Michael Folwell, AIA

Mike Folwell believes architecture should merge the client’s perception of what is ‘home’ with physical and psychological connections to place, movement through space and natural light. With extensive experience as both a practitioner and instructor, Mike prefers to listen more than talk, problem solve and embrace clients as integral design team members. He has worked locally, nationally and internationally and understands the intimacy necessary to create an exquisite project that inspires.

Michael’s affinity for drawing topography, space and buildings started at an early age. In 1989, with a self made portfolio and Bachelors degree in History from the University of Colorado, he started as a designer at an architecture firm in Denver. Wanting to expand his knowledge and interest in architecture, Michael returned to graduate school to receive his Masters degree in Architecture from the University of Colorado. His architectural experience includes assisting the Prague (Czech Republic) City Council with planning and architecture, Honorarium University instructor, architectural studio review/critic at the University of Colorado and multiple AIA awards for his work in the residential and commercial realm.

He and his wife live in Carbondale, where Michael remains closely connected to the Roaring Fork Valley community through his role as a Board Member of the Aspen Valley Land Trust. A longtime advocate for design in education, he previously served six years on the Board of Trustees at Boulder’s Friends School, helping guide its growth and architectural vision.

Outside of architecture, Michael finds joy in skiing deep powder, sketching by hand, cycling Colorado’s mountain roads, and savoring good food and wine. He also enjoys keeping up with his wife’s thriving art career and traveling with their two grown children whenever possible.