R+B Commercial Portfolio

Rowland+Broughton is a full-service design firm specializing in architecture and interior design for commercial, mixed-use, hotels and resorts, custom homes, restaurants, and historic preservation projects. While our scope is diverse, our approach is always focused and personalized.

Founded in 2003 by Principals John Rowland, AIA, and Sarah Broughton, AIA, NCIDQ, Rowland+Broughton (R+B) has since grown into a thriving team of dedicated architects, interior designers and administrators. The Aspen studio is located on Main Street at the entrance to town in a restored 1890s historic landmark building, and the Denver studio is located in a restored 1892 historic commercial building in the vibrant downtown neighborhood of LoDo.

Our consistent design approach is credited to the fact that our collaborative process tests conventional thinking. This thread connects across all of our projects, allowing our diverse project experiences to inform one another no matter their type or locale. Our design thinking ranges from ‘macro to micro’ instantly, with the driving force always based on context, spirit of place, environment, and experience.

Ultimately, the satisfaction we experience from building lasting relationships with our clients, and the opportunity to work with them again and again as trusted advisors, transcends all accolades received for our work.

With nearly 500 years of combined experience, the R+B team has worked on over 350 projects across the United States.

Aspen Studio

Denver Studio

Experience and passion.

We are energized, passionate, and possess a unique understanding of the importance of visibility and performance in the commercial market. This combination of commercial and mixed-use work positions us to be versatile and understand the end-user who appreciates exceptional quality, design, professionalism, and a customized customer service experience.

“I

am so pleased with the build out and design of all aspects of our new office. Not only were your design choices exactly what I was after, but you delivered on time! My sincere thanks for a job well done.”

Steven Shane COMPASS

VERSATILE

We design for adaptability based on the essential use of a space today and in the future.

From gallery to retail to workplace, our designs allow for more flexibility to adapt to changing needs and encourage an increased lifecycle of the building. This is the ultimate sustainability of design.

“The design by Rowland+Broughton will speak to the architectural language of Aspen for decades to come. It is rich in form and detail that builds on what went on before in Aspen architecture to extend the trajectory of the vocabulary of the town’s streetscapes into the future.”

Client

VICTORIAN SQUARE

VISIBILITY

Recognizing the impact of design, it is our responsibility to harmonize and elevate our projects within its surroundings.

To the public and in our practice, attention to unique detail is critical. We ensure to represent a brand, while providing an interactive and approachable experience for all.

“It was invaluable to have R+B involved in this process. The team brought a critical design perspective and vast local experience to help shape the Commercial Design Standards into something that our community can be proud of and support.”

Justin Barker, Senior Planner CITY OF ASPEN

“It

was a pleasure to work with Rowland+Broughton on another project. Their team was responsive to our needs, understood our clientele and designed the perfect backdrop to showcase our logo items and other merchandise.”

Managing Director FOUR MOUNTAIN SPORTS

PERFORMANCE

Form and function are thoughtfully defined through our design process to produce the strongest work.

Whether adapting historic buildings while respecting the past, or designing a ground-up sustainable building, we create spaces that help teams reach their full potential and wellness.

“Our goal was to create spaces that reflect our brand

promise. Sarah and her team were able to deliver with a design that has been well received by both the community and our guests.”

Client

ASPEN SKIING COMPANY

Victorian Square

Celebrating the dynamic spirit of Aspen’s rich history, the featured lapped brick facade at the base of the building connects it to the neighboring historic brick buildings.

Set between Aspen’s downtown core and the contemporary, internationally renowned Aspen Art Museum, this iconic three-story 12,275 square foot mixed-use building is the dynamic spirit of Aspen’s rich history.

Victorian Square was designed and inspired by the nearby snow-covered rock outcroppings known as the “Pillow Factory,” a favorite backcountry destination up nearby Independence Pass, where skiers float between pillows of snow.

