Charles Cunniffe Architects (CCA) is an architecture firm founded in 1981 in Aspen, Colorado that is committed to design excellence. CCA has 18 professionals who work on a variety of commercial and residential projects. CCA is known for producing unique buildings that capture the spirit of each location and client through thoughtful designs and use of natural materials. The firm emphasizes sustainable design practices to reduce environmental impacts.

1. T h e S p i r i T o f p l a c e

3. PROFILE
Founded in 1981 by Charles Cunniffe, Charles Cunniffe Architects (CCA) continues to uphold a commitment to
design excellence and client satisfaction. Headquartered in Aspen, Colorado CCA has been commissioned for
work throughout the United States and abroad. Our firm has successfully produced projects for a wide variety of clients
ranging from private individuals to large and small business corporations and governmental entities.
CCA is particularly sought out for our innovative approach to design challenges, and has a reputation for producing
architectural projects that are truly inspired. Numerous national and local awards programs have recognized Charles
Cunniffe Architects for design excellence, and an array of national and international architecture and design publications
have featured our firm.
CCA’s staff of 18 professionals combines the expertise and experience necessary to complete projects of all types.
Charles Cunniffe has formulated a sound team of talented designers that compliment each other and ensure a
creative, flexible environment. CCA’s size and structure enables us to offer the resources and capabilities of a larger firm,
while maintaining the personalized nature of a small and creative design team. The resulting designs are individually
crafted, and present a diverse portfolio with every project having a character and energy of its own.
Since our inception, CCA has sought to design not only the appropriate solution for each project, but to also see that
the spirit and inspiration behind the solution continues to shine after code, design review, and budget have exerted
their influence. The result is a thoughtful and unique building that exudes the personality and needs of the client,
the site and program. n

4. receNT aWarDS
2009 aia colorado West people’s choice award – River’s Edge
2009 aspen’s Business of the Year – Aspen Chamber Resort Association
2008 Gold Nugget award of Merit – Independence Retreat
2008 Builder’s choice Design & planning award – Independence Retreat
2008 cooper lighting first place – Independence Retreat
2008 cooper lighting honorable Mention – Residence at Crystal Lake
2007 Mountain living Magazine home of the Year – Residence at Crystal Lake
2007 Qualified Remodeler Master Design Awards, Gold – Fullerton Residence
2005 Gold Nugget Awards, Best Custom Home – Nelson Residence
2005 AIA Colorado West, Award of Merit – Burlingame Affordable Housing
2005 Gold Nugget Awards, Award of Merit – Burlingame Affordable Housing
2004 Qualified Remodeler Awards Honorable Mention - Exterior Facelift – Clarendon Townhomes
2004 aia architect’s choice awards – Nelson Residence
2004 Gold Nugget award of Merit – 935 Gibson Residence
2003 Gold Nugget award of Merit – Baker Residence
2002 Builder’s choice Design & planning award – Baker Residence
2002 Builder’s choice Design & planning award – Haase Residence
2002 Mountain living Magazine home of the Year award – Baker Residence
2001 aia colorado West award of citation – Frazier Residence
2001 Gold Nugget Merit Award, Best Custom Residential over 6,000 sq. ft. – Haase Residence
2001 Gold Nugget Merit Award, Best Custom Residential over 6,000 sq. ft. – Frazier Residence
2000 Gold Nugget Honor Award, Best Condo/Attached Home Over 1,880 sq. ft. – Fireside Townhomes
2000 Gold Nugget Merit Award, Best Commercial Rehab – Wolcott Market
2000 Aspen Historic Preservation Commission, Preservation Honor Award – Isis Theater

5. preSS

7. r e S i D e N c e aT c rY S Ta l l a k e
Located on a small, circular lot, this home exemplifies the Aspen
lifestyle. The architecture’s conscientious relationship to the site lends
an expansive feel to the land. An open and airy floor plan, defined by the
artistic juxtaposition of steel and wood, is strengthened by its
natural progression from room to room. The honesty of the
materials is what gives the home its contemporary edge. n

8. i N D e p e N D e N c e r e T r e aT A great house reacts to how it is sited, and responds to its larger setting in
the world. Recipient of several architectural awards, this home highlights
the very best in contemporary mountain architecture. The home takes
everyday elements of design, like a stairway or fireplace, and elevates
them from mere construction into the realm of sculpture. n

