Scottsdale’s distinctive terrain and unique desert landscapes present an ideal setting for families looking for a picturesque, peaceful place to live. Despite its proximity to the Phoenix metro area, the city remains untouched by over-commercialization and overcrowding. The city features a variety of high-value homes inspired by Spanish, Mediterranean, Modern, and contemporary architecture.
If you’re looking for a creative professional to build a custom home, refer to this list of the best residential architects in Scottsdale. These architects have completed unforgettable residential designs for mid-range and high-value home projects. We first assembled a long list of architects providing work for Arizona clients. The firms qualified for the list based on their scope of services and their ability to complete residential planning and design commissions. Then our editorial staff considered awards, press features, industry affiliations, the principals’ reputations, the quality of the work produced, and most importantly, the reviews and testimonials given by its clients. This curated list is the result.
This list includes both licensed architects and residential designers who can both design stunning homes but differ in other services offered. Architects are trained in design, engineering, and project management and have passed a licensing exam. Residential designers typically don’t manage projects and plans will need to be approved by a structural engineer. Whether you choose to hire an architect or a residential designer will depend on your project needs and complexity.
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work. On the other hand, if you want to learn more about the cost of building a custom home in Scottsdale, check out our cost guide article.
3rd Story
16074 N 78th St. Suite D204, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
3rd Story’s architectural services center on luxury custom homes, tenant improvements, small office build-outs, and development and land planning. Many of the firm’s completed projects can be found throughout the city and across Arizona. This extensive service scope is a feat that only an experienced firm can deliver.
Rick Daugherty is the architect who established the company in 1983. Before starting the firm, he made his name in land development, environmental design, and residential architecture. Today, over 400 custom homes can be found in the firm’s portfolio. These residential projects range from 2,700 to 28,000-square foot. Aside from designing homes, the firm also offers home construction and landscape design. It’s a one-stop place for full-scale luxury residential design and construction projects.
Through innovative architecture and design, 3rd story integrates lifestyle, function, and aesthetics to elevate the way you live. We are in tune with current market trends, technologies, materials, and finishes. Our process is a collaborative and client-centric approach that is creative, technologically savvy, and budget-sensitive. Our Principal Architect, Rick Daugherty, a former general contractor, is known for operating in concert with contractors to create solutions that deliver your home on time and on budget.
Allen+Philp Architects/Interiors
7154 E Stetson Dr. Fourth Floor, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Allen + Philp Architects and Interiors’s projects cannot be categorized by a particular style or look. Unlike other architectural firms, the company does not have a “signature” style. The firm brings a fresh perspective to every design it delivers. The firm banks on creativity, innovation, and an authentic design approach to cater to each client’s personal aesthetic demands. The result: a design that captures the client’s imagination and transforms an iconic sketch into a breath-taking structure.
Kenneth Allen and Mark Philp founded the company by combining their experiences in architecture and operations. Allen’s business management skills helped establish the company’s network with equal-caliber professionals in the field. Philp, on the other hand, upholds the company’s design philosophy through timeless, beautiful, and functional architectural programs.
The Bridge House is one of the firm’s most beautiful commissions. The home’s sleek, clean lines are dominated by steel fixtures, thick walls, and glass elements. The residence is set against the rocky hills of Scottsdale and its outdoor infinity pool provides a mesmerizing view of the city.
Candelaria Design
6900 E Camelback Road #400, Scottsdale, Arizona 85251
Over three decades of experience in designing luxury custom homes and completing high-end renovations elevate Mark Candelaria’s reputation as an influential figure in the industry. Before starting his own venture in 1999, Mark headed the residential branch of CCBG Architects, one of the largest architectural firms in Phoenix. Today, he leads Candelaria Design’s 25-person architectural studio. Together with three principal partners: Evelyn Jung, Vivian Ayala, and Meredith Thomson, they provide the creative expertise that continues to impact the region’s architectural landscape in profound ways.
The firm’s success story has been featured in a number of different publications. The Modern Luxury Scottsdale magazine, for instance, highlighted the firm’s Arcadia family home, a residential design meant to connect the living space with the historic neighborhood’s architectural spirit. The same publication celebrated Mark Candelaria’s contribution to the industry and named him the Modern Man of Scottsdale. In 2005, Candelaria was also named Master of the Southwest by Phoenix Home & Garden.