R+B sought to abstract the inherent qualities of a typical pillow where the snow is softly suspended over the mass of the rock, revealing the stratified lines of past snowfalls. The second portion of the building is formed by a single, undulating African mahogany form that cantilevers over the edge of the brick façade above the pedestrian space.

At the base, a lapped brick facade gives a nod to the neighboring historic brick buildings and grounds the structure to the site. Handmade bricks by Peterson Tegl, an innovative and craft-focused producer in Denmark, are detailed using a lapped siding technique with hidden fasteners, which recalls the many wood sided buildings that once were prevalent throughout downtown Aspen during the early mining years.

Overall, timeless architectural details respect the craftsmanship of the past, while sleek, fresh lines speak to modern technology and design. Unique detailing driven by new products and energy codes allowed the design and construction team to delve deeply into new technologies through traditional research methods, as well as full-scale mockups.

This ground-up project includes a basement, two stories of above grade commercial space, and a third-story 2,000 SF residential penthouse with panoramic views of Aspen and the surrounding mountains. The structure has quickly become a cornerstone of the community.

The concept for Victorian Square is inspired by a nearby backcountry skiing haunt referred to by locals as “The Pillow Factory”. The highlight of this area is the countless snow-covered rock outcroppings (pillows) that gently step down the slope with skiers playfully bouncing down the terrain from one pillow to the next. We sought to abstract the inherent qualities of a typical pillow where the snow is softly suspended over the mass of the rock, revealing the stratified lines of past snow falls.

Victorian Square is an iconic cornerstone to Aspen’s storied history, community and future. MASSING

Peterson Cover Brick from Denmark represents the stationary mass of the rock outcropping. These handmade bricks are detailed using a lapped siding technique with hidden fasteners, which recalls the many wood sided buildings that once were prevalent throughout downtown Aspen during the early mining years. African Mahogany represents the snow pillow and is detailed with an undulating façade to indicate the stratified lines of past snow storms and is cantilevered over the masonry façade.

This wood pillow also has another layer of significance in that of the old false storefront façades prevalent in mining towns during the turn of the century. However, unlike those historical applications where billboard and signage indicated the use or merchandise of those buildings, the snow pillow’s silent message is that Aspen is now an international destination for skiing and sells dreams of abundant snow fall.

“We asked Rowland+Broughton to consider the architectural precedent that makes Aspen unique. Then we asked them in that context to consider how to create a new modern template for Aspen’s future designs. R+B has delivered, and the community is applauding the result.”

Andy Hecht, Client GARFIELD+HECHT

Crandall Building

While respecting the original design, the restoration and addition of the Crandall Building brings this iconic building up to 21st century standards.

As the first post-war landmarked building in Aspen, the project preserves the building’s original unique form and fenestration, while adding a thirdfloor penthouse with a wrap-around deck that complements the existing modern architectural vernacular. It was originally designed in the 1970s by the late Thomas W. Benton, a celebrated muralist, graphic designer, and architect, who helped shape the built landscape of Aspen.

The historic building has layers of detail including the wood orientation on the building façade and the views through the horizontal levels looking out towards Aspen Mountain.

By utilizing a strict series of framed openings, this building moves beyond its form and draws the sky and mountains toward the viewer.

In addition to the added office space, significant upgrades to the mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems maximizes energy efficiency and sustainability. The most significant sustainability decision was not to demolish the original structure and redevelop entirely.

The opportunity to condominiumize the building allowed local businesses to purchase their units at a price comparable to their rental rates and own a piece of this historic building.

The strict land-use code requirements for setbacks and building heights are also a layer of this building’s life that cannot be ignored. Today, the Crandall Building houses many local business and is a thriving part of the downtown community.

“The Crandall Building faced many obstacles as a design build restoration and redevelopment, and Rowland+Broughton brought high energy, creativity, commitment, and professionalism to every aspect of the project. They have contributed to great projects and achieved remarkable results with their development partners in the Aspen community and beyond, and are recognized in all fields of their profession; and for good reason.”

