Repp + McLain Office
4,500 square feet | tucson, arizona
architect: repp + mclain design & construction
general contractor: repp + mclain design & construction
materials: exposed concrete, powder coated steel, butt glazed glass
photographs: Bill Timmerman
Designing one’s own work environment is perhaps the ultimate challenge for an architectural firm. Our goal was to create a studio that fosters high-level thought, creativity, and meticulous attention to detail.
The result is an open, light-filled sanctuary that balances a high-energy collaborative interior with a serene, private desert courtyard.
The building’s form is driven by the experience of its occupants rather than a specific aesthetic agenda.
A large steel and concrete screen wall serves as a functional anchor, blocking the harsh western sun and the noise of 1st Avenue.
Visitors are guided through a deliberate procession from the parking area into a shaded, quiet courtyard, providing a moment of transition before entering the active studio space.
Environmental stewardship is woven into the architecture. Abundant daylighting eliminates the need for artificial light during the day, while cross-ventilation and ceiling fans minimize our reliance on air conditioning.
To further reduce the building’s footprint, solar panels offset summer energy loads and a rainwater harvesting system distributes runoff to nourish the site’s natural desert vegetation.
Awards & Recognition
- Honor Award | AIA Western Mountain Region
- Honor Award | AIA State of Arizona
- Honor Award | AIA Southern Arizona
- Building of the Year | Remodeling Magazine
