Specializing in the design of mountain resorts, destinations and communities, International Alpine Design (IAD) is a multi-disciplinary planning firm dedicated to creating innovative, responsible solutions for projects in alpine environments.
Built on Experience
IAD took shape in the late 70’s when Founding Partner Mike Larson began working as part of the operations team at Vail Mountain and later as the planning director for Vail Resorts. After designing and implementing the vision for the now highly successful Beaver Creek and Bachelor Gulch, as well as the master plans for Vail, Breckenridge and Keystone Resorts, IAD was formed. The firm has since built and maintained a strong reputation as an internationally recognized consulting group in the planning and design of resort, recreation and community projects.
Customized Approach
As comprehensive master planners, IAD has the unique ability to carefully guide a client’s idea from an initial vision to a successful development strategy. During this design process, IAD utilizes a multitude of professionals in the land planning, landscape architecture, architecture, engineering, operations, economic and strategic services fields to provide a collaborative team that can meet the contextual goals of each project. We offer design services for a wide array of mountain projects, from resorts, ski areas and base villages to lifestyle properties and mixed-use communities. Each project we undertake, regardless of scope or size, receives practical, integrated solutions that are cost effective, user-friendly, constructible and sustainable.
International Expertise
IAD's projects can be found throughout the world in places like Scandinavia, Europe, Asia and South America; the Patagonian Andes, the Himalayas and Rocky Mountains; as well as in destinations throughout the United States. We value the magnificence of these mountain environments and are committed to sustaining the intrinsic character that draws people to them. We understand the unique lifestyle and cultural needs of these mountain destinations, resorts and communities. We also realize that in these complex, sensitive environments, equally sensitive planning and design solutions are required. We believe that embracing and respecting these elements is our responsibility and is essential to the sustainability of the world’s memorable mountain destinations.
Valued Relationships
Our extensive experience in developing successful mountain resorts and communities while maintaining a boutique firm profile gives IAD a distinct and unique appeal to our clients. We regularly visit our clients nationally and abroad, providing personalized service for every project we engage. We have created many notable and recognizable destinations around the world, but place the highest value on the strong relationships that we develop with our clients and the journey we take together.
Our Firm