Business Details
48 Years
experience
Sustainable Architecture Integrating Nature and Design
Founded in 1978, Line & Space has established itself as a leader in resource-conserving architecture, seamlessly integrating structures with their natural landscapes. Our practice emphasizes sustainability, environmental stewardship, and regional design principles, reflected in over 140 awards for architectural and environmental excellence. As licensed architects and general contractors, we combine design innovation with hands-on construction expertise to deliver projects that prioritize climate-specific solutions, water harvesting, and energy efficiency. Our team of 16 professionals collaborates in a dynamic studio environment, maintaining a global perspective while addressing local site conditions. We have completed notable projects across the U.S. and internationally, including award-winning libraries, visitor centers, and sustainable residential complexes.Our principals hold prestigious accolades, including AIA Fellowships and LEED certifications, underscoring our commitment to design excellence and ecological responsibility. We engage clients through collaborative workshops, ensuring projects align with community needs and environmental contexts. With offices in Tucson, Arizona, and satellite locations, we serve diverse markets while maintaining a focus on meaningful, place-based architecture. Our work has been featured in over 100 publications and recognized by the American Institute of Architects at regional and national levels.
Services
Sustainable Architecture
Landscape Integration
Climate-Specific Design
Water Harvesting Systems
LEED Certification Consulting
Public Facility Design
Residential Architecture
International Projects
Construction Management
Design Workshops
Details
- Year established: 1978
Highlights and features
- We have 45+ years of experience in sustainable desert architecture
- Our firm holds multiple AIA Committee on the Environment awards
- We operate as both architects and general contractors
- Our principals are registered in 10+ U.S. states
- We maintain an international portfolio across four continents
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
- LEED AP
Services
Sustainable Architecture
We create energy-efficient buildings that minimize environmental impact through passive solar design, natural ventilation, and locally sourced materials. Our approach reduces long-term operational costs while maintaining aesthetic integrity. Projects incorporate water conservation systems and renewable energy solutions tailored to desert climates.
Landscape Integration
Our designs harmonize with natural topography and vegetation, preserving existing ecosystems while enhancing user experience. We employ strategic placement of structures to optimize views, shade, and wind patterns. This approach creates seamless transitions between built and natural environments, enhancing both functionality and beauty.
LEED Certification Consulting
We guide projects through LEED certification processes, implementing strategies for energy efficiency, water savings, and sustainable materials. Our team maintains current knowledge of rating systems and documentation requirements. This expertise ensures compliance with environmental standards while maximizing building performance.
Public Facility Design
We specialize in libraries, visitor centers, and educational facilities that balance public access with environmental responsibility. Designs prioritize durability, accessibility, and community engagement. Our portfolio includes multiple award-winning civic projects recognized for innovative programming and sustainable features.
International Projects
We adapt regional design principles to diverse cultural and environmental contexts across four continents. Our experience includes projects in China, Afghanistan, and South America. This global perspective informs context-sensitive solutions that respect local traditions while implementing modern sustainability standards.
People
Les Wallach
Principal Emeritus
Founder of Line & Space with 40+ years of experience in sustainable design. Recipient of AIA Arizona's Architect of the Year award. Led over 100 environmentally conscious projects worldwide. Educator at the University of Arizona and published author on desert architecture principles.
Bob Clements
Principal
Licensed architect with LEED AP certification. Specializes in construction documentation and quality control. Managed complex projects including the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum complex. Combines analytical skills with spatial visualization to deliver cost-effective, high-quality designs.
Jared Logue
Principal
Award-winning designer responsible for Sahuarita Regional Library. Expert in passive climate solutions and water harvesting systems. Mentors emerging architects through technical workshops. Holds architectural licenses in three U.S. states.
Emily Starace
Architect
LEED Accredited Professional with experience in international projects. Specializes in sustainable residential design and material innovation. Former adjunct lecturer at University of Arizona. Licensed architect in Arizona with focus on technical detailing.
Nathan Becenti
Associate
Master of Architecture graduate incorporating Indigenous design principles into sustainable practice. Explores cultural connections through watercolor and sandpainting. Focuses on collaborative design processes that respect traditional knowledge systems while addressing modern environmental challenges.
Questions
What architectural styles does Line and Space specialize in?
We focus on desert modernism and climate-responsive design that integrates with natural landscapes. Our work emphasizes sustainability through passive cooling techniques, water conservation systems, and locally sourced materials.
Do you handle both design and construction?
Yes, we operate as both architects and general contractors. This dual capability allows us to maintain design integrity throughout construction while optimizing budget efficiency through hands-on project management.
Can you assist with LEED certification for new buildings?
Our team includes LEED Accredited Professionals who guide projects through certification processes. We implement energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials strategies to meet specific certification goals while maintaining design quality.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Tucson, Arizona, we work on projects nationwide and internationally. Our experience includes completed projects in China, Afghanistan, and multiple U.S. states with diverse climate conditions.
How do you incorporate sustainability into residential projects?
We apply passive solar principles, rainwater harvesting systems, and thermal mass materials to residential designs. Our approach reduces energy consumption through strategic window placement, natural ventilation, and integration with existing vegetation.
What sets your firm apart from other architects?
Our unique combination of design excellence, construction expertise, and environmental stewardship creates buildings that harmonize with their surroundings. With 45+ years of desert architecture experience and 140+ awards, we deliver proven, innovative solutions.
