Design Narrative & Hospitality Identity

Buck’s design is a thoughtful blend of heritage, texture, and place‑based storytelling. The architectural centerpiece is a custom ski wall — a rhythmic and visually striking installation that reflects Aspen’s alpine culture and outdoor legacy. This layering of narrative and material anchors the space and gives guests an immediate sense of belonging — as though they’ve stepped into a contemporary lodge with deep historic memory. 

The carefully curated interior palette expresses a balance of rugged and refined, where timeless memory meets modern hospitality. Reclaimed elements from Aspen institutions — including tables salvaged from the historic Red Onion and stained‑glass windows revived from the Crystal Palace — imbue the design with character and authenticity. A stone gabion wall provides tactile contrast, marrying organic texture with warm finishes and thoughtful lighting. 

“We wanted Buck to feel instantly familiar — like you’ve been coming here for years,” says Katie Hmielowski, Project Manager & Architectural Designer. “That meant crafting warmth through material memory and mountain rhythm — architecture that responds to Aspen’s lifestyle.”

This sense of “familiar yet new” is critical to Buck’s success as a space that invites conversation, connection, and celebration — whether for après‑ski gatherings, dinner with friends, or late‑night socializing.