Interior Design is a fun and exciting part of any custom home construction project. Whole Home Remodels, Kitchen Additions, Pop Top Additions with new Master Baths, and Custom Home Building – all of them are going to need to consider interior design countertops. But like the many different types of cabinets or trim options for windows, there is no shortage of options available for surface slab materials. Each one boasts a unique look and feel, all with their own set of pros and cons for maintaining, using, and general aesthetics. Sustainable Design Build’s in-house interior design team works diligently with clients early on to find the perfect type of surface to match their needs.
Despite recent headlines about tariffs, trade wars, and economic uncertainty, there are still strong reasons for homeowners to move forward with their dream construction projects—whether it’s a custom home, an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), or a major home addition. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we understand how economic changes can feel daunting, but we also see the opportunities—and we’re here to help you navigate them with confidence.
The National Association of Home Builders published a study recently covering the Cost of Construction of new single-family homes. The Survey shows varying percentages of components that contribute to the overall cost, interestingly, the overall cost of these components have been reported as staying relatively consistent in recent years.
On April 14th, 2025, Mayor Mike Johnston signed an Executive Order as part of a new initiative to overhaul Denver’s permitting process. This initiative will bring about 300 employees responsible for the permitting review across seven city departments together under a new office, the Denver Permitting Office (DPO). Even more, the initiative promises that all building permits — regardless of size and scope, commercial or residential — will be fully reviewed within 180 days. If the permitting process is not completed within that timeframe, specialized city officials will step in to expedite the plan reviews within a short, designated period, and applicants may even receive partial refunds of permitting fees.
DENVER – Sustainable Design Build has been building along the Front range since 2016. But co-owner and general contractor Zach McKendry says he still doesn’t know what to expect while trying to get construction permits approved by the City of Denver, something he calls a “huge pain.”
Mayor Mike Johnston announced on April 14, 2025 his first executive order, the creation of the Denver Permitting Office, or DPO. Executive Order 151 takes aim at the infamous Denver City and County Department of Neighborhood Development along with all of the related department services that are intertwined with permitting processes for any type of construction in Denver. For years following the pandemic, Denver’s Developmental Services have been inundated with a boom of permitting and plan review requests which have led to astronomically long wait times. These wait times have even breached 300 days in recent years, leaving anybody; Developer, homeowner, or general contractor at the mercy of an overburdened bureaucratic system.
Denver’s permitting system is poised for a dramatic overhaul with Mayor Mike Johnston’s announcement of a new initiative that implements a 180-day “shot clock” for reviewing building applications. This long-awaited reform is designed to streamline and expedite the city’s notoriously slow and complex permitting process, which has stymied real estate development for decades. Developers like Joe Vostrejs, who has worked in Denver’s real estate sector for over 40 years, expressed optimism, calling the shift the most promising improvement in his career. The initiative introduces single-point project advocates—or “champions”—to guide applicants through a process that has often been delayed by conflicting guidance across departments.
On April 14, 2025, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston issued his first executive order since taking office, establishing a new permitting office aimed at expediting and improving the city’s building approval process. This initiative addresses longstanding backlogs in the permitting system that have hindered development and contributed to housing challenges.
Creating your dream home starts with establishing a clear and cohesive design direction. At Sustainable Design Build, we understand that figuring out your interior design aesthetic can feel overwhelming, especially when your project is still in the early conceptual stages and exists only as drawings or elevations. Our goal is to help you refine your vision and ensure it is fully realized before diving into material selections and showroom visits with your Interior Designer.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming an increasingly popular way for Denver homeowners to add value to their properties, generate rental income, or create flexible living spaces for family members. If you’re considering building an ADU, you may be wondering: Can you have a balcony on an ADU? Thanks to recent updates to the Denver Zoning Code, the answer is yes—under specific conditions.
Denver is on the cusp of something truly transformative! With the recent announcement of a world-class, 14,500-seat women’s soccer stadium planned for Santa Fe Yards at Broadway and I-25, our city is taking another massive step forward in sports, entertainment, and urban development. As an organization deeply invested in the growth and evolution of Denver, Sustainable Design Build is thrilled to see this project come to life and the incredible opportunities it will bring to the surrounding community.
Chefs Alexander Figura and Spencer White, known for Dio Mio and Redeemer Pizza, are planning to open a third restaurant featuring pizza and pasta at 81 S. Pennsylvania St. in West Wash Park. While the opening timeline remains uncertain, an Instagram post suggests a spring launch. The new restaurant will occupy a 2,000-square-foot space in an apartment complex, with a menu similar to their other locations, featuring $20 pasta and pizza dishes. Figura and White, who met at the now-closed Lower48 Kitchen, previously opened Dio Mio in 2016 and Redeemer Pizza in 2021. Their new venture takes over a space previously occupied by AJ’s Pit Bar-B-Q Steakhouse, owned by Jared Leonard, who has faced financial and legal troubles.
March 2-8, 2025, marks Women in Construction (WIC) Week, a national celebration highlighting the impact women have in the construction industry. Led by the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC), this year’s theme, “Together We Rise,” emphasizes the power of collaboration, mentorship, and the growing influence of women in shaping the built environment.
Despite high housing costs, Denver remains one of the most desirable cities for relocation, ranking second in a nationwide survey by Anytime Estimate. It also placed eighth among state capitals in a WalletHub study based on factors like income, education, and attractions—though it ranked 48th for housing affordability.
