Business Details
27 Years
experience
Award-Winning Desert Architecture Design
Founded in 1999, our firm brings over three decades of combined experience in creating architecture deeply rooted in its environment. We prioritize client collaboration, using site-specific insights to craft spaces that harmonize with natural landscapes. Our work has earned global recognition through awards, publications, and academic engagements. We maintain rigorous design standards while emphasizing transparency, creativity, and technical excellence. Our team's expertise spans residential, commercial, and cultural projects across diverse climates and terrains.We integrate sustainable practices with innovative materials to deliver timeless, functional spaces. Our process emphasizes iterative client engagement from concept through completion. With over 50 awards and 300+ publications, we combine academic rigor with practical innovation. We teach and lecture at leading institutions while maintaining active industry practice. Our work has been exhibited internationally and featured in major architectural publications.
Services
Residential Architecture
Sustainable Design
Cultural Projects
Site Analysis
Academic Collaboration
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of combined architectural experience with global project experience
- Our team includes AIA award-winning architects with academic teaching credentials
- We implement a collaborative design process with client involvement at every stage
- Our work has received 50+ industry awards and been published 300+ times
- We maintain active involvement in architectural education and professional juries
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Beautifully accomplished design
Unique and local yet global
Transformed lives
Timeless designs
Services
Residential Architecture
We create custom residential spaces that harmonize with desert landscapes while meeting client lifestyle needs. Our approach integrates natural light, sustainable materials, and indoor-outdoor flow. With 20+ award-winning homes featured in major publications, we specialize in challenging sites across arid environments.
Sustainable Design
Our sustainability approach combines passive cooling techniques with modern energy-efficient systems tailored to desert climates. We prioritize locally sourced materials and water conservation strategies. This methodology has produced multiple LEED-certified projects and solar-integrated designs recognized by national awards.
Cultural Projects
We design civic and cultural spaces that reflect regional heritage while serving modern needs. Our portfolio includes memorials, educational facilities, and community centers. Each project incorporates contextual storytelling through architectural form and material selection.
Site Analysis
We conduct comprehensive site evaluations considering topography, climate, and cultural context. Our analysis informs design decisions that maximize environmental benefits. This process ensures buildings respond authentically to their specific location characteristics.
Academic Collaboration
We maintain active partnerships with architecture schools through teaching engagements and guest lectures. Our academic work influences practical design approaches with theoretical rigor. This connection ensures our practice remains at the forefront of architectural innovation.
People
Luis Ibarra
Principal Architect
Co-founder with 35+ years of desert architecture experience. Teaches at University of Arizona and has served on multiple design award juries. Recognized for innovative use of materials in arid climates.
Teresa Rosano
Principal Architect
Co-founder and AIA award-winning architect with expertise in sustainable desert design. Lectures nationally and serves on architectural competition juries. Featured in multiple design publications for residential projects.
Hannah McCormick
Project Architect
Licensed architect with 15 years of experience in residential and cultural projects. Specializes in integrating passive cooling systems with modern aesthetics. Holds master's degree in desert architecture.
Juliana Cervantes
Design Associate
Emerging architect with focus on sustainable materials and construction techniques. Graduated with honors from Arizona State University's architecture program. Contributes to both residential and commercial projects.
Vincent Yang
Technical Designer
CAD/BIM specialist with 10 years of experience in translating conceptual designs into buildable solutions. Expertise in desert construction detailing and material specification coordination.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We focus on desert modernism that responds to site-specific conditions rather than predefined styles. Our designs emphasize functionality, sustainability, and connection to the surrounding landscape.
Do you work outside Tucson?
While based in Tucson, we've completed projects across Arizona, New Mexico, and internationally. Our desert architecture expertise applies to arid climates worldwide.
How do you incorporate sustainability?
We use passive cooling, solar orientation, and local materials as foundational elements. Each project receives customized sustainability strategies based on climate, budget, and client needs.
What project sizes do you handle?
We work on projects ranging from 1,500 sq ft residences to multi-acre cultural complexes. Our process scales appropriately to each project's scope and complexity.
How are design decisions made?
We employ collaborative workshops with clients to develop design concepts. Our team provides multiple options with clear pros/cons to support informed decision-making throughout the process.
What recognition has the firm received?
We've earned 50+ awards including AIA Home of the Year honors and multiple Best of Houzz distinctions. Our work appears in 300+ publications like Architectural Record and Dwell.
