For Mack, Laura, and their growing family, the mountains had always called to them. After years in the heart of Denver, they longed for something different—a slower pace, cleaner air, and a life more connected to the outdoors. With a piece of land in Keystone they had owned for nearly a decade, the time finally felt right to trade city living for the lifestyle they had quietly envisioned for years.
Still, building in a mountain town comes with its own set of challenges. Navigating architecture, construction, and design with multiple teams can feel overwhelming—especially from a distance. That’s what drew them to Pinnacle Mountain Homes and Collective Design. After experiencing their work firsthand during the Summit County Parade of Homes, Mack and Laura knew they had found a team that could bring their vision to life through a truly integrated approach.
When the project began, the family didn’t have a fully formed picture of what their dream home would look like. What they did know was what they didn’t want: no heavy timber lodge, no dark interiors, no cookie-cutter mountain aesthetic. They imagined something different—something that felt both rustic and modern, warm yet refined, with subtle nods to the region’s mining history.
Architectural Manager Tyler Mikolajczak and Senior Interior Designer Nicole Bruno of Collective Design stepped in early to help guide that vision. What emerged was a Mountain Modern design with an industrial edge, rooted in both the family’s style and Keystone’s heritage.
“The aesthetic that arose from the clients’ personal style, desire to highlight their proximity to Keystone Resort, and the history of Keystone as an old mining town manifested in a mountain modern design style with an industrial vibe,” said Nicole. “We kept classic mountain elements like wood beams and warm finishes, but updated them with lighter tones, matte black accents, and a metal fireplace in place of the typical barnwood and stone.”
This thoughtful connection to place inspired many of the home’s details. A corten steel fireplace nods to the rusted ore chutes of the area’s mining past, while a striking piece of black granite with golden-orange veining anchors a one-of-a-kind wet bar. The result is a home that honors its surroundings in both subtle and powerful ways.
And with the home situated just moments from the slopes, the design was also deeply tied to the family’s lifestyle. A dedicated ski locker, private hot tub, and expansive patio—offering what might be the best views of Keystone Mountain in the entire valley—ensure the home is just as functional as it is beautiful.
What began as a plan for a part-time retreat quickly transformed into something more. As the build progressed, it became clear that this wasn’t just a getaway—it was home. The family decided to make Summit County their full-time residence, trading city streets for alpine trails and ski days.
With Pinnacle’s design-build process, the transition from concept to construction was seamless. Having architecture, design, and construction all under one roof meant that every detail was communicated clearly, and the entire team remained aligned from start to finish.
“Having the design team tightly integrated with the construction team meant that we were looking at design decisions well ahead of when the construction team was working on them,” said Laura. “No design decisions felt rushed at all.”
Throughout the build, the team at Pinnacle provided weekly updates to ensure Mack and Laura always felt informed and empowered to make timely decisions. It was a process built on transparency, communication, and a shared commitment to creating something extraordinary.
Today, natural light pours through expansive windows, illuminating clean lines, layered textures, and a design that feels at once grounded and elevated. From the beginning, this was about more than building a house—it was about creating a home where a young family could grow, gather, and experience the rhythms of mountain life.
“At various points throughout the process, you walk in and it still doesn’t feel real,” said Laura. “But ultimately, we love the house.”
From a quiet dream to a lived-in reality, this home is now a place where memories are made, skis are stored by the door, and the mountains are just a few steps away.
This is what we care about most. Creating homes that reflect how our clients live, what they value, and the experiences they want to share. It is not just about building a house. It is about building a place that feels like home from the start.
If you're thinking about building in the mountains, we’re here to talk through what’s possible. Let’s start the conversation.