Graland Country Day School, a prestigious private school in Denver’s Hilltop neighborhood, is considering a significant expansion with the addition of a new 25,000-square-foot performing arts and communications building. The project, which is still in an exploratory phase, would replace the current theater building and further enhance the school’s existing arts and communication programs. If approved, this expansion would add to the campus’s 200,000-square-foot footprint, reinforcing Graland’s commitment to providing top-tier educational experiences for its 700+ students. The school’s history of growth, including a $13 million innovation center completed in 2016, showcases its dedication to evolving alongside the needs of its students and community.
Park Hill, one of Denver’s most iconic and historic neighborhoods, is undergoing a wave of transformation and growth, solidifying its reputation as the city’s next hot spot for homebuyers, developers, and businesses. With a renewed focus on community investment and development, Park Hill is attracting increasing attention, especially as the long-debated fate of the Park Hill Golf Course has finally been determined. This shift is bringing in new opportunities, with residents and investors confident in the neighborhood’s potential for long-term value and desirability.
Thompson Thrift, a nationally recognized real estate company, is developing Stack at Wheat Ridge, a 255-unit Class A multifamily community in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, with completion expected by winter 2026. The development will offer one-, two-, and three-bedroom luxury apartments featuring quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances, smart home technology, and premium finishes. Select units will include additional high-end upgrades.
A well-designed kitchen is more than just a place to cook—it’s the heart of a home, where functionality meets aesthetics. While design trends may change, a timeless kitchen remains stylish and practical for years to come. A professional interior design service ensures that every element, from layout to materials, contributes to a space that will never feel outdated. Whether you’re planning a kitchen remodel or an interior design home remodel, investing in thoughtful, classic design choices will help create a kitchen that stands the test of time.
Denver’s real estate market is booming, and one of the most effective ways homeowners can maximize their property’s value is through custom home renovations. Thoughtfully designed and executed renovations not only improve aesthetics and functionality but also significantly boost home value, making them a smart investment. A perfect example of the impact of renovations on property values is the transformation of a neglected home in Denver’s City Park West neighborhood. Designer Jordan Bagus, founder of Larapin design studio, purchased a long-vacant property for $350,000 and, after a meticulous renovation process that preserved its historic character, successfully sold it for $690,000 (5280 Magazine). This serves as a testament to how strategic renovations can enhance a home’s market appeal and financial worth.
At Sustainable Design Build, we know that success—whether in construction or on the football field—comes from dedication, precision, and a relentless drive to be the best. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate Denver Broncos star Patrick Surtain II, who has officially cemented his place among the greats by winning the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year Award. This achievement not only highlights Surtain’s elite skill but also his unwavering work ethic—values we admire both in our industry and in the game.
It’s that time of year again—the well-known Best of Mile High awards program has officially kicked off, and voting is now open to recognize Denver’s top companies, businesses, and more. This year, Sustainable Design Build has been nominated in the category of Best Home Builder!
Denver’s residential construction scene is booming, and few understand the landscape better than Zach McKendry, co-founder of Sustainable Design Build (SDB). In a recent episode of the Elevate Denver Podcast, Zach sat down with host Amber Bets to share his journey, the challenges of home building in Denver, and why SDB stands out in a crowded market.
The world of interior design in 2025 is always evolving, blending sustainability, technology, and bold aesthetics. Sustainable Design Build is always amazed by the vision and aesthetics of homeowners here in Denver, who always seem to be ahead of the curve when it comes to interior design trends for their latest home addition project or brand new custom home construction. As 2025 starts to get rolling, here are some interior design trends that you can plan for with your latest home improvement project.
Denver City Council recently made waves by unanimously approving over 130 changes to the city’s zoning code. These updates aim to streamline requirements, reduce permitting times, and align with evolving city land use policies. Set to take effect on February 25, the amendments are part of a routine review conducted every three years by the Denver Department of Community Planning and Development. This comprehensive update also marks the first major zoning changes under Mayor Mike Johnston’s administration, aligning with his commitment to improving permit processing times as part of his Citywide Goals 2024 initiative.
The National Association of Realtors recently reported that existing home sales fell to just 4.06 million in 2024—the lowest level since 1995. This slump stems from a combination of factors.
The long-debated Park Hill Golf Course in northeast Denver will open as a public park this summer, following a deal announced by city officials. The city plans to acquire the 155-acre property from Westside Investment Partners by trading it for a 145-acre, city-owned parcel near Denver International Airport. The park, to be managed by Denver Parks and Recreation, would be the fourth-largest in the city and offer amenities like trails, sports courts, and picnic areas based on community input.
When embarking on a custom home project, the choices you make at every step can significantly influence the outcome. While hiring a traditional interior designer might seem like the go-to option, working with a construction company that provides in-house interior design services, like Sustainable Design Build (SDB), offers unmatched convenience, efficiency, and expertise.
Denver’s luxury real estate market is abuzz with record-breaking sales, including an $8 million Art Deco-inspired home near Bonnie Brae Park. This stunning 8,000-square-foot property at 890 S. Milwaukee St. is a testament to the appeal of timeless design and custom craftsmanship. Homes like these demonstrate the growing trend of blending luxury, functionality, and architectural charm to create bespoke residences that stand out in the Denver market.
The potential land swap involving the Park Hill Golf Course, a 155-acre site that has been at the heart of public debate in Denver. The proposed agreement between the City of Denver and Westside Partners, the property’s current owner, could reshape the future of this historic land while honoring the community’s wishes.
The latest Quarterly Cost Report from Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) offers valuable insights into the evolving construction landscape across 14 key North American markets. With data from mid-Q4 2024, the report highlights a national average construction cost increase of 1.11%, with Denver experiencing a moderate gain of 4.46% year-over-year—well below many other markets.
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