The design process was a collaborative and artistic one, with 15 different schematic concepts explored before settling on a design featuring three buildings connected by covered passageways. These buildings form three courtyards facing west, south, and east. The design, constrained by the city’s setback regulations, incorporates elements from various architectural styles including Bungalow, Mission, Pueblo, and Santa Fe Modern, reflecting the neighborhood’s diverse aesthetic. Inspired by local zoning laws, which allow only residential buildings but make exceptions for religious structures, the authors embraced the idea of creating a “sacred space,” leading to many people mistakenly thinking they church was being constructed.

The home and studios are designed for passive solar performance with 12-inch adobe walls, wood framing for the second story, and sloped “Butterfly Roofs” inspired by Sandhill Cranes. These roofs are designed for rainwater harvesting and future solar panel installation. Insulated stucco and radiant floor heating provide comfort throughout the year without the need for air conditioning. The building materials are natural, sacred, and local, including adobe, copper, Soapstone countertops, and sustainable wood flooring.

The interior design emphasizes the weaving of vertical and horizontal spaces, with two-story open areas and lofts that create a dynamic, interconnected layout. Sacred geometry informs the design, particularly in the placement of circular windows and integration with the surrounding landscape, which includes native High Desert plants, Rocky Mountain Juniper trees, and a permaculture garden. Rainwater is captured in cisterns to irrigate the landscaping, which helps purify the air from nearby busy streets.

Overall, the project blends artistic vision, sustainable design, and cultural reverence, resulting in a home and studio that is not only functional but also a deeply personal, sacred space.