Essential Pillar: The Colorado Architecture Firm That Builds Your Happy Place
Custom Designs with Purpose: For Homesteads, Legacy Homes, and One-of-a-Kind Restaurants
Apply for a FREE Consultation! Just click the desired button below:
Now Booking Summer Projects!
Now Booking for Summer 2025: ADUs, sheds, tiny homes, and decks—perfect for homesteaders, families, and backyard builders. Click the button below to reserve your spot.
What Makes Us Different
Essential Pillar Architecture is a family-run, Colorado-based design studio serving discerning property owners and business leaders. Led by licensed architect Travis Beasley, RA, we provide full-service architectural design with a personal touch—combining custom plans, permitting support, MEP and structural coordination, and 3D visualization under one roof.
We specialize in thoughtful, code-compliant designs that are practical to build and tailored to your unique goals. Whether you’re opening a restaurant, upgrading a commercial space, or creating a dream home in the mountains, we guide the process with clarity, creativity, and deep technical expertise.
But we’re not just code compliance administrators. We are artisans and our process is unique. From hand-drawn sketches to CAD drawings to working drawings to construction drawings, we provide holistic services that includes everything you need to build.
Whether you’re crafting a self-reliant homestead, building your forever home, or launching a boutique restaurant, we guide you through every step—from hand-drawn sketches to permit-ready plans.
🏠 Luxury Home Design
Planning to build your dream home, remodel your current residence, or add a beautifully crafted addition?
At Essential Pillar Architecture, we offer full-service residential design for homeowners who value smart planning, high standards, and peace of mind throughout the process.
Led by licensed Colorado architect Travis Beasley, RA, our team brings over 20 years of experience navigating custom home design, permitting, engineering coordination, and construction documentation with clarity and care.
From conceptual sketches and 3D modeling to fully coordinated MEP plans and buildable construction drawings, we tailor every detail to your lifestyle, goals, and site conditions—so your vision is not only realized, but ready to permit and build.
Our residential services include:
-
Structural engineering and consultant coordination
-
Contractor bidding support
-
Construction observation and design guidance
-
Interior finish and style collaboration (led by Dana Beasley, brand stylist)
-
ICF expertise and biophilic design principles for wellness and energy efficiency
Whether you're based in Colorado or managing your project remotely, we simplify the process, communicate clearly, and keep your project moving—so you feel confident every step of the way.
The result: your project succeeds and you get your happy place!
Are you a contractor or construction partner? Learn how we collaborate with trade professionals →
🔘 Restaurant & Commercial Design
Opening a restaurant is a bold venture—every decision impacts your timeline, budget, and long-term success. That’s where we come in.
At Essential Pillar Architecture, we specialize in restaurant and commercial space design. Led by licensed Colorado architect Travis Beasley, RA, we deliver code-compliant, build-ready plans that support as smooth as possible permitting in our highly regulated industry and confident construction.
From fast-casual cafés to fine dining concepts, our commercial design services include:
-
Efficient, guest-friendly layouts
-
MEP coordination and health department compliance
-
3D modeling for visualization and investor support
-
ICF expertise and biophilic design for smart, sustainable spaces
We bring over 20 years of real-world experience across Colorado—helping business owners move from concept to grand opening with fewer surprises along the way.
We also design retail shops, wellness spaces, and office interiors with the same precision and care.
Need brand or signage help? Our sister company, AngelArts, provides logo design, signage, and investor materials ready to support your launch. We can even design the menus and merch!
We believe great spaces start with great partnerships. That’s why we prioritize communication, accountability, and a commitment to excellence throughout the design process.
Are you a contractor or design pro? Learn how we collaborate with industry partners →
✏️ Small Structures & Homesteading
Need a custom shed, backyard ADU, tiny home, deck, or starter studio? We design small structures that make a big impact—smart, buildable, and code-compliant from the start.
