FAQ
At Vitruvius Built, we approach custom home building with an abundance mentality. Empowering our clients through clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making. The best homes are built when the right questions are encouraged and answered with care.
Building a custom home is a significant investment and a long-term, collaborative process, involving a dedicated team of experts who bring your vision to life. Our role is to guide you through every step of the custom home building process, answer your questions, and reduce uncertainty so the experience feels seamless, confident, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
Park City Market, Land & Lots
1. What makes building a luxury home in Park City different?
Building a luxury home in Park City requires specialized engineering, strict design review approvals, and advanced building science due to steep terrain, snow loads, altitude, and community guidelines. The combination of complex topography, climate extremes, and high architectural expectations makes Park City construction fundamentally different from standard residential building.
Building in Park City is unique because of:
• Mountain Terrain: Steep slopes, bedrock, and drainage challenges require engineered foundations, retaining walls, and precise site planning.
• Harsh Climate: Heavy snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and high UV exposure demand high-performance windows, roofing, insulation, and envelope systems.
• Design Review Committees: Many communities have strict architectural guidelines, material rules, height limits, and dark-sky requirements.
• High-End Buyers: Most clients are out-of-state luxury buyers seeking legacy-level homes with elevated design and custom features.
Together, these factors create a building environment that requires advanced engineering, local expertise, and highly coordinated teams.
2. How long does it take to build a custom home in Park City?
A custom home in Park City typically takes 20–46 months from land purchase to move-in. Pre-construction (architecture, engineering, permitting, and DRC review) takes 6–16 months, while construction usually requires 14–30 months, depending on complexity, geology, design, materials, and weather.
Timeline Overview:
• Pre-Construction (6–16 months):
Architecture, structural engineering, soils testing, surveys, DRC review cycles, permitting, budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling.
• Construction (14–30 months):
Duration depends on site slope, square footage, customization level, fabrication lead times, winter limitations, and inspections.
Most Park City luxury estate builds average 28–36 months total.
3. What are the biggest challenges of building on steep or mountain terrain?
Building on steep mountain terrain in Park City requires engineered foundations, retaining walls, advanced drainage, winter construction planning, and soils solutions. Steep slopes, groundwater, freeze depth, and site access all increase structural complexity and require specialized design and construction methods.
Key challenges include:
• Steep Slopes: Require stepped foundations, retaining systems, cantilevers, engineered waterproofing, and careful equipment access planning.
• Geotechnical Conditions: Expansive clays, fractured bedrock, perched groundwater, and deep frost lines require custom structural solutions.
• Winter Construction: Snow removal, heated enclosures, staged concrete pours, and weather delays must be built into the schedule.
• Drainage: Robust drainage and waterproofing systems are essential to prevent long-term structural and moisture failures.
• Design Constraints: Height limits, envelopes, and DRC rules often shape the architecture.
4. What does it cost to build a luxury home in Park City?
Luxury homes in Park City typically range from $800–$2,500+ per square foot depending on community, design complexity, materials, engineering, and customization. Premium communities like Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and high-elevation sites often fall at the top of the range due to structural and architectural requirements.
Estimated cost ranges by community:
Marcella Ski: $1,000–$2,000+ per sq ft
Marcella Golf: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Wasatch Peaks Ranch: $1,000–$2,500 per sq ft
Promontory: $800–$1,200 per sq ft
Tuhaye / Talisker: $800–$1,500 per sq ft
SkyRidge: $700–$1,000 per sq ft
Powder Mountain: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Costs vary based on architecture, windows, steel, earthwork, access, custom fabrication, and finishes. Vitruvius Built maintains less than 3% cost variance from contract to completion.
5. How do snow load, altitude, and climate affect home design in Park City?
Park City’s climate requires engineering for heavy snow loads (100–150+ psf), high UV exposure, freeze–thaw cycles, and increased wind at altitude. Homes need high-performance windows, optimized HVAC design, strong air and vapor barriers, durable roofing, and fire-resistant materials.
• Snow Loads: Roof pitch, steel sizing, waterproofing, and snowmelt systems must be engineered for heavy accumulation.
• Altitude: Drives the need for energy-efficient HVAC, ERV/HRV systems, and high-performance glazing.
• Freeze–Thaw: Impacts foundations, decks, slabs, flashing, and waterproofing details.
• Fire Resilience: State requirements influence siding, roofing, vents, and defensible space.
6. Which communities does Vitruvius Built build in?
Vitruvius Built focuses on Park City’s top luxury communities including Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, and Powder Mountain and Wolf Creek Ranch. We also selectively build in Glenwild, Park Meadows, The Colony, Old Town, Aerie, Red Ledges, Benloch, and Victory Ranch.
Primary Communities:
Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, Powder Mountain, Wolf Creek.
Selective Areas:
Park Meadows, Aerie, The Colony, Glenwild, Old Town, Red Ledges, Benloch, Victory Ranch.
We limit our active pipeline to 6–7 projects to maintain quality and hands-on oversight.
7. How early should I engage a builder when buying land?
You should involve a builder before submitting an offer on land in Park City. Early evaluation helps identify slope challenges, drainage issues, design constraints, likely construction costs, and feasibility. This prevents unexpected complexity and ensures the lot aligns with your architectural and financial goals.
Early builder involvement provides:
• Site Due Diligence: Assessment of slope, geology, drainage, access, solar exposure, and views.
• Cost + Feasibility Insight: Early guidance on expected build cost, timelines, infrastructure, and complexity drivers.
• Architect Alignment: Ensures the land fits your intended design style and budget.
Many lots can add $500k–$3M in complexity if evaluated too late.
8. Do you help clients evaluate land before purchase?
Yes. Vitruvius Built helps clients evaluate Park City land before purchase by reviewing views, slope, soil conditions, access, utilities, drainage, and community restrictions. This ensures the lot fits your lifestyle goals, architectural vision, and long-term investment expectations.
We perform on-site evaluations with clients, architects, and brokers to analyze:
orientation and view corridors
snow drift patterns
wind exposure
feasibility of uphill vs downhill builds
access for construction equipment
utility routing
structural requirements
This ensures the land supports your lifestyle, architectural goals, and budget.
9. What permits are required to build in Park City or Summit County?
Typical permits include building permits, grading permits, SWPPP, utility permits, fire marshal approval, driveway access permits, and DRC approvals. Some estates require additional structural, civil, or environmental reviews depending on site location and community guidelines.
Most projects require:
building permits
grading and excavation permits
SWPPP compliance
utility permits
fire marshal review
driveway and access permits
HOA/DRC approvals
Larger estates may require specialized civil engineering, environmental, or geological sign-offs.
10. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
11. Do you assist with sustainability, smart-home systems, and energy efficiency?
Yes. Sustainability, high-performance building, and smart-home integration are core to our work. We coordinate envelope design, HVAC systems, ventilation, and high-efficiency assemblies, and integrate platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, along with fire resilience and backup power strategies.
We support three major performance areas:
1. Sustainability & Efficiency
High-performance envelopes
Triple-pane windows and high R-value insulation
ERV/HRV systems and efficient hydronic heating
Air sealing and blower-door performance targets
2. Smart-Home Systems
Savant, Lutron, Control4
Integrated shades, lighting, climate control
Automated snowmelt, security, and wellness monitoring
3. Fire & Climate Resilience
Ember-resistant vents and non-combustible cladding
Class A roofing
Defensible space and sprinkler strategies
Backup power and resilience planning
12. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
13. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
14. Do you help clients source lots in Park City?
Yes. Vitruvius Built frequently helps clients and brokers evaluate lots in Park City and surrounding communities. We review slope, access, views, snow and drainage patterns, fire risk, structural implications, and DRC constraints to avoid hidden complexity and ensure the site fits your goals.
Lot evaluation typically includes:
Slope and grade analysis
Downhill vs uphill feasibility and flow
Access for construction and long-term usability
View protection and potential future obstructions
Snow drift and drainage considerations
Fire resilience zones and defensible space potential
Likely structural costs and retaining requirements
Community and DRC constraints
This early work can prevent costly surprises after purchase.
15. What is the average square footage of your custom homes?
Most Vitruvius Built homes range from about 5,000 to 14,000+ square feet, with some multi-building compounds exceeding 20,000 square feet of total improved area. Home size varies by community, lot, and program, with larger estates common in Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and similar communities.
Typical total home sizes:
Primary range: ~5,000–14,000+ sq ft
Estate compounds: 20,000+ sq ft across multiple structures in some cases
General community patterns:
Marcella Ski / Wasatch Peaks Ranch: larger multi-level estates
Promontory, Tuhaye, Marcella Golf: mid-to-large luxury homes
SkyRidge, Powder Mountain: efficient but still substantial footprints
Program (bedroom count, amenities, wellness spaces, guest suites) and lot topography drive final size.
16. How does indoor–outdoor living work in Park City’s cold climate?
Indoor–outdoor living in Park City is achieved with heated terraces, snow-melt systems, covered outdoor rooms, high-performance glazing, and radiant heating. These features allow year-round use of decks, patios, and outdoor lounges even in cold and snowy conditions.
