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.”
With this bold new direction—Executive Order 151—Denver is promising more than words. The city is actively restructuring how construction permits are reviewed, processed, and approved. And for residents planning to build a custom home, home addition, ADU, or undertake any large residential construction project, this could be the turning point we’ve all been waiting for.
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.
In the world of custom homebuilding, timing is everything. From first sketches to final finishes, every step depends on a carefully managed sequence of events. Unfortunately, Denver’s notoriously slow permitting process has long disrupted that flow, throwing off timelines, inflating budgets, and causing frustration for homeowners and builders alike.
When it comes to crafting a beautiful, cohesive home, it’s the details that make all the difference. One of the most overlooked yet impactful design elements is window trim. At Sustainable Design Build (SDB), we believe your windows should do more than let in light—they should frame your space with style, intention, and craftsmanship.
If you’ve been sitting on plans for a home addition, an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), or a full custom home build in Denver, now might be the perfect time to bring those dreams to life. Thanks to a bold new move by Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, the city is taking serious strides to eliminate the headaches and long delays that have plagued residential construction permitting for years.
As the chill of winter fades and the days grow longer, spring offers the perfect opportunity to refresh your home. With renewed energy and brighter light, it’s a natural time to consider remodeling projects that can elevate your living space. Whether you’re looking to enhance comfort, update your style, or increase functionality, here are some inspiring ideas to get your spring remodel underway.
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.
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!
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