Known for its natural wonders and stunning landscape, Arizona offers its residents great trails, campsites, and other opportunities for adventure. Residents here make the most out of this beautiful scenery and often go for homes designed in some of the most beautiful contemporary and cutting-edge themes. From single-story homes that sit in the middle of the Arizona desert to geometric houses that sit nestled into mountain sides, Arizona is rich with interesting residential architecture.
This list is a showcase of 20 of the state’s best and leading architects behind some of the most outstanding homes and spaces. These companies were chosen based on their experiences, portfolios, and backgrounds. Several of them are also the recipient of countless industry accolades and magazine features.
Ibarra Rosano Design Architects
2849 E Sylvia Street, Tucson, AZ 85716
Ibarra Rosano offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architectural services and showcases expertise for a variety of designs. It is led by its founders and namesakes, Teresa Rosano and Luis Ibarra. Rosano is a Tucson native and grew up in an environment where arts and ceramics flourished. Since establishing the firm, she has become known as one of Arizona’s leading practitioners and has had the opportunity to serve on numerous national design competition juries and panel discussions. She is also a part of the Southern Arizona American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors. On the other hand, Ibarra graduated from the University of Arizona College of Architecture, where he was head of his class and studied with Pritzker Prize Award-winning Australian architect Glenn Murcutt. Under his leadership, the firm makes use of socially and environmentally responsible methods.
The firm is the proud recipient of various distinctions from the AIA. Its work has also been featured in impressive publications like the Wall Street Journal and Dwell. Depicted above is the company’s work on the Levin Residence. Completed in collaboration with Process Design Build, this project showcases an infusion of its interiors and landscape. It features exquisite finishes, long halls, and elegant floor-to-ceiling windows.
Kendle Design Collaborative
6115 N Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
Headquartered in Scottsdale, Kendle Design Collaborative is an internationally renowned firm best known for its sleek modern designs. Founded in 2002, the firm is led by Brent Kendle along with his senior team of architects and designers including Cathleen Kebert, Jeffrey Martin and Richard Van Horne. Kendle established the firm and credits his influences to his early years spent admiring the works of the late and lauded architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work is spread across the US and abroad. Under his and his talented staff’s supervision, the company makes use of a blend of old-school techniques with state-of-the-art technology. The firm’s work has been featured in publications like Luxe, Phoenix Home and Garden, in addition to various books and design journals.
Depicted above is one of the firm’s projects. Spanning over 5,500 square feet, this home is located in the heart of Scottsdale. Dubbed in its portfolio as the Bird’s Nest Residence, this home depicts strong geometric forms combined with outstanding materials. Our editorial team loved its clean simplicity and unique finishes.
Urban Design Associates
8150 North 86th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Urban Design Associates’ best work can be seen in the most sought-after communities in Scottsdale and in Phoenix. The team offers its clientele a complete and comprehensive range of residential architecture services. With over four decades of industry experience, the firm is composed of a talented and experienced team of professionals. At its helm is Principal Architect, Jessica Hutchison-Rough. Jessica’s expertise shines with her contemporary design sense blended with the firm’s signature Organic Pueblo style. UDA utilizes an interactive design process that brings the client’s vision to life. Consequently, the firm has been the proud recipient of over 30 Best in American Living Distinctions, in addition to 16 Gold Nugget Awards.
Depicted above is UDA’s Prairie Pine Residence Project. Set on a Northern Arizona site, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style influenced this project. It depicts horizontal lines with layered roofs. The firm opted for complementary natural stone finishes and exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass.
Robinette Architects
1670 East River Road Suite 112, Tucson, AZ 85718
Robinette Architects is the product of the vision of its principal, Ron Robinette, a Tucson native. He offers the firm’s clients over four decades of industry experience and operates out of the firm’s office in Tucson. Since the company’s establishment, the firm has taken on over 350 projects throughout Southern Arizona. The company is a full-service architectural design firm that is experienced in every aspect of the design process. The firm is also noted for its interior and landscape design. From feasibility studies to beautiful home design, the Robinette team seeks to be the best and to always serve their clients.
The company is the proud recipient of a multitude of industry awards. It has also been featured in a variety of publications like Luxe Interior Design Arizona. Showcased above is one of our recent favorites from their portfolio. Nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert, this home has a beautiful open concept floor plan and glass-paneled windows.
