---
title: "Confluence Architecture — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/confluence-architecture-pfvwus-pf~629326813
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~629326813.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Confluence Architecture"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/26e3f42c00a26ced_0381-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "0515 Crystal Circle, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, United States"
latitude: 39.3795
longitude: -107.2044
phone: "(970) 963-9720"
website: http://www.confluencearchitecture.com
rating: 5
review_count: 5
best_of_houzz_awards: 1
followers: 81
last_updated: 2026-08-15
---

# Confluence Architecture

Original Houzz profile: [Confluence Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/confluence-architecture-pfvwus-pf~629326813)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Carbondale, CO
- **Serves:** Glenwood Springs, Aspen, Carbondale, El Jebel, Basalt, Cattle Creek, Catherine
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (5 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 1,000 Ideabook Saves

Confluence Architecture is small, multi-discipline firm. We specialize in using the latest techniques to optimize the efficiency, comfort and durability of a building with the greatest economy of means. Indoor air quality, sound control and day-lighting are all intimately connected to the performance of the shell and mechanical systems of a building. Confluence Architecture is uniquely equipped to maximize this balance to favor the highest quality building possible, with the lowest possible operational and maintenance costs, for the lowest possible construction costs.
 
“Confluence” is a word that embodies the spirit of our own personal philosophies of architecture. The design process involves the confluence of many skills & disciplines; art & engineering, context & precedence, building & municipal codes, programs & site forces, time & money, etc. all balancing together at one point. That one point is your finished project. It takes planning to be successful, and that’s what we do here.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- 3D Rendering
- Bathroom Design
- Barn Design & Construction
- Basement Remodeling
- Basement Design

### Areas Served

- Glenwood Springs
- Aspen
- Carbondale
- El Jebel
- Basalt
- Cattle Creek
- Catherine

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - $5,000,000

We work on small and medium size projects whose construction costs range from $10,000-$5,000,000.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Confluence Architecture |
| Address | 0515 Crystal Circle, Carbondale, Colorado 81623, United States |
| Phone | (970) 963-9720 |
| Website | http://www.confluencearchitecture.com |
| License Number | Colorado Architect 400697 |
| Followers on Houzz | 81 |

**Social profiles:**
- Blog — www.confluencearchitecture.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Confluence Architecture](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/confluence-architecture-pfvwus-pf~629326813)
- **Website:** http://www.confluencearchitecture.com
- **Phone:** (970) 963-9720

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Architect's license in Colorado and CaliforniaCertified Home Energy RaterLEED BD+C

- **Best of Houzz:** 1 award (2016), for Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 5 reviews**

### All 5 reviews

**★★★★★ — connie565, Aug. 2015**

> Thoughtful and creative team of design professionals who surpassed expectations to create a one of a kind, energy efficient distillery and boutique inn that has received notable accolades.  Thorough in both the design and construction processes, Confluence provided ownership the confidence to tackle a daunting project.  Would hire again.

**★★★★★ — baslerc, Aug. 2015**

> Great folks to work with.  Customer oriented, flexible, creative and reasonable. We've been working with this group for years and continue to enjoy their relaxed but professional approach to custom home design.

**★★★★★ — bartcw, Jan. 2015**

> I hired Confluence Architecture about two years ago to design a mountain home for our 35-acre property in the Central Rockies.  Mark and Angela tuned in immediately to what my wife and I were looking for in terms of fit with the building site and energy efficiency.  The house is at a high elevation with excellent views, so taking advantage of the views while providing good energy efficiency were important considerations.  Nearly everyone who reviewed our plans commented on how carefully they were drawn and how detailed the plans were.
>
> I highly recommend Confluence Architecture.

**★★★★★ — crisshaw, Jan. 2015**

> Mark and  Angela of Confluence Architecture are practical, creative, solution oriented architects who perform their work in a very timely, completely professional manner.  They are easy to work with and are open to ideas from clients.  Confluence Architecture has done the design and consulting on at least four of the projects I have been involved with-I highly recommend them, and I will continue to use them in the future.  Cris Shaw, Homebuilder

**★★★★★ — Studio M Engineers, Jan. 2014**

> I have worked with Mark on a few jobs in the past, and have had the great pleasure of developing a professional relationship with him and his company. I am always excited to see his innovative ideas regarding green building. Confluence Architecture breathes life into any project, new or existing.

