--- title: "BONSAI — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bonsai-pfvwus-pf~1100501375 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1100501375.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: BONSAI category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/61b3314e05b1741d_4348-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Denver, Colorado 80202, United States" latitude: 39.7491 longitude: -104.9946 phone: "(303) 305-4751" website: https://bonsaidesignbuild.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 124 last_updated: 2026-11-06 --- # BONSAI Original Houzz profile: [BONSAI](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bonsai-pfvwus-pf~1100501375) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Denver, CO - **Serves:** Denver, Indian Creek, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Arvada, Westminster, Centennial, Boulder, Broomfield, Commerce City, Littleton, Northglenn, Englewood, Wheat Ridge, Sherrelwood, Welby, Greenwood Village, Federal Heights, Berkley, Derby, Applewood, Cherry Hills Village, Sheridan, West Pleasant View, Edgewater, Glendale, Columbine Valley, Bow Mar, Mountain View, North Washington, Morrison, East Pleasant View, Lakeside, Dupont - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2018–2025), for Service, Innovator. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Recommended on Houzz - 10 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Eco-friendly - Award winning BONSAI is a bespoke Architecture firm that focuses on designing and developing high-performance, sustainable residential and commercial structures. We take a holistic approach to design and construction, inspired by the ancient Japanese art of BONSAI. Our success is evident in the quality of our designs and construction projects. We are also a General Contractor specializing in residential construction. Our Architect-Led Design-Build business model provides several benefits to our clients, including a single point of contact, reduced risk, a unified vision, a streamlined process, and faster project delivery. We are currently registered Architects in the State of Colorado and hold residential contractor licenses in the City and County of Denver, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Arvada, Greenwood Village, and Jefferson County. Our design and build practices are fully insured with professional Errors and Omissions and General Liability coverage. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Basement Remodeling - Basement Design - Attic Conversion - Mudroom Design - Garage Design - Site Preparation - Landscape Plans - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Custom Home ### Areas Served - Denver - Indian Creek - Aurora - Lakewood - Thornton - Arvada - Westminster - Centennial - Boulder - Broomfield - Commerce City - Littleton - Northglenn - Englewood - Wheat Ridge - Sherrelwood - Welby - Greenwood Village - Federal Heights - Berkley - Derby - Applewood - Cherry Hills Village - Sheridan - West Pleasant View - Edgewater - Glendale - Columbine Valley - Bow Mar - Mountain View - North Washington - Morrison - East Pleasant View - Lakeside - Dupont ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - 2 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | BONSAI | | Address | Denver, Colorado 80202, United States | | Phone | (303) 305-4751 | | Website | https://bonsaidesignbuild.com | | License Number | LIC00245472 | | Followers on Houzz | 124 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/bonsaidb - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-oqueli-bbaa404 - Blog — http://www.bonsaidesignbuild.com ## Offers Unlock Your Free Consultation! _Send Us A Message Today!_ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [BONSAI](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bonsai-pfvwus-pf~1100501375) - **Website:** https://bonsaidesignbuild.com - **Phone:** (303) 305-4751 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Energy Star Certified Builder - Certified Passive House Builder - Certified Passive House Designer - Certified Passive House Tradesperson - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2018–2025), for Service, Innovator. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) - [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Nathan Smith, Sept. 2024** > Working with Bonsai has been a great experience. What stands out most is their strong communication, which makes every project run smoothly. They also pay close attention to the details, both in terms of design and function, ensuring that every aspect of the build is top-notch. Their collaborative approach sets them apart, as they always value input and work closely with all their partners. As a roofer who works with over 50 home builders in Denver, I can confidently say Bonsai is one of my favorites. **★★★★★ — Brian Butler, July 2024** > I highly recommend Bonsai for anyone looking to bring a fresh, forward-thinking perspective to their design and building project. These are the kind of people I’d legit enjoy grabbing a bite with after work! Get to know them. You won't regret it. **★★★★★ — aisxrf, Dec. 2020** > We recently finished our new home construction with Bonsai Design+Build. Our Morrison Earth House is built on Doublehead Mountain about 30 minutes west of Denver. We engaged Josh to lead the architectural design of this project in the fall of 2018. Josh, Brandon, and Sarah were great to work with throughout the process. Communication, professionalism, and high quality work were the highlights of working with the Bonsai team. Building in the mountains, our project encountered many challenges along the way. The Bonsai team addressed each of them with thoughtful consideration, presented us with several options, and executed the best solutions within our budget and timeline. We received our CO in August 2020. My wife and I couldn't be happier with our new home! We would definitely work with Bonsai