PHX Architecture – Erik B. Peterson
15990 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop Suite C-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
PHX Architecture’s best work can be found in the most neighborhoods from Scottsdale to Los Angeles. It specializes in luxury residential projects but also depicts an affinity for clubhouses and hospitality designs. The company’s team combines form and functionality and bolsters this with expertise in a variety of architectural vernaculars. Some of the firm’s best projects have been featured in publications like Luxe Interiors + Design and California Homes for its gallery of contemporary and modern spaces.
Depicted above is one of our favorite projects from the company’s portfolio. Located in a desert mountain, this project spans over 5,690 square feet. Inside, it features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a three-car garage. It also has an impressive zen garden, study, and guest casita to make for a clean, modern aesthetic.
HK Associates Inc. Architecture
3514 N Olsen, Tucson, AZ 85719
HK Associates is an award-winning firm that operates out of its office in the heart of Tucson. It utilizes only the best sustainable materials and is an expert in a wide range of architectural vernaculars. The firm achieves this through a highly innovative approach that is site specific and highly responsive to client’s needs. The company is the product of the vision of its husband-and-wife founders, Kathy Hancox and Michael Kothke. Prior to starting the firm, Michael and Kathy first gained experience working with internationally recognized architecture firms in both Canada and the United States. Some of these companies include Patkau Architects, Peter Cardew Architects, Acton Johnson Ostry, Lundberg Design, SOM, and Leddy Maytum Stacy.
The photo above depicts the firm’s Canyon House project. For this home, the company’s team opted for a recurring theme of straight lines, which it coupled with floor-to-ceiling windows and paneled exteriors. It also had unique fixtures and excellent lighting.
180 Degrees Design + Build
4955 N 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013
As its name suggests, 180 Degrees Design + Build offers a comprehensive design-build approach. This allows it to keep the entire process in-house and lessens the challenge for homeowners in terms of having to look for additional subcontractors and artisans. It has a variety of specialities, including high end custom residential design and remodels, commercial design and construction, and historic preservation and adaptive reuse work. The firm has been in business since 2001 and has won a plethora of awards throughout its years in business. It has also been featured in a variety of publications such as Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine. Likewise, it has secured partnerships with a variety of brands and partners like coLAB Studio, Modern Phoenix, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation.
Photography by An Pham
The photo above is an example of the firm’s completed work, located in Phoenix. It features a modern and spacious home that seamlessly blends its indoor and outdoor environment. The owners and their children can definitely benefit from the home’s al fresco style living. Another notable part of this home is its outdoor living that perfectly captures Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes.
Drewett Works
7144 E. Stetson Drive Suite 204, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Drewett Works is one of the most awarded and published architecture firms in the area. Focusing on the luxury industry, the boutique firm specializes in the upper end of both residential and end-user commercial building projects. With a detail-focused team and extensive exposure to the use of high-end finishes, Drewett Works is regarded for its attention to detail and the use of only the best materials and craftsmen.
The company is also no stranger to acclaim as the recipient of a multitude of awards. These include eight Gold Nugget Awards from the organization’s 2021 ceremony. Currently, one of the firm’s most interesting ongoing work entails 5,500 to 12,000-square-foot spaces for the Ritz Carlton Estate Homes.
Soloway Designs
7230 N La Cañada Dr., Tucson, AZ 85704
Soloway Designs has time and again been recognized as among Arizona’s leading architects. It has been in business since 1996 and has since taken on over a thousand projects. It is consistently regarded for its impressive architecture and interior design services and specializes in both residential and commercial projects. Always to the highest industry standards, the firm is personally led by its founder, Marc Soloway. He is known for his expertise in luxury residential work in addition to hotels, day spas, men’s clubs, car washes and tenant improvements. Under his leadership, the company has completed projects not only in Arizona but also across the border into California, Illinois, and internationally in Trinidad, Croatia, Kuwait and Egypt.
The photo above depicts one of the company’s best projects. Located in Oro Valley, this home was completed back in 2017 and spans over 4,509 square feet. It features stellar floor-to-ceiling windows in its great room, a raised pool, and a home office.
Candelaria Design Associates
6900 East Camelback Rd #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Founded in 1999, Candelaria Design extends its services throughout Arizona, California, and across the nation. They credit their success to their highly collaborative and client-centered approach, which has resulted in excellent homes and spaces. The firm is composed of a talented and experienced team of architects, designers and support staff, who together offer clients a highly personalized experience. They don’t only design homes, they design immersive travel experiences, exceptional dinner parties, and hands-on ways to give back to their community. Their work has been featured in publications like Phoenix Home & Garden, Modern Luxury, Iconic Magazine, and Green Living, to name a few.
