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.
Building a custom home is one of the most personal and rewarding investments you can make. But in a city like. Denver—where permitting, zoning, and building codes are famously complex—the success of your project hinges on having the right team from the very start.
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.
When most people think of interior design, they imagine picking paint colors and throw pillows toward the end of the project. But in custom home construction, interior design should be part of the conversation from day one—not an afterthought.
When it comes to building a custom home in Denver, every detail matters—from the lot selection and layout to the final finishes. But what many homeowners don’t realize is that the most critical decisions happen long before construction begins.
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.
As Denver continues to grow, so does its appetite for bold, refined, and livable custom home designs. Whether nestled into the foothills or sitting proudly in the heart of a historic neighborhood, today’s custom homes are marrying mountain-inspired materials with urban elegance, offering homeowners a sanctuary that’s both timeless and trend-forward.
When people think of interior design, they often think of throw pillows, wall colors, or magazine-worthy rooms. But interior design is about much more than aesthetics—especially in a custom home project. Thoughtful, professional design adds real, measurable value to your home, both now and in the future.
Designing and building a custom home is a deeply personal journey—one filled with excitement, decisions, and dreams turned into reality. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we believe that the experience should be just as rewarding as the final product.
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.
When building a custom home, every choice matters. From the layout of your kitchen to the type of wood used in your stair railings, each decision contributes to the home’s overall beauty, comfort, and functionality. But navigating those decisions can be overwhelming—unless you have the right team on your side.
In a world where resale properties often require costly upgrades and cookie-cutter homes lack character, building a custom home with Sustainable Design Build offers more than just a beautiful place to live—it offers enduring value, unmatched personalization, and long-term peace of mind.
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.
A proposal to introduce denser housing types in Littleton’s traditional single-family suburban neighborhoods has faced a significant setback. On Tuesday night, the Littleton City Council voted 6-1 to indefinitely postpone consideration of the proposed amendment to the city’s land-use code. The ordinance aimed to pave the way for “missing middle” housing—duplexes, triplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs)—to address the city’s projected need for 6,500 additional housing units over the next 20 years.
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