WHEN TALENTED PROFESSIONALS TALK, WE LISTEN.
ADMIT IT, YOU HAVE AN INQUIRING MIND, AND YOU WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE TEAM DESIGNING YOUR SUN VALLEY DREAM HOME. WE UNDERSTAND THE INCLINATION. SO WE DECIDED TO BRING YOU SHOP TALK–CONVERSATIONS WITH THE TALENTED PROS DESIGNING, BUILDING, and OUTFITTING YOUR HOMES.
Construct Design // Architecture
Caroline Wilding, founding principal
Construct Design // Architecture (DA) is a full-service, licensed architecture and design firm based in Denver and Sun Valley. They aim to find the most elegant and practical solutions for their clients’ design opportunities by mastering details and understanding their clients’ aspirations. ConstructDA is committed to using local contractors, fabricators, and craftspeople whenever possible to achieve the highest quality work.
Caroline Wilding is the founding principal of ConstructDA and has over 20 years of experience in retail and residential design. Caroline has successfully managed many high-profile, award-winning projects across the country.
“Clean, thoughtful, essential design inspires me. I draw inspiration from all design mediums, from typography to fashion.”
-Caroline Wilding, founding principal
What services do you offer?
ConstructDA offers full turn-key services encompassing all phases of architecture, interior design, and furnishing/accessory selection. By working with us, you have a single team that will understand your design vision and guide the entire process to a cohesive result. We’ll pick everything down to the forks if you let us!
What design inspires you?
Clean, thoughtful, essential design inspires me. I draw inspiration from all design mediums, from typography to fashion. Nature plays a big role in my process – I find that engaging in nature clears my mind and gives me the distance to look at my work with fresh perspective. Most importantly, the actual process of design that reveals itself as I go through it is endlessly inspiring.
Describe your process
Our goal is to build a close working relationship based on trust and open communication and that starts with choosing clients very carefully. We want to be certain that we understand and really feel the type of space our clients desire to inhabit so we can reflect that in every facet of the project. My team and I are very hands-on, overseeing every detail and working closely with contractors and tradespeople. Ultimately our designs are only as good as their execution, so having a positive relationship with our makers creates the best outcomes for our clients and makes the process most enjoyable.
What other specialties do you have in-house?
We take pride in being an architecture firm that considers the interiors as much as the exteriors. We design our floor plans to flow well with furniture placement in mind, emphasize lighting design, design custom casework, and dive into the function of high-use spaces so they not only look great, but function intuitively. In the furniture selection phase, we offer custom furniture design, as sometimes the perfect piece doesn’t exist or doesn’t meet certain functional criteria.
Do you have A favorite style?
We have a passion for incorporating both natural and handmade materials – stone, wood, metal, ceramics, and concrete, which create layers of texture and achieve modern yet warm spaces. Materials with patina and imperfections, put together with clean detailing, creates serenity and warmth. We work in a range of styles, but ultimately with each project we try to create a new hybrid style that takes the clients’ preferences and edits them into an elegant result.
What is the difference between a good house and great house?
A great house has a strong concept, impeccable execution and attention to detail, functions well for the client’s lifestyle, and makes nature the focal point. A great house ages well, and has timeless appeal and integrity.
What would you be doing if you weren’t an architect?
If I wasn’t an architect, I’d probably teach Pilates and run a wellness retreat. I am a foodie and find that wellness becomes a bigger priority for me every year. During the pandemic I tried to stay grounded by focusing on cooking, meditating, and exercising regularly. That reset has stayed with me and made me better in all areas of life, including relationships and design.
What music do you listen to when you work?
I used to be a musician – a bass player and song writer – so I enjoy a wide range of music styles from opera to country. In the studio I have been listening to upbeat or soulful artists. A few of my favorites are Nico Case, Nathaniel Rateliff, Beck, Jenny Lewis, Lykke Li, Ray La Montagne, Neil Young, Leon Bridges, and Tame Impala.
What places in the world do you find inspirational?
For design: Stockholm, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Reykjavik, Melbourne, Mexico City, Tucson, Palm Springs, and Joshua Tree. I am truly inspired by Nordic/ Scandinavian, mid-century modern, Mexican, and South-western design.
Favorite season?
FALL! The beginning of crisp air, exploding colors, cozy clothing, soups, and the perfect time to hike and have respite from the summer heat. I never seem to lose excitement about autumn.
What do you love about living here?
I discovered the Wood River Valley by doing a project for a longtime client, and fell in love with the area. My husband and son soon followed suit when we spent some extended vacations here. We love the pace, kind and thoughtful community, safety, and connection with nature that this area provides us. Every day we feel very fortunate to live here.
