Studio Southwest Architecture is proud to announce that two of its recent projects, the Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC) and the Navajo Preparatory School Housing, have been recognized with the prestigious Award of Excellence from NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association. These honors are a testament to the firm’s dedication to excellence, innovation, and collaboration in designing projects that make a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Navajo Prep School Housing: Fostering a Sense of Home Through Cultural Connection
The Navajo Preparatory School Housing project was designed with the intent to create a living space that is more than just a place to stay—it’s a place that feels like home. The design team worked closely with school administrators and the Navajo community to ensure that the building would reflect the values and traditions of the Diné people, fostering a strong cultural connection for the students who live there.
Respecting the sacred cardinal directions, the building is oriented with an east-facing entry and social spaces to the north. This thoughtful siting honors cultural beliefs while creating an environment that encourages community and personal growth. One of the most striking features of the dormitory is the dynamic, hogan-inspired ceiling design that spans the shared living space, a visual and symbolic representation of the community circle. This ceiling feature, paired with Navajo design motifs and dedicated spaces for displaying cultural artifacts, helps create a space that is not only functional but culturally congruent and empowering for students.
By integrating these cultural elements into the design, Studio Southwest has created a dormitory that nurtures the next generation of leaders in a space that honors their heritage, building a bridge between tradition and modern education.
For this project Studio Southwest partnered with the contractor Jaynes Corporation.
Santa Fe County Regional Emergency Communications Center (RECC): Elevating Public Safety Infrastructure
The Santa Fe County RECC is a project that underscores Studio Southwest’s commitment to designing public infrastructure that serves the needs of the community with innovation and efficiency. The RECC is a critical facility that operates 24/7 to handle all public safety communications, including emergency 911 and non-emergency calls for services ranging from sheriff and fire to medical and animal control.
The design of the RECC not only meets the stringent standards required for public safety communication centers but elevates those standards to create a facility that is both functional and forward-thinking. The center’s layout ensures seamless communication and operations, allowing first responders to access critical information quickly and efficiently. The facility also prioritizes the safety and comfort of the personnel who work tirelessly around the clock to protect and serve the community.
By designing a state-of-the-art facility that enhances public safety and communication systems, Studio Southwest has contributed to the advancement of New Mexico’s emergency response capabilities, ensuring that those who rely on these services can depend on the best infrastructure available.
For this project Studio Southwest partnered with the contractor Jaynes Corporation.
Honoring Innovation, Collaboration, and Professionalism
At Studio Southwest, the recognition of both the Navajo Prep School Housing and the Santa Fe County RECC with NAIOP’s Award of Excellence reflects the firm’s unwavering commitment to innovation, collaboration, and professionalism. These projects highlight the firm’s ability to listen closely to community needs, collaborate across disciplines, and deliver designs that are both visionary and grounded in practical, real-world solutions.
Studio Southwest also received the notable Merit Award for their Cadence OpenEye and Australia at the BioPark Phase 1 projects. For these projects Studio SW partnered with Kha’P’o Construction and Bradbury Stamm Construction, respectively.
