Arizona Architects Creating Interest in Tokyo
Located in the southwestern
United States, Arizona is noted for the Grand Canyon, desert, Wyatt
Earp, the shoot-out at OK Corral, hot summers, and some really
outstanding architects. Frank Lloyd Wright, who is famous in Japan for his architecture where
he designed 12 buildings, of which 6 were built, and
2 remain whole. Wright also spent his winters for much of
the last part of his life in Arizona. His influence on architecture in Arizona
was great then and remains so even today a half century later. Frank Lloyd Wright's
emphasis on organic architecture plays an important role today
thanks to global warming and dwindling reserves of fossil fuel, as
well as larger demands on energy and other resources.
This series of articles features young and innovative Arizona architects and their studios. How they are facing the architectural and environmental challenges of today. We invite you to join us as we interview them.
 When dealing with Arizona architects, one expects to see some influence of the Spanish-Mexican heritage of the Southwest. However, even within Arizona, the Spanish-Mexican influence varies. Tucson was established in 1692 with the founding of the San Xavier del Bac Mission. The founding of Phoenix occured 200 years later and was mainly the result of pioneers who, coming in from the mid-west and eastern part of the United States, brought with them a culture quite distinct from that of Tucson where Ibarra Rosano Studio is located. Ibarra Rosano Studio is one of the few studios that have been able to retain the area's cultural influence and blend it into unique modern form of architecture.
 Located in Tempe, Arizona, the home of Arizona State University, Colab Studio shows the artistic side of architecture. Matthew and Maria Salenger hold both architecture and art degrees factors that show clearly in their work.
Located in the Scottsdale,
Arizona, Formwerks Studios is conveniently situated at the entrance to
Paradise Valley. Paradise Valley is the home for many high-end
residences, some of which belong to clients of Formwerks. I met Lou
Warner for the first time when I went to interview him in his offices.
Friendly, articulate, and energetic, Lou was a lot of fun to interview.
I can't help but think that his clients like to work with him as well
Circle West Architects is located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Founded by Peter Koliopoulos AIA, Circle West blends the best of modern architecture with the spirit of the desert. While fully subscribing to the philosophy of Mies, Peter is not reluctant to introduce his own nuances and thoughts into the creation of new architecture and forms. While scheduled for only 30 minutes or so, this interview stretched for more than an hour, only part of which can be given here, unfortunately. Please enjoy!
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