Rowland+Broughton Architecture / Urban Design / Interior Design is a progressive, full-service design firm of more than 40 design professionals. With studios in Aspen and Denver, Colorado, our design expertise informs and enhances a wide spectrum of projects, including custom residential, hospitality, commercial, interior design, and historic preservation. Our collaborative design process is profound and continues to push the boundardaries of architectural design throughout the United States and beyond.
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 all over the country as trusted advisors, transcends all accolades received for our work.
“I really enjoyed the process from beginning to end with the entire design team of very talented people. Great job! We all created a killer restaurant for thousands of people to enjoy for many years to come.”
Todd Clark, Partner and Director of Operations MATSUHISA
Aspen Studio
Denver Studio
Our process begins with you.
We believe in clear communication and openness, which is why you have direct and easy access to your R+B team from day one. We are collaborative, agile, and always operate with integrity, respect, and accountability. Our hospitality work has a tailored approach that will nourish the human experience and create lasting memories. This combination of strengths produces creative solutions that consistently reach new heights.
“Rowland+Broughton had a really good grasp of our owner’s requirements - budget, design, schematic, and construction administration. They were there the whole time doing whatever they could to support the project and persevered to see it through. I really enjoyed working with Sarah in developing the initial design concepts, thoughts, details, and shop drawings. R+B was there to support the project in outstanding fashion. They rose to the occasion, and we were glad to have them on board.”
Gert Van Moorsel, VP of Development and Construction ASPEN SKIING COMPANY
TAILORED
Our hands-on, customized approach is inspired, researched, and refined.
We believe that successful architecture is distinguished by its ability to gain the acceptance and appreciation of the people who interact with it. We design environments that reflect individual personalities, tastes, and lifestyles.
Embracing our goal of creating thoughtful, timeless, sustainable design, we enthusiastically strive for excellence in every endeavor.
We are nimble and flexible, while continually defining a thoughtful balance of form, function, and comfort. We believe in the power of collaboration and the importance of a well-planned approach.
We work to create balance within spaces, as well as openings that capture views, highlight the unexpected, enhance beauty, and provide meaningful details.
NOURISH
We design to nourish the human experience within a space by creating an authentic, personal sense of place.
Blurring the boundaries between inside and out nurtures the soul while transforming a space to give balance, dimension, and depth.
“On
schedule and on budget –usually unheard of, but this has happened because of R+B. As an owner and board member I can’t thank you enough – it is beautiful. I appreciate all the hard work and commitment. We were so fortunate to have a dedicated, detail-oriented group of folks on this project.”
Susie Haynes RESIDENCES AT SNOWMASS CLUB
LASTING
From preserving and adapting buildings that are deemed historic today to designing those that aspire to be deemed historic in the future, our design is timeless.
We ensure all projects include technological advancements, smart materials, and careful site planning to make the most significant impact and ensure longevity and rootedness.
We approach each project with a focus on understanding its regional and environmental impact, as well as the social and personal ambitions it aspires to meet.
“Over my 30-year tenure at Hotel Jerome, the hotel has been thoughtfully reinvented while remaining loyal to its revered history and authentic character. Working with the team at Rowland+Broughton once again has ensured that this latest expansion and renovation will continue to honor its legacy, while enticing and accommodating new generations of guests. R+B’s appreciation of and sensitivity toward historical preservation is exemplary, as are their design skills and professionalism. I’m certain our new spaces will be a welcome and exciting addition to the place we all hold so dear.”
Tony DiLucia, General Manager
AND
HOTEL JEROME, ASPEN TIMES BUILDING
SUITES
Matsuhisa
Creating a space that continues to evolve the Matsuhisa legacy in its new Cherry Creek location remains true to the Japanese culture through thoughtful, unique, humble, and purposeful design.
Matsuhisa Denver is an exquisitely designed restaurant that elevates Denver’s dining experience. The muted, natural palette provides an elegant setting for the unique food presentation.