17. What smart-home systems do Park City luxury buyers want?
Most Park City luxury buyers favor platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, paired with integrated shading, lighting control, security, climate control, and sometimes AI-driven monitoring. Many also integrate geothermal, snowmelt automation, and wellness-focused sensors.
18. What’s the best community for privacy in Park City?
Communities known for exceptional privacy include Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Wolf Creek Ranch, Marcella Ski, The Colony, and Powder Mountain. The best fit depends on your preferences for access, amenities, acreage, and ski or recreation priorities.
19. How do ultra-high-net-worth residents typically use their Park City homes?
Most ultra-high-net-worth owners use their Park City homes for 2–4 months per year as extended-stay bases for family gatherings, multi-generational trips, experiential retreats, and long-term legacy assets rather than short-stay vacation properties.
20. What are the hidden costs of mountain building?
Hidden costs in mountain building often include structural engineering, steel, specialty window systems, earthwork, drainage and retaining walls, snow-load solutions, and complex access or staging requirements. Early feasibility work helps identify and plan for these costs.
21. Do you build wellness into your homes?
Yes. Wellness programming often includes humidity and air-quality control, water purification, tunable lighting, dedicated wellness suites, gyms, saunas, spas, and yoga studios, integrated into the architecture and mechanical systems from early design.
22. Do you build on ski-in/ski-out lots?
Yes. Vitruvius Built builds on ski-in/ski-out lots in communities such as Marcella Ski, Powder Mountain, Deer Crest, The Colony, and select parcels at Wasatch Peaks Ranch, coordinating carefully around access, snow management, and slope conditions.
23. Do you build on private streets or gated communities?
Yes. Nearly all of our projects are in gated or private communities. We work within each community’s security, access, and construction guidelines throughout the project.
24. What’s the difference between downhill and uphill lots?
Downhill lots typically offer better views, privacy, and main-level entry aligned with the slope but require more complex engineering. Uphill lots are often easier and less expensive to build on, with more straightforward access and fewer retaining walls, but may offer different view and flow options.
25. Can you build homes with steel-and-glass architecture?
Yes. Vitruvius Built specializes in executing high-performance steel-and-glass architecture at altitude, including large-span steel frames, expansive glazing, and detailing for snow load, thermal performance, and long-term durability.
26. Do you offer estate management or post-build support?
Yes. While we are not a property management company, we provide post-build advisory, vendor coordination, and system health monitoring support, and can help connect you with estate management resources for ongoing care of your home.
Process, Timeline and Budget
1. What is your process for designing and building a luxury custom home?
Vitruvius Built follows a three-phase process: pre-construction, construction, and delivery. We collaborate with leading architects, interior designers, and owners’ representatives to clarify intent, manage cost and feasibility, coordinate design and engineering, execute with high build quality, and support long-term maintenance and legacy goals.
Vitruvius Built does not provide architecture or interior design. Instead, we integrate closely with your chosen team in three phases:
Phase 1 – Pre-Construction (6–16 months)
Clarify project intent (primary home, legacy estate, compound, lifestyle hub)
Help align architect, interior designer, and sometimes owners’ rep
Support site strategy, slope and massing, DRC/HOA interface, utilities, and access
Use BIM 360 and internal pre-construction tools for cost clarity, structural forecasting, and value engineering
Aim for <3% variance from contract to completion
Phase 2 – Construction (14–30 months)
Regular OAC meetings
Weekly logs, photos, financial dashboards, schedule updates
On-site leadership, QC, trade coordination, DRC compliance, weather protocols
Limit of 6–7 active projects to maintain attention and quality
Phase 3 – Delivery + Legacy Integration
Final QC and punchlist
Systems training and documentation
Warranty and maintenance guidance
Ongoing advisory support for your legacy asset
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does Vitruvius Built ensure budget transparency throughout the project?
Vitruvius Built uses a cost-plus contract model with rigorous pre-construction planning, real-time financial dashboards, frequent reporting, and proactive long-lead planning. This structure allows us to maintain less than 3% variance from contract to completion while giving clients clear visibility into costs, allowances, and changes.
Our budget transparency is built on five pillars:
Cost-Plus + Pre-Construction Discipline
Cost-plus contract
Deep early-phase estimating and scope clarity
Typical variance from contract to final: 1–3%
Real-Time Financial Dashboards
Committed costs
Approved selections and allowances
Change orders and invoices
Trade contracts and percentage complete
High-Frequency Reporting
Weekly OAC meetings
Monthly financial reviews
Proactive forecasting
Long-Lead Item Planning
Early planning for windows, steel, specialty finishes, and mechanical systems
Reduced surprise costs and delays
True Value Engineering
Optimize systems and assemblies without downgrading finishes
Protect design intent while improving efficiency
4. Do clients receive a construction schedule or project roadmap?
Yes. Clients receive a full project roadmap, including master construction schedule, critical path, procurement timelines, DRC milestones, long-lead tracking, and financial projections. We update and review this roadmap regularly so you always understand progress, key dates, and upcoming decisions.
We don’t just provide a basic Gantt chart. We build a full project roadmap, which typically includes:
Master project schedule and critical path
Procurement and long-lead item tracker
DRC and permitting schedule
Milestone calendar (framing, dry-in, finishes, commissioning, etc.)
Financial roadmap and cash-flow expectations
Monthly schedule and status updates
The goal is a predictable, high-transparency experience that aligns with how ultra-high-net-worth clients expect other professional services to operate.
5. How often do you communicate updates during the build process?
Vitruvius Built provides weekly OAC meetings, schedule and budget updates, and regular progress photos, as well as daily site logs and monthly high-level reviews. Communication is proactive, structured, and designed to answer questions before they arise.
Our communication cadence typically includes:
Weekly:
OAC (Owner–Architect–Contractor) meetings
Schedule updates and budget forecasts
Progress photos and status summaries
Daily (via logs):
Site activities and trades on-site
Weather impacts
Milestones achieved and materials delivered
Monthly:
Progress reviews
Financial updates
Risk assessments and mitigation plans
We emphasize proactive communication, anticipating concerns and keeping clients informed at each stage.
6. What technology do you use for project management, budgets, and scheduling?
Vitruvius Built primarily uses BIM 360 for coordination, document control, and field communication, supported by proprietary pre-construction tools, predictive cost modeling, cloud-based financial dashboards, and automated scheduling systems. These platforms improve accuracy, transparency, and collaboration across the project team.
Our core technology stack includes:
BIM 360:
Document control, RFIs, submittals, and revision management
Coordination of architecture, structure, and MEP
Field access for plans and updates
Pre-Construction Intelligence Tools:
Cost modeling and value engineering support
Feasibility and scenario planning
Cloud-Based Financial Dashboards:
Real-time budget visibility and forecasting
Scheduling & QC Systems:
Automated reminders for critical path items
Digital QC checklists and inspections
These systems help us build more efficiently and communicate clearly.
7. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
8. Can Vitruvius Built take over a project mid-construction?
Yes, in select cases. Vitruvius Built may step into mid-construction projects where the structure is sound, financials can be reconciled, design intent is clear, and there are no major legal disputes. We focus on rebuilding clarity, trust, and structure for the remainder of the project.
We may assume projects midstream when:
The previous builder relationship has broken down
Structural work is sound and documented
Financials and contracts can be reviewed and aligned
DRC and permitting are in good standing
We typically decline projects with severe structural issues, unresolved litigation, or homes near completion where our involvement would not add value. When we do engage, we re-establish schedule, budget, and communication frameworks quickly.
9. Do you offer pre-construction services or feasibility studies?
Yes. Pre-construction and feasibility are central to Vitruvius Built’s process. We provide site walks, soils and feasibility review, cost modeling, structural and constructability input, DRC navigation, long-lead planning, and BIM 360 integration to eliminate most project risk before construction begins.
Pre-construction services often include:
Site and soils review with engineering partners
High-level and detailed cost modeling
Structural strategy alignment for the terrain and architecture
Constructability reviews to avoid redesign during construction
Community and DRC analysis and planning
Long-lead item identification and planning
BIM 360 setup and integration
Budget and schedule forecasting
We aim to remove 80% of project risk before breaking ground.
10. Do you offer warranties on luxury custom homes?
Yes. Vitruvius Built typically provides workmanship, systems, and structural warranties consistent with local standards, plus vendor-specific warranties. We also offer systems training, maintenance guidance, and ongoing post-occupancy support for long-term performance and peace of mind.
Typical coverage includes:
Workmanship Warranty (around 1 year)
Mechanical/Systems Warranty (around 2 years)
Structural Warranty (often 10 years where applicable)
In addition, we:
Provide comprehensive systems training and documentation
Coordinate manufacturer warranties for windows, roofing, appliances, etc.
Offer post-occupancy support and advisory for maintenance and upgrades
11. Is it better to buy a spec home or build custom?
Spec homes can offer speed and simplicity, but custom homes usually deliver better land orientation, personalization, long-term value, and alignment with your family’s needs. For legacy-level properties, custom building is often the better long-term choice.
