Business Details
Trusted Commercial Architects in Tucson, AZ
Highton is a full-service architectural firm specializing in commercial and healthcare facility design. With over two decades of experience in healthcare planning, we focus on creating functional, flexible, and energy-efficient spaces that anticipate future technological and regulatory changes. Our principals maintain direct client involvement from initial programming through construction completion, ensuring personalized attention to every project. Our expertise spans hospital master planning, medical office buildings, diagnostic imaging suites, and urgent care centers. We combine architectural excellence with financial acumen, leveraging our CPA co-founder's organizational skills to deliver projects on time and within budget. Our commitment to patient-centered design is evident in projects like the Arizona Hematology Oncology Building and Wickenburg Community Hospital expansions.We prioritize understanding client operations from a facility manager's perspective to create durable, accessible environments. Our LEED AP-certified team integrates environmental sensitivity into all projects while maintaining strict adherence to code compliance standards. We serve Arizona's healthcare and commercial sectors, with a proven track record of collaboration across multiple stakeholders including developers, contractors, and healthcare providers. Our unique value proposition lies in combining architectural expertise with financial discipline to create practical, innovative solutions for complex building projects.
Services
Commercial Architectural Services
Healthcare Facility Design
Medical Office Buildings
Hospital Master Planning
Urgent Care Centers
Diagnostic Imaging Suites
Research Facilities
Campus Planning
Interior Design
Code Compliance Studies
Highlights and features
- Specializing in healthcare design for over 20 years
- Direct principal involvement from concept to completion
- LEED-certified sustainable design expertise
- Proven track record with Arizona healthcare providers
- Combines architectural excellence with financial accountability
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
What people say
Highest caliber service
Stellar professionalism
Quality designs
Exceptional responsiveness
Client centered approach
Services
Healthcare Facility Design
Specialized design services for healthcare environments including hospitals, urgent care centers, and diagnostic facilities. Our team creates patient-centered spaces that balance functionality with healing aesthetics. We incorporate the latest in medical technology requirements and regulatory standards while maintaining energy efficiency and long-term adaptability for evolving healthcare needs.
Hospital Master Planning
Comprehensive planning services for hospital expansions and renovations. We develop strategic growth plans that optimize space utilization while maintaining operational continuity. Our approach integrates current medical practices with future-ready infrastructure, ensuring facilities can adapt to technological advancements and changing patient demographics over time.
Medical Office Buildings
Design solutions for multi-tenant medical office complexes and specialized practice facilities. We create efficient layouts that accommodate diverse medical specialties while maintaining cohesive campus environments. Our designs prioritize accessibility, workflow optimization, and technology integration to support modern healthcare delivery models.
Commercial Architectural Services
Full-service architectural solutions for commercial properties including office parks, research facilities, and professional buildings. We combine functional design with aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that enhance productivity while meeting strict budgetary and timeline requirements. Our experience spans from ground-up construction to adaptive reuse projects.
Code Compliance Studies
Comprehensive assessments of building code requirements and accessibility standards. Our team stays current with evolving regulations to ensure projects meet all federal, state, and local compliance requirements. We provide detailed analysis and practical solutions to address code challenges while maintaining design integrity and project budgets.
People
Julie Highton-Snedeker
Principal Architect
Registered architect with 20+ years specializing in healthcare design. Graduated from University of Arizona with Bachelor of Architecture. Focuses on creating functional medical spaces that anticipate future regulatory and technological changes while maintaining patient-centered environments.
Gary Highton
Principal Architect & CPA
Dual-qualified architect and certified public accountant. Combines financial expertise with architectural knowledge to deliver cost-effective solutions. LEED AP-certified with extensive experience in healthcare facility planning and project management from initial design through construction completion.
Questions
What types of projects does Highton Company specialize in?
We specialize in commercial architectural projects with a focus on healthcare facilities, including hospitals, medical office buildings, urgent care centers, and diagnostic imaging suites.
How does Highton Company ensure project success?
Our principals maintain direct involvement throughout every project phase, combining architectural expertise with financial accountability to deliver quality results on time and within budget.
What makes Highton Company different from other architects?
Our unique combination of healthcare design expertise, LEED-certified sustainable practices, and financial acumen enables us to deliver practical, innovative solutions tailored to client needs.
Do you work with clients outside Arizona?
While based in Tucson, we've completed projects across Arizona and collaborate with regional partners to serve clients throughout the Southwest.
How do you handle complex regulatory requirements?
Our team stays current with evolving building codes and healthcare regulations, providing practical compliance solutions that maintain design integrity and project budgets.