11. 1 3 7 5 r e D M o U N Ta i N r o a D
Inspired by the dramatic views of Aspen Mountain, this contemporary
11,250 square foot residence, literally built into the mountainside, is
a structural marvel. Sophisticated interiors and a seamless transition
from the commanding views to the interiors, magnifies the excellence
of this design. n

12. Aspen mAnor Designed to provide luxurious entertaining space and capture views
of Aspen Mountain, this architecturally exquisite residence boasts
12 bedrooms, a glass encased elevator, theatre, gym, wine cellar and
gourmet kitchen. n

14. craNDall reSiDeNce
The primary charge was to create a
house that would effectively capture
but not compete with, the unobstructed
views. The design would employ clean,
sculptural lines, simple massing and an
honest exposure of structure. After much
collaboration with the client, the design is
so articulated to the vista that the apex of
the homes’ central gable perfectly echoes
Pyramid Peak in the far distance. n

17. frazier hoMeSTeaD
On a windswept site high in the Rockies, inspiration for this home was
derived from the ancient masonry structures of the nearby Anasazi people.
The success of this project was in our response to the profound setting and
use of materials, specifically the local sandstone found on the site. n

19. SUNDMaN reSiDeNce Through the use of materials, sensitivity to spacial arrangements
and design detailing, the essence of a Zen mountain sanctuary
was successfully realized. Carrying the exterior stone to the interior,
coupled with large expanses of glass, creates a connection from
the interior spaces to the exterior views and gardens. n

21. fUllerToN reMoDel
Set on the banks of a scenic river, the original
structure, built in the late 1980’s greatly reflected
BEFORE
the architectural style of that time. The owners
engaged CCA to redesign the house to reflect
their discerning, contemporary style. Zen-like
applications of concrete and wood enabled
the design to reflect the desired contemporary
space, while maintaining the warmth for this
family residence. n
AFTER

22. Baker reSiDeNce Overlooking the historic town of Park City, three ski areas and the valley below,
this fun and whimsical vacation home acts as a mountain retreat for this active
family. The barrel-vaulted roof, which cantilevers over the curved wall of the
great room, is the signature element of the architectural design. Recognized as
“one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the state”, this home met
the challenges set forth not only by the owners, but also its environment. n

25. NelSoN reSiDeNce Set on a spectacular bluff overlooking the Roaring Fork River, the configuration
of this home maximizes the dramatic mountain views. Sensitivity to the context
was honored by framing the views, welcoming the sights and sounds of the
river. The scale and materials of the home reflect its environment, and clean lines
characterize the architecture. n

26. coMMercial WorkS
4 TH AND MAIN S TREET I SI S T H E AT E R
3 0 8 SOuTH HOP kINS 5 T H AN D MAI N ST RE E T

27. 6 2 5 E . MAIN STREET AME RI C AN N AT I O N Al BAN k
ASPE N glEN CluBHOuS E MI D l AN D Pl AC E

28. FURTHER WORKS
D A GGS HISTORIC RE NOVATI ON K O H SAMU I , T H AI L AN D RE SI D E N C E
T E LLURIDE AFFORDA B LE HOUS ING V I L L AS AT SN O W MASS RE MO D E L

29. RIV E R’S EDgE T Ru SC H E I T C ABI N
SNOOk RESIDENCE C H Al l E N g E ASPE N – W I l D E RN E SS R A N C H

30. S U S Ta i N a B l e utilizing a sustainable design philosophy By designing structures with reclaimed
encourages decisions at each phase of the woods, steel, non-toxic paints, glass and
design process that will reduce negative impacts recycled materials now easily accessible in the
on the environment and the health of the occu- market, green-building is not only essential
pants, without compromising the bottom line. to our sensitive mountain environment but
Such an integrated approach positively impacts easily attainable with the technology today.
all phases of a building’s life-cycle, including The result is an optimal balance of environ-
design, construction, and operation. mental, societal and human benefits while
meeting the mission and function of the intended
facility. Building design through environmental
response, functionalism, and cost effectiveness
have remained critical issues in developing sus-
tainable buildings. Charles Cunniffe Architects
brings this commitment to your project. n

32. 610 East Hyman Avenue
Aspen, Colorado 81611
Tel: 970.925.5590
Fax: 970.925.5076
www.cunniffe.com Printed on 100% recycled content, 50% post-consumer waste, processed chlorine-free paper.