
LGA STUDIOS BLOG

ADUs: The Ultimate Guide for Colorado Homeowners
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are gaining popularity in Colorado Springs as versatile solutions for expanding living space, generating rental income, or accommodating family. Whether you’re looking to build a detached backyard cottage, convert your garage into a studio, or design a custom ADU that blends seamlessly with your home, this guide covers everything you need to know. From zoning laws and design ideas to budgeting tips and real-life success stories, LGA Studios shares insights to help you create a functional, stylish ADU that fits your lifestyle.

Designing a Dream ADU in Colorado Springs: Custom Design with Net-Zero Goals
Building a custom ADU in downtown Colorado Springs takes creativity, smart design, and sustainable solutions. See how LGA Studios helped clients bring their unique vision to life with a net-zero design featuring Faswall Blocks, a rooftop gazebo, and space for a baby grand piano. This project blends personal style with thoughtful energy efficiency — perfect for those seeking eco-friendly living solutions.

PART 3: Creating Homes for All – A Design Proposal for Affordable Housing in Colorado Springs
In this blog post, Larry Gilland explores a design experiment for affordable housing in Colorado Springs. By modernizing an old plan and optimizing space, he demonstrates how small homes can meet the demands of Millennials, Gen Z-ers, retirees, and Boomers. The proposal includes duplexes, single-family ranches, and carriage house ADUs, all within the existing R1-6000 zoning code. With attentive neighborhood design, cost-effective building techniques, and collaboration among industry professionals, it's possible to create affordable homes that are both functional and appealing. Discover how innovative solutions can address the ongoing challenge of affordable housing and contribute to a brighter future for Colorado Springs.

PART 2: HMX-1 – A Blueprint for Affordable Housing Collaboration Then and Now
Explore HMX-1, a groundbreaking housing model that sought to revolutionize affordable housing in the 1980s and still holds valuable lessons today. Part two of our affordable housing series discusses the power of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative design strategies to address the challenges of attainable housing. Learn how the HMX-1 model brought together experts in architecture, interior design, landscaping, and marketing to create smaller homes at higher densities, utilizing prefabricated materials and market research to increase affordability. Discover how these principles can guide architects, designers, and builders in shaping a more affordable and accessible future for housing.

PART 1: Affordable Housing in Colorado Springs – How Architects and Building Designers Can Help
As residential designers in Colorado Springs, we’re committed to finding creative solutions to the challenges faced by our community in securing affordable housing. In part one of this three-part blog series, Larry delves into the current state of affordable housing in Colorado Springs and invites dialogue as we discuss the obstacles, potential solutions, and the importance of collaboration in addressing this pressing issue. Discover how architects, designers, builders, and developers can shape a better future for affordable housing in Colorado Springs.

Designing a Home for Life: House Plans that Cater to Aging in Place
Good home design isn’t just about architectural style, proportions, and site orientation. It’s about thoughtful attention to you and to all those who will call this space home. Your home should meet your specific needs and allow you to live well, both now and in the future. The ability to stay in your home as you get older – to age in place – has a lot to do with how your floor plan functions.