Business Details
42 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Design & Historic Preservation in Tucson
Founded in 1984, Poster Frost Mirto is a distinguished architecture and planning firm rooted in Tucson, Arizona. Our practice merges historic preservation, community-driven design, and innovative urban planning to create spaces that honor cultural heritage while addressing modern needs. With decades of collective experience, our team specializes in transforming historic structures into functional, sustainable environments and shaping vibrant public spaces. We prioritize collaboration, working closely with stakeholders to ensure projects reflect community values and environmental stewardship.Recognized for excellence in design and preservation, we have earned national awards and certifications, including LEED accreditation. Our commitment to education and civic engagement is evident through leadership roles at institutions like the University of Arizona and active participation in local nonprofits. From academic campuses to multifamily housing, our portfolio demonstrates a dedication to enhancing urban landscapes through thoughtful, context-sensitive solutions.
Services
Historic Preservation
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
LEED Certification
Community Engagement
Details
- Year established: 1984
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in historic preservation and urban design.
- Our team includes LEED-certified architects and AIA members.
- We prioritize community collaboration in every project we undertake.
- Our work has earned national awards from DBIA and AIA organizations.
- We combine academic expertise with hands-on construction knowledge.
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP BD+C
- AIA
- NCARB
Services
Historic Preservation
Specializing in revitalizing historic structures while maintaining their cultural integrity. Our team employs advanced techniques to restore buildings like the University of Arizona's Old Main and Bear Down Gymnasium. We balance modern functionality with preservation standards, ensuring compliance with national heritage guidelines.
Urban Planning
Creating cohesive urban environments through community-driven master plans. Projects like the Fort Lowell Park and Cienega Creek Preserve demonstrate our commitment to sustainable, inclusive spaces. We integrate transportation, housing, and public amenities to enhance urban livability while respecting ecological contexts.
Architectural Design
Delivering innovative architectural solutions for academic, residential, and cultural spaces. From the Student Success District at the University of Arizona to senior housing developments, our designs prioritize functionality, sustainability, and aesthetic harmony with surrounding environments.
LEED Certification
Guiding projects through LEED certification processes to achieve sustainability goals. Our experts implement energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly materials, as demonstrated in the Bartlett Academic Success Center. We ensure compliance with rigorous environmental standards while maintaining design excellence.
Community Engagement
Facilitating inclusive design processes that incorporate community input. Through workshops and public meetings, we ensure projects like the Southern Arizona Heritage and Visitors Center reflect local needs. This approach strengthens project outcomes and fosters long-term community investment.
People
Corky Poster
Architect and Principal Planner (AICP)
Founder of Poster Frost Mirto and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of Arizona. With 45+ years in urban design and historic preservation, he pioneered community-based planning approaches and received national acclaim for his work on Tucson's cultural landmarks.
Jon Mirto
Architect and Principal
Partner since 2005 with expertise in historic preservation. Served as Commission Architect for the Tucson Pima County Historical Commission. Graduated from the University of Arizona and licensed in Arizona and New Mexico, he focuses on regional, environmentally responsive design.
Savannah McDonald
Architect and Principal
Tucson native and University of Arizona graduate. Partner since 2017, she manages complex projects from design through construction. Combines technical expertise with community service, serving as an adjunct lecturer and nonprofit board member to advance architectural education and civic engagement.
Charles Pifer
Architect, LEED AP BD+C
Sustainability expert leading LEED certification processes for high-profile projects. Native Tucsonan with University of Arizona credentials. Manages large-scale design-build projects while maintaining hands-on craftsmanship through furniture-making and workshop activities.
Liz Farkas
Architect, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Registered Arizona architect since 2008 with a focus on environmental responsibility in design. Former AIA Arizona board director and journal editor. Applies collaborative problem-solving to create context-sensitive solutions that balance functionality with ecological stewardship principles.
Questions
What architectural services does Poster Mirto McDonald specialize in?
We specialize in historic preservation, urban planning, academic facility design, and sustainable architecture. Our expertise includes LEED certification processes and community-driven development projects.
How does the firm approach historic preservation projects?
We combine technical expertise with cultural sensitivity, using modern materials and methods while maintaining historical integrity. Our work on the University of Arizona's Old Main demonstrates this balanced approach.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Tucson, Arizona, we work throughout Southern Arizona on projects ranging from urban master plans to cultural landmark restorations.
Can you handle large-scale academic projects?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with complex academic developments like the University of Arizona's Student Success District, which integrated four buildings into a cohesive learning environment.
How does the firm incorporate sustainability?
We prioritize LEED-certified designs, energy-efficient systems, and eco-friendly materials. Our projects like the Bartlett Academic Success Center demonstrate sustainable practices integrated with historic preservation.
What community involvement initiatives do you support?
Our team actively participates in local organizations like the Living Streets Alliance and Tucson Historic Preservation Foundation, reflecting our commitment to civic improvement and heritage conservation.
