MEET THE TEAM
LUIS A. MENENDEZ, AIA
President / Founder
Intending to enrich lives with the elegant beauty that arises from honest and simple design, Luis began his career in Los Angeles after completing his architectural studies. Subsequently, he and his wife Nasrin relocated to Aspen with the intention to practice architecture at a higher level while also enjoying a better quality of life for their family. Together they established their firm there in 2004.
Luis’ approach to design is sensitive, comprehensive, and aims always to fulfill a client’s needs. He is an attentive listener and is inspired by the same motivations that stir his clients. To arrive at designs that endure and gratify the human spirit, Luis rethinks assumptions, dissolves preconceptions, and explores beyond the obvious. He is active in all aspects of the process, overseeing each project from initial consultation to move-in day.
The firm’s success and high regard it has attained from clients and the local design and construction industry is attributed to Luis’ commitment and dedication to the highest standards for all work produced by the studio. Through excellence, Luis seeks to advance appreciation for the practice of architecture and to demonstrate its value to society and the built environment.
Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, but raised in Los Angeles, California, Luis received his Bachelor’s in Architecture from the esteemed Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) where he was steeped in artistic innovation and progressive exploration. He is licensed to practice architecture in California and Colorado. Although extremely serious about his responsibility to his chosen profession and his passion for transformative design, Luis’ warmth, good humor, and confidence impart a valuable sense of ease during the complexities of any project.
NASRIN NOURIAN MENENDEZ, ASID, NCIDQ
Co- Founder / Designer
A native of Tehran, Nasrin has long been fascinated by the intelligence of Persian architectural structures and designs and the infinite variety in the application of tile, its geometry and arrangement. Beautiful, detailed traditional calligraphy, miniature paintings, and the flowers and patterns woven into fabrics and rugs are equally inspiring, as are the literature and exuberant poetry of the past. For Nasrin, all evoke wonder and a rich lens through which to view the world.
Raised amidst the vibrant colors, patterns, textiles, and scents of her heritage, Nasrin’s innate sensibilities are soulful and deep. A gifted storyteller with her designs, Nasrin meticulously represents her client’s personalities and narrative while also reinforcing the architecture to create an all-encompassing and delightful environment. She believes color is a vital and powerful component for daily life and seeks to imbue it in all her work.
Nasrin holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from SCI-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) in Los Angeles, California. Her early career focused primarily on residential and commercial projects in California before she took time off to raise her family in Aspen. During this period she was active teaching students about her culture and volunteering extensively at her daughters’ school to support their education and those of others. Returning full time to her design career at Menendez Architects, Nasrin brings an energetic focus on interior architecture and decoration to the firm. She is an enthusiast of all the visual and performing arts and especially enjoys and is inspired by theatre, music, dance, and photography.
MARTIN TAFFARELLI, LEED AP BD+C
Project Manager
Martin is an accomplished Project Manager in charge of much of the production work at Menendez Architects. A dedicated member of the team, he brings over 16 years architectural experience to the work of the firm. Although he focuses primarily on residential projects now, Martin’s previous expertise encompassed a range of building types including luxury residential, community/civic, wineries, and government. As a LEED AP BD+C professional, he is responsible for all LEED related issues: research, sustainability goals, green strategies, and managing the LEED documentation process.
Martin earned his Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Mendoza, Argentina, where he is also a licensed architect. His allegiance to Menendez Architects and its clientele since 2007 is surpassed only by his devotion to his wife (a beloved school teacher) and their two children. Maintaining an active lifestyle, Martin relishes riding off-road bikes with the entire family on summer weekends, skiing in the winter, and CrossFit training year round.
CLIENT STORIES
"My wife and I hired Menendez Architects for two recent projects that have been completed within the last 5 years. Both projects required major alterations to two individual homes that already had very distinct architecture. These projects required the architect to seamlessly blend and honor the potential new additions with the flavor and design of the existing homes. In both instances, the finished product makes it impossible to determine where the "old" ended and the "new" began."
- The Bergers
"Luis Menendez and his associates worked their magic turning a 1970s A-frame into a 21st century contemporary mountain home for us. Their ideas were creative, they coordinated well with the general contractor and they were easy to work with. This was our first experience working with an architect and we didn't understand what an architect could bring to a project. We were pleasantly surprised and extremely pleased with the result."
- Bob Sirkus
"Luis Menendez and his architecture firm did outstanding work designing the full remodel of our Aspen Alps condominium. Luis is creative, responsive, reliable, knowledgeable, a gifted problem solver and a pleasure to work with. He also played a very valuable role selecting and managing our contractor, and ensuring the project stayed on track (in both budget and time) and met high quality standards. We would welcome opportunities to work with Luis again and recommend him without reservations."
- Reuben Rodriguez
COLLABORATORS
BUILDERS
PHOTOGRAPHERS
PLANNING / LAND USE CONSULTANTS
Davis Horn, Inc.
Haas Land Planning
Alan Richman Planning Services
LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS
MATERIAL SHOWROOMS
"As structural engineering consultants to Menendez Architects, we have a great appreciation for the quality of service and degree of professionalism of the firm. Menendez Architects produces extremely aesthetic and functional designs, tailored to the individual client's preferences and needs on the project. In addition, they take great care to detail every necessary condition on the project as well as coordinate all the disciplines to minimize questions and delays during construction. During construction, issues are addressed promptly and practically so as to keep the project on track. Contractors enjoy working under those conditions and that is reflected in the pricing. As engineers, we know any Menendez Architects project will be highly successful with minimal professional risk, and that is reflected in our pricing as well as level of service."
PUBLICATIONS
AWARDS + HONORS
