About
We know good design is achieved through collaboration and inspiration. We are a team of architects, explorers, problem solvers, and artists – united by our passion for design. We bring a variety of interests to the table and value what makes us unique individuals. Collectively, we have over 70 years of experience in residential and commercial architecture. Our team believes in using this experience to serve our clients and the communities in which we reside through well-crafted design and the integrity in our work.
Team
Brian Sipes
AIA, LEED AP
FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
Brian is another Midwest transplant who got here as soon as he could. Now after nearly 30 years living and practicing architecture in the Vail Valley, he may almost be a local. Brian created Sipes Architects to be a firm of curious people passionate about design and its ability to enrich our client’s lives and who are willing to push each other to continuously learn and polish our craft. He loves custom homes and renovations because of the very real impact they have and the relationships they foster with our clients. He also enjoys the design freedom and exploration of ideas involved with working directly with the people who will inhabit the spaces we create. His career has included work on restaurants, ski and golf clubhouses and facilities and resort condo and hotel buildings.
Brian enjoys traveling and spending time with his family even though they often get annoyed at his constant critique of buildings and the hotels they stay in. Food is a key ingredient to his travels, and he enjoys exploring the world’s cuisine. It goes without saying that he spends as much time outside as possible in our wonderful Colorado mountains skiing, hiking, biking, exploring, etc.
Todd Biekkola
AIA, LEED AP
PARTNER
Todd grew up in Wisconsin and enjoyed spending summers at the family cottage exploring the water, forest, and fields. After 10 years in Minneapolis studying Architecture and working at some architecture firms, Todd moved to the Vail Valley in 2003. Now, a partner at Sipes Architects, Todd loves the design process involved with designing homes for people. Architecture involves extensive problem solving, creative design solutions, bringing together different dreams and expectations.
Outside of architecture, Todd enjoys Colorado’s blue-sky days by going up and down hills on his skis, following a paved or dirt route on his road bike or mountain bike or running the local trails. Todd is also a member of the Eagle Valley Land Trust Board.
Brandt Shwayder
LEED AP
SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER
Brandt brings to the studio over two decades of experience in custom residential and hospitality-focused commercial architecture in Colorado. He has a passion for 3d modeling and visualization as well as a focus on attention to detail in design and construction.
Beyond architectural design, Brandt is an avid automobile enthusiast, beer geek and a home coffee roaster. He enjoys spending time with his family and traveling to beautiful places, especially wine country in California and the beaches and mountains of Hawai’i.
Brandt holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree from University of Colorado, Boulder and a Master of Architecture degree from University of Colorado, Denver. He attained LEED AP accreditation in 2009.
Danielle Hrdina
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Danielle began her journey in architecture in her hometown, Columbia at the University of Missouri. After graduating with a Bachelor of Human Environmental Science degree, she moved to Denver to pursue the active lifestyle she is passionate about. In 2022, Danielle joined Sipes Architects and completed her Master of Architecture degree. She is currently collecting NCARB hours and studying for licensure. Danielle has several years of custom residential experience and is passionate about crafting meaningful spaces for clients. She finds the creative challenge of problem solving and collaboration to be the most exciting part of working in the design field. Beyond her interest in all the outdoor activities that Colorado offers, Danielle finds joy in creating watercolor and pastel artworks, reading, playing the piano, and illustrating books.
