Tucson, Arizona, is a big city in southern Arizona that attracts many people with its low cost of living, stunning vistas, and many retail, dining, and leisure options. The metro area is surrounded by mountain ranges that bring out the beauty of the desert sky and sunsets, which never fail to surprise even long-time locals. Tucson is also home to people from all walks of life whose cultures have left their mark on this diverse city.
Whether you want to build a new custom home or start a new business in the area, this list highlights eight of the best architectural firms in Tucson. These impressive firms were evaluated based on their unique skill sets, extensive experience, and proven expertise.
FORS architecture+interiors
2020 E Broadway Blvd., Tucson, AZ 85719
FORS architecture+interiors has been in the industry since 1997, delivering exceptional projects and extensive services across Arizona and its neighboring areas. It is an architecture and interior design company that offers a full range of services focused on the residential and commercial industries. The firm is committed to delivering visually pleasing and functional projects that improve each client’s quality of life and exceed their expectations. It uses an integrated and personalized approach in working with clients, along with creative techniques, the best materials, skilled labor, and efficient layouts. The firm’s impressive portfolio features a variety of styles, as each project grows out of unique conversations with the customer about their individual needs, surroundings, and budget.
One of the firm’s notable projects is the AC Marriott. This stunning design is characterized by clean lines, meticulous symmetry, and a striking palette of colors that sets it apart from its surroundings. The modern architectural style, paired with open floor plans, adds to the allure of the building, striking a perfect balance between attractiveness and functionality. Further, the firm skillfully maximized the available space by making the rooms appear more expansive than their actual dimensions.
Dean Alan Architects
5151 E Broadway Blvd., Suite 1050, Tucson, AZ 85711
Dean Alan Architects is an architectural firm that offers a full range of architectural services, including site planning, program development, building design, owner’s representative services, environmental services, construction management, and interior design. Since its inception in 2004, the firm has built an impressive portfolio that showcases its ability to deliver high-quality projects on schedule and within budget. No matter the project’s size, scope, or complexity, the firm takes a collaborative, hands-on approach to stay on top of things and closely monitor every detail. Its expert architects and designers are committed to finding sustainable solutions and ensuring a smooth, stress-free experience for its clients. Its commitment to quality and excellence has resulted in countless stunning designs and many satisfied clients.
Dean Alan Architects collaborated with Royal Automotive Group to bring to life a stunning new Lexus dealership in Tucson, Arizona. The project’s scope involved the demolition of existing sections and the design and construction of new shops, offices, and bars. The highlight of the development is the impressive 13,500 square-foot showroom, which provides ample space for the company to showcase new cars, have a play area for children, and feature a spacious customer bar, all under one roof.
WSM Architects
4330 N. Campbell Ave., #268, Tucson, AZ 85718
WSM Architects was founded in 2000 as an architecture firm that serves Arizona and its neighboring areas with exceptional projects. With over 23 years of experience, the firm’s team of expert architects and designers have developed creative design solutions and a project management system that has led to a full portfolio of successful projects. Combined with its personalized approach, these strategies allow the firm to give its customers exceptional services, successful results, and the best value possible. The firm’s one-stop-shop solution enables it to handle everything from the first meeting to the final project handover, whether it is working on a simple home remodel or a full-scale new construction.
Sundt Companies, one of the biggest general contractors in the Southwestern U.S., moved its headquarters to Tucson. They tasked WSM Architects with creating a transitional design for the new building. The space features clean lines, large windows, and monochromatic tones. The tilt-up concrete walls demonstrate how one of the company’s main divisions functions. This project got Gold Certification from LEED, reflecting its implementation of sustainable and energy-efficient practices.
Carhuff + Cueva Architects, LLC
2930 N. Swan Rd., Suite 210, Tucson, AZ 85712
Philip Carhuff and Mark Cueva founded Carhuff + Cueva Architects in 1993 to offer a wide range of architectural services, including initial project planning, site selection analysis, and design of new facilities. The firm’s impressive portfolio is a testament to its experience and expertise with all aspects of land rights, building planning, repairs, additions, permits, and construction contract management. Regardless of the project type, the firm’s team offers a single-source solution and a personalized approach to working with clients, taking the time to understand its clients’ unique visions and turn them into spaces that exceed their expectations. This has resulted in the firm earning a long list of satisfied clients.
