From Foundation to Finish: Scott Rodwin on Building a Sustainable Architecture Firm
In this episode of What It Takes: Business Owners Tell All, we talk with Scott Rodwin, a leader in sustainable architecture and the founder of Rodwin Architecture and Skycastle Construction in Boulder, Colorado. Scott shares what it took to build a successful architecture and construction firm grounded in sustainability, design excellence, and community values.
If you’re interested in sustainable architecture, green building, or growing a purpose-driven business, this episode is packed with practical advice and inspiring insights.
🏗️ Scott Rodwin’s Journey into Sustainable Architecture
Scott’s entry into sustainable architecture wasn’t planned. After quitting a job unexpectedly in 1999, he landed his first client through a neighbor and a second through a friend. Those early projects — one a cabin and the other a sushi restaurant — won state and national awards.
“I didn’t have a plan. It was totally spontaneous… but I had a community, and that’s what saved me.”
This launched his career and led to the formation of Rodwin Architecture and its construction counterpart, Skycastle Construction.
🧰 Why Design-Build Is Core to Sustainable Architecture
Scott’s team combines architectural design and construction in-house — a model known as design/build — to create high-performance, environmentally responsible buildings.
“We take full responsibility for everything. Our clients love the idea of single-point responsibility — and in our industry, that’s unusual.”
This integrated approach helps maintain quality, cost control, and client satisfaction, a critical piece in executing sustainable architecture at a high level.
🌿 A Commitment to Green Building
Scott’s passion for green design began before “sustainable architecture” was even a recognized phrase. His first project used straw bale construction and won national recognition.
“We didn’t call it green building then. We just did it because it felt right.”
Today, his firm is known for designing and building LEED Platinum homes and regenerative commercial spaces. As the current President of AIA Colorado, Scott continues to influence the future of green design in the industry.
🤝 Collaboration and Culture in the Architecture Industry
Scott credits his firm’s long-term success to his people-first mindset — hiring experienced leaders, investing in young talent, and creating a team-driven culture.
“The most important thing when looking for a partner is not finding someone like you. It’s finding someone who complements your weak areas — and who you trust.”
His firm has had no internal political conflicts in over 20 years — a rarity in any business.
📉 Surviving Recessions Through a Sustainable Model
In the 2008 recession, Scott avoided layoffs by cutting hours company-wide instead of letting people go.
“We rise together, we sink together. That’s the culture we’ve built.”
This mindset helped his business stay intact during multiple economic downturns — and thrive again when the economy recovered.
🔁 Giving Back Through Teaching and Advocacy
From teaching green design to city planning boards and mentoring young architects, Scott sees giving back as essential to the success of sustainable architecture.
“We all do better when we share knowledge. Scarcity and fear have no place in our industry.”
Even competitors have approached him over the years to thank him for openly sharing insights that helped them succeed.
🧠 What It Takes to Be a Business Owner
To close out the episode, we asked our signature question: What does it take to be a business owner today?
Scott’s answer:
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Find your passion.
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Build your community.
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Create true partnerships within your business.
“Our community efforts created a general field of awareness. That made us resilient, even without spending much on marketing.”
🔗 Learn More About Scott Rodwin
🌐 Website: rodwinarch.com
📸 Instagram: @rodwinarch
📍 Location: Boulder, Colorado
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