--- title: "Fänas Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/faenas-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1325530496 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1325530496.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Fänas Architecture" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9ac343b60ec83736_6528-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "2930 Broadway, Suite 106, Boulder, Colorado 80304, United States" latitude: 40.0375 longitude: -105.2771 phone: "(303) 444-5380" website: http://www.fanasarchitecture.com rating: 4.8 review_count: 11 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 317 last_updated: 2026-09-07 --- # Fänas Architecture Original Houzz profile: [Fänas Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/faenas-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1325530496) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Boulder, CO - **Serves:** Denver, Boulder, Longmont, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Lafayette, Louisville, Golden, Durango, Superior, Gunbarrel, Monument, Evergreen, Vail, Glendale, Niwot, Pagosa Springs, Pine Brook Hill, Sugarloaf, Eldorado Springs, Jamestown, Gold Hill, Larkspur, Durango Mountain Resort, Eagle County, Hygiene, Summit County - **Houzz rating:** 4.8 out of 5 (11 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2020), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 10,000 Ideabook Saves Fänas Architecture p.c. has been providing client inclusive sustainable design solutions since the early '90's, specializing in custom homes and residential additions & remodels. The majority of our projects are new custom homes or remodels & additions to existing homes. And although the foundation of our firm has long been our residential work, we also design non-residential projects when they are intended to possess the special qualities found in our residential work. We also have extensive experience in retail, commercial, and office projects, multi-family residential projects, mixed-use projects, assisted living facilities, resort design, and affordable housing. In both non-residential and residential projects the firm’s commitment to sustainable design and sense of place are evident. Firm owners Dale & Elizabeth Smith have more than 60 years experience between them. Their experiences during that time have provided exposure to a wide variety of project and building types. He has been involved with corporate and institutional planning, design and interiors projects, airports, commercial office, retail projects & food service projects. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Energy-Efficient Homes - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Historic Building Conservation - Basement Design - Deck Design - Site Preparation - Basement Remodel Design - Construction Drawings ### Areas Served - Denver - Boulder - Longmont - Broomfield - Castle Rock - Lafayette - Louisville - Golden - Durango - Superior - Gunbarrel - Monument - Evergreen - Vail - Glendale - Niwot - Pagosa Springs - Pine Brook Hill - Sugarloaf - Eldorado Springs - Jamestown - Gold Hill - Larkspur - Durango Mountain Resort - Eagle County - Hygiene - Summit County ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Fänas Architecture | | Address | 2930 Broadway, Suite 106, Boulder, Colorado 80304, United States | | Phone | (303) 444-5380 | | Website | http://www.fanasarchitecture.com | | License Number | 202941 | | Followers on Houzz | 317 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/F%C3%A4nas-Architecture-158489060852602/?ref=page\_internal - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-smith-ab886b20 - Blog — http://boulderarchitects.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Fänas Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/faenas-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1325530496) - **Website:** http://www.fanasarchitecture.com - **Phone:** (303) 444-5380 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED certified Boulder Green Points certified Green Advantage certified Colorado Green Building Guild Founding Member - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2013–2020), for Design, Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.8 out of 5 — 11 reviews** ### All 11 reviews **★★★★★ — William Hembree, Nov. 2017** > Dale and Elizabeth Smith are great architects to work with. They are designing our new mountain retirement home and we are delighted with the plans. So delighted that we are having them do the construction supervision for us as well. They have demonstrated a great depth of knowledge and understanding of both home design and the various local regulatory environments. > > It is clear from all of our interactions with them that they share a passion for home design. > > Their process is very thorough and they responded promptly to every change we requested. They were able to help us to understand the implications and keep the project within our budget. **★★★★★ — Cornerstone Homes, May 2016** > We’re currently working with Fanas as the general contractor on two custom residential projects, one in Golden and the other in Longmont. Dale and Elizabeth have consistently been very professional and responsive throughout the whole process and understand how to design spaces that are not only incredibly beautiful but smart and efficient. Their expertise in architecture is translated through the detail in the designs they create and their collaborative efforts have made our experiences working with them to be very positive. **★★★★★ — psterrules, Nov. 2015** > We have been so pleased with Dale and Elizabeth's leadership and design on the creation