Design+Build again and we recommend them for your future project! **★★★★★ — Dan Kaiser, April 2020** > Bonsai performed a major renovation on our house and we couldn't be happier with the result. We brought them a laundry list of items that we wanted upgraded: they turned that into a design plan that we never could have conceived of ourselves. The entire Bonsai team and their contractors were responsive, knowledgeable and a pleasure to work with. We made several changes to the plan as it progressed and Bonsai took care of the changes seamlessly. If we ever decide to do another remodel or rebuild Bonsai will be the first people we call. **★★★★★ — Karyn Wingard, Dec. 2019** > We hired Bonsai to build an addition on our house and were very happy with both the process and the result! Josh was very easy to work with -- always generous with his time as well as extremely organized. He provided all the costs for materials and sub-contractors -- all easy to see on-line. He came by every single day to check up on the process and answer any questions I had and if there was ever a moment of concern, he handled it immediately. I loved his modern design aesthetic and his careful attention to detail. I highly recommend Josh and his team! **★★★★★ — Matt Jackson, Oct. 2019** > I recently worked with Josh, Brandon & Co @ Bonsai Design Build. They were very easy to work with and made very necessary and tight deadlines. Their work balances both cost effectiveness and environmental consciousness. **★★★★★ — Brian Ellis, May 2018** > Bonsai is very professional and really cares that the customer is delighted with the result. I couldn't be happier with the result of the renovation, which included kitchen, bathroom, living room, dining room, stairways, and a foyer. It was a complete gut and rebuild. Without a Design+Build firm (and Bonsai in particular), I don't think I could have achieved the desired result. As an example, here are "before" and "after" pictures of the kitchen. **★★★★★ — Jason Graham-Plale, Aug. 2017** > Bonsai created and energy efficient home with a modern and thoughtful design. Although not part of the construction process as we purchased the completed product, it is clear that quality materials were all part of the project. We have had many compliments on our as it was part of a tour of homes earlier this year. Josh has been quick to respond to any issues, which are few, that have happened since our purchase. **★★★★★ — Brandon Combs, Aug. 2017** > Bonsai did a fantastic job on our remodel. They were always professional and courteous and on site oversight of the many trades involved in the renovation was most helpful to ensure jobs were completely properly and in a timely fashion. I would certainly recommend them. **★★★★★ — Mark Bodmer, Feb. 2016** > Josh was so through and patient as we worked through my needs. He helped me see the folly in some of my ideas and enhanced other ideas where I'd never even thought possible. Helped me get to a plan for my home that is perfect. **★★★★★ — Donald Weaver, Feb. 2016** > Bonsai is affordable and comprehensive. Josh is detail orientated and enjoyable to work with. We have worked on two different projects where Josh has been patient throughout the design process. **★★★★★ — jenif18, Feb. 2016** > Josh designed and built our home in Lower Highlands in Denver. We love our home - it has a great layout that is very comfortable and beautiful. When friends visit they are amazed that we live in such a gorgeous home. The build quality is also very high - I have never lived in a home built so well. I love our home and we are so happy that we purchased it. ## Selected projects - [White Hue Passive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/white-hue-passive-pj-vj~7476961) - Location: Littleton, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: When approached for this project the clients had the goals of creating a highly efficient home that was unassuming from the street front but also capitalized on views to the stream and trees to the rear of the property. This truly unique project capitalized on site topography that sloped from the street, down to the creek. This allowed for a full lower level of spaces with views to the rear and small courtyard encompassed by structure on either side. The lower level areas are also guarded from s… - [Arvada Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/arvada-modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~7476963) - Location: Arvada, CO - Photos: 15 - Description: BONSAI was engaged by a structural engineer looking to build his family a comfortable and high performing home with a sleek, modern take on the traditional American farmhouse. The build site is situated at the south end of a 1-acre property and opens itself to the northwest to capture mountain views and sunsets. Working with our client, it was important to celebrate and expose the superstructure and utilize black steel to accentuate the white farmhouse form. Large south-facing glazing highlights… - [Neo Italianate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/neo-italianate-pj-vj~7476967) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 3 - Description: Situated within a Denver Landmark District, this new single family home + ADU is designed to compliment its Victorian Era neighbors in a modern way. A white brick, with clean details meshed with tall parapets crowned with a traditional Italianate roof cap and a modern take on the traditional style is born. This home is designed with a Passive building envelope, is 100% electric and utilizes an energy efficient air source heat pump for conditioning. We are looking forward to breaking ground on th… - [Oculus House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/oculus-house-pj-vj~7476979) - Location: Wheat Ridge, CO - Photos: 5 - Description: Bonsai is currently preparing permit documents for this new Design-Build project in Wheatridge, Colorado. The clients are seeking a home that