12. When should I start the design phase?
You should start the design phase 6–12 months before you want to break ground. This allows time for architecture, engineering, DRC review, permitting, budgeting, and pre-construction planning without compressing decisions or schedules.
Team, Design, and Collaboration
1. Do you work with HOAs and Design Review Committees?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works directly with HOAs and Design Review Committees throughout design and pre-construction. We help coordinate approvals, anticipate common design concerns, align plans with community guidelines, and support architects and designers through each review cycle.
We collaborate regularly with HOAs, DRCs, and architectural review teams to ensure:
compliance with height, massing, and material guidelines
dark-sky rules
fire resilience requirements
envelope and view protections
We support architects by preparing DRC-ready submittal packages, coordinating revisions, and ensuring all plans meet community standards.
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does your team help clients make selections and finish decisions?
Vitruvius Built structures the selections process with clear timelines, cost visibility, and collaboration with your interior designer. We map selections early, track lead times, coordinate with vendors, and support out-of-state clients with photos, samples, and virtual reviews to keep the project on schedule and on budget.
Selections drive budget, timeline, and complexity, so we treat them as a managed process:
Early Selection Pathways
Map all major selections with due dates, dependencies, and lead times
Show cost impact for key decisions
Integration With Interior Designers
Designers own the creative vision
We support feasibility, budget checks, vendor scheduling, and procurement
BIM 360 Coordination
Visualize how finishes interact with structure and MEP
Reduce conflicts in the field
Vendor & Showroom Coordination
Organize visits and reviews with stone yards, millwork shops, cabinet makers, lighting vendors, and more
Remote Decision Support
High-res imagery, samples, video walk-throughs, and curated options
Ideal for out-of-state or international clients
4.. Do you build second homes, vacation homes, or investment properties?
Yes. Vitruvius Built focuses on legacy estates, multi-generational compounds, lifestyle hubs, primary residence relocations, and family operating-system homes. We rarely build purely investment-driven properties; most clients prioritize experience, family use, and long-term legacy over short-term returns.
Most projects fall into one or more of these categories:
Legacy estate
Multi-generational compound
Lifestyle hub or “mountain base camp”
Primary home relocation
Family operating system (a home that coordinates family life and gatherings)
While some clients may consider long-term value, our focus is on use, experience, and generational continuity, not spec or short-term investment product.
5. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
6. How do you design homes to maximize views, light, and landscape integration?
Vitruvius Built works with architects to optimize view corridors, daylight, and topography. We help confirm view axes, glazing strategies, shading, indoor–outdoor transitions, and structural solutions so the home feels connected to the land while performing well in Park City’s climate.
Key strategies include:
View Framing
Confirm primary and secondary views
Evaluate downhill vs uphill flow, privacy, and circulation
Daylight and Solar Control
Coordinate glazing performance and orientation
Engineer overhangs and shading systems
Manage solar gain and thermal loads
Indoor–Outdoor Connections
Large sliding or pocketing glass doors
Heated terraces and snow-melted patios
Outdoor rooms designed for year-round use
Topography Integration
Stepped floor plans and structural anchors
Drainage and retaining strategies
Protection of view corridors for adjacent lots
7. Do you assist with value engineering without compromising luxury or design intent?
Yes. Vitruvius Built treats value engineering as smart optimization, not cost cutting. We preserve design intent while refining structure, MEP systems, materials, glazing, and sequencing to achieve the same or better experience at a more efficient cost.
Our value engineering philosophy: Value Engineering ≠ Downgrading. We focus on:
Streamlining structural solutions (steel, timber, spans)
Optimizing MEP systems for performance and efficiency
Recommending alternate materials with similar aesthetics but better value or durability
Reducing unnecessary complexity while preserving key design features
Adjusting glazing strategies and massing for cost and performance
The goal is to protect the architectural and experiential vision while improving cost efficiency.
8. How do you incorporate steel, glass, stone, and natural materials into mountain architecture?
Vitruvius Built helps architects detail steel, glass, stone, and wood so they perform at altitude. Steel enables spans and cantilevers, glass frames views with high-performance assemblies, stone anchors homes to the land, and wood softens interiors. We focus on longevity, structure, and weather performance.
Steel:
Supports long spans and large openings
Enables cantilevered decks and roof forms
Critical for snow load and structural performance
Glass:
Large view-framing openings with triple-pane and low-E glass
Thermally broken frames and integrated steel portals
Stone:
Often locally sourced
Adds thermal mass and fire resilience
Visually grounds the home in the landscape
Wood:
Reclaimed or charred exteriors
Warm interior finishes in beams, ceilings, and millwork
Our job is to ensure these materials work structurally and environmentally in Park City.
9. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
10. Do you work with international clients?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works with international clients, including buyers from Europe and Asia, and is experienced in remote communication, digital reviews, and coordinating design and construction decisions across time zones.
11. Can you recommend architects and designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built regularly collaborates with top architects and interior designers across the U.S. and select international firms. We can provide a curated list of recommended partners tailored to your style, budget, and community.
AS SEEN IN
Park City Market,
Land and Lots
1. What makes building a luxury home in Park City different?
Building a luxury home in Park City requires specialized engineering, strict design review approvals, and advanced building science due to steep terrain, snow loads, altitude, and community guidelines. The combination of complex topography, climate extremes, and high architectural expectations makes Park City construction fundamentally different from standard residential building.
Building in Park City is unique because of:
• Mountain Terrain: Steep slopes, bedrock, and drainage challenges require engineered foundations, retaining walls, and precise site planning.
• Harsh Climate: Heavy snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and high UV exposure demand high-performance windows, roofing, insulation, and envelope systems.
• Design Review Committees: Many communities have strict architectural guidelines, material rules, height limits, and dark-sky requirements.
• High-End Buyers: Most clients are out-of-state luxury buyers seeking legacy-level homes with elevated design and custom features.
Together, these factors create a building environment that requires advanced engineering, local expertise, and highly coordinated teams.
2. How long does it take to build a custom home in Park City?
A custom home in Park City typically takes 20–46 months from land purchase to move-in. Pre-construction (architecture, engineering, permitting, and DRC review) takes 6–16 months, while construction usually requires 14–30 months, depending on complexity, geology, design, materials, and weather.
Timeline Overview:
• Pre-Construction (6–16 months):
Architecture, structural engineering, soils testing, surveys, DRC review cycles, permitting, budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling.
• Construction (14–30 months):
Duration depends on site slope, square footage, customization level, fabrication lead times, winter limitations, and inspections.
Most Park City luxury estate builds average 28–36 months total.
3. What are the biggest challenges of building on steep or mountain terrain?
Building on steep mountain terrain in Park City requires engineered foundations, retaining walls, advanced drainage, winter construction planning, and soils solutions. Steep slopes, groundwater, freeze depth, and site access all increase structural complexity and require specialized design and construction methods.
Key challenges include:
• Steep Slopes: Require stepped foundations, retaining systems, cantilevers, engineered waterproofing, and careful equipment access planning.
• Geotechnical Conditions: Expansive clays, fractured bedrock, perched groundwater, and deep frost lines require custom structural solutions.
• Winter Construction: Snow removal, heated enclosures, staged concrete pours, and weather delays must be built into the schedule.
• Drainage: Robust drainage and waterproofing systems are essential to prevent long-term structural and moisture failures.
• Design Constraints: Height limits, envelopes, and DRC rules often shape the architecture.
4. What does it cost to build a luxury home in Park City?
Luxury homes in Park City typically range from $800–$2,500+ per square foot depending on community, design complexity, materials, engineering, and customization. Premium communities like Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and high-elevation sites often fall at the top of the range due to structural and architectural requirements.
Estimated cost ranges by community:
Marcella Ski: $1,000–$2,000+ per sq ft
Marcella Golf: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Wasatch Peaks Ranch: $1,000–$2,500 per sq ft
Promontory: $800–$1,200 per sq ft
Tuhaye / Talisker: $800–$1,500 per sq ft
SkyRidge: $700–$1,000 per sq ft
Powder Mountain: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Costs vary based on architecture, windows, steel, earthwork, access, custom fabrication, and finishes. Vitruvius Built maintains less than 3% cost variance from contract to completion.
5. How do snow load, altitude, and climate affect home design in Park City?
Park City’s climate requires engineering for heavy snow loads (100–150+ psf), high UV exposure, freeze–thaw cycles, and increased wind at altitude. Homes need high-performance windows, optimized HVAC design, strong air and vapor barriers, durable roofing, and fire-resistant materials.
• Snow Loads: Roof pitch, steel sizing, waterproofing, and snowmelt systems must be engineered for heavy accumulation.
• Altitude: Drives the need for energy-efficient HVAC, ERV/HRV systems, and high-performance glazing.
• Freeze–Thaw: Impacts foundations, decks, slabs, flashing, and waterproofing details.
• Fire Resilience: State requirements influence siding, roofing, vents, and defensible space.
6. Which communities does Vitruvius Built build in?
Vitruvius Built focuses on Park City’s top luxury communities including Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, and Powder Mountain and Wolf Creek Ranch. We also selectively build in Glenwild, Park Meadows, The Colony, Old Town, Aerie, Red Ledges, Benloch, and Victory Ranch.
