Z Group Architects' Brand Identity Through the Years

We are happy to announce the launch of the new Z Group Architects logo as a part of the ongoing evolution of the firm's brand!

With 70 years of architectural practice serving communities across Colorado and Internationally, we understand the importance of self evaluation, transformation, and growth, as well as making those visible to others. Our team has been busy updating our visual identity to reflect who we are now and how our firm is approaching many things today.

Z Group Architects has grown and evolved over the last few years, and now it is time to share that with the world. We have altered our logo to reflect who we are today and to symbolize our dynamic future. With a lot of creativity sessions, we have designed a new logo that is modern while remaining true to our longstanding 70 year reputation!

A Visual History

The firm was founded by Sam Caudill in 1952, when he arrived in Aspen as its first licensed architect. The firm was called Samuel J. Caudill, Architects. In the 1960's, it's name became Caudill Associates. During this time, the team designed numerous landmark community projects that shaped the landscape we enjoy today. Two of those projects are the Aspen High School and US Bank Building at 420 East Main Street.

Jim "Gus" Gustafson joined Caudill Associates in 1970 and became a Principal in 1979. Sam and Gus became an unstoppable collaborative as they designed education and community projects like the Aspen Middle School and the University of Colorado Boulder Biology Center. In 1980, the firm became known as Caudill Gustafson & Associates. Gus became President in 1983. Throughout the 80's and 90's the team designed Rangely High School, Hotel Jerome's restoration and renovation, Aspen Elementary School and District Theater, and the Pitkin County Library.

For Caudill Gustafson, the 90's were yet another decade of evolution and success. In 1992, Sam Caudill was named Colorado Architect of the Year by the American Institute of Architects. In the 90's they catapulted into the internationally architecture scene by founding the Aspen Japan Institute and established a formal Business Partnership with MARU Architects in Japan. We won a Gold Medal for design of the Kanozan Resort Project in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. We also worked on projects in Russia and Taiwan, along with multiple projects in Japan.

Seth Hmielowski joined the Caudill Gustafson team in 1997 and became a Principal in 2007. The firm transitioned into Z-Group Architects in 2005. During this time, the team began to build more high end luxury single- and multi-family residences and hospitality projects, while continuing to build community focused projects, such as the Snowmass Town Hall and Gwyn's High Alpine Restaurant.

The team continues to expand and evolved as Randy Henrie joined the Z-Group Team in 2014 and. Scott McHale joins in 2020. Randy and Scott become Principals in 2021. And in 2022, we opened our Interior Design Department with Hanna Werner as Director.

The Future is Now

If you paid a bit of attention lately, you would have noticed many visual improvements, from a new website to social media activity, as well as updated sales and marketing colleterial with a more focus visually. Our firm is now known as Z Group Architects, without the hyphenation.

We continue to uphold Sam's philosophy on architectural design "inspired by the outdoors” and reflect the “same elements as the mountains which frame the valley". We have a mission to be collaborative and create innovative, inspiring Architecture and Interior Design. It is our vision to help every client experience their best life through architecture, interior design, and planning.

Over 70 years, we have gone through many transitions and changes. It is with self-evaluation and evolving with the continuously changing industry, that we provide the highest quality architectural and interior design services. We continue to honor the legacy of Sam Caudill and Jim "Gus" Gustafson, who built the firm's foundation, as we move into the future with a new interior design department and growing team!