Business Details
19 Years
experience
Custom Architecture & Historic Preservation Experts
M. Gerwing Architects is a full-service architecture firm founded in 2007, dedicated to creating sustainable, contextually responsive designs that harmonize with landscapes and client needs. Our expertise spans residential new construction, historic preservation, commercial projects, and complex renovations, with a focus on challenging sites and regulatory environments. We prioritize an iterative design process rooted in active listening, balancing functionality with aesthetic innovation. Our team brings decades of experience navigating Boulder County's zoning and historic approval processes, ensuring projects meet budgets and timelines without compromising quality.We integrate green building practices and energy-efficient technologies, believing the most sustainable structures preserve existing materials. Our hands-on approach extends from conceptualization through construction, collaborating with trusted local contractors to realize designs that exceed expectations while maintaining timeless relevance.
Services
Residential New Construction
Historic Preservation
Commercial Architecture
Renovation & Additions
Sustainable Design
Details
- Year established: 2007
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience in complex residential and historic projects
- Our team holds LEED AP and Greenpoints certifications for sustainable design
- We specialize in navigating Boulder's challenging zoning and historic regulations
- We maintain 100% client retention through personalized, hands-on project management
- Our designs consistently win local and national recognition for innovation
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- City of Boulder Greenpoints
Services
Residential New Construction
We design bespoke single-family residences tailored to site conditions and client lifestyles. Our process emphasizes energy efficiency, material sustainability, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration. Projects range from modern mountain retreats to urban infill homes, each reflecting unique environmental and cultural contexts while meeting strict budgetary parameters.
Historic Preservation
Our team specializes in preserving architecturally significant structures through sensitive restoration and adaptive reuse. We navigate landmark designation requirements while modernizing systems for contemporary functionality. Recent projects include 19th-century farmhouses and early 20th-century urban buildings, maintaining historical integrity while achieving energy performance standards.
Commercial Architecture
We create functional commercial environments for restaurants, retail, and office spaces. Our designs balance brand identity with practical considerations like zoning compliance and accessibility. Notable projects include Boulder's Arugula Ristorante and mixed-use developments integrating residential and commercial elements within urban contexts.
Renovation & Additions
We transform existing structures through strategic renovations and expansions. Our expertise includes modernizing outdated layouts, improving energy performance, and adding functional spaces. We address structural challenges while maintaining architectural coherence, with projects ranging from kitchen remodels to comprehensive second-story additions on mid-century homes.
Sustainable Design
We integrate LEED-certified practices and passive solar strategies into all project phases. Services include energy modeling, material lifecycle analysis, and renewable energy system integration. Our approach prioritizes resource conservation through reclaimed materials, geothermal heating, and advanced insulation techniques while maintaining aesthetic and functional excellence.
People
Mark Gerwing
Principal Architect
With 30+ years of experience, Mark leads all projects from concept to completion. A Yale-trained architect and LEED AP certified professional, he specializes in complex regulatory environments and historic preservation. He serves on Boulder County's Historic Preservation Advisory Board.
Jim Walker
Construction Partner
Jim contributes 30 years of project management expertise, overseeing construction coordination. As head of ACI design:build, he ensures technical precision during execution. His background includes work with renowned architects Paul Rudolph and Peter Gluck in New York and Chicago.
Meri Bacus
Project Manager
Meri manages design phases and municipal approvals, leveraging 20+ years of international experience. A Cooper Union graduate, she specializes in navigating complex zoning processes and has worked on projects across New York, Germany, and Colorado's Front Range.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We create contextually appropriate designs rather than adhering to specific styles. Our work responds to site conditions, historical context, and client needs while emphasizing sustainability and modern functionality.
Can you handle projects with historic designation restrictions?
Yes, we have extensive experience with Boulder's Landmarks Board and similar agencies. We've successfully completed multiple projects requiring Individual Landmark status while incorporating modern additions that respect original structures.
Do you work outside Colorado?
While based in Boulder, we've completed projects in California, Oregon, Illinois, New York, and Florida. Our team adapts to regional building codes and environmental considerations while maintaining consistent design excellence.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We use passive solar design, energy modeling, and material lifecycle analysis. Our approach includes geothermal systems, reclaimed materials, and prioritizing existing structure preservation to minimize environmental impact while achieving LEED standards.
What's your construction management process?
We collaborate with ACI design:build and other trusted contractors, maintaining oversight from initial design through final finishes. Our team conducts regular site visits to ensure construction quality and adherence to design intent.
How are project timelines managed?
We develop detailed schedules during the design phase, accounting for permitting processes and material lead times. Our experience with local municipalities helps expedite approvals while maintaining rigorous quality control throughout construction.