Primary Communities:
Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, Powder Mountain, Wolf Creek.
Selective Areas:
Park Meadows, Aerie, The Colony, Glenwild, Old Town, Red Ledges, Benloch, Victory Ranch.
We limit our active pipeline to 6–7 projects to maintain quality and hands-on oversight.
7. How early should I engage a builder when buying land?
You should involve a builder before submitting an offer on land in Park City. Early evaluation helps identify slope challenges, drainage issues, design constraints, likely construction costs, and feasibility. This prevents unexpected complexity and ensures the lot aligns with your architectural and financial goals.
Early builder involvement provides:
• Site Due Diligence: Assessment of slope, geology, drainage, access, solar exposure, and views.
• Cost + Feasibility Insight: Early guidance on expected build cost, timelines, infrastructure, and complexity drivers.
• Architect Alignment: Ensures the land fits your intended design style and budget.
Many lots can add $500k–$3M in complexity if evaluated too late.
8. Do you help clients evaluate land before purchase?
Yes. Vitruvius Built helps clients evaluate Park City land before purchase by reviewing views, slope, soil conditions, access, utilities, drainage, and community restrictions. This ensures the lot fits your lifestyle goals, architectural vision, and long-term investment expectations.
We perform on-site evaluations with clients, architects, and brokers to analyze:
orientation and view corridors
snow drift patterns
wind exposure
feasibility of uphill vs downhill builds
access for construction equipment
utility routing
structural requirements
This ensures the land supports your lifestyle, architectural goals, and budget.
9. What permits are required to build in Park City or Summit County?
Typical permits include building permits, grading permits, SWPPP, utility permits, fire marshal approval, driveway access permits, and DRC approvals. Some estates require additional structural, civil, or environmental reviews depending on site location and community guidelines.
Most projects require:
building permits
grading and excavation permits
SWPPP compliance
utility permits
fire marshal review
driveway and access permits
HOA/DRC approvals
Larger estates may require specialized civil engineering, environmental, or geological sign-offs.
10. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
11. Do you assist with sustainability, smart-home systems, and energy efficiency?
Yes. Sustainability, high-performance building, and smart-home integration are core to our work. We coordinate envelope design, HVAC systems, ventilation, and high-efficiency assemblies, and integrate platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, along with fire resilience and backup power strategies.
We support three major performance areas:
1. Sustainability & Efficiency
High-performance envelopes
Triple-pane windows and high R-value insulation
ERV/HRV systems and efficient hydronic heating
Air sealing and blower-door performance targets
2. Smart-Home Systems
Savant, Lutron, Control4
Integrated shades, lighting, climate control
Automated snowmelt, security, and wellness monitoring
3. Fire & Climate Resilience
Ember-resistant vents and non-combustible cladding
Class A roofing
Defensible space and sprinkler strategies
Backup power and resilience planning
12. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
13. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
14. Do you help clients source lots in Park City?
Yes. Vitruvius Built frequently helps clients and brokers evaluate lots in Park City and surrounding communities. We review slope, access, views, snow and drainage patterns, fire risk, structural implications, and DRC constraints to avoid hidden complexity and ensure the site fits your goals.
Lot evaluation typically includes:
Slope and grade analysis
Downhill vs uphill feasibility and flow
Access for construction and long-term usability
View protection and potential future obstructions
Snow drift and drainage considerations
Fire resilience zones and defensible space potential
Likely structural costs and retaining requirements
Community and DRC constraints
This early work can prevent costly surprises after purchase.
15. What is the average square footage of your custom homes?
Most Vitruvius Built homes range from about 5,000 to 14,000+ square feet, with some multi-building compounds exceeding 20,000 square feet of total improved area. Home size varies by community, lot, and program, with larger estates common in Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and similar communities.
Typical total home sizes:
Primary range: ~5,000–14,000+ sq ft
Estate compounds: 20,000+ sq ft across multiple structures in some cases
General community patterns:
Marcella Ski / Wasatch Peaks Ranch: larger multi-level estates
Promontory, Tuhaye, Marcella Golf: mid-to-large luxury homes
SkyRidge, Powder Mountain: efficient but still substantial footprints
Program (bedroom count, amenities, wellness spaces, guest suites) and lot topography drive final size.
16. How does indoor–outdoor living work in Park City’s cold climate?
Indoor–outdoor living in Park City is achieved with heated terraces, snow-melt systems, covered outdoor rooms, high-performance glazing, and radiant heating. These features allow year-round use of decks, patios, and outdoor lounges even in cold and snowy conditions.
17. What smart-home systems do Park City luxury buyers want?
Most Park City luxury buyers favor platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, paired with integrated shading, lighting control, security, climate control, and sometimes AI-driven monitoring. Many also integrate geothermal, snowmelt automation, and wellness-focused sensors.
18. What’s the best community for privacy in Park City?
Communities known for exceptional privacy include Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Wolf Creek Ranch, Marcella Ski, The Colony, and Powder Mountain. The best fit depends on your preferences for access, amenities, acreage, and ski or recreation priorities.
19. How do ultra-high-net-worth residents typically use their Park City homes?
Most ultra-high-net-worth owners use their Park City homes for 2–4 months per year as extended-stay bases for family gatherings, multi-generational trips, experiential retreats, and long-term legacy assets rather than short-stay vacation properties.
20. What are the hidden costs of mountain building?
Hidden costs in mountain building often include structural engineering, steel, specialty window systems, earthwork, drainage and retaining walls, snow-load solutions, and complex access or staging requirements. Early feasibility work helps identify and plan for these costs.
21. Do you build wellness into your homes?
Yes. Wellness programming often includes humidity and air-quality control, water purification, tunable lighting, dedicated wellness suites, gyms, saunas, spas, and yoga studios, integrated into the architecture and mechanical systems from early design.
22. Do you build on ski-in/ski-out lots?
Yes. Vitruvius Built builds on ski-in/ski-out lots in communities such as Marcella Ski, Powder Mountain, Deer Crest, The Colony, and select parcels at Wasatch Peaks Ranch, coordinating carefully around access, snow management, and slope conditions.
23. Do you build on private streets or gated communities?
Yes. Nearly all of our projects are in gated or private communities. We work within each community’s security, access, and construction guidelines throughout the project.
24. What’s the difference between downhill and uphill lots?
Downhill lots typically offer better views, privacy, and main-level entry aligned with the slope but require more complex engineering. Uphill lots are often easier and less expensive to build on, with more straightforward access and fewer retaining walls, but may offer different view and flow options.
25. Can you build homes with steel-and-glass architecture?
Yes. Vitruvius Built specializes in executing high-performance steel-and-glass architecture at altitude, including large-span steel frames, expansive glazing, and detailing for snow load, thermal performance, and long-term durability.
26. Do you offer estate management or post-build support?
Yes. While we are not a property management company, we provide post-build advisory, vendor coordination, and system health monitoring support, and can help connect you with estate management resources for ongoing care of your home.
Process, Timeline
and Budget
1. What is your process for designing and building a luxury custom home?
Vitruvius Built follows a three-phase process: pre-construction, construction, and delivery. We collaborate with leading architects, interior designers, and owners’ representatives to clarify intent, manage cost and feasibility, coordinate design and engineering, execute with high build quality, and support long-term maintenance and legacy goals.
Vitruvius Built does not provide architecture or interior design. Instead, we integrate closely with your chosen team in three phases:
Phase 1 – Pre-Construction (6–16 months)
Clarify project intent (primary home, legacy estate, compound, lifestyle hub)
Help align architect, interior designer, and sometimes owners’ rep
Support site strategy, slope and massing, DRC/HOA interface, utilities, and access
Use BIM 360 and internal pre-construction tools for cost clarity, structural forecasting, and value engineering
Aim for <3% variance from contract to completion
Phase 2 – Construction (14–30 months)
Regular OAC meetings
Weekly logs, photos, financial dashboards, schedule updates
On-site leadership, QC, trade coordination, DRC compliance, weather protocols
Limit of 6–7 active projects to maintain attention and quality
Phase 3 – Delivery + Legacy Integration
Final QC and punchlist
Systems training and documentation
Warranty and maintenance guidance
Ongoing advisory support for your legacy asset
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does Vitruvius Built ensure budget transparency throughout the project?
Vitruvius Built uses a cost-plus contract model with rigorous pre-construction planning, real-time financial dashboards, frequent reporting, and proactive long-lead planning. This structure allows us to maintain less than 3% variance from contract to completion while giving clients clear visibility into costs, allowances, and changes.
Our budget transparency is built on five pillars:
Cost-Plus + Pre-Construction Discipline
Cost-plus contract
Deep early-phase estimating and scope clarity
Typical variance from contract to final: 1–3%
Real-Time Financial Dashboards
Committed costs
Approved selections and allowances
Change orders and invoices
Trade contracts and percentage complete
High-Frequency Reporting
Weekly OAC meetings
Monthly financial reviews
Proactive forecasting
Long-Lead Item Planning
Early planning for windows, steel, specialty finishes, and mechanical systems
Reduced surprise costs and delays
True Value Engineering
Optimize systems and assemblies without downgrading finishes
Protect design intent while improving efficiency
4. Do clients receive a construction schedule or project roadmap?
Yes. Clients receive a full project roadmap, including master construction schedule, critical path, procurement timelines, DRC milestones, long-lead tracking, and financial projections. We update and review this roadmap regularly so you always understand progress, key dates, and upcoming decisions.
