Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Award-Winning Architecture for a Better Built Environment
At FBT Architects, we approach every project with a commitment to enhancing the human experience through design. Our team of passionate professionals collaborates closely with clients to create spaces that inspire, connect, and endure. With over five decades of experience shaping the Southwest's built environment, we bring vision, craft, and innovation to projects ranging from K-12 education facilities to healthcare centers and commercial developments. Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our core values: a relentless pursuit of the WOW, creative problem-solving, and a collaborative culture that prioritizes trust and accountability. We believe architecture should not only meet functional needs but also elevate communities and foster meaningful connections.As a firm, we embrace challenges with enthusiasm, continuously pushing boundaries to deliver designs that exceed expectations. Our regional expertise in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado positions us to create contextually responsive solutions that honor local traditions while embracing modern innovation. From concept to completion, we maintain a client-centric focus, ensuring every project reflects the unique needs and aspirations of those we serve. Our track record of award-winning work, including recognition from AIA and NAIOP, underscores our commitment to advancing the architectural landscape through thoughtful, impactful design.
Services
K-12 Education Architecture
Healthcare Facility Design
Commercial Architecture
Civic & Municipal Projects
Hospitality Architecture
Interior Design
Master Planning
Sustainable Design
Historic Preservation
Urban Design
Details
- Year established: 1970
Highlights and features
- We specialize in contextually responsive architecture tailored to Southwest communities
- Our team includes AIA award-winning designers with 50+ years of regional expertise
- We maintain a collaborative process that prioritizes client needs and community impact
- Our portfolio spans diverse sectors including education, healthcare, and hospitality
- We combine technical precision with creative innovation in every project delivery
Services
K-12 Education Architecture
We create inspiring learning environments that support modern pedagogical approaches and student engagement. Our designs prioritize safety, sustainability, and adaptability to evolving educational needs. By collaborating with educators and communities, we develop spaces that foster creativity, collaboration, and academic success while meeting strict budgetary and regulatory requirements.
Healthcare Facility Design
Our healthcare architecture focuses on creating healing environments that enhance patient outcomes and staff efficiency. We specialize in hospitals, clinics, and wellness centers that balance technical requirements with human-centered design. Our evidence-based approach incorporates the latest advancements in medical technology and infection control while maintaining warm, welcoming spaces that reduce stress for patients and families.
Commercial Architecture
We design commercial spaces that optimize functionality while creating memorable brand experiences. Our portfolio includes corporate headquarters, retail centers, and mixed-use developments that maximize ROI through smart space planning and sustainable materials. We work closely with developers and business owners to create flexible, code-compliant environments that attract tenants and enhance workplace productivity.
Civic & Municipal Projects
We specialize in designing community-focused civic buildings that serve public needs while becoming local landmarks. Our expertise includes libraries, community centers, and government facilities that balance accessibility with security requirements. We prioritize inclusive design principles to create welcoming spaces that foster civic engagement and reflect the unique character of each community we serve.
Hospitality Architecture
Our hospitality designs create immersive experiences that differentiate brands in competitive markets. We work on hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that blend aesthetic appeal with operational efficiency. Our approach considers guest journey mapping, sustainability standards, and revenue-generating spaces while maintaining architectural harmony with surrounding environments to ensure long-term success for operators.
People
Arthur Tatum
President, Managing Partner
With decades of leadership experience, Arthur Tatum guides FBT Architects' strategic vision while maintaining active involvement in key projects. He champions the firm's commitment to design excellence and community impact through his collaborative leadership style and deep understanding of regional architectural needs.
John Nelson
Principal, Director of Hospitality and Interior Design
John Nelson brings 30+ years of luxury hospitality design expertise to FBT Architects. As Director of Hospitality and Interior Design, he leads creation of distinctive hotel, restaurant, and entertainment spaces that balance aesthetic innovation with operational practicality across the Southwest region.
Daniel Chamberlain
Principal, Director of Dallas Office
Daniel Chamberlain oversees FBT's Texas operations with 17+ years of regional architectural experience. His leadership focuses on expanding the firm's presence in Dallas while delivering technically sophisticated projects that address complex urban challenges and client-specific requirements across diverse market sectors.
Kelly Jernigan
Principal, Director of Colorado Springs Office
Kelly Jernigan leads FBT's Colorado Springs studio with nine years of project management expertise. She combines technical precision with creative problem-solving to deliver award-winning projects that enhance community well-being while maintaining strict budgetary and timeline controls for public and private sector clients.
Michele Carter
Principal, Director of Marketing and Business Development
Michele Carter shapes FBT's marketing strategy with 12 years of industry experience. As Director of Marketing and Business Development, she drives firm growth through innovative branding initiatives, client relationship management, and strategic positioning that highlights the firm's design excellence and regional expertise.
Questions
What types of projects does FBT Architects specialize in?
We specialize in education, healthcare, commercial, civic, hospitality, and urban design projects across the Southwest. Our regional expertise in New Mexico, Texas, and Colorado allows us to create contextually responsive architecture tailored to local needs.
How long has FBT Architects been in business?
FBT Architects has been shaping the Southwest's built environment since 1970, with over five decades of experience delivering award-winning architectural solutions for diverse public and private sector clients.
Do you offer sustainable design services?
Yes, sustainability is integrated into all our projects. We incorporate energy-efficient systems, locally sourced materials, and environmentally conscious design principles to meet LEED standards and reduce long-term operational costs for our clients.
Can you handle large-scale complex projects?
Our team has extensive experience managing technically complex projects of all scales, from small renovations to multi-million dollar new constructions. We employ advanced project management systems to ensure timely delivery while maintaining design integrity.
What sets FBT apart from other architecture firms?
Our unique combination of regional expertise, collaborative design process, and commitment to 'WOW' every client distinguishes us. We maintain long-term relationships through transparent communication, technical excellence, and designs that exceed expectations.
How do you involve clients in the design process?
We use interactive design workshops, 3D modeling tools, and regular progress reviews to ensure client input at every stage. Our collaborative approach ensures final designs authentically reflect client needs, budget constraints, and community expectations.
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