Lyons stands apart. Perched at the confluence of the North and South St. Vrain Creeks at the foot of the Rockies, this historic town is defined by its native red sandstone, its two canyon gateways into the mountains, and a community culture that values authenticity as much as the spectacular landscape.
With 15 sandstone structures listed in the National Register of Historic Places and a thriving arts and music tradition, Lyons draws homeowners who want more than proximity to the mountains. From preservation and renovation of historic sandstone properties to custom new builds in Stone Canyon, Spring Gulch, and Big Elk Meadows, Forge & Bow brings the architect-led craftsmanship this town demands.
Where inspired design and precise building become one. We offer a distinctive, unclouded process that combines architectural creation, interior design, and construction management into a single point of responsibility. This holistic approach ensures your vision is executed with intention and precision.
Generational homes designed to endure and be cherished. We shape every detail with intention, creating a space that reflects your vision and lifestyle. Our architect-led process ensures your vision is masterfully built, combining intentional design with the high-performance standards required for modern Front Range living.
Lyons is home to one of Northern Colorado's most significant concentrations of historic residential architecture. The town's native sandstone, quarried here since the 1870s and known for its distinctive red color and exceptional durability, defines the character of Lyons's oldest structures.
Our team is experienced in the specialized restoration requirements these homes present, designing in accordance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation and working alongside the Town of Lyons Historic Preservation Commission. Whether preserving original stonework, restoring historic window profiles, or making compatible additions to a listed property, we bring the precision and material knowledge that Lyons's architectural heritage demands.
Artfully designed kitchens where every choice cultivates connection. We blend architectural beauty with purposeful function, tailoring every detail to your lifestyle. From conceptual layout to craftsman construction, we ensure your kitchen is masterfully built.
Transforming daily routines into moments of serenity. We create spa-inspired bathrooms that blend style with everyday functionality. Our team manages every detail, from plumbing fixtures to lighting, delivering a space that is both visually captivating and purposefully designed.
We believe the process of transforming or creating a home should be as meaningful as the result. Whether you are planning a whole-home renovation or a ground-up build, our holistic approach ensures a seamless transition from design to construction.
PHASE 01
An owners criteria is a focused evaluation phase where we analyze your goals, needs, and priorities, along with feasibility factors, to understand what’s possible within your existing space, budget, and constraints. This process clarifies the problem, identifies limitations, and explores viable solutions. It includes meeting to define your needs, reviewing existing conditions, researching relevant building codes, and developing an early vision and corresponding budget to guide the project forward.
PHASE 02
Once we substantiate your property information and project feasibility, our creative process begins. Our designers develop initial space planning and massing, and progress them to almost-complete floor plans and elevations. Additionally, concepts for your home’s motif are explored during this phase. Our team of designers work with you to capture the vision you have for your home, while also exploring systems and the home’s utility. We complete this phase by creating our Schematic Estimate, ensuring that we stay on track financially.
PHASE 03
During this phase, our Design Team presents curated interior concepts and room themes that establish the overall look and feel of your home. Simultaneously, our Architectural Designers finalize the floor plans and elevations (if necessary)—refining layouts, confirming architectural details, and coordinating with any necessary third-party consultants, such as engineers, to ensure every element is thoughtfully planned and build-ready. Depending on the project, we may also be able to submit for building permits; However, this step requires the payment of your non-refundable construction deposit. Once we have a final understanding of your vision, as well as the requirements from third parties (like engineering), we finalize the creative design by making all interior selections and ensuring that all design elements are coordinated together. We conclude this phase by creating an updated Developed Estimate.
PHASE 04
During the bidding and estimating phase, we finalize your project scope outline, clearly defining the work to be performed. We then engage our trusted third-party trade partners in a competitive bidding process to ensure all pricing is accurate and fair. At the same time, we complete detailed material takeoffs based on the architectural and interior plans, with the goal of aligning them with the previously established allowances. Once all information is compiled, we present our comprehensive Builder Proposal at your Summit Meeting, outlining the total project cost. If needed, we conduct a Value Engineering review to ensure the project scope and selections align with your desired investment and overall value. After the final scope is approved, we execute a contract amendment incorporating the completed design and finalized budget.
PHASE 05
With all parties agreeing to the scope and budget, the plan set will be edited in order to accurately represent the scope, culminating in a complete set of Construction Documents.. If building permits haven’t been applied for yet, they will now (non-refundable construction deposit required). From there, the plans are handed off to our build team so they can familiarize themselves with the project and begin preparing the site.
PHASE 06
Time to build! During construction, our Project Managers provide full support, overseeing budget, schedule, and quality. Our Designers handle Construction Administration to ensure every detail we envisioned together comes to life. Once complete, we hand over your finished project-ready for years of enjoyment and memories.
Local Lyons home remodels and custom homes featured in the press.