We don’t just provide a basic Gantt chart. We build a full project roadmap, which typically includes:
Master project schedule and critical path
Procurement and long-lead item tracker
DRC and permitting schedule
Milestone calendar (framing, dry-in, finishes, commissioning, etc.)
Financial roadmap and cash-flow expectations
Monthly schedule and status updates
The goal is a predictable, high-transparency experience that aligns with how ultra-high-net-worth clients expect other professional services to operate.
5. How often do you communicate updates during the build process?
Vitruvius Built provides weekly OAC meetings, schedule and budget updates, and regular progress photos, as well as daily site logs and monthly high-level reviews. Communication is proactive, structured, and designed to answer questions before they arise.
Our communication cadence typically includes:
Weekly:
OAC (Owner–Architect–Contractor) meetings
Schedule updates and budget forecasts
Progress photos and status summaries
Daily (via logs):
Site activities and trades on-site
Weather impacts
Milestones achieved and materials delivered
Monthly:
Progress reviews
Financial updates
Risk assessments and mitigation plans
We emphasize proactive communication, anticipating concerns and keeping clients informed at each stage.
6. What technology do you use for project management, budgets, and scheduling?
Vitruvius Built primarily uses BIM 360 for coordination, document control, and field communication, supported by proprietary pre-construction tools, predictive cost modeling, cloud-based financial dashboards, and automated scheduling systems. These platforms improve accuracy, transparency, and collaboration across the project team.
Our core technology stack includes:
BIM 360:
Document control, RFIs, submittals, and revision management
Coordination of architecture, structure, and MEP
Field access for plans and updates
Pre-Construction Intelligence Tools:
Cost modeling and value engineering support
Feasibility and scenario planning
Cloud-Based Financial Dashboards:
Real-time budget visibility and forecasting
Scheduling & QC Systems:
Automated reminders for critical path items
Digital QC checklists and inspections
These systems help us build more efficiently and communicate clearly.
7.. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
8. Can Vitruvius Built take over a project mid-construction?
Yes, in select cases. Vitruvius Built may step into mid-construction projects where the structure is sound, financials can be reconciled, design intent is clear, and there are no major legal disputes. We focus on rebuilding clarity, trust, and structure for the remainder of the project.
We may assume projects midstream when:
The previous builder relationship has broken down
Structural work is sound and documented
Financials and contracts can be reviewed and aligned
DRC and permitting are in good standing
We typically decline projects with severe structural issues, unresolved litigation, or homes near completion where our involvement would not add value. When we do engage, we re-establish schedule, budget, and communication frameworks quickly.
9. Do you offer pre-construction services or feasibility studies?
Yes. Pre-construction and feasibility are central to Vitruvius Built’s process. We provide site walks, soils and feasibility review, cost modeling, structural and constructability input, DRC navigation, long-lead planning, and BIM 360 integration to eliminate most project risk before construction begins.
Pre-construction services often include:
Site and soils review with engineering partners
High-level and detailed cost modeling
Structural strategy alignment for the terrain and architecture
Constructability reviews to avoid redesign during construction
Community and DRC analysis and planning
Long-lead item identification and planning
BIM 360 setup and integration
Budget and schedule forecasting
We aim to remove 80% of project risk before breaking ground.
10. Do you offer warranties on luxury custom homes?
Yes. Vitruvius Built typically provides workmanship, systems, and structural warranties consistent with local standards, plus vendor-specific warranties. We also offer systems training, maintenance guidance, and ongoing post-occupancy support for long-term performance and peace of mind.
Typical coverage includes:
Workmanship Warranty (around 1 year)
Mechanical/Systems Warranty (around 2 years)
Structural Warranty (often 10 years where applicable)
In addition, we:
Provide comprehensive systems training and documentation
Coordinate manufacturer warranties for windows, roofing, appliances, etc.
Offer post-occupancy support and advisory for maintenance and upgrades
11. Is it better to buy a spec home or build custom?
Spec homes can offer speed and simplicity, but custom homes usually deliver better land orientation, personalization, long-term value, and alignment with your family’s needs. For legacy-level properties, custom building is often the better long-term choice.
12. When should I start the design phase?
You should start the design phase 6–12 months before you want to break ground. This allows time for architecture, engineering, DRC review, permitting, budgeting, and pre-construction planning without compressing decisions or schedules.
Team, Design
and Collaboration
At Vitruvius Built, we approach custom home building with an abundance mentality. Empowering our clients through clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making. The best homes are built when the right questions are encouraged and answered with care.
Building a custom home is a significant investment and a long-term, collaborative process, involving a dedicated team of experts entrusted with bringing your vision to life. Our role is to guide you through every step of the custom home building process, answer your questions, and reduce uncertainty so the experience feels seamless, confident, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
1. Do you work with HOAs and Design Review Committees?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works directly with HOAs and Design Review Committees throughout design and pre-construction. We help coordinate approvals, anticipate common design concerns, align plans with community guidelines, and support architects and designers through each review cycle.
We collaborate regularly with HOAs, DRCs, and architectural review teams to ensure:
compliance with height, massing, and material guidelines
dark-sky rules
fire resilience requirements
envelope and view protections
We support architects by preparing DRC-ready submittal packages, coordinating revisions, and ensuring all plans meet community standards.
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does your team help clients make selections and finish decisions?
Vitruvius Built structures the selections process with clear timelines, cost visibility, and collaboration with your interior designer. We map selections early, track lead times, coordinate with vendors, and support out-of-state clients with photos, samples, and virtual reviews to keep the project on schedule and on budget.
Selections drive budget, timeline, and complexity, so we treat them as a managed process:
Early Selection Pathways
Map all major selections with due dates, dependencies, and lead times
Show cost impact for key decisions
Integration With Interior Designers
Designers own the creative vision
We support feasibility, budget checks, vendor scheduling, and procurement
BIM 360 Coordination
Visualize how finishes interact with structure and MEP
Reduce conflicts in the field
Vendor & Showroom Coordination
Organize visits and reviews with stone yards, millwork shops, cabinet makers, lighting vendors, and more
Remote Decision Support
High-res imagery, samples, video walk-throughs, and curated options
Ideal for out-of-state or international clients
4.. Do you build second homes, vacation homes, or investment properties?
Yes. Vitruvius Built focuses on legacy estates, multi-generational compounds, lifestyle hubs, primary residence relocations, and family operating-system homes. We rarely build purely investment-driven properties; most clients prioritize experience, family use, and long-term legacy over short-term returns.
Most projects fall into one or more of these categories:
Legacy estate
Multi-generational compound
Lifestyle hub or “mountain base camp”
Primary home relocation
Family operating system (a home that coordinates family life and gatherings)
While some clients may consider long-term value, our focus is on use, experience, and generational continuity, not spec or short-term investment product.
5. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
6. How do you design homes to maximize views, light, and landscape integration?
Vitruvius Built works with architects to optimize view corridors, daylight, and topography. We help confirm view axes, glazing strategies, shading, indoor–outdoor transitions, and structural solutions so the home feels connected to the land while performing well in Park City’s climate.
Key strategies include:
View Framing
Confirm primary and secondary views
Evaluate downhill vs uphill flow, privacy, and circulation
Daylight and Solar Control
Coordinate glazing performance and orientation
Engineer overhangs and shading systems
Manage solar gain and thermal loads
Indoor–Outdoor Connections
Large sliding or pocketing glass doors
Heated terraces and snow-melted patios
Outdoor rooms designed for year-round use
Topography Integration
Stepped floor plans and structural anchors
Drainage and retaining strategies
Protection of view corridors for adjacent lots
7. Do you assist with value engineering without compromising luxury or design intent?
Yes. Vitruvius Built treats value engineering as smart optimization, not cost cutting. We preserve design intent while refining structure, MEP systems, materials, glazing, and sequencing to achieve the same or better experience at a more efficient cost.
Our value engineering philosophy: Value Engineering ≠ Downgrading. We focus on:
Streamlining structural solutions (steel, timber, spans)
Optimizing MEP systems for performance and efficiency
Recommending alternate materials with similar aesthetics but better value or durability
Reducing unnecessary complexity while preserving key design features
Adjusting glazing strategies and massing for cost and performance
The goal is to protect the architectural and experiential vision while improving cost efficiency.
8. How do you incorporate steel, glass, stone, and natural materials into mountain architecture?
Vitruvius Built helps architects detail steel, glass, stone, and wood so they perform at altitude. Steel enables spans and cantilevers, glass frames views with high-performance assemblies, stone anchors homes to the land, and wood softens interiors. We focus on longevity, structure, and weather performance.
