Business Details
43 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architects in Scottsdale, AZ
Founded in 1983, 3rd Story is a Scottsdale-based architectural firm with over four decades of national experience in architecture, land planning, and design. Our expertise spans luxury residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, including hospitality venues, behavioral health facilities, and wellness centers. We prioritize financial feasibility while enhancing end-user experiences through creative solutions tailored to challenging sites. Our collaborative culture fosters continuous learning, ensuring thoughtful, holistic designs that elevate spaces and lives. Led by Principal Architect Rick Daugherty, we combine technical precision with a client-centric approach, delivering projects from conception to completion.With 60% of our work stemming from repeat clients, we emphasize clear communication, anticipate challenges, and maintain meticulous attention to detail. Recognized as top architects in Phoenix and Scottsdale, our accolades include Best Restaurant Architect and Top Interior Design Firm awards. We specialize in translating visions into buildable designs, offering end-to-end services from site selection to detailing, ensuring every project aligns with client goals, budgets, and timelines.
Services
Land Planning
Commercial Development
Residential Design
Mixed-Use Development
Luxury Custom Homes
Behavioral Health Facilities
Hospitality Design
Wellness Spa Design
Multi-Family Residential
Restaurant Architecture
Details
- Year established: 1983
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of experience in architecture and land planning.
- Our team includes Principal Architect Rick Daugherty, a former general contractor.
- We provide full-service architecture from site selection to project completion.
- Recognized as Top Interior Design Firm and Best Restaurant Architects in Scottsdale.
- We maintain a client-centric approach with 60% of work from repeat clients.
What people say
Excellent design
Consummate professional
Real attribute to the city
Best restaurant architects
Creative solutions
Services
Land Planning
We create innovative mixed-use masterplans that maximize property potential through logical wayfinding, cost-effective planning, and people-centric design. Our approach integrates artful landscaping and clear zoning to enhance aesthetics while ensuring functional separation between residential and commercial spaces. With expertise in jurisdictional coordination and market analysis, we deliver masterplans that increase project value and community appeal.
Commercial Development
Our commercial architecture focuses on optimizing functionality, profitability, and brand experience across hospitality, wellness, and healthcare sectors. We design engaging environments with timeless finishes that prioritize guest comfort, employee efficiency, and safety. By combining cultural immersion with modern engineering, we create spaces that foster community connections while meeting strict regulatory requirements and budget constraints.
Luxury Custom Homes
We specialize in creating bespoke luxury homes that blend lifestyle, culture, and site-specific elements into timeless architectural styles. Our process incorporates smart home technologies, sustainable materials, and unique amenities tailored to client preferences. With expertise in period architecture and challenging terrains, we deliver custom solutions that enhance resale value and personal living experiences.
Mixed-Use Development
Our mixed-use designs create vibrant communities by seamlessly blending residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. We address complex requirements including sound isolation, shared parking, and jurisdictional coordination while fostering urban interaction. The result: high-performing properties that attract tenants and enhance community life through thoughtful integration of indoor and outdoor environments.
Behavioral Health Facilities
We design healing environments for behavioral health facilities that prioritize patient and staff well-being. Our approach moves beyond clinical aesthetics to create safe, receptive spaces that incorporate natural elements and promote holistic recovery. By understanding the psychological impact of design, we develop facilities that support therapeutic processes while maintaining operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
People
Rick Daugherty
Principal Architect - Owner
With over 40 years in architecture, Rick Daugherty combines technical expertise as a former general contractor with creative vision. He graduated in environmental design from Miami University and has led 3rd Story since 1983, delivering award-winning projects across multiple sectors while maintaining a client-focused approach.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in land planning, commercial development, luxury residential design, mixed-use projects, and behavioral health facilities across Arizona.
How long has 3rd Story been in business?
We've provided architectural services since 1983, with Principal Architect Rick Daugherty bringing over 40 years of industry experience.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Scottsdale, we serve clients throughout Arizona including Phoenix, working on projects that range from local developments to national commissions.
Can you handle complex architectural challenges?
Yes, we specialize in overcoming complex challenges including difficult sites, zoning regulations, and integrating diverse architectural styles into cohesive designs.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We maintain a client-centric process with clear communication, collaborative problem-solving, and regular updates throughout every project phase from concept to completion.
What awards have you received?
We've been recognized as Best Restaurant Architect, Top Interior Design Firm, and among Phoenix's Best Architects by GC Magazine and Expertise.com.
