Z Group Celebrates Place & Community at the 2025 ACES Harvest Party

Z Group Architecture & Interior Design
Oct 3
3 min read

Celebrating Place, Purpose, and People

Each October, as golden leaves blanket the valley floor and the scent of apples and woodsmoke drifts through the air, Rock Bottom Ranch becomes more than a gathering place — it becomes a celebration of connection. On October 4th, Z Group Architecture & Interior Design was proud to sponsor the 2025 ACES Harvest Party, a community tradition that brings together families, farmers, musicians, and conservation leaders from across the Roaring Fork Valley.

This year’s festivities included cider pressing, pumpkin carving, hayrides, local food, live music, and the ever-popular mechanical bull — a station proudly supported by Z Group.

Z Group sponsor sign at mechanical bull station during the ACES Harvest Party, set in the fall landscape of Colorado.

Our team was there, alongside hundreds of attendees, to celebrate shared values: respect for land, support for local ecology, and deep community engagement. We didn’t just sponsor the event — we participated in the spirit of it.

Why We Support ACES

At Z Group, we believe that architecture begins with listening to the land, to the stories of those who live there, and to the rhythms of nature. Our ongoing partnership with the Aspen Center for Environmental Studies (ACES) reflects this approach.

ACES’ mission aligns with our design philosophy in three important ways:

Site sensitivity — design that responds to its natural surroundings
Enduring impact — creating spaces with long-term meaning and usability
Environmental stewardship — integrating sustainable solutions rooted in place

“Nature teaches rhythm, patience, and permanence — all qualities we aim to reflect in our work,” says Principal & Director of Design, Scott McHale. “Supporting ACES is a natural extension of our belief that architecture should enhance—not impose upon—its environment.”

Whether working on a ranch retreat, wellness campus, or civic pavilion, we carry these principles into every phase of our process.

A Glimpse into the Day

The Harvest Party was filled with moments that reminded us why we do what we do: children gathered under the cider tent, bluegrass music echoing through the barn, and carved pumpkins glowing beneath the willow tree.

Pumpkin carving station beneath a willow tree at ACES Harvest Party, reflecting family fun and seasonal celebration.

Children and families gather around apple cider pressing booth at ACES Harvest Party 2025, sponsored by Z Group Architecture & Interior Design.

Live bluegrass music and kids dancing under barn rafters at Rock Bottom Ranch Harvest Party in Carbondale, Colorado.

For our team, these moments reflect what it means to build for community—not just through buildings, but through participation and partnership.

Rooted in the Roaring Fork Valley

With over 70 years of practice in Aspen and throughout the Mountain West, Z Group’s work is shaped by a deep respect for the region. Our partnership with ACES continues a legacy of supporting local organizations that preserve and enhance the ecosystems and cultures within which we live and design.

We design for the generations to come—those who will walk these valleys, gather under these trees, and find meaning in spaces that honor both beauty and responsibility.

FAQ: Z Group + Community Design

Why does Z Group sponsor events like the ACES Harvest Party?

At Z Group, we believe architecture is about more than buildings — it's about building community. Sponsorships, such as the ACES Harvest Party, enable us to support organizations that do meaningful, on-the-ground work in education, ecology, and cultural connection. These partnerships are an extension of our philosophy: that design should reflect a shared commitment to place, people, and legacy.

Does Z Group offer pro bono or community-focused design services?

Yes, when the vision aligns. We occasionally collaborate with nonprofits, land trusts, and mission-driven initiatives on design solutions that expand access to environmental learning, honor community identity, or protect natural landscapes. These projects are typically rooted in the belief that thoughtful architecture can support equity, healing, and stewardship.

Is Z Group a fit for civic or cultural work, beyond private homes?

Absolutely. While we are known for high-end residential design, we are equally passionate about civic and cultural projects — especially those that tell a story, engage the public, or elevate a region’s character. Our experience spans visitor centers, nature-based learning environments, institutional master plans, town halls, and community gathering spaces across the Western Slope and beyond.

Can clients outside of Aspen work with your team?

Yes. Many of our clients live part-time in the Rockies or steward properties across states and continents. We are adept at working with family offices, public-private partners, and global stakeholders, often collaborating remotely with the same care, clarity, and sensitivity as we do in person. What matters most to us is shared vision and values — not ZIP codes.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this year’s event, we’re reminded that architecture isn’t just about space — it’s about spirit. It’s about honoring the seasons, supporting those who care for the land, and shaping places that carry meaning.

Z Group is honored to continue our partnership with ACES, and we look forward to the next opportunity to engage with the people and organizations that make this valley extraordinary.

👉 Contact Us to begin designing your legacy.

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👉 Explore ACES to learn how you can get involved.