Steel:
Supports long spans and large openings
Enables cantilevered decks and roof forms
Critical for snow load and structural performance
Glass:
Large view-framing openings with triple-pane and low-E glass
Thermally broken frames and integrated steel portals
Stone:
Often locally sourced
Adds thermal mass and fire resilience
Visually grounds the home in the landscape
Wood:
Reclaimed or charred exteriors
Warm interior finishes in beams, ceilings, and millwork
Our job is to ensure these materials work structurally and environmentally in Park City.
9. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
10. Do you work with international clients?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works with international clients, including buyers from Europe and Asia, and is experienced in remote communication, digital reviews, and coordinating design and construction decisions across time zones.
11. Can you recommend architects and designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built regularly collaborates with top architects and interior designers across the U.S. and select international firms. We can provide a curated list of recommended partners tailored to your style, budget, and community.
Park City Market,
Land and Lots
1. What makes building a luxury home in Park City different?
Building a luxury home in Park City requires specialized engineering, strict design review approvals, and advanced building science due to steep terrain, snow loads, altitude, and community guidelines. The combination of complex topography, climate extremes, and high architectural expectations makes Park City construction fundamentally different from standard residential building.
Building in Park City is unique because of:
• Mountain Terrain: Steep slopes, bedrock, and drainage challenges require engineered foundations, retaining walls, and precise site planning.
• Harsh Climate: Heavy snow loads, freeze–thaw cycles, and high UV exposure demand high-performance windows, roofing, insulation, and envelope systems.
• Design Review Committees: Many communities have strict architectural guidelines, material rules, height limits, and dark-sky requirements.
• High-End Buyers: Most clients are out-of-state luxury buyers seeking legacy-level homes with elevated design and custom features.
Together, these factors create a building environment that requires advanced engineering, local expertise, and highly coordinated teams.
2. How long does it take to build a custom home in Park City?
A custom home in Park City typically takes 20–46 months from land purchase to move-in. Pre-construction (architecture, engineering, permitting, and DRC review) takes 6–16 months, while construction usually requires 14–30 months, depending on complexity, geology, design, materials, and weather.
Timeline Overview:
• Pre-Construction (6–16 months):
Architecture, structural engineering, soils testing, surveys, DRC review cycles, permitting, budgeting, value engineering, and scheduling.
• Construction (14–30 months):
Duration depends on site slope, square footage, customization level, fabrication lead times, winter limitations, and inspections.
Most Park City luxury estate builds average 28–36 months total.
3. What are the biggest challenges of building on steep or mountain terrain?
Building on steep mountain terrain in Park City requires engineered foundations, retaining walls, advanced drainage, winter construction planning, and soils solutions. Steep slopes, groundwater, freeze depth, and site access all increase structural complexity and require specialized design and construction methods.
Key challenges include:
• Steep Slopes: Require stepped foundations, retaining systems, cantilevers, engineered waterproofing, and careful equipment access planning.
• Geotechnical Conditions: Expansive clays, fractured bedrock, perched groundwater, and deep frost lines require custom structural solutions.
• Winter Construction: Snow removal, heated enclosures, staged concrete pours, and weather delays must be built into the schedule.
• Drainage: Robust drainage and waterproofing systems are essential to prevent long-term structural and moisture failures.
• Design Constraints: Height limits, envelopes, and DRC rules often shape the architecture.
4. What does it cost to build a luxury home in Park City?
Luxury homes in Park City typically range from $800–$2,500+ per square foot depending on community, design complexity, materials, engineering, and customization. Premium communities like Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and high-elevation sites often fall at the top of the range due to structural and architectural requirements.
Estimated cost ranges by community:
Marcella Ski: $1,000–$2,000+ per sq ft
Marcella Golf: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Wasatch Peaks Ranch: $1,000–$2,500 per sq ft
Promontory: $800–$1,200 per sq ft
Tuhaye / Talisker: $800–$1,500 per sq ft
SkyRidge: $700–$1,000 per sq ft
Powder Mountain: $900–$1,500 per sq ft
Costs vary based on architecture, windows, steel, earthwork, access, custom fabrication, and finishes. Vitruvius Built maintains less than 3% cost variance from contract to completion.
5. How do snow load, altitude, and climate affect home design in Park City?
Park City’s climate requires engineering for heavy snow loads (100–150+ psf), high UV exposure, freeze–thaw cycles, and increased wind at altitude. Homes need high-performance windows, optimized HVAC design, strong air and vapor barriers, durable roofing, and fire-resistant materials.
• Snow Loads: Roof pitch, steel sizing, waterproofing, and snowmelt systems must be engineered for heavy accumulation.
• Altitude: Drives the need for energy-efficient HVAC, ERV/HRV systems, and high-performance glazing.
• Freeze–Thaw: Impacts foundations, decks, slabs, flashing, and waterproofing details.
• Fire Resilience: State requirements influence siding, roofing, vents, and defensible space.
6. Which communities does Vitruvius Built build in?
Vitruvius Built focuses on Park City’s top luxury communities including Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, and Powder Mountain and Wolf Creek Ranch. We also selectively build in Glenwild, Park Meadows, The Colony, Old Town, Aerie, Red Ledges, Benloch, and Victory Ranch.
Primary Communities:
Marcella Ski, Marcella Golf, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Promontory, SkyRidge, Tuhaye, Powder Mountain, Wolf Creek.
Selective Areas:
Park Meadows, Aerie, The Colony, Glenwild, Old Town, Red Ledges, Benloch, Victory Ranch.
We limit our active pipeline to 6–7 projects to maintain quality and hands-on oversight.
7. How early should I engage a builder when buying land?
You should involve a builder before submitting an offer on land in Park City. Early evaluation helps identify slope challenges, drainage issues, design constraints, likely construction costs, and feasibility. This prevents unexpected complexity and ensures the lot aligns with your architectural and financial goals.
Early builder involvement provides:
• Site Due Diligence: Assessment of slope, geology, drainage, access, solar exposure, and views.
• Cost + Feasibility Insight: Early guidance on expected build cost, timelines, infrastructure, and complexity drivers.
• Architect Alignment: Ensures the land fits your intended design style and budget.
Many lots can add $500k–$3M in complexity if evaluated too late.
8. Do you help clients evaluate land before purchase?
Yes. Vitruvius Built helps clients evaluate Park City land before purchase by reviewing views, slope, soil conditions, access, utilities, drainage, and community restrictions. This ensures the lot fits your lifestyle goals, architectural vision, and long-term investment expectations.
We perform on-site evaluations with clients, architects, and brokers to analyze:
orientation and view corridors
snow drift patterns
wind exposure
feasibility of uphill vs downhill builds
access for construction equipment
utility routing
structural requirements
This ensures the land supports your lifestyle, architectural goals, and budget.
9. What permits are required to build in Park City or Summit County?
Typical permits include building permits, grading permits, SWPPP, utility permits, fire marshal approval, driveway access permits, and DRC approvals. Some estates require additional structural, civil, or environmental reviews depending on site location and community guidelines.
Most projects require:
building permits
grading and excavation permits
SWPPP compliance
utility permits
fire marshal review
driveway and access permits
HOA/DRC approvals
Larger estates may require specialized civil engineering, environmental, or geological sign-offs.
10. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
11. Do you assist with sustainability, smart-home systems, and energy efficiency?
Yes. Sustainability, high-performance building, and smart-home integration are core to our work. We coordinate envelope design, HVAC systems, ventilation, and high-efficiency assemblies, and integrate platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, along with fire resilience and backup power strategies.
We support three major performance areas:
1. Sustainability & Efficiency
High-performance envelopes
Triple-pane windows and high R-value insulation
ERV/HRV systems and efficient hydronic heating
Air sealing and blower-door performance targets
2. Smart-Home Systems
Savant, Lutron, Control4
Integrated shades, lighting, climate control
Automated snowmelt, security, and wellness monitoring
3. Fire & Climate Resilience
Ember-resistant vents and non-combustible cladding
Class A roofing
Defensible space and sprinkler strategies
Backup power and resilience planning
12. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
13. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
14. Do you help clients source lots in Park City?
Yes. Vitruvius Built frequently helps clients and brokers evaluate lots in Park City and surrounding communities. We review slope, access, views, snow and drainage patterns, fire risk, structural implications, and DRC constraints to avoid hidden complexity and ensure the site fits your goals.
Lot evaluation typically includes:
Slope and grade analysis
Downhill vs uphill feasibility and flow
Access for construction and long-term usability
View protection and potential future obstructions
Snow drift and drainage considerations
Fire resilience zones and defensible space potential
Likely structural costs and retaining requirements
Community and DRC constraints
This early work can prevent costly surprises after purchase.
15. What is the average square footage of your custom homes?
Most Vitruvius Built homes range from about 5,000 to 14,000+ square feet, with some multi-building compounds exceeding 20,000 square feet of total improved area. Home size varies by community, lot, and program, with larger estates common in Marcella, Wasatch Peaks Ranch, and similar communities.
Typical total home sizes:
Primary range: ~5,000–14,000+ sq ft
Estate compounds: 20,000+ sq ft across multiple structures in some cases
General community patterns:
Marcella Ski / Wasatch Peaks Ranch: larger multi-level estates
Promontory, Tuhaye, Marcella Golf: mid-to-large luxury homes
SkyRidge, Powder Mountain: efficient but still substantial footprints
Program (bedroom count, amenities, wellness spaces, guest suites) and lot topography drive final size.
