The Best Residential Architects in Arizona

Last updated on October 9th, 2024 at 10:46 pm

Selecting the right architect is crucial when embarking on a residential construction project in Arizona. A residential architect’s expertise is essential to avoid common pitfalls in the construction process. They know how to maximize space utilization, optimize energy efficiency, and incorporate sustainable materials. Additionally, they bring artistic flair and unique design elements that reflect your personality and vision.

With its thriving economy, diverse landscapes, and favorable tax environment, Arizona has long been a top choice for real estate investors. The Grand Canyon State offers a range of benefits for those looking to invest in real estate. With average project costs ranging from $150,000 to $400,000 and occasionally reaching up to $600,000, it’s important to partner with an architect who can deliver exceptional results within your budget. Arizona’s cost per square foot averages $54.62, and projects typically take around nine months to complete.

This article will guide you through some of the best residential architects in Arizona. With a population of 7.359 million and a median home value of $352,536, Arizona’s real estate market is both vibrant and competitive. There are 349 relevant contractors in the state, making the selection process challenging but vital for ensuring the success of your project. Whether you’re looking to build a modern urban home or a sustainable desert retreat, these architects stand out for their creativity, expertise, and commitment to excellence, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality.

Overview: The Best Residential Architects in Arizona

See Ranking Methodology at the bottom of this article to learn more.

Soloway Designs Architecture + Interiors

7230 N La Cañada Dr., Tucson, AZ 85704

Soloway Designs Architecture + Interiors has time and again been recognized as one of Arizona’s leading architects. It has taken on over a thousand projects. It is consistently regarded for its impressive architecture and interior design services. Always to the highest industry standards, the firm is personally led by its founder, Marc Soloway. He is known for his expertise in luxury residential work in addition to hotels, day spas, men’s clubs, car washes, and tenant improvements. Under his leadership, the company remains one of the best architects in Arizona and has completed projects in Arizona and across the border into California, Illinois, and internationally in Trinidad, Croatia, Kuwait, and Egypt.

The photo above depicts one of the company’s best projects. Located in Oro Valley, this home was completed in 2017 and spans over 4,509 square feet. Its great room has stellar floor-to-ceiling windows, a raised pool, and a home office. 

180 Degrees Design + Build

4955 N 7th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85013

As its name suggests, 180 Degrees Design + Build offers a comprehensive design-build approach. This allows it to keep the entire process in-house and lessens the challenge for homeowners to look for additional subcontractors and artisans. The firm has been in business since 2001 and has won many awards throughout its years in business. It has also been featured in various publications such as Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine. Likewise, it has secured partnerships with a variety of brands and partners like coLAB Studio, Modern Phoenix, and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation. One of the leading Arizona residential architects, it was awarded as Inc. Magazine’s Inc. 5000 Honoree.

The photo above is an example of the firm’s completed work in Phoenix. It features a modern, spacious home that seamlessly blends its indoor and outdoor environment. The owners and their children can benefit from the home’s al fresco-style living. Another notable part of this home is its outdoor living, which perfectly captures Arizona’s breathtaking landscapes.

Candelaria Design Associates

6900 East Camelback Rd #400, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Candelaria extends its services throughout Arizona and California and has completed homes in Long Island, New York. It credits its success through its highly collaborative approach, which has resulted in excellent homes and spaces. The firm comprises a talented and experienced team of architects, designers, and support staff who offer clients highly personalized customer service. This has allowed the firm to maintain ties and close communication with its clients while garnering repeat projects. Its work has been featured in publications like Phoenix Home & Garden.

At the firm’s helm is its principal and namesake, Mark Candelaria. He established the firm and first gained experience serving as one of the founding partners of CCGB in Phoenix. During his time there, he had the privilege of working with renowned architect George W. Christensen, who personally mentored him. Candelaria assures clients that every project the company takes on benefits from his experience. One of the top Arizona registered architects, the studio was featured in a 2023 Forbes article.

RJ Bacon Consulting & Design

6735 N. Desert Fairways Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253

RJ Bacon Consulting & Design is the product of principal Bob Bacon. He offers the company’s clients over five decades of industry experience and is an expert in various architectural vernaculars. Bacon leads one of the best Arizona residential architects. He holds a degree in architecture from Arizona State University and has had the opportunity to take on a wide variety of interesting projects since then. 

One of the firm’s finest works was completed in Windmill Scottsdale. The firm’s team employed great stucco exteriors, terracotta roofs, custom fixtures, beams, and windows.

Urban Design Associates, Ltd.

8150 North 86th Place, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Some of Urban Design Associates, Ltd.’ best work can be found in the most sought-after communities in Scottsdale and Phoenix. It offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architectural services. With over four decades of industry experience, the firm is composed of a talented and experienced staff of professionals. At its helm are Jessica Hutchinson-Rough and Lee Hutchinson. Jessica provides modern and contemporary design expertise, while Lee is best known for his signature organic pueblo themes. Through their vision, the company utilizes an interactive design process. Consequently, the firm has been the proud recipient of over 30 Best in American Living Distinctions and nearly 20 Gold Nugget Awards. 