of our Dream Home. As new arrivals to Colorado, they have guided us through the design and construction process, and have created a home that reflects our adventurous spirits. They have listened so well while bring inspiration and creativity to the work. **★★★★★ — nhirsh, Nov. 2015** > We hired Fanas to design a master bedroom addition over our garage. Fanas was very professional and responsive to our needs. Looking at the house, you cant tell that the addition wasn't part of the original house, a seamless design. Highly recommended! An outstanding experience overall! **★★★★★ — Van Matre Construction, LLC, Dec. 2014** > I have worked with Dale and Elizabeth on several projects (I am a builder) from small remodels to new homes, and commercial jobs. I have found them to be excellent on every job we have done. Truly inspired design, style, and use of space. I recommend them to anyone interested in building or remodeling who wants to have a home or business that looks great, works efficiently, and feels good to be in. **★★★★ — margaretmrogers, March 2014** > Versatility and creativity! These are the reasons that we chose Fanas Architecture. We interviewed at least 12 architects (no exaggeration), and most of them had a particular style. When we viewed the Fanas portfolio, we saw that the architects would be open to our design ideas. After seeing price quotes from the other architects, we were pleasantly surprised with their affordability. > > Fanas designed and oversaw the construction on both the remodel of our 1950's ranch, as well as a new addition. For photos, see "East Boulder Remodel". **★★★★★ — ankec, Feb. 2014** > Both Dale and Elizabeth at Fanas Architecture were great to work with. They took my ideas and vision and translated that into beautiful designs that our contractor turned into a reality. We had a very ugly old fashioned tri-level house from the 1960's that has been transformed into a beautiful modern home. What I especially like about working with Fanas is that they gave us options for how to save money on the things that didn't matter and where to splurge to make the most impact. They engaged with the contractors, the city and engineers to make the entire process as smooth as possible. > I highly recommend Fanas Architecture for any sized project. > > I'll post pictures as soon as we're finished painting and adding trim, it's part of where we decided to save some money but it will take more time to complete. **★★★★ — mazurda1, Feb. 2014** > We contracted with Fanas architecture through our builder. The house that Dale designed for us was a beautiful 6000 sq ft mountain top house. Dale listened to the general concept of what we wanted and came back with an initial design that was a great basis for the finished product. Dale patiently listened to our suggested changes and provided helpful concepts. This was an evolving project that Dale led us through ending up with an unique home that has met all of our desires. The general layout of the house took advantage of the mountaintop location, providing beautiful views of the Rocky Mountains from every room. All the details were carefully thought out from the kitchen, great room, family room, bedrooms, library and theater room. We were very pleased working with Dale and thoroughly enjoy living in our beautiful home. **★★★★★ — kenlyman, Feb. 2014** > We hired Dale Smith of Fanas to help us with a major remodel of a 1960's-era ranch house. It was a design challenge, because we needed a one-level home on the same 2000 square ft. footprint of the original foundation. We shared our general ideas of the design elements we wanted. Dale was very perceptive in understanding our design and budget goals. His concept drawings hit the mark and resulted in the final design which resulted in the beautifully scaled and "360" design, i.e. excellent from every angle/all sides, inside and out, we wanted. We found Dale and Elizabeth to be knowledgeable, creative and practical. We would recommend them to anyone building a new house or remodeling an existing home. They were also very smart about interacting with the County building department. Ken & Joanne Lyman **★★★★★ — donnasyl, Jan. 2014** > Even though we're in a mountain town our spectacular view is of a river valley with flat topped ridges, mesas, on each side. The lot is on a narrow ledge with a long narrow building envelope and with a busy road on one side, down below. We wanted a view from every room, no noise from the road, one level, contemporary, open, living-outside-feeling and we wanted the house to look as if it just belongs here, just tucked in on the ledge. Dale and Elizabeth got it! The house frames the amazing view and even though we have shades in the guest room they have never been lowered. We can see a pair of nesting bald eagles near the river, watched them soar the thermals today. We hear no road noise and everyone who walks in says "Wow!!!" **★★★★★ — User, Jan. 2014** > I am a builder that has bid and built several Fa'nas projects and can recommend them without hesitation. As a builder, I can tell you that a good set of plans is the most important key to a successful project. The detail and clarity of plans ensures that the bids can be compared 'apples-to-apples', communicates what should be included in the bid, and ultimately defines the scope of work in the contract. Dale and Elizabeth's plans have been consistently excellent, allowing me to bid with confidence and build efficiently. Others can talk about their vision, style, or the aesthetics of their design, (this is also inspired in my opinion), but as a builder the most important thing is the accuracy and clarity. > The money you spend on Fa'nas plans will