--- title: "RG Cowan Design Build — Design-Build Firms | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/rg-cowan-design-build-pfvwus-pf~277579507 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~277579507.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "RG Cowan Design Build" category: ["Design-Build Firms"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/fd2329bf02bc8288_5462-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "156 N Mesa Ave, Unit B, Fruita, Colorado 81521, United States" latitude: 39.1637 longitude: -108.7218 phone: "(970) 712-5554" website: http://rgcowandesign.com rating: 5 review_count: 16 best_of_houzz_awards: 3 followers: 61 last_updated: 2026-09-23 --- # RG Cowan Design Build Original Houzz profile: [RG Cowan Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/rg-cowan-design-build-pfvwus-pf~277579507) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Design-Build Firms - **Location:** Fruita, CO - **Serves:** Grand Junction, Clifton, Fruita, Redlands, Fruitvale, Orchard Mesa, Palisade, Whitewater - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (16 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves - Family owned - High-end - Offers Custom Work Founded in 2003, RG Cowan Design Build is a full service design, building and fabrication firm offering a full range services. We build high quality projects for design minded clients. Our mission is to create beauty for living by building in a way that engages our clients, challenges ourselves, and considers the opportunities for sustainability in the 21st century. ### Services Provided - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Kitchen Design - Architectural Design - Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - Building Design - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Deck Building - Architectural Drawings - Multigenerational Homes - House Plans - Pool House Design & Construction - 3D Rendering - Project Management - Design Consultation - Floor Plans - Garage Building - Energy-Efficient Homes - Universal Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Custom Home Bars - Laundry Room Design - Green Building - Sustainable Design - Porch Design & Construction - Space Planning - Mudroom Design - Greenhouse Design & Construction - Site Planning - Drafting - Home Theater Design - Barn Design & Construction - Wood Floor Installation - Staircase Design - Landscape Plans - Lighting Installation - Workshop Design & Construction - Site Preparation - Log Home Construction - Custom Cabinets - Custom Concrete Countertops - Custom Home - Custom Steel ### Areas Served - Grand Junction - Clifton - Fruita - Redlands - Fruitvale - Orchard Mesa - Palisade - Whitewater ### Typical Job Cost $250,000 - $1,000,000 We specialize in custom home design and construction. What do you want your home to say about you? ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | RG Cowan Design Build | | Address | 156 N Mesa Ave, Unit B, Fruita, Colorado 81521, United States | | Phone | (970) 712-5554 | | Website | http://rgcowandesign.com | | Followers on Houzz | 61 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/rgcowandesign - Blog — http://www.rgcowandesign.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [RG Cowan Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/rg-cowan-design-build-pfvwus-pf~277579507) - **Website:** http://rgcowandesign.com - **Phone:** (970) 712-5554 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 3 awards (2016–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 16 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 5.0 - Communication: 5.0 - Value: 5.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — HU-982351049, Jan. 2021** > We have used R.G.Cowan Design/Build on two different home renovation projects. We have found Ryan to be a person of integrity, honesty, and competence. His design suggestions and attention to detail were greatly appreciated, and left us feeling that we would have a quality project that would serve us well for many years. We would definitely hire Ryan for any future projects. **★★★★★ — Cary K-W, Dec. 2020** > I love my house - every time I walk in, I smile - I hope I can convey how lucky I feel to have worked with R.G. Cowan Design to design and build it. Ryan and his team took my vision, created a design that gave me everything I wanted in a well-designed package, and then built me a stunning house. I am a natural worrier, but I soon learned that I didn't need to worry because they had everything well in hand and were always many steps ahead of me. I wasn't here and didn't feel I needed to be here, which is saying something on a construction project. It is clear to me that every member of the team is invested in creating houses that are beautiful and built to last. The quality of construction and attention to detail are exceptional and it shows. They have gone above and beyond at every step and they have also been a real pleasure to work with. I cannot recommend them highly enough! **★★★★★ — Tami, Dec. 2020** > Ryan and his team are an absolute delight to work with. They truly listen to how you want to use a space and how you want it to look. Then they work with you to make it even better than you imagined it could be. The team stays in touch and stays on time. Any budget changes are discussed beforehand so as not to come as a surprise. Their workmanship is outstanding. Ryan's attention to detail is amazing. I look forward to working with Ryan and his team in the future on other projects. **★★★★★ — Diana Foster, Sept. 2017** > Ryan and his team helped us from start to finish. We chose Ryan because of his knowledge of modern