A notable project by Carhuff + Cueva Architects is the Porsche Dealership in Tucson, Arizona. The dealership boasts a sleek and modern design characterized by clean lines and a striking white exterior, allowing it to stand out among the breathtaking surroundings. Abundant natural light and a refreshing breeze permeate the space through the large windows, creating an inviting and airy ambiance.
HK Associates Inc. Architecture
3514 N Olsen, Tucson, AZ 85719
Husband-and-wife team Michael Kothke and Kathy Hancox founded HK Associates in 2003 as an architecture and design firm. This award-winning firm has built an impressive portfolio and a solid track record of high-quality projects. It believes that good design can improve life, and as a result, it takes an integrated and collaborative approach to understand each client’s vision and turn it into a reality. Its streamlined and creative process is tailored to each customer and site, in an effort to create places and moments that are both timeless and relevant. It focuses on building solid relationships with its clients to determine their wants, limitations, and goals, and then it creates a complete and well-thought-out plan that takes these unique elements into account.
Showcased here is one project completed by HK Associates. This featured Tucson home is a modern take on the traditional courtyard design. It has a quiet patio that looks up at the sky and a swimming pool that connects the interior and exterior of the house all year long. The house also features a long periscope on the roof above the kitchen that allows the homeowners to take advantage of the stunning surrounding vistas. This framed view and reflection experience is repeated subtly throughout the entirety of the house.
Robinette Architects, Inc.
1670 East River Rd., Suite 112, Tucson, AZ 85718
Robinette Architects is an architecture and design firm that delivers high-quality, unique homes that consistently exceed expectations. Since its inception in 1984, the firm has completed countless projects across Arizona, including stunning custom homes, kitchen and bathroom remodels, and home additions. Over the years, the firm has earned massive recognition for its quality and professionalism. It has been featured in several notable publications, including Tucson Home, Tucson Lifestyle, Builder Architect, Street of Dreams, The Arizona Daily Star, and Southern Arizona Home Builder. Its impressive portfolio and solid track record of satisfied clients have earned it a well-deserved reputation as an industry leader.
One of the firm’s notable projects is this Lighthouse Contemporary Kitchen, which showcases a blend of contemporary design with rustic charm. The kitchen’s appeal is enhanced by its striking red accent walls, which complement the warm wooden cabinetry, beige countertops, and tiled backsplash. Positioned at the center of the space, the kitchen island not only creates a functional layout but also provides ample workspace and storage, catering to both style and practicality.
Kevin B. Howard Architects
8339 N Oracle Rd., Ste 110, Oro Valley, AZ 85704
Kevin B. Howard Architects has solidified its reputation as a reliable and trustworthy firm that serves Arizona and its nearby areas with exceptional projects. Since its inception in 1984, the firm has offered extensive services and streamlined, efficient, and up-to-date processes that allow it to handle every aspect of its projects from start to finish. The firm’s highly-skilled architects and designers provide creative design techniques, cost-efficient solutions, and the best materials and technologies. Further, the team’s focus on communication and collaboration allows it to understand each client’s unique vision and turn it into a stunning space that reflects their individual needs, personality, and lifestyle.
This featured home may look small from the outside, but it was built to have an expansive view of the desert from the inside. The open floor plan makes the living room, dining room, and kitchen feel like one big, cozy room, while the sliding glass walls give easy access to the outdoor patio. These elements of the home ensure that the homeowners are able to take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather by having events and parties outside for almost the entirety of the year.
Lee Shaw Architecture, LLC
7112 N Edgewood Pl., Tucson, AZ 85704
Lee Shaw Architecture is a full-service architecture firm that handles the design, build, and management aspects of every project it completes. Since its inception in 2015, this up-and-coming firm has showcased its ability to come up with creative solutions to complex building projects and work well with everyone involved to ensure the best quality and most successful result. The firm’s team of experts is quick, adaptable, and committed to exceeding expectations, leading Lee Shaw Architecture to boast a long list of satisfied clients.
One of Lee Shaw Architecture’s notable projects is this stunning Southwestern Living Room. It features white walls, wooden ceiling accents, and brown tiles that give the space a warm and welcoming feel. Meanwhile, the large windows and glass doors blur the line between the indoors and outdoors, allowing the homeowners to take full advantage of the beautiful Arizona weather.