A space that is welcoming and inviting for guests was imperative to the scheme and structure. Utilizing deliberate textural contrast and carefully designed lightscapes, the ambiance for an exquisitely designed sushi restaurant that elevates Denver’s culinary palate was born.
A soothing, natural palette provides an elegant setting for the unique food presentation. Reclaimed Indonesian teak unifies the design as the floor, many walls, ceilings, bar, and millwork were all custom crafted from the same material.
The sliding partition walls are also teak with resin panels that have a compelling story of their own; trimmings of prayer paper that is made by monks in the Himalayas is pressed in the resin. The paper is handmade from shrubs indigenous to the area.
Other elements were also designed to acknowledge the Colorado locale. The back bar wall is clad in leathered Sandalwood sandstone quarried from the Western Slope. The Zen garden rock, while inspired by Japanese artist Masatoshi Izumi, was selected from a local supplier and quarried in our home state. The sloped acoustic ceiling is reminiscent of the Rocky Mountains visible to the west.
“The sophisticated decor makes an impact with reclaimed teak, earth-toned tile, locally sourced stone accents, and ornate Japanese cut-out screens.”
Zagat
Since the site is oriented on the corner of a busy intersection, it was important to focus the guest experience internally. We did this by cloaking the windows in a custom designed wood screen system. The pattern is inspired by the traditional Japanese Asanoha, or hemp leaf, pattern.
W Aspen
Redefining a modern day chalet in Aspen, Colorado, rooted in Aspen’s rich history.
At the base of Aspen ski mountain with ski in/ ski out access, the W Aspen is reminiscent of the traditional chalet form. The architecture is a nod to the iconic style that speaks to Aspen’s alpine heritage, with modern details and building systems that root the architecture firmly into the present day while instilling a sense of timelessness.
The iconic chalet style was first introduced to Aspen in the 1940s with long, sloping rooflines and siding adorned with wood and stucco that was prevalent in Aspen when skiing was first introduced. Over time, the style has been slowly eroded. The opportunity to create a modern interpretation of the chalet speaks to Aspen’s ski heritage and the prominence of being at the base of the mountain.
The new design is a modern-day translation and renaissance of the chalet architectural style infused with modern day detailing. The W Aspen hotel will provide a venue and place to stay that encourages youth and fun. The variety of amenities and beautifully designed public spaces will become a hangout for locals and visitors alike.
An oversized split-level living room, the brand’s alternative to the staid hotel lobby, reimagines the traditional dining scene with a modern approach to dynamic cocktails and cuisine. To complete the experience of this incomparable location, the property features an outdoor patio and a rooftop bar and pool, overlooking Aspen Mountain, to create the ultimate experience for après ski and warm weather events.
Locally-inspired, this modern-day mountain chalet celebrates the spirit of Aspen, with 88 guestrooms, including six suites and 11 W-branded fractional Residences.
“There’s a wonderful historical context that’s woven into the design and architecture. Upon walking in the front you’ll notice an iconic silver nugget suspended over the lobby.”
John Sarpa, Developer W ASPEN
Rusty Parrot
Restoring a historic and long-loved luxury destination in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The site is set on the edge of town, at the convergence of the town grid and the rural back drop of Flat Creek and East Gros Ventre Butte. Across the street is Miller Park, a full town block of open space for community recreation gatherings. This dynamic location invites the architecture to be urban, but at the same time respectful to its immediate context.
A devastating fire in November 2019 burned the Rusty Parrot Lodge beyond repair creating a series of challenges for the design team. The Harrisons, owners of the Rusty Parrot Lodge, challenged the design team to re-capture the quirky spirit of the original Rusty Parrot building while conforming to the new form-based zoning standards required in the downtown core. The design team integrated roof decks on the upper levels which allowed the structure to step-back in scale and mass to compliment the transition from urban to neighborhood context. These unique outdoors spaces become guest amenities and a sense of discovery to enjoy the views of the park, adjacent mountains and wildlife. Signature elements from the former lodge were reinterpreted with arched bottom trusses in the gables featuring “crow’s feet” cross bracing, as well as arched openings within the stone walls indicating a hierarchy of movement.