architecture being inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright who saw no limits to how design may improve the quality of the lives we live and put special importance on the value of beauty. We love modern architecture because it shows the actual structure and materials used in the building, featuring design elements of wood, steel and glass. Ryan helped us balance the clean lines and minimalist interiors with the warmth of natural materials such as wood and stone. He created beautiful features in our home that stand alone as art. > Ryan strives to create unique projects that set his work apart from other home builders. He enjoys the one-off custom design and build projects on various scales. He feels that architecture and the objects in them fill our lives with stories and meanings, becoming the backdrop to how we live our lives. We were truly fortunate to have Ryan and his team build our new home. **★★★★★ — natenjan, May 2015** > We hired Ryan Cowan (R.G. Cowan) to completely remodel our kitchen, family room entertainment center, pantry room, and three bathrooms, in addition to constructing a completely new 1600 square foot attached shop. Ryan's attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines was most welcome. He made many suggestions that added immensely to the quality and enjoyment of the finished projects. He was always open to suggestions and willing to discuss alternatives. He was able to enhance ordinary "box" cabinets to make them look like custom cabinets in our kitchen, bathrooms and family room. We have no reservations in recommending him for remodeling projects or brand new construction projects. > > Nate & Jan Niebauer **★★★★★ — gjnate, March 2015** > Ryan and his team have completed several remodeling projects for me on two homes. The projects included a high end kitchen remodel, entry way remodel, installation of a custom deck with unique lighting, an RV garage conversion, a large multiple area bathroom remodel, floor plan redesign, office to laundry room conversion, and numerous door and window replacements. Every project has been on time and on budget. Ryan is very flexible both at the design stage and during construction. He provides innovative ideas and typically offers a range of options from high end to quality budget. I recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — ctherrman, March 2015** > I have used Ryan Cowan to improve/maintain/rebuild my c. 1905 home since 2004. He has done great work on time and on budget. **★★★★★ — somedaysoon66, March 2015** > R.G. (Ryan) Cowan has performed several remodeling (kitchen, baths, basement finish etc) projects on my personal residence over the past several years. All work has been completed in a professional manner, within the time frame and budget. > In addition, I have had the opportunity to market two homes that Ryan extensively remodeled; both properties attracted strong interest and sold themselves in a timely fashion. The craftsmanship and care in Ryan's work is evident throughout, and his pleasant, businesslike approach have always made him easy to work with. > I will continue to recommend R.G. Cowan Design & Build to personal friends as well as real estate clients that I have. **★★★★★ — peakplumbingheating, March 2015** > Having worked with R.G. Cowan Design Build on many projects over the years as his plumbing contractor I can safely say that the attention to detail that Ryan possesses is second to none. R.G. Cowan treats every job with the same importance weather it's a small remodel or and entire home. The wealth of knowledge that R.G. Cowan possess in design and construction produces and end product that in my opinion any one would be pleased to have. > Having worked with R.G.Cowan on a professional and personal basis I would highly recommend him to anyone who is looking for a designer or contractor for their next project. > Sincerely > Ed Guntle > Peak Plumbing, Heating, & Solar **★★★★★ — Casey Sievila, March 2015** > I have worked with Ryan on residential projects & have hired him to do work in our office. Ryan does a great job providing what we have asked for in a timely and conscientious manner. He follows through when things get tricky & makes certain the job is done right. Ryan is also just a great person to work with. **★★★★★ — Will Hays, March 2015** > Ryan and the guys at R.G. Cowan Design + Build are creative, customer focused and hold themselves to a high standard. He listened to what we wanted to accomplish and helped us come up with a design that maximized what we could achieve with our budget. In addition, his subs seemed to like and respect working with him and his company. That said a lot to me about his reputation and meant that they were willing to go the extra mile for him/us. **★★★★★ — glmitch, March 2015** > When we bought our 1970's era home back in 2005, it was drab, dated and under-loved. But the location and "bones" were what drew us to it. We knew we'd have to make some pretty major changes to make it liveable. We were fortunate enough to be referred to Ryan Cowan to help us with that journey. Ryan and his team did a fabulous job on our Liberty Cap kitchen remodel (see pics) as well as numerous other remodeling projects - when you find someone of Ryan's caliber, you keep working with them. In addition to our new kitchen and dining room, he did a major renovation to our outdoor areas, including changing the entry and front of the house; stuccoing over the shake siding and adding a natural stone facade (which totally transformed the look of our home); demolishing our unsafe deck off the master bedroom and building a new one, complete with a spiral staircase down