experienced in both residential and institutional project types across diverse geographic regions.
Jordan Crawford
Architect
Project architect specializing in technical design solutions and construction coordination. Expertise in translating conceptual designs into buildable, code-compliant structures while maintaining sustainability objectives.
Lorraine Dority
Studio Manager
Oversees studio operations and project coordination. Brings organizational expertise to manage complex project timelines and client communications. Ensures smooth implementation of design processes across multiple international locations.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on modern, sustainable designs that respond to local climate and cultural contexts. Our approach prioritizes functional innovation over stylistic trends while maintaining strong environmental connections.
Do you work on international projects?
Yes, we maintain dual studios in Boulder, Colorado and Managua, Nicaragua. This structure enables direct collaboration on projects across North America, Central America, and select global locations.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use passive solar strategies, locally sourced materials, energy modeling, and water conservation systems. Each project undergoes climate analysis to optimize building orientation and natural ventilation potential.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on projects ranging from single-family homes to large-scale community developments. Our process adapts to each project's scope while maintaining the same commitment to sustainability and design excellence.
How does the design process work?
Our three-phase process includes schematic design with client workshops, detailed construction documentation, and on-site construction administration. We emphasize continuous collaboration throughout each project's lifecycle.
Can you renovate existing buildings sustainably?
Yes, we specialize in transforming existing structures with energy-efficient upgrades while preserving architectural character. Our approach maximizes material reuse and improves building performance through modern retrofitting techniques.
Reviews (4)
Ed Withers
Dec 30, 2019
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We recently moved into our new home in Boulder, Colorado. Gettliffe Architecture designed and guided us through the entire project, including helping us choose the General Contractor, conceptual design and the ultimate design of our new home, as well as management of the project through to the last paintbrush stroke on the wall. Dominique and his team were very attentive to our goals and to our aspirations. They were great to work with throughout the entire process. We especially appreciated their help during the construction process, working in collaboration with the contractors to turn our vision
Meng Meng
Sep 12, 2019
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Dominique and his team have been tremendously helpful in fulfilling my architectural needs. They have been extremely responsive, communicative, and helpful every step of the way with our complex permitting issues. From communicating with the city to doing the actual work they have excelled in every way. This has been different from the poor experiences I've had in working with every other contractor, and I would recommend them to everyone.
Tim Harrington
Jul 24, 2019
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As a high end construction company, our experience with Gettliffe Architecture has been one of close collaboration, resulting in the highest quality architectural detailing for our clients. Their team worked with us and our subcontractors enthusiastically throughout the construction of each project in order to achieve the design vision.
Candace Newlove-Marrs
Jun 08, 2018
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Dominique and his staff are not only extremely talented and creative but they are warm, attentive and fabulous to work with ....
