Philosophy
We believe that at its core, architecture is ultimately a matter of creative problem solving. Each project brings with it an extensive list of distinct design criteria, and the best projects arise by embracing creative solutions to these unique challenges. We’re committed to providing every client with the care, time, and attention to detail needed to strike a delicate balance between function, aesthetics, sustainability, budget, and schedule. We feel that good design should be customized for each user, so we seek to learn about each client's needs, from details of their lifestyle and family to the day-to-day operations of planned businesses.
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Building your own home or creating a new space for your own business is a profound and important undertaking, and we believe all clients deserve an exceptional piece of architecture regardless of project size or budget. And for architecture to be exceptional, it should offer a sense of belonging, seamlessly integrating with its environment while minimizing its impact on the site, neighbors, and the planet. We are especially focused on gaining a thorough understanding of each project site and how it will influence major aspects of the design, from properly controlling light and creating privacy, to highlighting the best views, providing natural ventilation, effectively managing snow and ice, and creating inviting outdoor areas.
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We can combine that understanding with other design elements such as user needs, aesthetic priorities, scale, and material along with technical aspects like construction methods, building systems and energy efficiency. The results are buildings that bring owners’ visions to life and contain spaces that are comfortable yet dynamic, and both fully functional and inspiring.
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Successful projects require ongoing collaboration between the client, architect, consultants, and builders, relying on the input, ideas, and expertise of all partners. In addition to creating buildings our clients can be proud of, we also believe the design process should remain fun and exciting for owners, and we’re motivated by being able to turn lifelong dreams into reality.
Services
We offer full architectural services for residential and commercial projects through all stages of the construction project, including feasibility studies and site analysis, programming, schematic design through construction documents, agency permitting and approvals, HOA approvals, and architectural construction administration. We’re also available as consultants or co-designers on larger projects.
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Principal Aren Saltiel has nearly 15 years of architectural experience in the greater Lake Tahoe area, working within the complex permitting and regulation structures of the region’s many jurisdictions and planning agencies. All projects include careful considerations for the unique challenges presented by this environment, including steep and rocky building sites, extreme natural phenomena such as snow, ice, freeze-thaw cycles, and wildfires; limited construction seasons, and above-average construction costs.
OWNER
AREN SALTIEL
After graduating with a degree in architecture from the University of Southern California, Aren remained in Los Angeles to work on commercial projects. But after a few short years of city life, he felt the call to live in the mountains, and moved to northern Lake Tahoe. He spent 13 years designing for Truckee-based Ward Young Architects before parting ways to form Saltiel Architecture, Inc.
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Aren enjoys working with clients who also embrace the mountain lifestyle, understanding that passions like skiing and mountain biking can coexist with fulfilling career paths. When not working, you’ll often find him on one of Tahoe’s downhill mountain biking trails, lapping the Summit Chair at Alpine Meadows, or going for a high-elevation hike with his wife and basset hound-ish rescue dog.