The primary design goal was to create balance, both in time and in place. Inspired by the great lodges of the West and the rugged, natural beauty of Jackson, the architecture is rooted in place balancing both the urban and rural context of the site. The stone base anchors the building and serves as a remnant of a former life on the site.
Emerging from the stone walls are strong, threestory gabled roofed forms that purposely step in and out creating a rhythm of balconies along the facade. The form is a balance between old and new, a timeless desire to remain rooted to the past yet relevant through the future.
“After a nationwide search we found an architectural firm, Rowland+Broughton, with a deep portfolio proving they were capable of capturing the residential feel and with the technical expertise from hotel design experience, and the bonus of experience in historic hotel renovations and preservation of western architecture.
Working with Rowland Broughton we assembled a team of consultants that has put together a plan that we think is strongly reminiscent of our heritage as the Rusty Parrot Lodge and representative of Jackson Hole. The team’s responsiveness to the intent of the LDR’s & design guidelines has been impressive.”
Harrison, Owner RUSTY PARROT
Brandon
Limelight Ketchum
Embodying the heritage of its surroundings to create an approachable destination for travelers and the local community.
Located near the Sun Valley ski area, the Limelight Ketchum Hotel inspired by Ketchum’s motto, “Small town, big life!” Taking cues from the area’s laid-back vibe, a modern interior program was intended to nurture body and soul.
The overall design theme is the establishment of the hotel as a community “base camp” in which guests can start and end each day. In public spaces, the concept was executed through design of a large, centrally located seating area focused on a monolithic stone fireplace hearth, dubbed the “campfire.”
“Our goal was to create spaces that reflect our brand promise to “Lighten Up” and become “the Living Room” for the community. R+B were able to deliver with a design that has been well received by both the community and our hotel guests. It is exciting to see how the communal lobby, lounge, and restaurant areas have been accepted and the vitality that exists there on a nightly basis.”
Don Schuster, Vice President of Hospitality ASPEN SKIING COMPANY
Embodying the heritage of its surroundings to create an approachable destination for travelers and the local community.
Located near the Sun Valley ski area, the Limelight Ketchum Hotel inspired by Ketchum’s motto, “Small town, big life!” Taking cues from the area’s laid-back vibe, a modern interior program was intended to nurture body and soul.
The overall design theme is the establishment of the hotel as a community “base camp” in which guests can start and end each day. In public spaces, the concept was executed through design of a large, centrally located seating area focused on a monolithic stone fireplace hearth, dubbed the “campfire.”
The relationship of the fireplace to an overhead design installation utilizing fiber optics and linear, radial, and cove lighting replicates the experience of walking through a forest and emerging in a clearing below a starry night sky. The outdoors was further embraced via an architectural, overhead, reclaimed wood trellis detail that moves from the porte cochere, into the lobby, and onto a plaza.
Throughout the hotel, color palettes were inspired by natural environmental colors, textures, and contrast of shade and shadow. Primary materials include white oak, reclaimed barn wood, blackened steel, and
Awards
Since its founding, Rowland+Broughton has been honored with design awards and accolades for the firm’s custom hosoitality work from multiple professional organizations and magazines, such as the American Institute of Architects, the American Society of Interior Design, the International Interior Design Association, Hospitality Design Magazine, Interior Design Magazine, Luxe Magazine...and more!
Clients
Rowland+Broughton works together with families, landowners, developers, and investors, as well as major flagship hospitality firms. We successfully navigate brand design specifications and collaborate with the brand leadership to fulfill their vision. With a highly-collaborative approach, our clients are part of the team. Our hospitality clients are highlighted here.
