Business Details
Sustainable Architecture & Collaborative Design in Boulder, CO
For over three decades, Gettliffe Architecture has pioneered a collaborative approach to modern design rooted in sustainability, community engagement, and ecological responsibility. Our team of architects, based in Boulder, Colorado, and Managua, Nicaragua, merges global expertise with local insights to create spaces that harmonize human needs with natural environments. We specialize in crafting architecture that inspires emotional connection through thoughtful integration of light, landscape, and climate. Our process emphasizes participatory workshops for community projects and leverages advanced site analysis to ensure structures complement existing ecosystems.With a portfolio spanning residential transformations, institutional buildings, and international eco-tourism developments, we maintain rigorous standards for material selection, energy efficiency, and long-term environmental impact. Our interdisciplinary coordination with engineers, interior designers, and sustainability consultants ensures cohesive execution from conceptualization to construction. By prioritizing transparent communication and iterative design refinement, we deliver spaces that evolve with their occupants while maintaining architectural integrity.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Green Building Design
Community Master Planning
Residential Renovations
International Eco-Tourism Projects
Highlights and features
- We implement LEED-certified sustainable design principles across all projects
- Our team includes AIA-registered architects with international construction expertise
- We utilize 3D modeling and thermal analysis for optimal energy performance
- Our participatory design workshops ensure community needs shape final outcomes
- We maintain a 95% client retention rate through transparent budget management
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Our sustainable architecture practice integrates passive solar design, local materials sourcing, and energy-efficient systems to minimize environmental impact. We employ life-cycle analysis for material selection and prioritize biophilic design elements that enhance occupant well-being. Projects undergo rigorous climate modeling to optimize thermal performance and natural lighting.
Community Master Planning
We facilitate participatory master planning processes that engage stakeholders in shaping mixed-use developments. Our approach balances private and communal spaces while incorporating green infrastructure and accessible public amenities. We specialize in creating walkable neighborhoods with integrated transportation solutions and climate-resilient site planning.
Residential Renovations
Our residential renovation services focus on transforming existing structures through energy-efficient upgrades and spatial reconfiguration. We employ adaptive reuse strategies to preserve architectural heritage while modernizing functionality. Projects emphasize indoor-outdoor connectivity and material selections that reduce volatile organic compound emissions.
International Eco-Tourism Projects
We design eco-tourism facilities that respect local cultures and ecosystems through context-sensitive architecture. Our international projects incorporate vernacular building techniques with modern sustainability standards. We collaborate with local artisans and prioritize low-impact construction methods to minimize environmental disruption.
Construction Documentation
Our comprehensive construction documentation includes coordinated architectural and engineering drawings with detailed specifications. We produce precise floor plans, elevations, and technical details while maintaining design intent throughout the documentation process. Our BIM coordination ensures constructability and cost accuracy.
People
Dominique Gettliffe
Founder and Architect
AIA-certified architect with 30+ years of experience in sustainable design. Specializes in integrating ecological principles with modern architectural forms across residential and institutional projects.
Alejandra Baltodano
Architect
Licensed architect with expertise in international projects and LEED-certified building systems. Focuses on material innovation and climate-responsive design solutions for diverse environmental contexts.
Jordan Crawford
Architect
Project architect specializing in residential transformations and community engagement processes. Brings technical precision to complex renovation projects while maintaining design integrity.
Lorraine Dority
Studio Manager
Oversees operational efficiency and project coordination with 15+ years of architectural practice management experience. Ensures seamless communication between design teams and external partners.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on modern, sustainable designs that respond to environmental context rather than adhering to specific stylistic movements.
Do you work on both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes residential renovations, community spaces, institutional buildings, and international eco-tourism developments.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use passive solar design, local materials, energy modeling, and green infrastructure to minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort.
Can you handle international construction projects?
Our firm has experience managing projects in Nicaragua and Germany, with established networks of local consultants and contractors.
What is your design process timeline?
Projects typically follow a 3-phase process: schematic design (2-4 months), construction documents (4-8 months), and construction administration (project-dependent).
Do you offer interior design services?
Yes, we provide coordinated interior design that aligns with architectural vision, including material selection and spatial planning.