Whether you’re creating rental income, expanding your homestead, want a place for multi-generational living, or just need more space to breathe, our plans balance function, beauty, and cost-efficiency. We help you navigate permitting and zoning while tailoring each design to your property and long-term vision.
We serve families, landowners, and creative entrepreneurs who need purposeful spaces that fit their lifestyle and budget—without sacrificing quality or craftsmanship.
Our small structure services include:
-
ADU and studio layouts
-
Custom storage sheds and outbuildings
-
Permitting and zoning guidance
-
Contractor-ready construction drawings
-
3D visualization and site-fit planning
-
Custom decks for year-round enjoyment
Looking for something even simpler? We’re developing a library of downloadable plans for homesteaders, makers, and backyard builders—coming soon to our site. These designs will be easy to access, affordable, and ready to build with confidence.
Also Coming Soon: A homesteading YouTube show and newsletter, where we’ll share design tips, behind-the-scenes builds, and inspiration for creating a more intentional, creative life on your land—one small structure at a time.
Want help planning your small structure? Click the button below to apply for your free consultation.
For Contractors & Design Professionals
Need a trusted partner to support your project load? We collaborate with contractors, engineers, and design teams to deliver well-coordinated, permit-ready plans with clear communication and dependable turnaround.
Whether you need drafting support, MEP coordination, or 3D visuals—let’s build something better together.
“I had the pleasure of working with Travis on the design of my bakery, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, he was incredibly kind, intelligent, and attentive to every detail. His responsiveness and professionalism made the entire process smooth and far less stressful than I originally expected it would have been working with an architect.
What stood out most was his deep knowledge of regulations along with significant knowledge in restaurant design. Travis graciously helped improve the plans I already had and was extremely informative of ways I could or could not do certain designs. As a female business owner it is always a breath of fresh air to speak with someone who is respectful and informative. His careful attention to detail helped ensure everything was done correctly so I could avoid future hiccups (which I would have, had I not worked with Travis).
I highly recommend Essential Pillar Architecture to anyone—especially in the hospitality industry, like future restaurants looking for a talented and reliable architect. I am so grateful for Travis’s expertise and continued support!”
3 Things to Consider Before Starting a Tenant Finish Project
Colorado Tenant Improvement Tips from an Architectural Designer Planning a tenant finish (also known as a tenant improvement project) can feel overwhelming—especially when you're under pressure from a lease deadline or city permit requirements. As a licensed architect...
🏗️ Pitfall #4: Hidden Construction Costs Leading to Sticker Shock
What homeowners don’t see coming—and how to plan for it One of the biggest shocks homeowners experience during a building or remodeling project is realizing how fast costs escalate. You start with a budget, but suddenly you’re looking at quotes that are thousands of...
🏗️ Why You Need a Structural Engineer for Residential Projects (Even “Simple” Ones)
When it comes to residential construction—whether it’s a deck, garage addition, or home remodel—one question comes up more often than you'd expect: "Do I really need a structural engineer for this?" The short answer is: Yes. And here’s why. 🔍 Safety Starts with...
⚠️ What Is Plan Stamping? Why It’s Illegal—and How It Can Derail Your Project
Have you heard of “plan stamping”? If not, you’re not alone—but this shady shortcut is a growing problem in the building industry, and it can jeopardize your entire project. Recently, I received an email that raised major red flags. The subject? Fast-tracking permit...
Pitfall #3: Residential Home Design Mistakes: How Lack of Style Can Derail Your Dream Build
Imagine pouring your time, money, and energy into a custom home—only to end up with something that doesn’t even feel like you. That’s the risk of one of the most common residential home design mistakes: a lack of style or cohesion. And unfortunately, it’s more common...
Pitfall #2: Skipping Building Permit Requirements for Custom Homes
What Happens If You Don’t Get a Permit? Why Planning Ahead Is Critical for Custom Home Builds When you're ready to build or remodel, it’s tempting to just get going. But skipping one crucial step—getting the proper building permits—can cost you big. In fact, ignoring...