Who We Are
Freestyle Architects is an architecture firm that combines a passion for enduring beauty with a deep understanding of high-performance building design. Our inspiration is our breathtaking mountain landscape, and our mission is to design spaces that deepen your connection to it.
Founded in Crested Butte in 2008, we offer extensive experience in residential and commercial projects in Crested Butte, the Gunnison Valley and communities throughout the Rocky Mountain West. We specialize in custom home design. As a small family business with two registered architects, all of our work is done in our downtown Crested Butte office.
We have lived and worked in Crested Butte for many years, raised our family here, and are deeply invested in the community. We enjoy hiking, biking, nordic and alpine skiing, making art and most of all spending time with our family and friends. We are proud of the projects we’ve designed and the lasting relationships we’ve built with our clients. We are always looking forward to the next creative design challenge and the interesting people we will meet in the process.
Jim Barney
Jim was born and raised in Colorado. Having spent an abundant amount of time in the outdoors, Jim appreciates architecture that unifies the built world with the natural landscape. Prior to training as an architect, Jim was a builder in Crested Butte. His ever evolving expertise in methods of construction allow him to design efficiently. Easygoing and flexible by nature, Jim has a hands-on, team-building approach that ensures both a smooth process and a successful result.
Karen Barney
With a deep understanding of mountain architecture and over 20 years of experience, Karen leads Freestyle’s design vision. Her expertise in climate-responsive design and strong relationships with local builders ensure every project reflects both innovation and craftsmanship. Karen’s work emphasizes harmony with Colorado’s alpine landscapes while delivering performance-driven solutions tailored to each client’s lifestyle.
Process
Freestyle Architects is committed to creating unique designs that are compatible with our clients’ budget and need for long-term building performance. We achieve this through an integrated approach that brings together a team of design professionals tailored to each project.
Our initial work is to listen to our client to fully understand their unique vision, values, lifestyle and budget. Site visits reveal the opportunities and challenges of the land.
With this information in hand and years of experience, we assemble the best team for the project to include some or all of the following: structural engineer, mechanical engineer, civil engineer, landscape architect, interior designer, lighting designer and contractor/builders.
Our architecture services include Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration. Additional services may include preliminary design and general contractor bid review and negotiation.
Freestyle Architects remain engaged throughout the entire project. From initial conception, through production and revision of drawings, HOA and county design review, building permitting, and during the construction phase, we will be your key partner in the process.
Technology
As LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Professionals accredited by the US Green Building Council, Freestyle Architects prioritize the use of high performance materials and advanced construction methods to create high performance buildings that promote long-term comfort, health, and durability.
Building Technology
We bring sustainable design practices to a project from the very start. We address specific cold climate design challenges including:
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Computing Model
Freestyle Architects uses Revit, a Building Information Modeling (BIM) software program that allows us to “build” your project in a three dimensional digital model. Clients can preview their project from all angles, both inside and out, in photo-real images and videos. The integration of real topographic data into the model places the building in its mountain context and allows us to generate accurate views. This advanced technology ensures an integrated design and increases efficiency for our team of design consultants and contractors.