This past September, Tectonic Design Build made their long-awaited move from temporary digs at Junkyard Social Club to a spacious studio they designed and built at Pearl and 30th Street. The new address gives the Tectonic team of architects, interior designers, and craftsmen a canvas that beautifully showcases what they offer: contemporary and sustainable custom designs for residential remodels and new builds throughout Boulder County.
Since 2019, Tectonic co-owners Dylan Ochala and Kelsie Michelson, along with their creative team, have put an inimitably modern stamp on a range of upscale projects, from Spring Gulch House in Lyons (its new kitchen features a color palette of calming earth tones) to the Newlands House in North Boulder (the extensive interior and exterior renovation includes enlarged windows to maximize daylight). With each project, Tectonic designs luxurious spaces that stand the test of time and provides unparalleled service from consult to completion. "The build process can be an emotional roller coaster," Dylan says. "The overall intent of Tectonic is to shift the why and the way that we build."
As the Tectonic team embraces their own new home, Dylan and Kelsie share more about the studio and their philosophy on providing a singular design build experience.
What was your vision for the new studio?
K: We put a lot of thought into this showroom—a warm environment that feels like home. We designed each space in the studio with unique elements to give our clients a full-scale representation of styles and techniques. Additionally, there's a huge design library that houses our samples, from tile and cabinetry to flooring and hardware. We also wanted the showroom to be a space for community. This fall, we're hosting events with the Good Future Design Alliance and the Colorado Green Building Guild, both of which we're members of.
You sourced most furnishings and decor from local vendors.
K: Our conference table is from Boulder Furniture Arts—it's a beautiful custom white oak table. We partnered with local artist Serge Goldberg for the stunning piece in our conference room and Haley Persichette for a piece in the kitchen. There's decor from Refinery, Jones & Co, Sistain, Meno Home, and Suti Co, fresh floral arrangements from Boulder Blooms, and plants from Root by Design.
D: Our business is a platform to showcase local businesses that are doing things related to home. We partner with them in the studio and on every project we do.
In your work, you're not focused as much on a certain aesthetic as you are the client experience.
K: We meet clients where they are with their aesthetic. We've designed everything from a traditional Colorado ranch home to a mid-century modern to a contemporary residence. It's about elevating and accentuating a client's style.
D: We're focused on relationships, trust, and collaboration. We're a small enough company that a client is going to work with almost everyone on the team. Very early on, we get to know clients and make sure we're communicating. Each project has a manager who sets the project up for success, answers questions, and navigates challenges to make the build as seamless as possible. The overall experience for the client is something that's near and dear to our hearts, as well as taking this holistic and collaborative approach throughout the whole process.
How do you practice sustainability?
D: We bring sustainability through passive house building principles and partnering with vendors who create quality materials. We're pushing the envelope of why we build and how we build. Durable, high-performance homes tend to last longer and be more comfortable. They consume less resources. And if designs are timeless, then there's no need to remodel every ten years. With our Ridge Road project in Nederland, we improved the insulation something like 110 percent from what it was. We were able to ensure there's good indoor air quality in that home. Building better and longer lasting is inherently sustainable.
What makes your team special?
D: We have folks who are always looking to learn and grow. If something comes up, we come together and overcome together. There's always a desire to be better.
K: Dylan and I like to say that we offer Michelin-level service. If you've been to a Michelin-starred restaurant, you know it's a completely transformative experience from beginning to end. We want our clients to have that, so we look for people who operate at a high caliber. They care deeply about the work they do and the impact they have.
To learn more about Tectonic Design Build or to book a coffee date with their team, visit TectonicBuilds.com.