The company’s gallery features majestic structures that redefine what dream homes should look like. Every single residential design has its own distinctive charm, and you can see classical and modern styles coming together to introduce living spaces that are comfortable sanctuaries and timeless works of art at the same time. The tiniest details have been carefully chosen to transform the atmosphere into something more than just a physical space.
Dale Gardon Design
20885 N 90th Place, Suite #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
As a multidisciplinary design firm, Dale Gardon Design offers architectural services that embody environmental responsiveness and contextually authentic places. The company was founded in 1999, boasting a team of architects and urbanists. The collaborations among these professionals helped the company to take on a wide spectrum of services, including architecture for residential and commercial clients, urban design, and community planning.
Dale Gardon, the firm’s founder and principal partner, is one of the most accomplished architects in the region. He is a member of the AIA and a LEED-accredited professional. Nationally, he is recognized for his works in architecture and planning. Many of his works have been published in local and national publications. Gardon’s co-principal—David Davis, LEED AP—is a leader in urban design and in charge of leading a team of master planners and specialists to create regionally-responsive communities.
Many of the firm’s residential designs celebrate the bold aesthetics of Spanish and Mediterranean architecture. These designs are not just visually stunning but strategically placed to reflect the environment through palettes and materials that frame the warm, rustic vibe of the desert. For more information on Dale Gardon Design, you can visit their website here.
Drewett Works Architecture
7144 E Stetson Dr. Suite #204 Scottsdale, AZ 85251
Trusted for its commitment to its client’s design, vision, and lifestyle, Drewett Works Architecture’s communication style allows project owners to witness their architectural program come to life. The firm’s design process starts with an initial conversation that explores the stylistic desires and functional needs of the client. The result is a list of creative and structural details that doubles as a representation of the owner’s individuality and lifestyle.
While the company only opened its doors to Scottsdale’s residential market in 2015, it has already completed projects that have been recognized by the industry’s biggest institutions. Under the leadership of CP Drewett AIA, NCARB, the company has earned the 2019 Gold Nugget Award and two more Awards of Merits from the same organization. Luxe Interiors + Design, among others, has featured some of the firm’s best work.
The Desert Prairie residence in Scottsdale is a gorgeous example of that work. The design took home the 2018 Gold Nugget Award Award of Merit for the Best Custom Home under the 4,000-8,000 square feet category. It also bagged the Silver Award for the Best One of a Kind Home – Custom or Spec from the Nationals 2019.
Hayes Inc.
3511 E Indian School Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85018
Adhering to the cost and time parameters set by its clients, Hays Inc is a preferred architectural company that has satisfied the most demanding residential owners. Through open communication and a comprehensive approach to the design process, the firm has transformed project owners’ ideas into memorable structures that remain functional and aesthetically relevant for years.
With its outstanding interior and architectural services, the company is not new to the spotlight. Local and national publications regularly take notice of its capability and unique approach to home design. Publications such as Luxe, Scottsdale Magazine, Build Magazine, Phoenix Home & Garden, and Architectural Digest, among others, have either recognized the company through their respective design awards or featured their projects on many of their releases.
The growing success of the firm can be attributed to its principal, Catherine Hayes. Her solid background and decades of experience in the field shape every aspect of the firm: she is a licensed architect and an interior designer. That dual expertise allows the company to take on any number of demanding projects for the region’s commercial and residential clients.
Higgins Architects
3666 N Miller Rd. Suite #101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251
A full spectrum of residential styles can be found in Higgins Architects’s portfolio and its fluency in these design movements makes the company one of the most skilled professionals in the field. French, Rural Mediterranean, Spanish Colonial, Ranch, Contemporary, and Mexican Colonial homes grace the firm’s rich home design portfolio.
Michael Higgins, the firm’s principal, founded the company in 1994. He had a vision of delivering excellent designs that match the clients’ demands in terms of style, function, and budget. As a young man, he developed his talent by creating furniture and other structures. That experience helped him hone his skills and view the design process as a creative process.
The principal’s design philosophy and the result of his overall experience as a design professional can be seen throughout his work. Because of their unique and highly detailed approach to conceptualizing every design project, many of these works have been featured in leading magazines such as Phoenix Home & Garden, Arizona Foothills, and Kitchen and Bath Ideas.
James Hann Design
9834 E Kalil Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85260
James Hann, AIA, the principal architect, founded the company in 1988. Hann is licensed to practice architecture in Arizona, California, Idaho, Wisconsin, Illinois, and New Mexico. Hann has completed over 100 custom residential projects across several communities and states.
