Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Architecture Partner in Tucson, AZ
Seaver Franks Architects is a full-service architecture firm with nearly five decades of experience in innovative building design. Founded in 1975, we specialize in creating sustainable, regionally inspired solutions for commercial and residential projects across the Southwest and beyond. Our collaborative process emphasizes client needs, leveraging advanced technology and a deep understanding of desert environments to deliver timeless designs. As a LEED-certified firm for over ten years, we prioritize integrity, transparency, and environmental stewardship in every project. Our portfolio spans hospitality, healthcare, education, and luxury residential spaces, reflecting our commitment to functional aesthetics and community impact.With offices in Tucson and New Orleans, our team of registered architects and seasoned professionals brings decades of combined expertise to every engagement. We maintain a family-focused culture that values diversity and continuous innovation, ensuring our designs remain at the forefront of industry standards. Client testimonials highlight our rapid response times, creative problem-solving, and ability to transform visions into award-winning realities.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
BIM Modeling
Project Management
Historic Preservation
Interior Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of Southwest-specific architectural expertise
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals with advanced BIM proficiency
- We guarantee rapid response times for project inquiries and adjustments
- Our collaborative process includes 24/7 client availability during critical phases
- We maintain NCARB-certified architects across multiple states for regional compliance
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Best to work with
Rapid response
Creative problem-solving
Exceptional communication
Award-winning designs
Services
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services create functional, aesthetically striking spaces for hospitality, healthcare, and corporate clients. We integrate regional design elements with modern sustainability practices to enhance brand identity and operational efficiency. Projects include hotels, medical facilities, and retail complexes that balance form with practical business needs.
Residential Design
We specialize in luxury custom homes that harmonize with the Sonoran Desert environment. Our designs incorporate contemporary trends while respecting Southwest architectural traditions, creating spaces that maximize natural light and outdoor connectivity. Services include site analysis, material selection, and construction oversight for bespoke living spaces.
Sustainable Design
Our LEED-certified team implements environmentally responsible solutions without compromising design integrity. We utilize passive solar strategies, local materials, and energy-efficient systems to minimize ecological impact. This approach reduces long-term operating costs while maintaining aesthetic excellence across commercial and residential projects.
BIM Modeling
We employ advanced Building Information Modeling to visualize projects in 3D and streamline construction processes. This technology improves accuracy, reduces errors, and facilitates client understanding through immersive design simulations. Our BIM expertise ensures seamless coordination between architectural, structural, and MEP systems.
Project Management
Our comprehensive project management covers all phases from concept to completion. We coordinate with contractors, handle regulatory approvals, and maintain strict budget controls while preserving design intent. This single-point accountability ensures consistent quality and timely delivery across complex commercial developments.
People
Michael Franks
Principal
Award-winning architect with 35+ years of experience in Arizona. NCARB-certified and registered in multiple states, he leads design teams for diverse projects including hotels, schools, and luxury residences while maintaining community involvement.
JaMia Dees
Senior Project Architect
Arizona-licensed architect with 22 years of multidisciplinary team experience. Specializes in educational, healthcare, and residential projects, carrying designs from concept to completion. Active member of the American Institute of Architects.
Daren Sadowsky
Senior Project Architect
LEED Accredited Professional with 15+ years of experience in Louisiana and Arizona. Expert in BIM implementation and thematic architecture, including zoo exhibit design. Former Tulane University faculty member teaching BIM standards.
Hillary Grigel
Senior Project Architect
LEED-certified architect with 10+ years of experience in medical, commercial, and hospitality design. Former USGBC Southern Arizona Council member, specializing in green building practices and BIM implementation.
Richard Huch
Senior Project Architect
University of Arizona graduate with 33 years of Southwest design experience. Manages projects across industrial, retail, and hospitality sectors while maintaining technical expertise in construction documentation and detailing.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial and residential architecture across the Southwest, with expertise in hospitality, healthcare, education, and luxury custom homes. Our LEED-certified team also provides sustainable design and BIM modeling services.
How long have you been in business?
Seaver Franks Architects has been creating innovative designs since 1975, with our founding partners establishing the firm's commitment to regional architecture that respects both history and environment.
Do you work outside the Southwest region?
While our roots are in Tucson, we've completed projects across the United States including Louisiana, California, and New York. Our Southwest design philosophy adapts to various climates while maintaining functional aesthetics.
What makes your firm different?
Our collaborative process combines 50 years of regional expertise with cutting-edge technology. We maintain NCARB-certified architects across multiple states and offer 24/7 availability during critical project phases for superior client service.
How do you handle project timelines and budgets?
We implement strict project management controls while maintaining design flexibility. Our team provides upfront design development phases to ensure constructability and cost predictability, with regular client updates throughout the process.
Are your architects licensed in multiple states?
Yes, our team includes NCARB-certified architects licensed in Arizona, Louisiana, Georgia, South Carolina, and other states, ensuring compliance with local building codes and regulations across different jurisdictions.
