Your Journey to a Beautiful, Soulful, and Seamlessly Designed Home
At Joe McGuire Design, working with us is not just about beautiful interiors—it’s about how those spaces feel. Our process is rooted in deep collaboration, technical expertise, and a holistic approach that creates homes aligned with your lifestyle and well-being.
If you’re considering hiring a luxury interior designer for your primary or second home in Aspen, Boulder, or beyond, this guide will walk you through exactly what to expect—from our first conversation to the final styling touches. Whether you're embarking on a whole-home renovation or furnishing a mountain retreat, we are here to make the journey clear, thoughtful, and inspired.
Our Design Philosophy: Interior Design as a Force for Wellness
Before we discuss the process, it’s essential to understand why we do what we do. At Joe McGuire Design, we believe your home should be a sanctuary—designed not just for function or trend, but to support your physical, emotional, and energetic well-being.
This philosophy shapes every aspect of our client experience. We integrate wellness principles, sustainability, and intuitive spatial flow into every project, whether you’re living in Boulder full-time or retreating to your Aspen getaway.
The First Contact: Discovery & Alignment
Every project begins with a warm and focused discovery call. We get to know you, your vision, your lifestyle—and just as importantly, how you want to feel in your home.
What We’ll Discuss:
Your design goals and lifestyle needs
The scope of your project
Your timeline and investment level
Any collaborators already involved (architect, builder, etc.)
If there’s alignment, we’ll schedule an in-person or virtual walkthrough, followed by a proposal outlining our services, estimated design hours, and next steps.
Note: We typically work on a time billing model with clear estimates for design phases and furnishings budgets, so you’ll know what to expect from the start.
The Design Roadmap: Structured, Transparent, & Inspired
We follow a transparent, well-paced process that ensures your home unfolds with intention and grace. At each stage, our team—led by principals Joe McGuire and Matthew Tenzin—guides you with clarity and care.
Phase 1: Discovery & Visioning
Kickoff meeting to align on values, goals, and style
Review architectural plans or walk the space
Mood boards and conceptual direction
Establishing project milestones and communication rhythms
Phase 2: Design Development
Space planning and design drawings
Selection of finishes, furnishings, lighting, and materials
Presentations with samples and visuals
Coordination with architects, builders, and consultants
Phase 3: Procurement & Project Management
Ordering and tracking all furnishings
Custom furniture and material sourcing
Site visits to ensure seamless integration with contractors
Coordination with delivery, warehousing, and trades
Phase 4: Installation & Styling
On-site installation and white-glove setup
Final styling with art, accessories, and personal touches
Walkthrough and adjustments
A joyful moment of reveal
Case Study: Aspen Retreat Designed for Wellness & Family Connection
One of our favorite examples of a truly collaborative journey involved a family building their second home in Aspen. They wanted a luxurious yet relaxed mountain retreat that could host extended family for ski weekends, yet also feel deeply restful for just the two of them.
Key Highlights:
We collaborated early with the architect to influence the flow and sightlines of the home.
Sustainable and non-toxic materials were prioritized, including FSC-certified wood, low-VOC finishes, and organic textiles.
Our team designed custom built-ins for ski gear, created layered lighting for ambiance, and sourced art from local Colorado artists.
We brought in a trusted art consultant to select sculptural pieces that harmonized with the home’s natural surroundings.
The result? A home that invites restoration after a day on the slopes, and effortlessly hosts three generations over holiday weekends.
“Joe and Matthew created something more than a beautiful house—they helped us design a space where we feel grounded, restored, and connected. Every detail has soul.”
What Makes Us Different
Holistic Interior Architecture: We think about how your space supports your wellness—physically and energetically.
Luxury Furnishings & Custom Design: Every piece is intentional, high-quality, and made to last.
Mountain Town Expertise: We know the logistical realities of building and furnishing homes in Aspen, Boulder, and other mountain communities
Collaborative Leadership: Joe and Matthew are involved in every project, ensuring the vision stays clear and elevated.
Stellar Reputation: Many of our clients return for their next homes or refer close friends and family.
FAQ: Working With Joe McGuire Design
How long does the design process take?
Timelines vary by project scope, but most whole-home designs take 9–18 months from concept to install.
Do you work outside of Colorado?
Yes, we work with clients nationally. Often, we are hired to design a client’s home in Colorado, and then they hire us to design one of their homes in another location. We offer hybrid in-person and virtual collaboration models.
What if I already have an architect or builder?
Wonderful. We love collaborating and are happy to join the team at any stage of the project.
Do you require a minimum budget?
We typically work with clients who are ready to invest in high-end design and furnishings. We’re happy to discuss scope and alignment during our initial call.
What makes your process “holistic”?
We go beyond aesthetics to consider how each element affects your daily experience—your comfort, health, and energy. We incorporate principles from wellness, sustainability, and biophilic design into every project.