Colorado’s Top Rated Local® Architect Award Winner: Steve Gates Architect

We are proud to announce that Steve Gates Architect is a 2018 Top Rated Local® award winner, due to the phenomenal 96.0 Rating Score™ and excellent reviews. Here are a couple of our favorites:

“Steve Gates and his team are exceptional. I’ve designed and built several homes, and working with Steve was the best experience I’ve had. Because he was both the architect and the builder, there were none of the “lost in translation” issues between designer and builder that are all too common. Steve is a better architect because he is a builder and a better builder because he is an architect. Steve plans the work and works the plan — no surprises regarding budget, schedule, or quality. And, unlike many architects, Steve and his team are not afraid of interior design — to the contrary, they focus heavily on the functionality of the space. I give Steve and his team my unconditional endorsement.” -Robert D.

“Working with Steve Gates and his team has been a wonderful experience. He has designed for us a beautiful modern home that captures panoramic views east over Pagosa Springs to the mountains. He planned our energy-conscious home to have a low-profile on a hilly terrain and incorporated local elements, like slate and wood, that blend well with the surrounding environment. Steve’s process of discussing ideas for placement, spaces, and materials, through concept sketches and detailed design to building, execution with E-Terra has been interactive, stress-free and smooth. Steve and his team take the time to explain their work clearly while listening and responding quickly to our questions and suggestions. We truly appreciate their professionalism, dedication and timely build schedule and do recommend them highly to anyone looking to design and build a beautiful, unique home.” -Annette and Michael U.

Office manager, Lisa Gates, took the time to speak with us regarding the company’s success and online reputation.

What is your secret to such a strong online reputation?

We make sure to ask our clients for reviews and control the process as much as possible. Providing awesome work and building great relationships is huge.

What makes you different? In other words, if you had one minute to sell somebody on why they should choose you, what would you say?

Our passion and dedication to perfection, even in the smallest details, is what makes us truly different. We really want to give our clients the very best.

Why do you do what you do? In other words, what is your mission and/or how do you attempt to make the world a better place?

Our mission is simple — to make Durango a more beautiful place to live and improve our community.

Outside of building a strong online reputation, what else do you do to market and grow your business?

We stay active in our community, doing things like fundraising and working with local schools. Also, our office stands out. Because we’re in a visual business, that can really draw people in.

What advice do you have for other businesses trying to build a strong online reputation and grow their business?

Keep personal and political views separate from your business and maintain the highest level of professionalism anywhere people can find you online.


Thank you for your time, Lisa! We appreciate you speaking with us. Congratulations to and your entire team on your 2018 top Rated Local award.

If you are in need of expert architectural services in Durango, Colorado, we highly recommend Steve Gates. You can learn more here.

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