About Us

mostly the same

For over 26 years, The Portfolio Group has been creating distinctive custom mountain homes throughout Colorado, particularly in Estes Park and the surrounding Rocky Mountain regions. Our design-build firm has earned recognition for our "vernacular mountain" architecture, embracing styles such as Rustic Arts & Crafts, Log & Timber, and Mountain Eclectic.

Our award-winning projects (View Awards & Credentials) showcase our commitment to finely-crafted, highly-styled houses that perfectly complement their mountain settings while reflecting each client's unique vision.

Our Unique Approach

At The Portfolio Group, we embrace the uniqueness of each project and client. No two homes or homeowners are alike, and we wouldn't have it any other way. While our extensive experience informs our process, we approach each new project with a clean slate and an open mind. This philosophy has allowed us to successfully execute countless first-time ideas, resulting in truly one-of-a-kind residences.

Our strategic advantage lies in our integrated design-build approach. By combining architectural design and construction under one roof, we offer our clients exceptional cost information during the design process and ensure that every designed feature is executed exactly as intended. Simply put, there isn't anyone more qualified to build your custom home than the team that designed it. To learn more about our unique approach, visit our Design & Construction Process page.

Our Team

BETTY NICKEL brings 26 years of experience in residential projects across Colorado and Chicago's North Shore. As co-founder of The Portfolio Group, Betty approaches architecture as lifestyle, staying at the forefront of residential design trends and finish products. She takes the lead in plan development with a special focus on livability, personally designing all kitchens and bathrooms in our projects. Betty completed her graduate work at the University of Illinois Graduate School of Architecture after undergraduate studies at Northwestern University.

Steve Nickel contributes 24 years of experience in architecture and custom home building, plus 11 years in strategic planning and consulting. Steve is thoroughly involved in the design of all Portfolio projects, handling structural work, elevations, and detailed elements. He maintains overall project management and financial responsibility to Portfolio's clients. Steve's educational background includes undergraduate work at the Boston Architectural Center and graduate studies at the Graduate School of Business, Babson College in Wellesley, Massachusetts.

Our Construction Team is led by experienced professionals who understand the intricate details of mountain home construction. Critical to our ability to execute homes "as designed" are our strong relationships with skilled carpentry subcontractors, including former employees of The Portfolio Group. We carefully select the most professional and experienced subcontractors available in the Estes Valley and Colorado Front Range, maintaining quality partnerships that ensure exceptional craftsmanship in every home we build.

Vernacular Mountain Architecture BROCHURE

Browse our collection of Rustic Arts & Crafts, Logs & Timbers, and Mountain Eclectic designs. This visual resource showcases The Portfolio Group's award-winning mountain homes and our modern interpretations of classic architectural styles throughout Colorado.

Download Your Free Guide Here

Kind Words From a few of OuR Clients

A Tremendous "Library House"

“I chose Betty and Steve Nickel for architectural design, having built a cabin in Allenspark for our family in the mid-90's. I knew them to be talented and capable, with 20+ years of experience in designing and building mountain houses. Betty and Steve took my desire to build a substantial library into the home and to build their design around that idea. The result is going to be a tremendous home, unique and beautiful. I hope this Estes Homestead will be a magnet to my family and friends who also love Estes Park and the Rocky Mountains.”

- Peter Estes

Estes Park, Colorado

A Gift Given

“Tis' the season for giving special thanks! We’ve been in the house since May 25th, and are indeed happy and comfortable here. You were the one’s responsible for taking our uninformed ideas and imperfect sketches and creating an actual house out of all we offered. You were able to really get inside our heads and you did it so well that we assume not only is it because of study and training, but a gift given. With deep appreciation and affection.”

- Tom & Sandy Ewing

Estes Park, Colorado

Even My Puppy Appreciates Your Design!

“I am just moved into My beautiful new Betty & Steve house. Everyone loves it! Including my wild man Tucker. He has several beds along the bank of windows so he can be the watch-puppy of the whole back yard. I am thrilled! The layout is unique and perfect for my needs. The room sizes and proportions are just right. The big windows are just what I was looking for with the intimate connection to the property and views to the north. The living room is even taller than I was imagining. It is perfect.”

- Sally Kile

Fort Collins, Colorado

Get Expert Guidance on Your Mountain Home Project

Wondering what's possible for your mountain home project? Betty and Steve are offering a free 30-minute consultation where they will listen to your ideas, provide expert feedback, and outline clear next steps for your project.

Whether you're remodeling or building new, you'll gain valuable insights from designers who have been transforming Estes Valley properties for over 26 years. Limited to just 2 sessions monthly – don't miss your opportunity.

Schedule Your Free Consultation