Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Southwest Architecture Solutions
Seaver Franks Architects has been a cornerstone of innovative architectural design in the Southwest since 1975. Our firm combines decades of regional expertise with cutting-edge technology to deliver customized solutions for commercial and residential projects. We prioritize collaborative design processes that respect the Sonoran Desert's natural environment and cultural heritage while meeting modern functional demands. As a LEED-certified firm for over a decade, we integrate sustainable practices into every project, from luxury homes to large-scale commercial developments. Our team of registered architects and seasoned professionals brings extensive technical knowledge and a deep understanding of desert climate challenges to every client engagement.With offices in Tucson and New Orleans, we serve clients across the Southwest and beyond, maintaining a family-focused culture that values diversity and creative problem-solving. Our track record includes award-winning projects in hospitality, healthcare, education, and residential sectors, reflecting our commitment to exceeding client expectations through transparent communication and technical excellence.
Services
Commercial Architecture
Residential Design
Sustainable Design
LEED Certification
Project Management
Details
- Year established: 1975
Highlights and features
- We offer 50 years of Southwest-specific architectural expertise
- Our team includes LEED-certified professionals with sustainable design expertise
- We implement a collaborative design process with real-time visualization tools
- Our regional specialists understand desert climate construction challenges
- We maintain NCARB-certified architects across multiple states
Associations and certifications
- LEED
What people say
Best to work with
Exceptional work
Exceeded expectations
Rapid response
Creative problem-solving
Services
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services create functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces for hospitality, healthcare, retail, and corporate clients. We specialize in Southwest regional design while incorporating modern sustainable practices. Our team manages projects from concept through completion, ensuring alignment with client vision and budget. With decades of experience, we deliver spaces that enhance business operations and community integration.
Residential Design
We design custom luxury homes that harmonize with the Sonoran Desert environment while meeting modern comfort standards. Our portfolio includes mid-century ranch renovations and contemporary estates across Tucson's premier neighborhoods. The design process emphasizes client collaboration to create personalized living spaces that maximize natural light and desert vistas while maintaining energy efficiency.
Sustainable Design
As LEED-certified professionals, we integrate sustainable solutions into every project. Our approach balances environmental responsibility with functional requirements, utilizing passive solar design, local materials, and energy-efficient systems. This expertise extends to both commercial and residential projects, reducing environmental impact while maintaining aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
Project Management
Our comprehensive project management ensures seamless execution from concept to completion. We coordinate all aspects of design and construction, maintaining clear communication between stakeholders. This includes budget oversight, timeline management, and quality control throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely delivery within specified parameters.
LEED Certification
We guide clients through the LEED certification process for commercial and residential projects. Our team implements sustainable design strategies that meet rigorous environmental standards while optimizing building performance. This includes energy modeling, material selection, and water conservation systems that reduce operational costs and environmental impact.
People
Michael Franks
Principal
Award-winning architect with 35+ years of Southwest design experience. Leads project teams in creating innovative solutions for hospitality, religious, and residential projects. NCARB-certified and active in Tucson community organizations.
JaMia Dees
Senior Project Architect
Registered architect in three states with 22 years of multidisciplinary team leadership. Specializes in educational, healthcare, and residential projects. Committed to teaching and continuous learning in architectural design.
Daren Sadowsky
Senior Project Architect
LEED-accredited professional with 15+ years of experience in healthcare and educational facilities. Expert in BIM implementation and thematic architecture. Former Tulane University faculty member teaching professional architecture courses.
Hillary Grigel
Senior Project Architect
LEED-certified architect with decade-plus experience in medical, commercial, and hospitality design. Former USGBC Southern Arizona council member. Expert in BIM implementation and sustainable building practices.
Richard Huch
Senior Project Architect
University of Arizona graduate with 33 years of Southwest architectural experience. Manages diverse projects from industrial facilities to spas. Combines traditional and contemporary design elements with technical construction expertise.
Questions
What architectural services do you specialize in?
We specialize in commercial and residential architecture across the Southwest, including hospitality, healthcare, educational facilities, and luxury custom homes. Our expertise extends to LEED-certified sustainable design and project management.
How long have you been in business?
Seaver Franks Architects has provided architectural services since 1975, with our Tucson office establishing regional expertise over nearly five decades of continuous operation.
Do you work outside the Southwest region?
While based in Tucson, we serve clients across the United States including Louisiana, California, and Texas. Our Southwest design principles adapt effectively to similar arid climates nationwide.
What makes your firm different?
Our unique combination of regional expertise, LEED-certified professionals, and collaborative design process sets us apart. We maintain NCARB-certified architects across multiple states and emphasize sustainable solutions tailored to desert environments.
How do you handle project timelines and budgets?
Our project management team ensures strict adherence to timelines and budgets through comprehensive planning and regular client communication. We implement phased reviews to maintain alignment with financial parameters throughout the design and construction process.
Can you help with LEED certification?
Yes, we guide clients through the LEED certification process, implementing sustainable design strategies that meet environmental standards while optimizing building performance and reducing operational costs.