At the firm’s helm is its principal and namesake, Mark Candelaria. An integral part of the success of the firm are partners Evelyn Jung, Meredith Thomson, and Tim Mathewson. Candelaria established the firm and first gained experience serving as one of the founding partners of CCGB Architects in Phoenix. During his time there, he had the privilege of working with renowned architect George W. Christensen, who personally mentored him. Candelaria assures clients that every project the company takes on receives the benefit of his experience and expertise.
Integrated Design, LLC
377 E Doubletree Ranch Rd. A-220, Scottsdale, AZ 85258
Integrated Design is a small firm that provides its clients with full-service architecture services. Its team assists its clients throughout the entire process and is experienced in every aspect of it. Since its establishment, it has had the opportunity to work with some of the area’s best and leading professionals and has secured relationships with consultants across multiple disciplines. Together, they make use of an integrated collaborative process that showcases an affinity for both traditional and modern architecture. Its portfolio depicts a gallery of custom residential, remodels, additions, and commercial tenant improvements. It has also worked on several community planning, mixed-use, and speculative residential work.
The firm’s projects have been featured in publications like Home & Garden Magazine. Depicted above is one of our favorites from its portfolio. Located in Arcadia, this home was completed in 2019. It spans over 5,700 square feet and features a great English manor estate.
KQ Architects
2716 N 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006
Aside from residential projects, KQ Architects depicts talent and expertise for healthcare and commercial projects. It provides its clients a complete and comprehensive range of services and operates out of its office in Phoenix. The firm draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience and has since secured strong relationships with both its repeat clientele and some of the area’s best professionals and artisans. Uniquely, the firm incorporates various sustainability practices into its projects. This assures clients that all of its projects are highly efficient and sustainable.
The home above spans over 5,417 square feet. It is located in Maricopa County and was completed for a couple who had spent over 20 years in Europe before returning to their hometown in central Arizona. This home is a reflection of their time in Europe and their everyday needs. Inside, the home has expansive living spaces, a home office, and a salon for piano recitals.
Seaver Franks Architects
2552 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712
With over three decades of industry experience, Seaver Franks Architects operates out of its office in Tucson. It specializes in both commercial and residential projects and provides its clients a great hands-on approach and complete range of architectural services. It utilizes innovative approaches and has worked on countless regionally responsive spaces. Aside from its homes, the firm’s portfolio also depicts excellent planned resorts, offices, and casinos. The firm has also designed restaurants and churches. The firm’s team conducts accurate and detailed market and feasibility studies that are tailored for each of its clients. Depicted below is one of the firm’s best work.
Labeled in its portfolio as the Pima Canyon Estate, this home entailed an extensive renovation. Spanning over 5,500 square feet, it features a rustic modern ranch theme. The firm opted for harvested granite stone walls and cherry wood floors and ceilings.
Higgins Architects
3666 North Miller Rd. Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Higgins Architects extends its services throughout the states of Arizona and California. Its work has been featured in a variety of publications, which include Phoenix Homes & Garden and Arizona Foothills. The firm is personally led by its principal and founder, Michael Higgins. He is an Arizona native who has been working in and around the area since the 1970s. He founded the firm in 1994 and under his leadership, the firm has grown a strong reputation for its great designs and services. He is also the proud recipient of the coveted Master of the Southwest Award in 2009 and has had the chance to work on over 240 homes in Arizona.
The project above was completed back in 2016. It showcases the firm’s work on the Arcadia Home. Located in Scottsdale, this home has a One-Coat stucco system, terracotta roofs, and unique fixtures.
RJ Bacon Consulting & Design
6735 N. Desert Fairways Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253
RJ Bacon Consulting & Design is the business imprimatur of principal Bob Bacon. He offers the company’s clients over five decades of industry experience and is an expert in a wide variety of disciplines and architectural vernaculars. He is experienced in every phase and aspect of the entire process, which includes community planning, architecture, engineering, construction, and real estate development. Bacon attended two years in the college of architecture at Arizona State University in the 1960s and has since had the opportunity to take on a wide variety of interesting projects. Aside from residential work, his portfolio also includes several great high-end hotels, luxury resorts, and clubhouses in exclusive developments and golf communities throughout the Southwest, Florida, Canada, and Japan.
One of the firm’s finest regional works can be found in the 7 lot Windmill neighborhood in north Scottsdale where all the homes are Bacon designs. As can be seen above, in this neighborhood, Bacon employed the southwestern regional pallet of stucco, terracotta roofs, timber beams, traditional windows, and custom light fixtures.