embodies industrial utilitarianism on the exterior, while creating a quiet, intentional, and restorative interior. The home is accompanied by a large greenhouse that will serve as a growing space for both plants and people. Keep an eye out for groundbreaking this summer. Location: Wheatridge, Colorado Project Type: Single Family Residential Energy Performa… - [LoHi High Perch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lohi-high-perch-pj-vj~7476941) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 13 - Description: Envisioned as the Passive + Garden Home, the clients came to us seeking creative ways of maximizing indoor/outdoor gardening space with a functional and efficient living space. The property is situated on a quaint lower highland corner lot with south-west orientation. In front is a planter box that will invite the outdoors to begin the migration inside. With the LoHi Perch, we efficiently laid out interior finished spaces to relate to what was happening externally. Boasting 3 bedrooms, 2 baths a… - [Muir House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/muir-house-pj-vj~7476882) - Location: Lakewood, CO - Photos: 11 - Description: Bonsai was called to create a new home to enhance well-being and evoke serenity. The primary goals were to achieve a sense of calm and awe while striving for the highest sustainability and health standards. The program is for 3,000 GSF of high performance, sustainable living, complete with an indoor planter bed adjacent the chefs kitchen, perfectly situated for year round herbs and fresh veggies, all nurtured by the southern windows. As designed, we used Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) at the bas… - [Living Observatory](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/living-observatory-pj-vj~7476954) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 5 - Description: This new single family house in the wash park neighborhood of Denver will be an example of Bonsai’s continued dedication to high performing residential buildings. At nearly 5000 SF, the Wash Park Passive House will be heated by in floor radiant piping, and backed up by a supplemental minisplit heating and cooling system. The building form is meant to maximize daylighting in necessary areas and minimize complex connections that can create thermal bridging and air leakage. In order to offset the e… - [Urban Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/urban-farmhouse-pj-vj~7476919) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: Our developer clients came to us seeking to build a new single family home in Denvers’ Sunnyside neighborhood. The intent was to bring a new and modern twist to the traditional farmhouse style. Through many iterations, a twin massing typical of a farmhouse emerged, complete with a wrap around deck. The design boasts over 2100 SF of living space, with 3 beds, and 3 baths on the 2nd floor. An open kitchen and living area are located on the main floor, adjacent to the homes rear deck which is perfe… - [Cantilever Cube](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cantilever-cube-pj-vj~7476938) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: With a growing family, these clients wanted space in their existing house. A pop top was the best option to expand their existing house while giving it a contemporary look. With large expansive windows on the southern face drawing light in, a bridge to the exterior was created. From the front, large sliding glass doors were created to shift activity from the kitchen to the exterior patio. Since the client was a chef, a large kitchen for hosting people was necessary. The open floor plan allowed f… - [Earth House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/earth-house-pj-vj~7476915) - Location: Morrison, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: The Earth House was designed for a young couple, looking to create a sanctuary space away from the big city hustle of their daily lives. As such, creating a strong connection to nature and the outdoors was paramount. The property's northern slope orientation presented a unique opportunity to tuck the home into the hillside and capitalize on the earth's constant temperatures, while creating space out of the hillside, to let the sun into the home. The concept took inspiration from Earthship Biotec… - [Modern Prairie](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-prairie-pj-vj~7476902) - Location: Centennial, CO - Photos: 5 - Description: Located in an open space near Denver, Colorado, this building hosts 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. It was designed to be a passive house and net zero. Solar panels, a small mini split system, ERV, and a highly insulated wall system promoted a high-performance building envelope. Southern-facing windows encouraged solar gain which would be circulated throughout the house. Shading would block any harsh sunlight during the summer but allow for warmth in the winter. This passive-inspired house was inf… - [Alma A-Frame](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alma-a-frame-pj-vj~7476893) - Location: Alma, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: About 5 miles from Fairplay, Colorado, this mountain retreat is nestled between Summit County and the Sawatch area. This cabin was designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape while providing a getaway from the hectic city life. It maximizes views and solar gain from the south as the large triangular form emulates the conifers that surround it. The large ground floor hosts the living, kitchen and dining room with an under-stair wine closet. The upper level is solely dedicated to the maste… - [Blended Tutor](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/blended-tutor-pj-vj~7476833) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: This peek-a-boo addition to the rear of an existing 1122 square foot Denver Tudor in the popular Lower Highlands