Who We Are?
As you might expect, we do great mountain architecture work, but the foundation of every project is a strong relationship with you – the client. We listen to your vision and ultimate desires for your home, ask questions, clarify and utilize our versatility to start the design process. As John Galambos likes to say, “It’s not my house we are designing and thus we don’t have an agenda other than building your dream home”.
John Galambos is personally involved in every project. Along with his team of talented architects, John follows each project from conceptual sketch through creative design, production, project management and build out. He gracefully translates your input into mountain architecture, using his artistry (hand sketches, paintings and drawings) to communicate ideas, designs and visions for various parts of the project. Couple this with 3D computer modeling and fly around CADD movies, and you can almost feel what a room or entryway will be like when it is complete.
Our hard-earned track record of completing architecture projects on time and on budget is the result of an incredibly thorough planning process. The culmination of every Galambos Architect project is an “instrument of service” that contains the architecture plans, designs, specifications, drawings and details that a builder needs to complete the home. We are known for our comprehensive plans which translate into trustworthy pricing and bidding, reliable scheduling, and confidence that there will be no surprises in the process.
“It’s not my house we are designing and thus we don’t have an agenda other than building your dream home”.
-John Galambos
John Galambos
John founded Galambos Architects Inc. in 1998 after working with firms in Aspen and Minneapolis. John’s vision for architecture is that of a creative process consistent with the client’s vision combined with a well managed process and project delivery. While his design work is the strength of his portfolio, Galambos Architects believe their role includes carrying a project all the way through to completion. John’s goal is to remain a boutique firm that allows clients to have John’s personal time and attention. Repeat clients are a testimony to his ability to deliver excellence in the entire process.
John is a licensed architect, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and a graduate of the University of Minnesota, College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, with a Bachelor of Architecture. He lives in Aspen with his wife Robin and three kids; Marta, Katia and Nick. They are an adventurous group, living the Aspen dream.
PROCESS
PHILOSOPHY
Custom homes for custom people
Our philosophy is simple; we build custom homes for custom people. Our versatile architectural capabilities enable us to design a broad spectrum of house styles. The determining factor is you. We listen to what you want, desire and envision for your Aspen home. We then want to discover and thoroughly understand how you live and what makes you and your family comfortable. Finally, we study the natural surroundings of the site to make sure the home takes advantage of specific topography, views, sunlight, etc. At the end of a rigorous design and development process, you will have a custom Aspen home that lives well and feels right.
Schematic Design – Programming and Design
Programming:
We will work with you to establish the scope and goals of the project. We work to determine our client's philosophy, aspirations and objectives in accordance with identifying all the rooms and general sizes of each room. We will present options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Design:
We will work with you to establish the location and orientation of the residence on the site taking into consideration solar orientation, view angles, distant views, and vistas. Establish the massing and character of the project. Design the rough floor plans, which will define the location of the rooms, their relationship to each other, size of rooms, views from rooms, etc.
Construction Documentation
The construction document phase will be the drawings from which the project is permitted by the local building department, and bid and built by the General Contractor. We will coordinate all drawings with the consultants and design/build subcontractors.
Design Development
The design development phase shall refine the plans, elevations, and sketches established by the schematic design. We will work with you to develop the exterior material palette and construction methods. We will finalize all the room sizes and orientation. We will finalize the elevations and window locations. We will solicit bids from structural and mechanical engineers, as well as, lighting, landscaping and interior designers and assist the client in the hiring of these consultants. We will also begin interviewing general contractors to work towards hire.
Construction and Administration
The construction document phase will be the drawings from which the project is permitted by the local building department, and bid and built by the General Contractor. We will coordinate all drawings with the consultants and design/build subcontractors.
Bidding and Negotiating
We will assist the General Contractor with the bidding process from sub-contractors. We will be available to answer any questions that sub-contractors may have after they have reviewed the drawings. If necessary we will issue drawings that clarify the questions that arise.