Jane Hills OWNER

Mesa Building

The historic Mesa Store, located on Main Street at the entrance to Aspen, is the new home of R+B’s Aspen studio and our national headquarters.

Designated and registered with the City of Aspen Historic Preservation Commission, the 1888 Mesa Store has long enjoyed a distinct vantage point at the top of Aspen’s Main Street, the mesa. The street dips down into the commercial core, leaving the building prominent on the site.

Restoration efforts included removing all nonhistoric proportioned windows and replacing them with replicas as researched in historic photos.

The non-historic, covered entry roof fascia was removed and the historic detailing that had been covered up was restored and preserved.

The non-historic exterior covered stair and deck was restored per the historic photos. All new plumbing, electrical, data, security, and fire protection prepared the property for the next century, further preserving Aspen’s authenticity and historical heritage. Accessibility was enhanced by adding an elevator that connects all three levels, as well as accessible parking and entry. New landscaping and gardens complement the historic patterns of Main Street, while providing a modern aesthetic and accommodating a storm water infrastructure.

The sustainably designed tri-level interior is modern and bright, featuring white painted walls, white oak millwork and character grade oak flooring accented with black hardware and guardrails. In addition, all ceilings are white acoustic fabric by WhisperSpan. The driving concept was to create highly collaborative work and circulation spaces that are surrounded by individual work zones at the perimeter. Uplift desktops and built-ins were custom designed to maximize comfort and efficiency. The entry is surrounded by an enormous historic glass storefront that once saw uses as a bakery, general store and retail. This inspired the design team to respectfully place a welcome desk and kitchen that encourages the spirit of the hospitality of the past.

Mesa Building Through the Years

Awards

Since its founding, Rowland+Broughton has been honored with design awards and accolades for the firm’s work. A sampling of these awards for our commercial work is highlighted here.

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Award of Distinction and Honorable Mention

Victorian Square | Aspen, CO | 2018

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Colorado People’s Choice Awards

Stein Building | Aspen, CO | 2017

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Colorado West Honor Award

Crandall Building | Aspen, CO | 2012

American Institute of Architects (AIA) Young Firm of the Year

Firm Achievement - Nationwide | 2009

American Planning Association Colorado Merit Award

Commercial Design Standards and Guidelines | Aspen, CO | 2017

American Society of Interior Design (ASID) Crystal Award – Commercial Woody Creek Distillers | Basalt, CO | 2014

ARCHITECT Top 50

Firm Achievement | 2016

Aspen Chamber Resort Association –Business of the Year

Firm Achievement | 2012

Colorado CARE Awards - Commercial

Mesa Building | Aspen, CO | 2019

Denver Business Journal Top 25 Denver Architecture Firms

Firm Achievement | 2017-2018

ENR Mountain States Merit Award

Top Design Firms – Colorado/Wyoming States | 2014-2015

Aspen Historic Preservation Commission Award

Mesa Building | Aspen, CO | 2019

Crandall Building | Aspen, CO | 2012

INTERIOR DESIGN Rising Giants

Firm Achievement | Nationwide | 2012 – 2018

International Interior Design Association (IIDA) Rocky Mountain Chapter BESTawards

Woody Creek Distillery | Basalt, CO | 2014

LEED Certified R+B Aspen Office | Aspen, CO | 2014

Mountain Living, Top Mountain Architects & Interior Designers

Firm Achievement – Western States | 2013

NEWH TopID – Rocky Mountain Chapter

Firm Achievement – Rocky Mountain Region | 2011

PSMJ Circle of Excellence

Firm Achievement | 2009-2018

Top Intermountain Design Firms

Firm Achievement – Colorado and Wyoming | 2010

1830 blake st

denver, co 80202

t 303.308.1373 aspen

500 w main st aspen, co 81611

t 970.544.9006

office@rowlandbroughton.com www.rowlandbroughton.com