to the new back patio which includes a custom BBQ area, gas fireplace, and in-ground spa. He also did some creative tile work for us and a variety of design touches that have made our home a wonderful place to relax and to entertain guests. Our neighbors have been delighted with the dramatic changes Ryan helped make, changing our once "ugly ducking" into a custom showplace. > Some of the best things about working with Ryan (and there are many) are his complete professionalism, attention to detail, reliability, quality of work, flexibility, and design creativity. So many of the features we love best about our home are ideas that we never would have considered without Ryan's suggestions. The various lighting options in the kitchen and outdoors are wonderful. The workmanship is topnotch. He took some fairly difficult architectural features and made them look natural and fantastic. Even when things didn't go quite as planned, Ryan worked with us until we were satisfied. > We think Ryan is one of the highest quality professionals we have ever worked with. We have often recommended him to others who have asked who did the work on our home. We would work with him again in a heartbeat. ## Selected projects - [The Steel Orchard Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-steel-orchard-retreat-pj-vj~7010001) - Location: Palisade, CO - Photos: 19 - Description: Project Description Intro: The Steel Orchard Retreat is a luxurious apartment and shop located on a quaint, family-owned peach orchard in Palisade, Colorado. Founded in 1904, Palisade supports the lifestyles of those who come seeking small town life, combined with big amenities and ample outdoor activities. The rusting agricultural structures from decades past still dot the town, reminding its residents of the history. The Steel Orchard Retreat embraces that history by mimicking the architectura… - [Modern Aspen ave. House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-aspen-ave-house-pj-vj~6570926) - Location: Fruita, CO - Photos: 42 - Description: Our Modern Aspen Ave. Project was a home that grew out of our clients desire to have a modern home in the heart of the art filled, mountain biking community of Fruita, Colorado. Our original concept was to renovate an older existing home to be able to better function as a 2-3 bedroom home for her friends and family to come stay, ride bikes, play and enjoy downtown Fruita. Due to a combination of the poor quality of the existing structure, an almost non existent foundation and discovered geotechn… - [Redlands Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/redlands-kitchen-remodel-pj-vj~6912413) - Location: Redlands, CO - Photos: 26 - Description: The Redlands is an area of beauty with natural wonders to catch your eye at every turn. Located at the base of the Colorado National Monument, there are endless views and experiences to enjoy in this part of Grand Junction, Colorado. Built in 1992, this home was in need of an update worthy of the picturesque landscape seen from its very windows. Being a busy family of four, our clients wanted a space where they could cook, have meals, do homework, and simply enjoy eachothers company. The kitchen… - [Forever Home Farmland](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/forever-home-farmland-pj-vj~6895770) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 9 - Description: Square Footage: 1500 2 bedroom/ 2 bath Located in the agricultural outskirts of Grand Junction, this project was designed as a forever home for our client to enjoy the views and live in the heart of her daughter’s ranch. This is the second home on the property, and being sensitive to the existing structures was key to the success of the project. Our client values privacy and maintaining the wide open nature of living within the farm lands that built the Grand Valley. We were able to be mindful o… - [Modern Sustainability](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-sustainability-pj-vj~6284911) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 26 - Description: This unique kitchen renovation was all about introducing a modern feel with sustainable and comfortable materials to accommodate a busy and growing family of five. The decision to use cork flooring throughout was to ensure durability and comfort while incorporating a warm tone to compliment the satin black cabinetry, teak wood details and brass hardware. With the homes updated lighting, unique ribbon tile backsplash, and metal detailing, custom concrete countertops, this home now shares modern e… - [Modern Addition to 1950's Rancher](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-addition-to-1950-s-rancher-pj-vj~3569209) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 9 - Description: The Rood Avenue Modern Rustic project was conceived as a way to bring a mountain modern style to a small two bedroom 50’s rancher in downtown Grand Junction, CO. The goal from the client was to gain an entry space with storage as well as a master suite expansion, allowing them to remain living downtown while having space for their growing family. In addition to this, they wanted storage, storage, storage! The resulting form of the design provided large, well shaded windows with natural light gal… - [Skyland Retreat - Design Build](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/skyland-retreat-design-build-pj-vj~2137586) - Location: Crested Butte, CO - Photos: 26 - Description: Crested Butte offers one of the most unique & creative places to live across the nation. Unique even among ski towns. Building a custom home in this part of the country offers you the opportunity to explore your lifestyle in a whole