Neighborhood was conceptualized for a young couple looking to expand to their limited footprint. The 264 square foot modest addition packs a high punch as it allows for an improved stairway down to the basement, reimagines an expansive main floor and adds a new 2nd floor master suite complete with a seating loft overlooking the open floor below. Converting this 2 bed 1 bath 1930’s Tud… - [High Desert Earthship](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/high-desert-earthship-pj-vj~7476878) - Location: Pueblo, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: The High Desert Earthship was designed by BONSAI taking inspiration from Michael Reynolds trademarked Earthships out of Taos, NM, and was built by the owners and with help from others. Driven by the need for a need for sustainable living, these clients came to us looking for something more in architecture. Sustainability doesn’t just come from the mechanical systems that we use, but rather, the materials that first construct the building. Based on the foundations of what makes up a Biotecture ho… - [LoHi Urban Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lohi-urban-cottage-pj-vj~7476871) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 13 - Description: This project was brought to us by a private developer, looking to make a statement about what is possible when it comes to high performance and high design. ​Designed with the future residents comfort in mind, south facing triple pane windows flood both levels with natural light while wood finishes and locally sourced, reclaimed Colorado Beetle Kill Blue Pine bring a warmth to the home. The main floor features an open plan from foyer to kitchen, while the second floor incorporates a passive sola… - [Solarium House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/solarium-house-pj-vj~7476835) - Location: Greenwood Village, CO - Photos: 9 - Description: This project presented rare opportunity to build upon a pre-existing passive solar home from the 1970s. The clients wanted to maintain the function of the existing 3-story solarium while adding an accessible master suite to the home. BONSAI designed a new lid in the existing solarium, with the new master suite above. Locating the new space saved on new construction costs, maintained the stack effect of the solarium, and provided the clients with mountain views to the west. The master suite conta… - [Multi Generational Link](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/multi-generational-link-pj-vj~7476826) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: BONSAI was contacted to create an age in place suite for the clients mother. In doing so it presented an opportunity to utilize the space over the existing garage for the new self-contained unit. The existing mudroom was redesigned to accommodate a pneumatic elevator, dog wash station, and floor to ceiling storage cabinets. The second story addition serves as a passthrough between the existing home and new suite, while seamlessly blending into the existing house. The main floor dining area was r… - [Transitional Bath](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/transitional-bath-pj-vj~7476743) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 10 - [Wellshire Mudroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wellshire-mudroom-pj-vj~7476735) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 6 - Description: This Denver mudroom addition is very utilitarian yet elegant. The large sliding glass doors allow for the maximum amount of sunlight into the building. This is a beautiful transition from the interior to the outdoor patio. The mudroom is situated so that someone from the backyard or garage can enter into the house and dust off their shoes before walking straight into the living room. These moves paired with an exceptional amount of storage space is the perfect place to house everything from gard… - [Hilltop Pop Top](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hilltop-pop-top-pj-vj~7476731) - Location: Denver, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: The project started with an existing 850 SF brick bungalow situated on a spacious Hilltop property in Denver. The goal was to transform this historic jewel in the rough, into a modern masterpiece! Designed with the transitional style in mind, a material pallet of white brick and black fenestrations are being specified to help blend the original base double wythe brick walls with the upper new construction and brick veneer. While this project is a "pop-top" by definition the lexicon does not hold… [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/bonsai-pfvwus-pf~1100501375) ## Ideabooks - [General Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85532826/list/general-kitchen) — 4 ideas [See all 1 ideabook](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bonsaidb) ## Community Q&A **Q: Is this whitewashed or pickled beetlekill pine on the floors?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: hand hewn and pickled, sealed with a water based clear coat. **Q: what is inside this room??** *(in Photo Questions)* I love this little addition but the description doesn't say what the use is. Does anyone know what would be inside? Laundry room? mud room? A: Hi Jen. You are exactly right on both. This little addition is a mud room and a laundry room. **Q: What materials were used for the floors, counters, and cabinets? Thx!** *(in Photo Questions)* I really love the feeling of this space: interesting, clean, contemporary. Well done! A: Hi Peter! Thanks for the note. The floors are pine, beetle kill! Simple, plentiful and local. The cabinets are from Livia, textured melamine. Local company, and the counters are quartz. **Q: Love the backsplash tile -- who is it by? The different depths!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: We actually found this backsplash at Floor & Decor! Good find! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-06.*