Beauty knows no bounds. Move Matter / Architects, an architecture and interior design firm based in Eagle, finds magnificence in the mundane and elevates the ordinary to new heights. Founded by Emily Arden Wells and Zac Stevens, an edgy and innovative duo who believe in the transformative power of beauty.
For Stevens and Arden Wells, architecture is more than just buildings — it’s about creating spaces that enhance the human experience and the client’s relationship with their home. Each project is infused with a sense of purpose and vision, from luxury remodels to multi-family housing to affordable developments.
River Grand Residences in Glenwood Springs
Beauty and well-thought-out design elements can change a family’s life, Arden Wells explains. It’s why they analyze where the light hits, how to frame the mountain views and where to position the building to capture the spirit of the space, finding the perfect balance between form and function. Every element and angle choice is made to harmonize with its surroundings, from the exterior footprint to the interior flow.
Stevens and Arden Wells’ cosmopolitan expertise shines through their design. Fabrics, fixtures and colors are carefully chosen to create luxurious modern mountain spaces. Rooms radiate richness while meeting the client’s vision and budget. It’s a careful balancing act that Move Matter gracefully juggles.
A project always has restraints: space, budget or county building codes. But within those limitations lie the seeds of creativity. By focusing on the irreducible elements, the critical characteristics that embody the soul of a space, the architects unearth the essence of each project, infusing it with a distinct character that sets it apart.
The team at Move Matter / Architects, from left: Kristie Volskis, Emily Arden Wells, Zac Stevens
For Move Matter, compromise is not a setback — it’s an opportunity for innovation. Constraints become catalysts for creativity, driving the team to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of design. It’s about embracing the unexpected and finding beauty in the most unlikely places. “There will always be something unexpected, but another idea will evolve. It’s just part of the design process,” Stevens says. Budget and design are a constant push and pull, but the team looks for efficiencies to put a fresh spin on the space.
The Liftside Penthouse, located slopeside in Cascade Village, is a beautiful blend of imagination and innovation. The team reconfigured the interior, moving walls and stairs to relocate the primary bedroom with a luxurious en-suite to the main level. A grand, open living area is centered around a large stone fireplace, while the dining room is framed by a custom wet bar hidden behind sliding doors.
Kristie Volskis, lead architect for the project, describes the inspiration for the luxury interiors as a soft, snowy mountain aesthetic complimented with dark, graphic elements to create an urban abode. “One of the most gratifying things,” Volskis explains, “is finding the perfect connection between the materials to create a cohesive space.” From finding flooring that ties the colors of a room together to sourcing a stone with a sheen that catches the light, the talented team masterfully weaves a story of beauty and grace into every space.
Photos courtesy of Move Matter / Architects
But Move Matter’s commitment to beauty extends beyond luxury homes. From multi-family townhomes to affordable housing projects, they are paving the way for a more accessible future. Budget can still be beautiful, as seen in their work for the Wapiti Commons, a Habitat for Humanity housing development in Rifle. “Even an affordable project should have an element of magic to it,” Arden Wells asserts.
Their inclusive approach to beautiful design is a fresh take from a young firm gaining traction in the Vail Valley. They may be new talent, but their move to the mountains after almost a decade of designing in New York City wasn’t just a professional decision — it was a homecoming.
Arden Wells’ roots run deep in the Vail Valley. She grew up racing with the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail and attended the Vail Ski and Snowboard Academy in Minturn. Stevens and Arden Wells connected in graduate school, where he blended his background in art with architectural design. Together, the duo saw an opportunity in the Vail Valley to carve out a niche for themselves and reconnect with Arden Wells’ skiing community.
As Move Matter continues to make its mark on the community, one thing is clear: their approach to design is as refreshing as it is transformative. In a county surrounded by stunning scenery, Move Matter / Architects continues moving the needle on beauty between four walls.