new way and create something as custom as the personalities that have shaped the local lore. The Crested Butte, Skyland Retreat was Designed by Sol, Space, Light Inc. of Gunnison, CO and Built by R.G. Cowan Design Build. This home was created as a mountain retreat fo… - [The Bookcliff Modern - Design Build & Fabrications](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/the-bookcliff-modern-design-build-and-fabrications-pj-vj~2139374) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 26 - Description: The Bookcliff modern was a home designed for clients who were looking for a sustainable approach to designing and constructing their new home. After living abroad for most of their professional careers, these clients had lived in a variety of housing types that were not typical of most north American homes. They found things along the way that they loved and worked well for them and they found things that they didn’t like and brought this valuable information to the design table. The Bookcliff M… - [FDW - Tectonic Shade](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fdw-tectonic-shade-pj-vj~913800) - Location: Grand Junction, CO - Photos: 12 - Description: The Tectonic Shade Project, completed in 2013, was designed and built by R.G. Cowan Design\|Build. Inspired by the Colorado National Monument's rugged geologic features, this project was a response to the poor solar orientation of the existing home. The entire length of the south west side of the home was flanked by a large concrete patio and a wall of windows that soaked up the desert sun, radiating heat to an unbearable degree. The goal was to create a beautiful outdoor space while solving the… - [Contrast in the Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contrast-in-the-kitchen-pj-vj~7436559) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - Description: Contrast in the Kitchen – Texture to Taste in a Grand Junction, CO custom home We normally associate texture with food, clothes, and even sound. In reality, it is a part of every aspect of our lives. In our Grand Junction, Appleton, Fruita, Palisade, and Redlands, Colorado homes, texture lives on everything from our walls to washcloths. It isn’t something we normally consider holistically or view with intent. While designing interiors, texture becomes our way to bring visual interest and emotion… [See all 10 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/design-build-firms/rg-cowan-design-build-pfvwus-pf~277579507) ## Ideabooks - [Master Closet](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/169179903/list/master-closet) — 20 ideas - [BEAN](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/164733862/list/bean) — 2 ideas - [Burt](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/159419818/list/burt) — 7 ideas - [Niernberg Interior Handrails](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/158871553/list/niernberg-interior-handrails) — 5 ideas - [Pedersen Tiny Home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/156437405/list/pedersen-tiny-home) — 36 ideas - [Hays\_kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/60867043/list/hays-kitchen) — 32 ideas - [Bedell Kitchen Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146850712/list/bedell-kitchen-ideas) — 6 ideas - [Bedell Bathroom Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/146340313/list/bedell-bathroom-ideas) — 38 ideas - [Tom Lavery Kitchen Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/145730029/list/tom-lavery-kitchen-remodel) — 4 ideas - [Our MCM home](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84595914/list/our-mcm-home) — 40 ideas - [Lot 9](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106083413/list/lot-9) — 14 ideas - [Mcanany cabin exterior](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/83386878/list/mcanany-cabin-exterior) — 16 ideas - [Entry doors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/65917031/list/entry-doors) — 6 ideas - [Ryan's\_Foster Project Ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/57861626/list/ryan-s-foster-project-ideas) — 25 ideas - [showers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/55941846/list/showers) — 4 ideas - [Norton](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/56959452/list/norton) — 35 ideas [See all 16 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/rgcowandesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: What is the wood siding on this project?** *(in Photo Questions)* Hi, just wondering which product was used for the wood siding on this house. Thanks A: Hi Eric, This project featured a fiber cement siding product fromNichiha. Please reach out if you have any additional questions, thank you! **Q: Wooden stair treads** *(in Photo Questions)* Would you please tell me what the wooden stair treads are made of? What kind of wood? Thank you kindly. A: These treads are milled from white oak **Q: what is siding on this building?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This is a wood board and baton, cedar siding. The stain is an Olympic product from Lowe's in the Russet color. **Q: Fireplace** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me where to purchase the fireplace? A: The stone hearth is a sandstone slab from a Lyons Colorado Quarry. The flooring is a solid oak plank flooring. **Q: Kitchen** *(in Photo Questions)* What is the counter surface? A: This is a Paperstone counter top. We love this material. If you need more info here is the link: http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/ If you have questions about fabrication and installation give us a call! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-23.*