About
Landform Architecture was founded in 2023 with the intention on creating architecture that is thoughtful, explorative, sustainable, and of the place.
Each project is approached with consideration to the local site, solar, climatic conditions and an inventive sense of creativity. Through careful siting and design, we can blur the typically solid wall between indoors and outdoors, revealing the landscape while weaving the architecture into the spirit of the place.
More simply put by our guiding principle - Shaped by Place.
Zach Rosato
Principal Architect | Founder
Zach's connection to architecture is rooted in a appreciation for wild landscapes and a lifelong appreciation for craftsmanship. Growing up at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and influenced by two artist parents, he developed an early understanding of the relationship between the natural environment, thoughtful design, and the process of making. Those influences continue to shape his approach today, creating architecture that is deeply connected to its site, carefully crafted, and designed to endure.
Zach received a B.ENVD. from the University of Colorado and an M.A. from the University of Oregon. He is a licensed architect in Colorado and Washington with nearly two decades of professional experience designing custom residences and high end residential renovations. His work is grounded in site specific, regionally modern architecture that balances sustainability, authentic materials, and precise detailing with a warm, livable character. Having contributed to numerous award winning projects, Zach founded Landform Architecture to provide a highly collaborative, client focused design process that results in timeless homes thoughtfully tailored to both place and the people who inhabit them.
Zach is a dedicated husband and father of two. Outside the studio, he and his family can often be found mountain biking, hiking, or exploring the landscapes that continue to inspire his work.
Design Process
The process starts with you. Without our clients, there is no dream, no project. Step one is listening to you, and this remains the most important step throughout the entire journey. Evolving into a dynamic collaboration. Following our initial discussion, our approach includes four fundamental phases, which are customizable to align with the unique characteristics of each project and cater to individual client needs: Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents and Construction Administration.
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Initial Consultation: We offer an introductory meeting with potential clients to discuss their vision and expectations for the project. Typically conducted over the phone, this initial consultation allows for immediate feedback and input as we explore the site characteristics and main project goals together. If a site has already been identified, we will visit it to gain firsthand understanding of the land and surrounding community. This first meeting also enables mutual understanding between our team and the client.
Pre-Design – (Optional): This supplementary service, billed at an hourly rate, helps bridge the gap between the initial consultation and a formal Design Agreement. It can prove beneficial in cases where uncertainties warrant further exploration before starting Schematic Design. For instance, it may be used to assess property feasibility and confirm the ability to build a desired project on a site with unique or unknown features prior to purchase.
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This marks the inception of the core design process, setting the groundwork for the project's design and construction. Information gathered from the client aids in defining the program, square footage, unique features, site-related opportunities and constraints, target budget, and time frame.
Preparation we will ask you to provide are:
completing a questionnaire
obtaining a topographic and boundary survey
Geotechnical(soils) report
providing supporting documents
Presentations follow, featuring sketches, floor plans, elevations and initial renderings. The iterative process refines room arrangements, organizational strategies, and material choices, culminating in approved floor plans, renderings and general siting. Engagement with a builder may be discussed at this juncture to ensure alignment with the target budget.
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At this stage, plans become more concrete, defining room arrangements, exterior characteristics, and general details. Attention turns to refining the details and selecting materials and finishes. Technical drawings emerge showing precise dimensions and assemblies, and consultants are brought on board to provide specialized expertise. With the client's approval of the final design and contractor's budget estimate in hand, the project transitions into the Construction Document phase.
We assist in obtaining consultant proposals and after selection all management/coordination is handled by us.
Additional Consultants that may be needed:
Structural Engineer
Civil Engineer
Energy Model
Landscape Architect
Septic Design
Well Design
other depending on your needs
Contractor Selection (DD) - Optional: For clients without an existing contractor who choose a competitive bidding process, we offer help in selecting contractors, though the client makes the final decision. Note that contractors may charge a fee for detailed cost estimates.
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Once the final design is approved and the contractor is under agreement, a comprehensive set of drawings will be compiled for permitting and construction. These drawings will include detailed information on building systems, materials, finishes, fixtures and other necessary details. Ongoing coordination with consultants throughout previous phases will streamline this process, and the final drawings will then be delivered to the contractor.
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We routinely visit the site to directly collaborate with the contractor and owner, keeping us informed of the project's progress and completed work. Comprehensive reports and photographs detail finished tasks and items needing input from the architect and owner to keep the owner updated.
We respond to the contractor's Requests for Information along with reviewing material samples, shop drawings, and contractor specifications. Throughout the project, we maintain open communication to foster a collaborative atmosphere.
As the project nears completion, we thoroughly walk through with the contractor and owner to oversee closeout procedures and punch lists, ensuring alignment with the intended design before concluding the project. This final evaluation provides a comprehensive review.