Depicted above is the company’s Prairie Pine Residence project. Located on a Northern Arizona site, this project was heavily inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Prairie Style. It depicts excellent horizontal lines and layered roofs. The firm opted for complementary natural stone finishes and exquisite floor-to-ceiling glass. 

Integrated Design, LLC

377 E Doubletree Ranch Rd. A-220, Scottsdale, AZ 85258

Integrated Design is a small firm that provides its clients with full-service architecture services. Its team assists its clients throughout the entire process and is experienced in every aspect. Since its establishment, it has worked with some of the area’s best and leading professionals and has secured relationships with consultants across multiple disciplines. They use an integrated collaborative process that showcases an affinity for traditional and modern architecture. 

The firm’s projects have been featured in publications like Home & Garden Magazine. Depicted above is one of our favorites from its portfolio. Located in Arcadia, this home was completed in 2019. It spans over 5,700 square feet and features a great English manor estate.

Ibarra Rosano Design Architects

2849 E Sylvia Street, Tucson, AZ 85716

Ibarra Rosano offers its clients a complete and comprehensive range of architectural services and showcases expertise for various designs. Its founders and namesakes, Teresa Rosano and Luis Ibarra, led it. Rosano is a Tucson native and grew up in an environment where arts and ceramics flourished. Since establishing the firm, she has become known as one of Arizona’s leading practitioners and has had the opportunity to serve on numerous national design competition juries and panel discussions. 

She is also on the Southern Arizona American Institute of Architects (AIA) Board of Directors. On the other hand, Ibarra graduated from the University of Arizona College of Architecture, where he was head of his class and studied with Pritzker Prize Award-winning Australian architect Glenn Murcutt. Under his leadership, the firm uses socially and environmentally responsible methods. The firm is the proud recipient of various distinctions from the AIA. Its work has also been featured in impressive publications like the Wall Street Journal and Dwell. Depicted above is the company’s work on the Levin Residence. Completed in collaboration with Process Design Build, this project showcases an infusion of its interiors and landscape. It features exquisite finishes, long halls, and elegant floor-to-ceiling windows.

Higgins Architects

3666 North Miller Rd. Suite 101, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Higgins Architects extends its services throughout the states of Arizona and California. Its work has been featured in various publications, including Phoenix Homes & Garden and Arizona Foothills. The firm is personally led by its principal and founder, Michael Higgins. He is an Arizona native working in and around the area since the 1970s. Under his leadership, the firm has a strong reputation for its great designs and services. He is also the proud recipient of the coveted Master of the Southwest Award in 2009 and has had the chance to work on over 240 homes in Arizona.

The project above was completed in 2016 and showcased the firm’s work on the Arcadia Home. Located in Scottsdale, this home has a One-Coat stucco system, terracotta roofs, and unique fixtures.   

PHX Architecture

15990 N. Greenway-Hayden Loop Suite C-100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

PHX Architecture’s best work can be found in most neighborhoods from Scottsdale to Los Angeles. The company’s team combines form and functionality and bolsters this with expertise in a variety of architectural vernaculars. Some of the firm’s best projects have been featured in publications like Luxe Interiors + Design and California Homes for its contemporary and modern spaces gallery.

Depicted above is one of our favorite projects from the company’s portfolio. Located in a desert mountain, this project spans over 5,690 square feet. It features three bedrooms, three and a half bathrooms, and a three-car garage. It also has an impressive zen garden, study, and guest casita for a clean, modern aesthetic.

HK Associates Inc. Architecture

3514 N Olsen, Tucson, AZ 85719

HK Associates is an award-winning firm that operates out of its office in the heart of Tucson. It utilizes only the best sustainable materials and is an expert in various architectural vernaculars. The firm achieves this through a highly innovative approach that is site-specific and highly responsive to client’s needs. The company is the product of the vision of its husband-and-wife founders, Kathy Hancox and Michael Kothke. Before starting the firm, Michael and Kathy first gained experience working with internationally recognized architecture firms in both Canada and the United States. These companies include Patkau Architects, Peter Cardew Architects, Acton Johnson Ostry, Lundberg Design, SOM, and Leddy Maytum Stacy.  

The photo above depicts the firm’s Canyon House project. For this home, the company’s team opted for a recurring theme of straight lines, which was coupled with floor-to-ceiling windows and paneled exteriors. It also had unique fixtures and excellent lighting.

Robinette Architects, Inc.

1670 East River Road Suite 112, Tucson, AZ 85718

Robinette Architects, Inc. is the product of the vision of its principal, Ron Robinette, a Tuscan native. He offers the firm’s clients over four decades of industry experience and operates out of the firm’s office in Tucson. Since the company’s establishment, the firm has taken on over 350 projects throughout Southern Arizona. From feasibility studies to zoning analysis, the Robinette team can handle every part of the process. It also has a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) home design certification and a healthy home design. Among the famous architects in Arizona, it was recognized as the 2021 Build Magazine Best Full-Service Architectural Design Studio in Arizona.

