About the practice

Residential design with architectural depth, grounded in construction experience.

Residential design informed by field experience, building science, architectural detailing, and a commitment to clear documentation.

Portrait of Michael Cozart — Michael Cozart · Founder and Residential Building Designer

Michael Cozart comes from a multigenerational construction family and has operated his residential design practice since 2010. As a credentialed residential design professional, his work includes custom-home design, architectural plans, coordinated construction documents, building science, and construction-phase support.

His hands-on background includes framing, concrete, HVAC, plumbing, finish work, and other aspects of residential construction. That field experience gives him a practical understanding of how a design is assembled, coordinated, and built.

At the center of Michael's work is a genuine love of problem-solving, science, and art. He is drawn to the proportions, rhythm, and relationships that give a building visual interest while allowing its spaces to feel settled, protective, and welcoming—a sense of refuge. Technical inquiry, artistic composition, and practical problem-solving form the foundation of good architecture.

Michael continually pursues current developments in building science, construction technology, codes, and industry best practices. His work emphasizes practical design, durable assemblies, energy-conscious construction, and clear, coordinated construction documents.

He also collaborates with an established Denver architecture practice on selected commercial projects.

Salida Plan Studio is a residential design studio led by Michael Cozart, a Certified Professional Building Designer and Certified Passive House Designer. His expertise informs the studio's residential architectural design and custom home plans and high-performance mountain-home planning.

Homeowners comparing residential architects and building designers can review our guide to choosing a mountain home designer in Salida. Look for experience, design ability, and a working relationship that suits your home.

Professional standing

Professional Credentials

Michael's professional qualifications include examination-based certifications, specialized certificate programs, and professional memberships reflecting verified experience, technical study, continuing education, and involvement in residential design, construction documentation, building science, and project delivery.

Certification

Certified Professional Building Designer

National Council of Building Designer Certification (NCBDC)

The principal independent certification of Michael’s residential building-design competency. Administered by the National Council of Building Designer Certification, CPBD requires verified professional experience and/or qualifying education, satisfaction of certification requirements, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. The certification evaluates residential design, building systems, construction documentation, codes, and professional practice.

Certificate designation

Certified Residential BIM Manager (BIM-R)

American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

An AIBD certificate-program designation focused on managing building information modeling for residential work. Building information modeling is a coordinated digital process used to maintain consistency among plans, elevations, sections, details, schedules, and project information as design and documentation develop. The designation reflects specialized training in the organization, coordination, and management of residential BIM workflows.

Certification

Construction Documents Technologist (CDT)

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

Earned by passing CSI’s Construction Documents Technologist examination. CDT verifies knowledge of the organization and interpretation of construction documents, specifications, procurement and contractual information, product information, and responsibilities within project delivery. Its scope centers on clear communication among owners, designers, consultants, contractors, and manufacturers.

Certification

Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA)

Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

Earned by meeting CSI’s eligibility requirements and passing the Certified Construction Contract Administrator examination. CCCA covers construction-phase contract administration, including submittals, requests for information, substitutions, applications for payment, observations, claims, change documentation, and evaluation of conformance with the contract documents. Unlike CDT’s focus on organizing project information, CCCA addresses its application during construction.

Certification

Certified Passive House Designer

Passive House Institute

Michael earned this Passive House Institute qualification through its Designer examination. The credential covers Passive House methodology, energy balance, thermal-envelope design, airtightness, thermal-bridge reduction, high-performance windows and doors, ventilation, comfort, and energy efficiency. That knowledge informs the studio’s approach to comfort, enclosure detailing, and energy-efficient design.

Certificate of completion

Residential HVAC Design

Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)

A Residential HVAC Design certificate issued by the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA). The program covers residential heating and cooling load calculations, equipment selection, air-distribution design, system coordination, and quality-installation principles.

Professional membership

Associate AIA

American Institute of Architects

Associate AIA is a professional membership classification of the American Institute of Architects for individuals actively pursuing architectural licensure. It supports continued professional education, engagement with architectural practice, and collaboration within the broader architectural community.

Professional membership

Professional Member, American Institute of Building Design

American Institute of Building Design

Professional membership in the American Institute of Building Design reflects active engagement in residential building design and participation in the national professional community serving building designers. Membership supports continuing education, professional resources, peer collaboration, ethical practice, and ongoing involvement in the development of the residential design profession.