Our Story
Charles arrived in Aspen in the late 1970s, drawn by its natural beauty and architectural opportunities.
Collaborating with Thomas Wells on the master plan, design, and approvals for the expansion and renovation of the historic Hotel Jerome, they preserved its iconic character while meeting modern needs of the time. This project cemented Charles' reputation as a top architect, skillfully marrying history and innovation.
Charles arrives in Aspen
1979
Charles was born in a historic town in western Massachusetts – the eldest of seven children. His father was a Carpenter, who instilled great worth ethic and hands-on creativity in an always-busy Charles. From a young age, Charles could be found building, sculpting, tinkering and helping his parents with his younger siblings. From humble roots, Charles went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in Architecture, Fine Arts and Sculpture from the Rhode Island School of Design, followed by studies at Harvard Graduate School of Design, MIT, and Brown University.
From Humble Roots
1950’s
The Aspen Design Conference, established in 1951, was an influential gathering of designers, architects, and thinkers that shaped mid-century modern design discourse. Held annually in Aspen, it provided a platform for innovative discussions on design, technology, and culture, blending creative exploration with intellectual debate. The conference notably attracted figures such as Buckminster Fuller and Charles Eames, contributing to the rise of design as a vital tool for societal and industrial progress. Its legacy endures in the design world, fostering a cross-disciplinary approach that continues to inspire today's creatives.
Charles attends the Aspen Design Conference
1979
Charles opened the doors to his own firm in 1980 – Charles Cunniffe & Associates. During the 1980s and 1990s, CCA’s work flourished, as he designed some of the area’s most iconic residences, public spaces, and commercial properties. His designs from this era reflect a deep connection to the landscape, helping to define Aspen's architectural identity and setting the stage for his continued influence in the field.
Charles Cunniffe Architects Opens its Doors
1980
Soon followed by locations in Scottsdale, Vail, Park City, Whitefish, and Steamboat Springs.
1980’s
CCA Expands
As Telluride Ski Resort came onto the ski resort scene and the town was seeing tremendous growth, CCA opened an office in downtown Telluride, soon followed by locations in Steamboat, Scottsdale, Vail, Whitefish and Park City. During this time Charles, having earned his pilot’s license, frequently flew between offices to oversee projects across the Mountain West. This expansion deepened our engagement with local communities and their unique contexts.
With today’s technology, CCA has centered our operations in the Roaring Fork Valley while continuing to design across the U.S. and internationally.
First Magazine Cover
1995
CCA’s very first magazine cover was the 1995 issue of MicroStation Magazine. MicroStation was a pioneering software program that transformed the architecture industry. The publication featured articles on use-cases, technological advancements in the program, and cutting-edge designs—including our Oxley Residence.
When Charles opened the doors to CCA in 1980—as a young, New England Architect who moved West to work on the Hotel Jerome—he wasn’t focused on building a legacy.
He devoted his days to designing timeless spaces that serve clients and enhance the surrounding landscape. From its humble beginnings, CCA flourished. His dedication attracted a talented team, creating a studio where top architects and designers could thrive. Today, our team of twenty embodies creativity and commitment, driven by a mission to create legacy designs tailored to each client, emphasizing wellness and sustainability.
Since the beginning, Charles Cunniffe & Associates, which later became Charles Cunniffe Architects has championed a collaborative and supportive culture. One memorable tradition is our summer staff party, where our team gathers to enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty and strengthen bonds outside the office. The second is our annual holiday bowling party. A lively gift exchange and a lighthearted (and competitive!) round of bowling is a tradition we’ve had for over 4-decades! The third is our annual Holiday Open House where the entire community is invited to attend and mingle. These gatherings embody the firm's commitment to our people, recognizing that team camaraderie and collaboration are key to our success. This spirit of appreciation and togetherness continues to shape CCA’s culture today.
Celebrating the Team
2000
2002
CCA wins our first Home of the Year
Each year, Mountain Living magazine holds a competition for their Home of the Year. The Baker Residence in Park City was the first to earn this esteemed honor. Four additional projects have won this award including the Residence at Crystal Lake, Willoughby Way, Elk Peak Ranch and Casa Cresta.
The American Institute of Architects Colorado West Chapter announced during its annual Design and Honor Awards Colorado that Charles was awarded the Community Service by An Architect Award. This award recognizes a licensed architect member of AIA Colorado West for exemplary contribution of service to the community. With a plethora of pro-bono and reduced-fee projects, coupled with his countless volunteer hours, it was a well-deserved honor.
Charles wins Community Service by an Architect Award
2011
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CCA earned the esteemed American Institute of Architects Colorado West Firm of the Year. The following year, CCA earns the American Institute of Architects Colorado West – Mentor of the Year Award, exhibiting the firm’s dedication to healthy business practices and nurturing the next generation of architects.
CCA Earns Firm of the Year Award
2012
2014
CCA named Top 50 Places to Work in US by OUTSIDE Magazine
It all started in 2014, when CCA earned a spot on the list. Never would we have guessed that we’d still top the list after 11 consecutive years! Each year, we take a thorough look into how we are supporting our staff, getting them outside as much as possible, providing a balanced culture of work and play, and always striving to do our best. We are immensely proud of maintaining our spot on this highly coveted list of companies throughout the US!
Designing luxurious and sustainable legacy homes is a main focus at CCA. Elk Peak Ranch is a glowing example of how to design at scale, caring for our environment and build a multi-generation legacy home. Elk Peak Ranch was the first Aspen home to earn LEED for Homes Gold, with geothermal, solar, and smart home technologies.
CCA Completes first LEED for Homes Gold Residence
2017
2017
Charles’s Induction to the AIA College of Fellows
The American Institute of Architects College of Fellows, is the industry’s top honor, and in 2017 Charles was elevated to Fellow, for his dedication to the community, the field of architecture and all that he had accomplished in his career.
Elk Peak Ranch featured in Aerin Lauder’s Aspen Style book
2018
CCA has been featured in numerous books—with the Aspen Style by Aerin Lauder being a very special one. We were honored to have our Elk Peak Ranch project featured.
Architectural Digest interviews Charles
2018
Charles sat down with Architectural Digest to discuss how to adapt mountain architecture to modern living. Having designed in the mountains for more than four decades, he has a particularly interesting perspective on how to meld the warmth of mountain architecture with the modernity of clean lines, ample windows, and contemporary materials. Successfully fusing environmentally conscious design with warm materials with the durability essential in the mountain environment takes great skill, creativity, and experience.
CCA Completes Landmark Community Designs
2018-2022
CCA was traditionally known for our impressive portfolio of legacy residential designs. Another hallmark of our design culture is designing for our local community. We have been fortunate to complete numerous community-based projects including fire stations, city halls, performance and recreation facilities, public safety, and affordable housing work. This work continues to inspire us, fulfill us, and make us incredibly proud.