Many of these projects have been commended internationally for their design excellence. Accolades include the Gold Nugget Grand Award for Best Custom Home and the Best in American Living Award. Additionally, the firm’s award-winning portfolio has also been featured in multiple publications, such as the Phoenix Business Journal, Arizona Residential Architects Magazin, Phoenix Home & Garden. Ranking Arizona also named the firm among the state’s top ten residential architects.
Tuscan, Modern, Pueblo, Southwestern, and Cabin residences can be found in the firm’s extensive residential design gallery. These projects not only represent the company’s award-winning performance but highlight its expertise in a wide variety of architectural styles as well.
Kendle Design Collaborative
6115 N Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
As an advocate of regionally-inspired modern designs, Kendle Design Collaborative introduces one-of-a-kind architectural styles that spring from its clients’ unique design programs. Instead of leaning on the typically imported historical styles and emerging trends, the firm stays true to its philosophy by exploring the home’s geographic uniqueness and celebrating the individuality of its owner.
Brent Kendle—AIA member, and a LEED accredited professional—established the company in 2002. Kendle’s Regional Modernism, a unique approach to residential design, has been commended through numerous awards and magazine publications for years. Phoenix Home & Garden, Western Art and Architecture, and Luxe magazines featured the company’s preference for designing residences in harmony with nature.
The company’s Troon Modern residence, for example, is a bold, minimalist structure that truly collaborates with its desert surroundings. The design creates a seamless harmony between the indoors and the outdoors, presenting a haven that is essentially an extension of nature. For more information on Kendle Design Collaborative, you can visit their website here.
Norris Architects AIA
475 Washington Blvd., Marina del Rey, CA 90292
Norris Architects AIA is an advocate of sustainable residential designs and many of its projects boast initiatives that contribute to the industry’s green building movement. For almost two decades, the company has been a member of the Scottsdale Green Building program. The company is a certified sustainable building advisor. Since its founding, it has been designing sustainable homes now set on the Gila River Indian Community. These and other net-zero homes can be found in the firm’s residential portfolio.
For several years, the firm has been a constant placer in Ranking Arizona’s Top Ten Customer Home Builders in the Metro Phoenix area. The Phoenix Business Journal also featured the company as one of the region’s leading veteran-owned businesses.
The company has completed a long list of residential projects not just in Arizona but also in California, Oregon, Washing, Indiana, and Texas. This scope of service coverage speaks to the company’s ability to answer a wide variety of architectural and geographical demands when designing a custom home for clients of different lifestyle and design preferences.
PHX Architecture
15990 N Greenway-Hayden Loop, Suite C-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Luxury architectural designs dominate PHX Architecture’s extensive portfolio for the residential market. Erik Peterson founded the company in 2002 and his firm is licensed in seven states. The company serves residential project owners and also takes on high-value commissions for in the hospitality, restaurant, and golf sectors.
The firm’s team is composed of creative professionals that share a drive for details and inventive design. These characteristics ushered the company’s success as an award-winning organization decorated with recognition such as the Gold Nugget Grand Award and Award of Merit, Luxe Gold List and 2018 Red Awards, and recently, the 2019 International Design & Architecture Awards. The firm has been consistently featured in the industry’s publications such as the Luxe Interior + Design magazine, California Homes, Images Arizona, and AZ Foothills.
The recognition received by the company is not surprising especially if one looks at its collection of residential home designs. One of its most stunning works in Scottsdale is a French-Mediterranean home. The natural materials— reclaimed wood, brick stones and roofing, and massive windows—create a rustic yet modern home.
Sever Design Group Architects, Inc
28150 N Alma School Pkwy., Scottsdale, AZ 85262
Founded by Mark Sever in 1991, Sever Design Group Architects, Inc has been delivering custom residences throughout the valley. The company is not just a designer but also a builder that has the skills and manpower to take on highly-detailed residential build-outs and designs for the region’s most discriminating project owners.
Many of the firm’s projects share one characteristic: the residences are designed around its unique locations, situated on hillside sites that pose a challenge in both the architecture and structural aspects of the residential design. To take on the unique obstacles that come with these terrains, the firm relies on materials and systems found in commercial construction projects. These engineering and design solutions have made the firm one of the most innovative in the region.
One example of the firm’s success in tackling challenging design ideas is the completion of The Tusayan Residence in Scottsdale. The design was conceptualized in 2009 and completed in 2016. The project, characterized by custom masonry and steel structure, was a site-specific design that was set at the base of the Troon Mountain. The home’s expressive finishes complete the effect of the design’s simple geometry.