It has also been featured in various publications, like Luxe Interior Design Arizona. Showcased above is one of our favorites from its portfolio. Nestled in the heart of the Arizona desert, this home has a beautiful open-concept floor plan and glass-paneled windows. Some other impressive elements include its flat roofs and wood-paneled exteriors. 

Kendle Design Collaborative

6115 N Cattletrack Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85250

Scottsdale, Kendle Design Collaborative is an internationally renowned firm known for its sleek, modern designs. The firm is led by its principals, Richard Von Horne, Brent Kendle, Cathleen Kebert, and Jeffrey Martin. Kendle established the firm and credits his talents to his early years spent admiring the works of the late and lauded architect Frank Lloyd Wright, whose work is spread across the Midwest and Arizona. 

Under his and his co-principals supervision, the company combines old-school techniques with state-of-the-art technology. The firm’s work has been featured in publications like Luxe and Phoenix Home and Garden, as well as various books and design journals. As one of the top Arizona registered architects, the studio was hailed the 2019 Luxe Red Awards Regional Winner for Contemporary Architecture in Arizona.

Depicted above is one of the firm’s projects. Spanning over 5,500 square feet, this home is located in the heart of Paradise Valley. Dubbed in its portfolio as the Bird’s Nest Residence, this home depicts strong geometric forms combined with outstanding materials. Our editorial team loved its clean, simple, and unique finishes. 

Drewett Works Architecture

7144 E. Stetson Drive Suite 204, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

Located in Old Town Scottsdale, Drewett Works Architecture is one of the area’s most awarded and published architecture firms. With a detail-focused team and extensive exposure to high-end finishes, Drewett Works Architecture is regarded for its attention to detail and use of only the best materials and craftsmen.

The company is also no stranger to acclaim, having received a multitude of awards, including eight Gold Nugget Awards from the organization’s 2021 ceremony. Currently, one of the firm’s most interesting ongoing projects involves 5,500—to 12,000-square-foot spaces for the Ritz Carlton Estate Homes.

Seaver Franks Architects

2552 N. Alvernon Way, Tucson, AZ 85712

With over three decades of industry experience, Seaver Franks Architects operates out of its office in Tucson. It provides its clients with a great hands-on approach and a complete range of architectural services. It utilizes innovative approaches and has worked on countless regionally responsive spaces. The firm’s team conducts accurate and detailed market and feasibility studies tailored for each client. Depicted below is one of the firm’s best works.

This home, labeled in its portfolio as the Pima Canyon Estate, entailed an extensive renovation. Spanning over 5,500 square feet, it features a rustic modern ranch theme. The firm opted for harvested granite stone walls, cherry wood floors, and ceilings.

KQ Architects

2716 N 16th St., Phoenix, AZ 85006

Aside from residential projects, KQ Architects has talent and expertise in healthcare and commercial projects. It provides its clients with a complete and comprehensive range of services and operates out of its office in Phoenix. Renowned as one of the famous architects in Arizona, the firm draws inspiration from over four decades of industry experience and has since secured strong relationships with both its repeat clientele and some of the area’s best professionals and artisans. Uniquely, the firm incorporates various sustainability practices into its projects. This assures clients that all of its projects are highly efficient and sustainable. 

The home above spans over 5,417 square feet. It is located in Maricopa County and was completed for a couple who had spent over 20 years in Europe before returning to their hometown in central Arizona. This home reflects their time in Europe and their everyday needs. Inside, the home has expansive living spaces, a home office, and a salon for piano recitals. 

Ranking Methodology

To evaluate the performance of architects, our methodology employs a systematic approach that considers various factors contributing to customer experience and satisfaction. We focused on assessing the residential architects in the Arizona area. The methodology involves assigning weightings to specific categories based on their significance in determining customer service quality. Here’s the breakdown of the categories and their respective weightings:

• Average Customer Satisfaction (35%): This metric represents the average rating given by customers across the same review platforms as the Average Customer Satisfaction Score. A higher average rating indicates greater overall satisfaction with the service provided.
• Service Rating Score (25%): We analyze the ratio of high (4-5 stars) to low (1-2 stars) ratings for each business across multiple review platforms: Google, Houzz, and Yelp. A higher percentage of positive reviews contributes to a higher score, reflecting better customer satisfaction.
• Complaint Percentage (25%): We analyze the ratio of complaints to total reviews for each business. A lower complaints ratio indicates better service quality and results in a higher score.
• Business Hours and Availability (10%): The operating hours of each business are assessed to gauge accessibility. Companies with extended operating hours are awarded a higher score, as they offer greater convenience to customers.
• License Status (5%): We verify the licensing status of each contractor with their local licensing board to ensure legal compliance. Companies with valid licenses receive a higher score, reflecting professionalism and adherence to regulations.
• Total Score: We determined the overall rating for every contractor by calculating a weighted average, with the category weight determining the amount the subscore contributed to the total score 

Additional Note: Service Rating Score, Average Customer Satisfaction, and Complaint Percentage are calculated with a Bayesian estimate to account for if the contractor has a low number of total reviews. A Bayesian average is a statistical method used to calculate the average of a set of data points while taking into account prior information or beliefs about the distribution of the data. It combines the observed data with a prior distribution to generate a more accurate estimate of the true average.