James “Gus” Gustafson, NCARB joined Caudill Associates in 1970, and in 1980, the firm’s name was updated to Caudill Gustafson & Associates. Gus has provided strong leadership of the firm ever since, guiding its development and evolution throughout the next four decades.

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With over 900 projects, Gus’s work close to home has included projects such as the Hotel Jerome Renovation in the late 1980s and the design and construction of the Pitkin County Library; in addition to many residential and hospitality projects, Gus’s portfolio includes over 400 public facilities with schools throughout Colorado, such as the Aspen Elementary School and District Theater. More recently, Gus’s work has included the Snowmass Village Town Hall, Gwyn’s High Alpine Restaurant, and the Inn at Aspen additions and renovations.

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Further afield, Gus led the firm with international projects throughout east Asia, as well as Russia. In Japan, he designed the Cultural & Performance Center as well as the library in Shimukappu. He also managed the planning and design for a variety of residential, resort, and ski training centers. With Gus at the helm, the firm won the extremely prestigious Gold Medal award for the design of the Kanozan Resort Project in Chiba Prefecture.

 

As a result of his work in Japan, Gus co-founded the Aspen Japan Institute in 1992 and is a long-serving member of its Board of Directors. His community service extends far beyond this work: including his service on the Snowmass Village Planning Commission for more than 40 years, working to help find a balance between resort and community while improving the Town’s arrival experience and protecting the natural environment. 

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Education

University of Illinois

Bachelor of Architecture, 1966

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Certifications

Licensed Architect, Colorado​

NCARB