16. How does indoor–outdoor living work in Park City’s cold climate?
Indoor–outdoor living in Park City is achieved with heated terraces, snow-melt systems, covered outdoor rooms, high-performance glazing, and radiant heating. These features allow year-round use of decks, patios, and outdoor lounges even in cold and snowy conditions.
17. What smart-home systems do Park City luxury buyers want?
Most Park City luxury buyers favor platforms like Savant, Lutron, and Control4, paired with integrated shading, lighting control, security, climate control, and sometimes AI-driven monitoring. Many also integrate geothermal, snowmelt automation, and wellness-focused sensors.
18. What’s the best community for privacy in Park City?
Communities known for exceptional privacy include Wasatch Peaks Ranch, Wolf Creek Ranch, Marcella Ski, The Colony, and Powder Mountain. The best fit depends on your preferences for access, amenities, acreage, and ski or recreation priorities.
19. How do ultra-high-net-worth residents typically use their Park City homes?
Most ultra-high-net-worth owners use their Park City homes for 2–4 months per year as extended-stay bases for family gatherings, multi-generational trips, experiential retreats, and long-term legacy assets rather than short-stay vacation properties.
20. What are the hidden costs of mountain building?
Hidden costs in mountain building often include structural engineering, steel, specialty window systems, earthwork, drainage and retaining walls, snow-load solutions, and complex access or staging requirements. Early feasibility work helps identify and plan for these costs.
21. Do you build wellness into your homes?
Yes. Wellness programming often includes humidity and air-quality control, water purification, tunable lighting, dedicated wellness suites, gyms, saunas, spas, and yoga studios, integrated into the architecture and mechanical systems from early design.
22. Do you build on ski-in/ski-out lots?
Yes. Vitruvius Built builds on ski-in/ski-out lots in communities such as Marcella Ski, Powder Mountain, Deer Crest, The Colony, and select parcels at Wasatch Peaks Ranch, coordinating carefully around access, snow management, and slope conditions.
23. Do you build on private streets or gated communities?
Yes. Nearly all of our projects are in gated or private communities. We work within each community’s security, access, and construction guidelines throughout the project.
24. What’s the difference between downhill and uphill lots?
Downhill lots typically offer better views, privacy, and main-level entry aligned with the slope but require more complex engineering. Uphill lots are often easier and less expensive to build on, with more straightforward access and fewer retaining walls, but may offer different view and flow options.
25. Can you build homes with steel-and-glass architecture?
Yes. Vitruvius Built specializes in executing high-performance steel-and-glass architecture at altitude, including large-span steel frames, expansive glazing, and detailing for snow load, thermal performance, and long-term durability.
26. Do you offer estate management or post-build support?
Yes. While we are not a property management company, we provide post-build advisory, vendor coordination, and system health monitoring support, and can help connect you with estate management resources for ongoing care of your home.
Process, Timeline
and Budget
1. What is your process for designing and building a luxury custom home?
Vitruvius Built follows a three-phase process: pre-construction, construction, and delivery. We collaborate with leading architects, interior designers, and owners’ representatives to clarify intent, manage cost and feasibility, coordinate design and engineering, execute with high build quality, and support long-term maintenance and legacy goals.
Vitruvius Built does not provide architecture or interior design. Instead, we integrate closely with your chosen team in three phases:
Phase 1 – Pre-Construction (6–16 months)
Clarify project intent (primary home, legacy estate, compound, lifestyle hub)
Help align architect, interior designer, and sometimes owners’ rep
Support site strategy, slope and massing, DRC/HOA interface, utilities, and access
Use BIM 360 and internal pre-construction tools for cost clarity, structural forecasting, and value engineering
Aim for <3% variance from contract to completion
Phase 2 – Construction (14–30 months)
Regular OAC meetings
Weekly logs, photos, financial dashboards, schedule updates
On-site leadership, QC, trade coordination, DRC compliance, weather protocols
Limit of 6–7 active projects to maintain attention and quality
Phase 3 – Delivery + Legacy Integration
Final QC and punchlist
Systems training and documentation
Warranty and maintenance guidance
Ongoing advisory support for your legacy asset
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does Vitruvius Built ensure budget transparency throughout the project?
Vitruvius Built uses a cost-plus contract model with rigorous pre-construction planning, real-time financial dashboards, frequent reporting, and proactive long-lead planning. This structure allows us to maintain less than 3% variance from contract to completion while giving clients clear visibility into costs, allowances, and changes.
Our budget transparency is built on five pillars:
Cost-Plus + Pre-Construction Discipline
Cost-plus contract
Deep early-phase estimating and scope clarity
Typical variance from contract to final: 1–3%
Real-Time Financial Dashboards
Committed costs
Approved selections and allowances
Change orders and invoices
Trade contracts and percentage complete
High-Frequency Reporting
Weekly OAC meetings
Monthly financial reviews
Proactive forecasting
Long-Lead Item Planning
Early planning for windows, steel, specialty finishes, and mechanical systems
Reduced surprise costs and delays
True Value Engineering
Optimize systems and assemblies without downgrading finishes
Protect design intent while improving efficiency
4. Do clients receive a construction schedule or project roadmap?
Yes. Clients receive a full project roadmap, including master construction schedule, critical path, procurement timelines, DRC milestones, long-lead tracking, and financial projections. We update and review this roadmap regularly so you always understand progress, key dates, and upcoming decisions.
We don’t just provide a basic Gantt chart. We build a full project roadmap, which typically includes:
Master project schedule and critical path
Procurement and long-lead item tracker
DRC and permitting schedule
Milestone calendar (framing, dry-in, finishes, commissioning, etc.)
Financial roadmap and cash-flow expectations
Monthly schedule and status updates
The goal is a predictable, high-transparency experience that aligns with how ultra-high-net-worth clients expect other professional services to operate.
5. How often do you communicate updates during the build process?
Vitruvius Built provides weekly OAC meetings, schedule and budget updates, and regular progress photos, as well as daily site logs and monthly high-level reviews. Communication is proactive, structured, and designed to answer questions before they arise.
Our communication cadence typically includes:
Weekly:
OAC (Owner–Architect–Contractor) meetings
Schedule updates and budget forecasts
Progress photos and status summaries
Daily (via logs):
Site activities and trades on-site
Weather impacts
Milestones achieved and materials delivered
Monthly:
Progress reviews
Financial updates
Risk assessments and mitigation plans
We emphasize proactive communication, anticipating concerns and keeping clients informed at each stage.
6. What technology do you use for project management, budgets, and scheduling?
Vitruvius Built primarily uses BIM 360 for coordination, document control, and field communication, supported by proprietary pre-construction tools, predictive cost modeling, cloud-based financial dashboards, and automated scheduling systems. These platforms improve accuracy, transparency, and collaboration across the project team.
Our core technology stack includes:
BIM 360:
Document control, RFIs, submittals, and revision management
Coordination of architecture, structure, and MEP
Field access for plans and updates
Pre-Construction Intelligence Tools:
Cost modeling and value engineering support
Feasibility and scenario planning
Cloud-Based Financial Dashboards:
Real-time budget visibility and forecasting
Scheduling & QC Systems:
Automated reminders for critical path items
Digital QC checklists and inspections
These systems help us build more efficiently and communicate clearly.
7.. What makes Vitruvius Built different from other luxury builders?
Vitruvius Built combines deep pre-construction rigor, <3% budget variance, limited active projects, elite architect/designer collaboration, and a human-centered approach informed by the founder’s background in emergency medicine. We focus on legacy homes, build science, and emotional intelligence for ultra-high-net-worth clients.
Key differentiators include:
Human-Centric Leadership
Founder’s 15-year emergency medicine background
Emphasis on calm decision-making, deep listening, and high-stakes communication
<3% Builder Variance
Measurable discipline from pre-construction to completion
Limited Active Workload
Only 6–7 projects at a time for true high-touch execution
Elite Collaboration Model
Work with top architects, interior designers, and owners’ reps
No “design-build shortcuts”
Intelligent Build Experience™
Framework that blends pre-construction rigor, build science, data modeling, and high-altitude expertise
UHNW Alignment
Process and communication calibrated for family offices, founders, C-suite, and global clients
8. Can Vitruvius Built take over a project mid-construction?
Yes, in select cases. Vitruvius Built may step into mid-construction projects where the structure is sound, financials can be reconciled, design intent is clear, and there are no major legal disputes. We focus on rebuilding clarity, trust, and structure for the remainder of the project.
We may assume projects midstream when:
The previous builder relationship has broken down
Structural work is sound and documented
Financials and contracts can be reviewed and aligned
DRC and permitting are in good standing
We typically decline projects with severe structural issues, unresolved litigation, or homes near completion where our involvement would not add value. When we do engage, we re-establish schedule, budget, and communication frameworks quickly.
