WORKSHOP8 architecture planning design

The approach to constructing a new build abroad can be quite daunting. After researching a raft of architects we chose to award our design and construction to Workshop 8 who are a group of architects with a diverse range of skills in exterior and interior design. They are located in downtown Boulder CO. The decision to use Workshop 8 came quite easily in the end. First we identified that this practice had direct experience in designing and building projects on steep slopes. Our lot is located on a very steep slope with several additional constraints. Workshop 8 has a superb working relationship with local contractors and this offered us the possibility of meeting and talking with a contractor prior to engaging in the build. during one of our visits to Boulder the contractor took time to take us on a tour of some of his completed builds and so we were ale to see the quality of his work and discuss how our ideas might be accommodated within a limited budget. All in all the familiarity and working relationship between architect and contractor is important to us. In particular it provides us confidence in a process which will continue many thousand miles away from where we live and work! With regard to the design process we were asked to fill in a questionnaire which provide Workshop 8 a good idea of our personal requirements. Subsequently these ideas have been developed and discussed via e-mail and computer modelling. I am more aware of the proposed features for our house using this type of technology than any that I have been involved in on our own doorstep within the UK. A site visit with the architect and contractor has provided us with a good level of information relating to the possible hitches that we may encounter. In particular I am encouraged that the good working relationship already established on previous similar builds will secure that the project progresses and that obstacles are overcome even though we will be located in the UK during the build. Recent skype contact and phone discussions have allowed us to consider in more detail aspects of the build that we could not have envisaged. In this respect we have moved towars a highly detailed plan for our house. Of course the Boulder local planning rules and the technical aspect of the build are confusing to us. Workshop 8 have steered us through the planning process explaining technical aspects and constraints as we have proceeded and this has led to what we consider to be the best possible design for the lot and which meets our family needs. The final point I would make about this practice is it's technical knowledge on energy efficiency. workshop 8 have and continue to develop a reputation for developing highly efficient passive solar housing containing the most up to date technologies to reduce energy consumption. We hope as we proceed with our project to include many of these technologies and we like the way that Workshop 8 have designed for us to add on these technologies as we can afford them i.e. to include within the infrastructure the wiring and plumbing for future development. Colin Porter

I have worked with Ulla Lange at Workshop 8 on several residental projects, including the stunning design of a 350 sq. ft. cottage on the back of my property. She is innovative as well as personable and has the ability to hear what your thoughts & wishes are, and integrate them into her design proposals. She's flexible but when you're "off the mark", not afraid to tactfully let you know! I feel my life has been greatly enhanced by the finished products!

Workshop 8 is a full service design firm located in Boulder, CO. They are extremely capable designers on many of the popular styles today. The best quality of the firm in my opinion is that all the principles are a delight to work with and are very customer satisfaction oriented without the ego many designers bring. I highly recommend them for both architecturtal and interior design.

I hired WORKSHOP8 for a massive interior remodel and an exterior "sprucing up". I got that and a lot more. Even when the billing stopped, the advice and encouragement continued. The work was excellent, economical and...wait for it...delivered on time and under budget.