Meet Josh Oqueli | Architect + Builder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Josh Oqueli and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Josh, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
You don’t know unless you try. And if you really want something, you keep on trying until you get it.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
BONSAI is an Architect-Led Design+Build firm (ALDB). This alone puts us in a different category than most Design Build firms, as most are a General Contractor that hires or subcontracts a designer or draftsman to round-out their projects. In an ALDB firm, the prime consultant to the client is the Architect, so there is one point of contact or firm responsible for the entire project. This approach to delivering building is more efficient and cost effective for the client. Much less stressful too! As the Architect + General Contractor of the project, BONSAI works with the client directly to come up with a design, we are responsible for documenting + engineering that design and are also the ones engaging with the trades and craftsmen who are going to bring that design to reality. This streamlines the lines of communication, makes for much more informed and complete estimates for initial budget building and makes for more efficient design intent execution. BONSAI is also a leading firm when it comes to sustainable design and construction. We are a Passive House Certified Design and Builder through the Passive House Institute (PHI) in Germany. The Europeans are a bit ahead of us in building and material sciences, thus the Passive House building technique is widespread in Europe. We Americans are just starting to scratch the surface, as most of our buildings are leaky and energy inefficient. When the Passive House principles are applied correctly in new or rehabilitation construction, a building requires very little energy input to operate and remains constantly comfortable as there is minimal thermal energy or air loss. This means WAY cheaper utility bills and more durable buildings. Biotecture is also a design + building technique that is making a splash on the architecture scene. Championed by New Mexico Architect, Michael Reynolds “Earthships.” The principles of radically efficient and self sustaining buildings is unparalleled, and like Passive House principles, if applied correctly – Biotecture is proving to not only shelter humans, but sustain them as well! In this ever more tumultuous world, it is clear that a change is required in the way humans live on planet earth, to more harmonious and sustainable lifestyles. This starts with the structures we call our homes. BONSAI is a leading firm in working with the Biotecture principles, and is working to bring these radically sustainable structures to the market!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We would definitely find a few good shows. A punk rawk show at the Filmore or the Ogden, a musical or a play at Denver’s Center for the Performing Arts, if we time the visit just right, we might check out the Bonsai exhibit at the Botanical Gardens. I’m not much of a meat eater, but I do enjoy a good hamburger every once in a while, so we might have to visit Park Burger in the Highlands!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Friends, & family for the love and support. Universal laws, especially the law of attraction. The Power of Now is good book to live by and Ron Paul as a life coach!

Website: bonsaidesignbuild.com

Instagram: @bonsaidesignbuild

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/bonsai-design-build

Twitter: @Bonsai_DB

Image Credits
Maria Jose Mora Daniel + Daniel O’Connor