Spacelinedesign Architects & Interiors
7355 N Thompson Peak, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
SpaceLineDesign Architects+Interiors was founded in Phoenix Arizona in 1996 and is focused on the modern aesthetic for residential and commercial clients, offering bespoke designs, influenced by international travels, while responding to local context and desires of clients. Practicing for over a decade in the desert southwest inspired architect Jeffrey Page, to reflect on the harmony one must have with the local vernacular. One of his early projects makes extensive use of a xeriscape earthen roof system in a complex subterranean residential project. Several noteworthy projects have been featured in publications, television and books, nationally and internationally.
In 2008 the firm received an opportunity to live and work in Dubai. During the next 8 years, partners Jeff & Mahsa Page experienced the incredibly dynamic, hi-tech world of international architecture and multi-cultural team collaboration. Residing in Dubai offered many opportunities for regional design projects, providing the creative duo with a diverse clientele for new architectural designs throughout the UAE and also in Africa, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Oman, Spain and more.
In 2016 SpaceLineDesign Architects returned to their home base of Scottsdale Arizona to continue their creative endeavors designing elegant, modern residential and commercial projects. Building upon their global experiences and utilizing latest technologies now inspires the firm to express their clean contemporary designs through digital virtual worlds, integrated with the actual sitescape and studied through beautiful, interactive 3d Virtual Reality presentations, Revit construction docs, master planning, site and floor plan layouts, material and furnishing studies and full building visualizations with dynamic fly-throughs.
As a boutique architectural and interior design company, the partner’s years of experience translate into opportunities of new expression when applied to a challenging mountain site or a glamorous commercial design. Pictured here is a recently completed design for a 6,500 sf Modern Desert Villa on the saddle of a steep mountain site in Fountain Hills, Arizona. Utilizing a cantilevered picture frame fascia with a stamped textural pattern, and complimented by an array of angled vertical slats casting long shadows helps soften the intense eastern sun. An architecturally-challenging design that exhibits the company’s thorough details and fluency in incorporating contemporary elements into a uniquely designed home.
SpaceLineDesign Architects, LLC, offers full Architectural and Interior Design services for Residential and Commercial projects including comprehensive Land Planning and New Building Design for custom Residential, Retail, Medical and Office Tenant Improvements.
Swaback Partners
7550 E McDonald Dr., Scottsdale, AZ 85250
For over four decades, Swaback Partners have actively pursued its passion for designing and creating some of the most stunning structures around the globe. The result is a multidisciplinary portfolio assembled by a team of creative professionals whose collaboration, innovation, and understanding of the most relevant design solutions raised the company’s status as a premier architectural firm in the region.
Vernon D. Swaback —an FAIA, FAICP architect and planner—founded the company as an independent practice. While the firm was just a 40-person team, it was a multi-disciplinary venture with knowledge and expertise in a wide spectrum of architectural services. That solid basis allowed to become what it is today: a full-grown player that dominates the industry. Currently, the company takes on commercial, hospitality, community planning, civic, recreational, academy, and single to multi-family design commissions.
The firm’s accomplishments have earned it multiple design awards granted by the biggest institutions of its serving markets. For its residential portfolio, the company won multiple Gold Nugget awards and AZ Masonry Honor awards. The firm has been featured in Scottsdale Design & Realty magazine, Home & Design, Western Art & Architecture, and Bighorn Magazine, among others.
How can I find a residential architect or home builder near me?
Read our latest articles on the best residential architects and home builders in and near Scottsdale, AZ. If you don’t see your city below, just let us know – we are happy to create a tailored recommendation list just for you.
Residential architects in Phoenix
Custom home builders in Scottsdale
Custom home builders in Phoenix
About Our Rankings
This list takes a range of ranking criteria into consideration, including but not limited to: work history, customer satisfaction, awards and recognition, geographic area of work, cost, building permits, and clientele. We spent over 40 hours researching local contractors before calculating the final ranking for this post. If there is additional information about your business that could affect these rankings, please fill out this form and we will take it into consideration.
Get Bids For Your Build
If you are thinking about building a custom home, we recommend checking each builder’s license with the local licensing board, speaking to past clients, and using our bidding system to get competitive quotes from at least 3 contractors. Getting multiple bids is the best way to ensure you get a fair price and that bids include the complete scope of work.
