we design for "good living"

bill kurtz aia

BACKGROUND I've  provided leadership throughout my life, professionally including leading my own design firms (as lead design architect and project manager),  mentoring staff, encouraging  students, and supporting the American Institute of Architects (including service as Associate Director of the Phoenix AIA Chapter). I  have been honored  by the American Institute of Architects, locally and regionally for pro bono contributions and commissioned design work.   

A native to Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert, I  acquired Bachelor of Science degrees in both Environmental Design and in Communications at Arizona State University. After working for architects in Metropolitan Phoenix, I  moved to Seattle to acquire a Master of Architecture at the University of Washington. While experiencing the wet Pacific Northwest coastal living for contrast to my prior dry Southwest desert life, I was sponsored to live and research cohousing in Denmark, through the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. After my co-housing design thesis received international attention and publication, I  acquired licensure in Washington and Arizona , was declared an architect member of the American Institute of Architects,  formally began my own practice in Arizona as a sole proprietor (“Architecture with William Harold Kurtz AIA”), which evolved into the professional corporation Cambium Architects PC and later personalized into Bill Kurtz Architects PC.

my firm

We are attracted to a variety of design opportunities, including challenging residential and small public projects. We like natural materials, local products, hand made craftsmanship, and simple modern aesthetics.  At the top of the page please review "our designs", which I have selected to represent some of my favorite design experiences and design solutions.  At the bottom of the page, open up "services". My hope is that you are inspired to call.

OUR BUSINESS CARD The phrase  “Design With Bill Kurtz Architects PC” on our business card, describes a design collaboration. This is how I approach design in my firm today. I have maintained this design approach since becoming a licensed architect(20 years, thus the sketched group of people on our logo, long before "collaboration" became a buzz word). “Design…” excellence in product and process is our focus. Our process invites input and participation “…With…” all involved(owner, architect, staff, consultants, community, and contractor).  Use of my first name “…Bill...” refers to the personal attention, that I offer throughout the design process.  I try to be available at a moment’s notice and on a first name basis.

 Respectfully, Bill Kurtz AIA 602 955 5536