## Selected projects

- [Contemporary Strawbale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-strawbale-pj-vj~126147)
  - Location: Emma, CO
  - Photos: 3
  - Description: Contemporary strawbale home
- [Mountain Cabin](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-cabin-pj-vj~111593)
  - Location: outside of Carbondale, CO
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Small, energy efficient, affordable mountain cabin.
- [Cedar Ridge Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cedar-ridge-ranch-pj-vj~926915)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: This is the 11,000 square foot ranch house for a working horse ranch in the highlands above the Roaring Fork River Valley.
- [Distillery Inn](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/distillery-inn-pj-vj~1288125)
  - Location: Carbondale, CO
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Luxury room for small inn in Carbondale, CO.
- [Mountain Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-home-pj-vj~126132)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Box K Ranch](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/box-k-ranch-pj-vj~926960)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Single Family home on a ranch in north western Colorado. Home includes rustic features evoking the ranching heritage of the area such as rusty corrugated metal, barn wood, and native stone.
- [New Mexico Strawbale](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-mexico-strawbale-pj-vj~111587)
  - Location: Santa Fe, NM
  - Photos: 9
- [Elk Springs](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/elk-springs-pj-vj~3100397)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 5
- [Zen Zoo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/zen-zoo-pj-vj~3100352)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 4

[See all 9 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/confluence-architecture-pfvwus-pf~629326813)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/148491140/list/wish-list) — 4 ideas
- [split level](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/147497180/list/split-level) — 15 ideas
- [New Castle](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/82291092/list/new-castle) — 78 ideas
- [DeWolfe](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115078730/list/dewolfe) — 8 ideas
- [Dillard](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/94547202/list/dillard) — 25 ideas
- [Arlian](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/98170322/list/arlian) — 29 ideas
- [David Kluver](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/104600657/list/david-kluver) — 1 idea
- [Addition](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/44917803/list/addition) — 87 ideas
- [Arena Mirfield](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88301483/list/arena-mirfield) — 9 ideas
- [Kelcey and Jason](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/72613240/list/kelcey-and-jason) — 16 ideas
- [Craver](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/66911997/list/craver) — 7 ideas
- [Mulligan](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/8718832/list/mulligan) — 81 ideas
- [booth](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18869949/list/booth) — 60 ideas
- [Schilling Theater](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/31758150/list/schilling-theater) — 27 ideas
- [nursery](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/43439078/list/nursery) — 21 ideas
- [Schilling outdoor kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/39282035/list/schilling-outdoor-kitchen) — 19 ideas
- [MDC](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22362178/list/mdc) — 20 ideas
- [Diamond](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23946331/list/diamond) — 7 ideas
- [Lana](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/7481254/list/lana) — 38 ideas
- [KDNK](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/5499438/list/kdnk) — 10 ideas

[See all 20 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/alloughry)

## Community Q&A

**Q: What color stain is used on the cedar shakes and door?** *(in Photo Questions)*

A: The shingles are a 50-50 mix of Cabot Australian Timber oil in redwood and cedar.  The front door was a spar vanish custom colored to match.

**Q: Cost?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me roughly the cost per square foot to build?

A: For insurance purposes I would say $250 sf.  You can do it cheaper, but that is with alot of bidding and the owner doing some work themselves.

**Q: where did you gwet this wood counter top?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Hi, please tell me where did you get this lovely counter top. I want it for my small powder/launder room.
thanks!

A: Hello-  this counter was a repurposed end table the we found in a local second hand shop. So a bit hard to reproduce. The wood, we later found out, is African Padauk wood. For sustainability reasons, we generally do not like to use exotic woods, but since this we repurposed we went ahead and did it.  

 We have also had luck finding live edge slabs by asking at local lumber yards and mill shops.  There are various internet outlets for live edge slabs of many species.  Depending on where you are located, some cities have an urban wood group that harvests trees that are removed for development and turns them into slabs or furniture. That might be another resource.

**Q: Mounting hardware** *(in Photo Questions)*

I love the simple design of this pergola. We want to do something similar along the back of a two storey brick house but would like to incorporate a more chunky industrial joist hanger and post and beam hardware. Where did you get your hardware?

A: I'm glad you love the simple design.  The hardware on this sunshade was custom made.  It was so simple - flat plates on each side of the column and buckets on the wall it was not costly.  We had the local steal shop supply the pieces cut to size.  Welding and drilling were done in the field.  An alternate would be Simpson Strong Tie thicker gauge connections.  They can be special ordered without  finish  through almost any lumber yard.

**Q: Wall** *(in Photo Questions)*

I have a southwestern home I'm remodeling and everything I like is in this orange palette. Can you tell me anything about what you have on the walls? I am installing a kiva too!

A: Hello - the walls are 3 coat plaster. I don't remember the mix, but it likely a mix of clay,  lime, and cement.  The plaster was site mixed with integral color.  A good plaster guy should be able to do several samples for you to check your color.  This is a straw bale home, so the plaster on the exterior walls is quite thick (1"+) and supplies structural rigidity. The thickness also provides excellent thermal mass to soak up all the southwestern sun.  The kiva was site built, full masonry, wood burning.  It was built by a local Santa Fe mason that specialized in kivas.  It is important to get the shape and size right so that it draws well and burns efficiently.  It is smaller than you might think.

**Q: Handrails** *(in Photo Questions)*

What was used for the handrails? What length did are the handrails

A: Hello-  The handrails have 3 components.  The uprights and cap base are made of custom steel.  The cables are off the shelf stainless steel cable with turnbuckles.  Sorry, I don't know the specific brand.  The handrail cap is trek (composite decking).  The handrails are various lengths to fit the deck edges.  We needed to by uprights about every 6'.  Hope that helps.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*