Stephen Busto has spent his career exploring the intersection of architecture, interiors, and the stories spaces tell. He earned a Bachelor of Interior Design from Colorado State University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado Denver, building a multidisciplinary foundation that continues to shape his thoughtful approach to design.

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As a Senior Interior Designer at Z Group, Stephen brings more than 25 years of professional experience, and his career has taken him from Denver to the Pacific Northwest, Manhattan, and Miami Beach, allowing him to contribute to projects ranging from luxury hospitality and high-end residential design to nationally recognized commercial interiors. His award-winning work has been featured in publications including Architectural Record, Condé Nast Traveler, Interior Design, VMSD, Modern Luxury Magazine, Seattle Homes & Lifestyles, and Better Homes & Gardens. Stephen believes the most meaningful interiors are rooted in their surroundings and shaped by the people who inhabit them. As he says, "Do not design for anyplace. Design for a place. There is a difference."

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Outside the studio, Stephen is an avid student of design in all its forms. His interests span art, architecture, interior design, antiques, the history of interiors, sketching, fashion, and ornithology—each reflecting a lifelong curiosity about craftsmanship, culture, and the natural world. Whether exploring museums, hiking mountain trails, kayaking Colorado's rivers, or camping under open skies, he continually finds inspiration in both the built and natural environments. 

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Education

University of Colorado, Denver

Master of Architecture,​ 1999​

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Colorado State University

Bachelor of Interior Design, 1995​​

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Community Affiliations

Member of Carbondale Arts