9. Do you offer pre-construction services or feasibility studies?
Yes. Pre-construction and feasibility are central to Vitruvius Built’s process. We provide site walks, soils and feasibility review, cost modeling, structural and constructability input, DRC navigation, long-lead planning, and BIM 360 integration to eliminate most project risk before construction begins.
Pre-construction services often include:
Site and soils review with engineering partners
High-level and detailed cost modeling
Structural strategy alignment for the terrain and architecture
Constructability reviews to avoid redesign during construction
Community and DRC analysis and planning
Long-lead item identification and planning
BIM 360 setup and integration
Budget and schedule forecasting
We aim to remove 80% of project risk before breaking ground.
10. Do you offer warranties on luxury custom homes?
Yes. Vitruvius Built typically provides workmanship, systems, and structural warranties consistent with local standards, plus vendor-specific warranties. We also offer systems training, maintenance guidance, and ongoing post-occupancy support for long-term performance and peace of mind.
Typical coverage includes:
Workmanship Warranty (around 1 year)
Mechanical/Systems Warranty (around 2 years)
Structural Warranty (often 10 years where applicable)
In addition, we:
Provide comprehensive systems training and documentation
Coordinate manufacturer warranties for windows, roofing, appliances, etc.
Offer post-occupancy support and advisory for maintenance and upgrades
11. Is it better to buy a spec home or build custom?
Spec homes can offer speed and simplicity, but custom homes usually deliver better land orientation, personalization, long-term value, and alignment with your family’s needs. For legacy-level properties, custom building is often the better long-term choice.
12. When should I start the design phase?
You should start the design phase 6–12 months before you want to break ground. This allows time for architecture, engineering, DRC review, permitting, budgeting, and pre-construction planning without compressing decisions or schedules.
Team, Design
and Collaboration
At Vitruvius Built, we approach custom home building with an abundance mentality. Empowering our clients through clarity, transparency, and informed decision-making. The best homes are built when the right questions are encouraged and answered with care.
Building a custom home is a significant investment and a long-term, collaborative process, involving a dedicated team of experts entrusted with bringing your vision to life. Our role is to guide you through every step of the custom home building process, answer your questions, and reduce uncertainty so the experience feels seamless, confident, and genuinely enjoyable from start to finish.
1. Do you work with HOAs and Design Review Committees?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works directly with HOAs and Design Review Committees throughout design and pre-construction. We help coordinate approvals, anticipate common design concerns, align plans with community guidelines, and support architects and designers through each review cycle.
We collaborate regularly with HOAs, DRCs, and architectural review teams to ensure:
compliance with height, massing, and material guidelines
dark-sky rules
fire resilience requirements
envelope and view protections
We support architects by preparing DRC-ready submittal packages, coordinating revisions, and ensuring all plans meet community standards.
2. Do you work with outside architects and interior designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built exclusively works with outside architects, interior designers, and sometimes owners’ representatives. We do not provide architecture or interior design services; instead, we integrate deeply with your design team to ensure constructability, cost clarity, and excellent execution.
Our preferred and only operating structure is a collaborative team model. You choose (or we help you select) the architect, interior designer, and, when appropriate, an owners’ representative.
Vitruvius Built then:
Aligns the build process with the design vision
Provides constructability and cost feedback throughout design
Helps manage DRC and community approvals
Ensures that the final home reflects both the design intent and the realities of building at altitude
We build alongside the best design professionals in the country.
3. How does your team help clients make selections and finish decisions?
Vitruvius Built structures the selections process with clear timelines, cost visibility, and collaboration with your interior designer. We map selections early, track lead times, coordinate with vendors, and support out-of-state clients with photos, samples, and virtual reviews to keep the project on schedule and on budget.
Selections drive budget, timeline, and complexity, so we treat them as a managed process:
Early Selection Pathways
Map all major selections with due dates, dependencies, and lead times
Show cost impact for key decisions
Integration With Interior Designers
Designers own the creative vision
We support feasibility, budget checks, vendor scheduling, and procurement
BIM 360 Coordination
Visualize how finishes interact with structure and MEP
Reduce conflicts in the field
Vendor & Showroom Coordination
Organize visits and reviews with stone yards, millwork shops, cabinet makers, lighting vendors, and more
Remote Decision Support
High-res imagery, samples, video walk-throughs, and curated options
Ideal for out-of-state or international clients
4.. Do you build second homes, vacation homes, or investment properties?
Yes. Vitruvius Built focuses on legacy estates, multi-generational compounds, lifestyle hubs, primary residence relocations, and family operating-system homes. We rarely build purely investment-driven properties; most clients prioritize experience, family use, and long-term legacy over short-term returns.
Most projects fall into one or more of these categories:
Legacy estate
Multi-generational compound
Lifestyle hub or “mountain base camp”
Primary home relocation
Family operating system (a home that coordinates family life and gatherings)
While some clients may consider long-term value, our focus is on use, experience, and generational continuity, not spec or short-term investment product.
5. What architectural styles do you specialize in?
Vitruvius Built supports a range of high-end architectural styles, including modern mountain, alpine contemporary, quiet luxury modernism, Scandinavian-inspired mountain forms, redefined high-alpine lodge, and one-of-a-kind estate architecture. We do not provide architecture but help execute ambitious designs with build science and cost clarity.
We regularly build:
Modern Mountain & Alpine Contemporary: large glazing, steel-and-timber hybrids, natural materials, indoor–outdoor flow
Quiet Luxury Modernism: clean lines, stone and steel, warm interiors, gallery-like circulation
Scandinavian-Influenced Mountain Homes: soft woods, diffused light, wellness-focused spaces
High-Alpine Lodge (Modernized): expressive timbers, stone massing, hospitality-inspired interiors
Signature Estate Architecture: multi-structure compounds, wellness pavilions, earth-integrated forms
Our role is to help architects push design while ensuring constructability, performance, and compliance.
6. How do you design homes to maximize views, light, and landscape integration?
Vitruvius Built works with architects to optimize view corridors, daylight, and topography. We help confirm view axes, glazing strategies, shading, indoor–outdoor transitions, and structural solutions so the home feels connected to the land while performing well in Park City’s climate.
Key strategies include:
View Framing
Confirm primary and secondary views
Evaluate downhill vs uphill flow, privacy, and circulation
Daylight and Solar Control
Coordinate glazing performance and orientation
Engineer overhangs and shading systems
Manage solar gain and thermal loads
Indoor–Outdoor Connections
Large sliding or pocketing glass doors
Heated terraces and snow-melted patios
Outdoor rooms designed for year-round use
Topography Integration
Stepped floor plans and structural anchors
Drainage and retaining strategies
Protection of view corridors for adjacent lots
7. Do you assist with value engineering without compromising luxury or design intent?
Yes. Vitruvius Built treats value engineering as smart optimization, not cost cutting. We preserve design intent while refining structure, MEP systems, materials, glazing, and sequencing to achieve the same or better experience at a more efficient cost.
Our value engineering philosophy: Value Engineering ≠ Downgrading. We focus on:
Streamlining structural solutions (steel, timber, spans)
Optimizing MEP systems for performance and efficiency
Recommending alternate materials with similar aesthetics but better value or durability
Reducing unnecessary complexity while preserving key design features
Adjusting glazing strategies and massing for cost and performance
The goal is to protect the architectural and experiential vision while improving cost efficiency.
8. How do you incorporate steel, glass, stone, and natural materials into mountain architecture?
Vitruvius Built helps architects detail steel, glass, stone, and wood so they perform at altitude. Steel enables spans and cantilevers, glass frames views with high-performance assemblies, stone anchors homes to the land, and wood softens interiors. We focus on longevity, structure, and weather performance.
Steel:
Supports long spans and large openings
Enables cantilevered decks and roof forms
Critical for snow load and structural performance
Glass:
Large view-framing openings with triple-pane and low-E glass
Thermally broken frames and integrated steel portals
Stone:
Often locally sourced
Adds thermal mass and fire resilience
Visually grounds the home in the landscape
Wood:
Reclaimed or charred exteriors
Warm interior finishes in beams, ceilings, and millwork
Our job is to ensure these materials work structurally and environmentally in Park City.
9. What’s the difference between a “luxury builder” and a general contractor?
A general contractor focuses on building from plans. A true luxury builder like Vitruvius Built focuses on the entire experience: pre-construction rigor, low budget variance, high-touch communication, collaboration with top design teams, build science excellence, and long-term support for legacy-level homes.
General Contractor:
Builds from drawings
Often limited pre-construction involvement
Higher variance and reactive problem-solving
Luxury Builder (Vitruvius Built):
Deep pre-construction planning and feasibility work
<3% budget variance
Close partnership with top architects and designers
Limited active workload for high-touch oversight
Emphasis on emotional intelligence, communication, and legacy value
Long-term relationship beyond handoff
10. Do you work with international clients?
Yes. Vitruvius Built works with international clients, including buyers from Europe and Asia, and is experienced in remote communication, digital reviews, and coordinating design and construction decisions across time zones.
11. Can you recommend architects and designers?
Yes. Vitruvius Built regularly collaborates with top architects and interior designers across the U.S. and select international firms. We can provide a curated list of recommended partners tailored to your style, budget, and community.
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