Kenneth Adler

PRINCIPAL AND LEAD DESIGNER KA DESIGN WORKS

With 25 years’ experience in this industry, Kenneth Adler is a licenced Colorado architect who believes our lives are shaped by the spaces we inhabit. From his Aspen based firm, Kenneth uses this philosophy to provide clients with thoughtful design solutions through a collaborative process. Kenneth holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech and founded KA Design Works in 2006. In addition to being an avid landscape and architectural photographer he strives to make the most of living the dream in Colorado with his family.

How would you describe your work/design style/ethos? I am very much a “less is more” type of architect. I find the beauty in the simplicity of design and detail, and strive to implement this principal in all of our work. With a modernist’s sensibility, I balance aesthetics and client’s needs to create superior design.

What led you to this career path? I’ve known I wanted to the an architect since I was 9, and my parents had a local builder construct us a spec home. As any good engineer would, my father insisted on playing architect and did some customization of the plans. I had this idea for a moat around my room to keep out my 3 younger sisters, and drew up the plan for the contractor. While sadly my work didn’t make the final cut, in the long run my love for sorting out a good plan was born.

Please describe the project you are most proud of to date, with reasons why this was a success? A £6 million remodel/ addition to an iconic Aspen residence with panoramic Rocky Mountain views that is just finishing construction. Four years ago I identified the potential in the home, which most considered a “tear down”. With this vision, I convinced a developer to purchase the property and let us guide the conversion into a state of the art residential retreat of 1100 sq. meters. This seven-bedroom residence includes an “oasislike” master suite, multiple living areas, extensive courtyards, decks, outdoor living spaces, a 2 level spa/wellness retreat, game room, and exterior pool along with multiple hot-tubs. With a stunning design, and the fact that we were able to reuse an existing structure, the project was a resounding success, with an under contract sales price well above our original best case pro-forma numbers.

Please describe a highlight of your career to date. Walking through the aforementioned home with the buyer a few months prior to scheduled completion. They were very appreciative of our efforts, and loved everything we had done, even though I was meeting and communicating with them for the first time. Where in the world do you like to retreat to? Anywhere with a little fresh air.

Where and how do you find support? My wife and kids have always been supportive of my career and design aspirations.

Where do you find comfort? On a relaxing paddle-board ride on a beautiful mountain lake.

Has the recent global pandemic changed the way in which you work? In some ways dramatically, in other ways not so much. As a firm operating on the cutting edge of architectural technology, we were well suited to and experienced with working remotely with clients, so no major hiccups here. That being said, we have the luxury of being in a unique location where people who have the means want to be, and the demand for Aspen real estate is unprecedented. We haven’t been this busy in years.

How will it change the global design sector? It is already affecting how people perceive their space. With so more time in greater isolation, so much more importance is going to be put on idea of “home”. Entertaining may not be as important a program element as it was just last year, while flexibility and openness are as important as ever.

What are your thoughts on the future of design? Technology will be key. Both from a facilitating design as well as communicating design aspect.

Please tell us your aims for the next twelve months and beyond. Continue to foster meaningful relationships with our clients, which result in the creation of wonderful spaces.

What would be your key piece of advice for emerging designers right now? Be patient. Listen to your clients.