In this episode of The Build Project, I sat down with Boulder-based architect Mike Pichè, founder of Pichè Architecture, to talk about designing homes with clarity, building strong local partnerships, and navigating the evolving architectural landscape across Boulder and Denver.
Mike’s name might be new to some, but his experience runs deep. After years designing high-end homes across Colorado’s luxury residential markets, including Aspen and Boulder, Mike recently launched his own practice focused on creating concept-driven, highly personal architectural work. His emphasis? Design rooted in clarity, intention, and collaboration.
The Power of a Strong Concept in Custom Residential Design
One of the most compelling ideas from our conversation was Mike’s belief in the power of a clear architectural concept. Whether it's a central courtyard, a dramatic oculus to the sky, or a play of light and shadow, Mike explained how one idea—when fully committed to—can anchor an entire design and serve as a reference point for every decision made along the way.
In Boulder and Denver’s highly personalized residential market, this approach becomes even more powerful. When clients are investing in major home remodels or ground-up custom builds, the clarity of concept becomes the tool that balances budget, construction decisions, and emotional investment. It helps keep the team aligned—from design through execution.
“It’s not about value engineering. It’s about editing with purpose,” Mike said. “When the idea is strong, you know what matters most.”
Local Relationships Matter—Now More Than Ever
Throughout the conversation, Mike emphasized his desire to focus on working locally. With active residential projects in Boulder and Denver, he talked about the benefits of collaborating with builders, tradespeople, and clients who are close by—people you can meet with face to face, build trust with, and grow alongside.
That’s not to say there isn’t value in national talent—but when it comes to the daily rhythm of a construction project, proximity matters. The Boulder area, in particular, is home to an unusually collaborative and quality-driven building community. And for architects like Mike, that allows for a higher degree of alignment and responsiveness on the job site.
We also talked about the influx of out-of-town builders into the Boulder construction market, and what that means for local professionals. As Boulder becomes increasingly desirable, it’s attracting attention from firms outside the state—but that comes with trade-offs. Projects suffer when relationships are transactional or when the team lacks a shared understanding of regional methods, permitting, and values.
Architect-Builder Collaboration in Boulder’s Evolving Market
Much of the episode focused on the shifting relationship between architects and builders—particularly in custom residential construction. Mike and I shared stories about how the best projects are often those where everyone feels empowered to contribute their expertise.
As a general contractor who also participates deeply in pre-construction, I’m always advocating for builders to be brought into the design process early—not to take over, but to facilitate better decision-making, offer constructability insight, and build momentum for the project.
Mike echoed that sentiment, sharing how some of the most refined details he’s worked on came out of conversations with builders who were willing to iterate, suggest, and collaborate. It’s this kind of creative back-and-forth—rooted in mutual respect—that leads to truly outstanding homes.
And it’s not just about beauty or complexity. We talked about how residential construction is inherently personal—emotionally, financially, and creatively. Helping clients feel supported, confident, and clear through every phase of a project is just as important as the final punch list.
The Future of Architecture and Residential Building in Boulder
Toward the end of the episode, we dove into the future of Boulder architecture. With ongoing permitting restrictions, a building moratorium in some areas, and increasing scrutiny around neighborhood compatibility, the stakes for good design are higher than ever.
Still, Mike is optimistic. He believes that Boulder will continue to attract people who value great design and are willing to invest in homes that feel rooted in place. He also noted that smaller communities like Lyons (where Fernhill is based) may see more growth as clients look beyond Boulder’s limits for land, opportunity, and architectural freedom.
We also discussed the community aspect of building in Colorado—how important it is for clients to feel connected to the people who are creating their home, whether that’s a furniture maker in Lyons, a cabinet shop in Longmont, or a site supervisor walking the job every morning. Those personal touches matter.
Why This Conversation Matters
At Fernhill Construction, we believe that residential construction doesn’t work without trust, communication, and clarity. This episode is a reminder of why relationships matter—between client and architect, builder and trade, detail and intent.
Whether you're a homeowner planning a custom build in Boulder, an architect seeking a more collaborative process, or a builder navigating the complexities of modern residential construction—this episode offers insight into what makes a project truly successful.
Listen in for a thoughtful, honest conversation about what it means to create something meaningful—and why great homes don’t happen by accident. They happen when great people work together.