be saved by lack of change orders and lack of mistakes. ## Selected projects - [Park Avenue Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/park-avenue-residence-pj-vj~2688206) - Location: Durango, CO - Photos: 16 - Description: Stone, steel, and wood detailing compliment the simple massing forms of this small contemporary home and its small urban lot. Our architects have opened up the space with large windows both front and back, effectively capturing the available views. This creates a desirable transparency between the outdoor and interior spaces. The large deck on the back of the house overlooks the Animas River, towards historic Downtown Durango. - [18th Street Addition & Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/18th-street-addition-and-remodel-pj-vj~2376807) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 19 - [Windcliff Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/windcliff-residence-pj-vj~6690785) - Location: Estes Park, CO - Photos: 20 - Description: Ecological responsibility, and uncompromising views, guided the design of this 4,300 square foot modern mountain home. Placing the house on a series of concrete piers, color-matched to the sites soil, and bridging across from the road, allow original hillside runoff patterns to remain, & flow under the house. It is a home that celebrates the intersection of earth and sky. The tendrils of this home thread among the existing Lodgepole Pine trees to create a complex intermingling of architecture &… - [Vallecito Reservoir Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vallecito-reservoir-residence-pj-vj~61023) - Location: Bayfield, CO - Photos: 13 - Description: Perched on the edge of Lake Vallecito in southwest Colorado, this timber, log and stone home captures 180 degree views of land, lake and sky. The mountain detailing and materials include wrought iron railings, large stone fireplaces with timber mantles, and eat-in kitchen that seats 12, rough-hewn wood flooring, vaulted ceilings with log and timber trusses and an enormous picture window in the great room that creates the feeling of hanging out over the edge of the cliff that the house is built i… - [Gold Hill Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gold-hill-cabin-pj-vj~7553143) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 8 - [23rd St. Bungalow](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/23rd-st-bungalow-pj-vj~6350344) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Durango Shenandoah Mountain Contemporary](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/durango-shenandoah-mountain-contemporary-pj-vj~24320) - Location: Durango, CO - Photos: 10 - Description: Set on the hillside overlooking the Shenandoah Valley this modest home seeks to enhance the extraordinary surrounding scenery through the thoughtful integration of building elements with the natural assets of the site and terrain. A central open stair as an anchor that circulates movement, light and air into the living spaces that pinwheel and cantilever off into the landscape. In spite of its modest scale, the residence easily accommodates the family by providing amenity for dinning, cooking, l… - [Cherry Hills Country Club Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherry-hills-country-club-remodel-pj-vj~1759486) - Location: Cherry Hills Village, CO - Photos: 15 - Description: Remodel and 'pop-top' of 1950's brick ranch-style home located in the heart of Denver in Cherry Hills County Club. Pop-top allowed for new 9'+ ceilings on the mail level, and vaulted ceilings throughout the upper floor. A new open stair-stepped light well opens the remodeled basement family room to the expansive back yard. - [Table Mesa](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/table-mesa-pj-vj~7000068) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 4 - [10th Street Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/10th-street-residence-pj-vj~3870896) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 12 - [McCaslin Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mccaslin-project-pj-vj~7300317) - Location: Louisville, CO - Photos: 10 - Description: A modern farmhouse & barn (shop & office) for a family who lost their home in the 2021 Marshall fire in Boulder. - [East Boulder Shingle-style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/east-boulder-shingle-style-pj-vj~234748) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 19 - Description: This home was designed about a 200 year old timber frame structure, dismantled and relocated from an old Pennsylvania barn. Locate within a floodplain in Niwot, Colorado, just east of Boulder, the home weathered the floods of 2013 without incident. Most materials within the home are reclaimed or recycled. - [King Street Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/king-street-remodel-pj-vj~5955313) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Pagosa View Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pagosa-view-residence-pj-vj~61024) - Location: Pagosa Springs, CO - Photos: 4 - Description: The quintessential Colorado mountain ranch. Located north of Pagosa Springs, the home wraps an autocourt, affording the 270 degree views north, over looking the northern Piedra River Valley. The floor of the open living / dining / kitchen area is of honed Colorado limestone with recessed a wood flooring pattern. Patinaed corrugated sheet metal provides a rustic western accent inside & out, as does the moss rock fireplace surround & wainscot. - [Estes Park Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/estes-park-cabin-pj-vj~565024) - Location: Estes Park, CO - Photos: 5 - Description: A quintessential Colorado ‘parkitecture’ cabin, located just outside Estes Park, Colorado. - [Durango Contemporary Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/durango-contemporary-mountain-home-pj-vj~434649) - Location: Durango, CO - Photos: 1 - Description: Located on College Mesa above Durango, this contemporary mountain home offers panoramic views to the valley below. The main materials of wood & stone provide the pallet on which mountain, contemporary & Craftsman elements are melded into a simple, rustic but refined elegance. - [Red Canyon Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/red-canyon-residence-pj-vj~61022) - Location: Edwards, CO - Photos: 8 - Description: Southwestern architecture in the Colorado Rockies. This southwestern home located down valley of Vail features traditional stucco, deep set windows, timber latillos, a grand main staircase, custom hand designed tile floors. The bridge over a seasonal arroyo provides separation between the public dining, living & kitchen from the private master suite. Design to blend and compliment the environment, the bridge between main house and master wing spans a naturally occurring arroyo that drains into e… - [Boulder Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/boulder-loft-pj-vj~61019) - Location: Boulder, CO - Photos: 3 - Description: Featured on the cover of Boulder Homes & Lifestyles, this contemporary residence, in the One Boulder Loft building, was designed around openness and simplicity. The three bed, three bath homes has commanding views of the Flatirons and downtown Boulder, featuring a custom brushed steel, ceiling-hung interior fire pit. - [Shenandoah II Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/shenandoah-ii-residence-pj-vj~61026) - Location: Durango, CO - Photos: 4 - Description: Living lightly on the site was important to the owners due to their strong mandate for sustainability. As a retreat from urban life, the desire to become completely self-sufficient and independent from external infrastructure became critical in the design of a completely off grid residence. A two tiered approach is implemented to take advantage of both passive strategies which work to reduce energy loads and augment comfort so that the active strategies are sufficient to provide for the remainin… - [Vail Slopeside Residence Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vail-slopeside-residence-remodel-pj-vj~61021) - Location: Vail, CO - Photos: 4 - Description: Cozy, rustic remodel located in Vail, Colorado. The home provides great views of the ski slopes in Vail. The remodel used mainly stone and wood. Large, natural cut A full-height stone was brought into the front entrance for an eclectic entryway that looks like the house was built around the rocky environment. The fireplace is made of stucco and thick timbers. [See all 32 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/faenas-architecture-pfvwus-pf~1325530496) ## Ideabooks - [Kleinman Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/131027925/list/kleinman-residence) — 3 ideas - [Epp Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/71842903/list/epp-kitchen) — 17 ideas - [Burnes exterior flavor](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/28929256/list/burnes-exterior-flavor) — 14 ideas - [Tointon Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25669858/list/tointon-kitchen-ideas) — 12 ideas - [HAWTHORNE LIVING ROOM](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/27544824/list/hawthorne-living-room) — 13 ideas - [Belletire Powder Room Ides](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13559328/list/belletire-powder-room-ides) — 19 ideas - [Belletire Kitchen ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/12685491/list/belletire-kitchen-ideas) — 35 ideas - [dasarchitect's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/999792/list/dasarchitect-s-ideas) — 38 ideas - [Belletire master bath ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/13558976/list/belletire-master-bath-ideas) — 9 ideas [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/dasarchitect) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the floor** *(in Photo Questions)* Can u tell me where to find that flooring? A: That flooring is authentic reclaimed (sorry, I don't remember the species). It came from the same deconstructed barn in Ohio that the timber frame came from. Sorry! **Q: Trim** *(in Photo Questions)* What Trim did you use around windows. Thanks A: It's a stained Alder, also used for all the interior doors. **Q: What is the rust color in the center of the fireplace?** *(in Photo Questions)* Just wondering what the rust color in fireplace is A: That is a steel plate that we'd acid-washed to expedite the rusting process. That exact color is a function of the acid, which, unfortunately was done a while back & I don't have that info. You might speak with some steel fabricators in your area, they may be able to provide something similar. Thank you! **Q: May I ask the wall color, please?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi Anne, I'm sorry, but this was done perhaps 10 years ago, I just don't remember. Take this to most any paint store & they can do a computer color match. **Q: Stairs** *(in Photo Questions)* What wood type are the stairs? A: They're a rough-sawn doug fir 3x12. **Q: Fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* How deep and wide are shelves on wall? Its beautiful! A: Thank-you for the compliment. The shelves are roughly 30" wide x 10" deep. They became a bit shallower than originally anticipated when we added the stone at the back of the shelves, but the look was what we were going for. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-07.*