Archinect - News

Studio Ma has been selected to lead the design for UNM's College of Fine Arts expansion

2021-07-05T19:44:00-04:00

An art school in New Mexico is banking on an ambitious plan that hopes a leading regional firm’s name power will drive a cultural revival in a state holding a pivotal place in the history of American art.

Studio Ma has been tapped to lead the design for the University of New Mexico’s College of Fine Arts new master plan that will incorporate a five-step holistic process to develop an expanded academic facility in collaboration with Albuquerque-based firm Dekker/Perich/Sabatini.

A university press announcement pointed to the studio’s prominence in the field as a reason for choosing the firm University Architect Amy Cobourn referred to as “talented and engaging.”

Arts Lab. Photo courtesy of the University of New Mexico.

Studio Ma has guided the efforts to Arizona State University’s Downtown Phoenix campus tower complex, a massive science center at ASU’s original Tempe location, and a graduate dormitory that opened in 2017 at Princeton.

“The University of New Mexico is a locus in the ...

Studio Ma completes work on Arizona townhome complex guided by "bioclimatic design"

2020-08-27T13:10:00-04:00

Studio Ma has completed work on The Hollyhock, a collection of 11 townhouses located in Arizona that strive to offer ecologically-minded design amid the region's suburban context.

The project offers a collection of single and dual-story units arranged around a series of xeriscaped "neighborly courtyards," walkways, and private gardens.

According to the architects, the homes are built with "exceptional insulation, energy efficiency and low water use," efforts that include daylighting and passive ventilation as well as high-performanc low-emissivity glass, "insulated faux stucco," galvanized metal, sustainably harvested wood, and exposed concrete floors. These approaches, the designers explain, make up the project's "long-lifespan palette" of materials that "reduce carbon emissions associated with typical construction."

In addition, the project was brought to life through a close working relationship with the general contractor, The Construction Zone. “Together, the team pledged to ...

Studio Ma's "masterful texture" wins AIA Arizona's "Firm of the Year" Award

2017-03-16T13:21:00-04:00

Studio Ma may be small, but their work is mighty, at least according to the Arizona chapter of the AIA. The woman-owned firm, which has completed projects for Princeton University as well as a series of museums, public libraries and mixed-use housing developments, won the AIA's "Firm of the Year" award for the wide variety and complexity of their work, which the institute described as being "both smart and palpable, with a masterful use of texture."

This is yet another in a series of accolades for the firm, including being placed in the "Design Vanguard" by Architectural Record. “In our work, we strive to create building solutions that resonate with the surrounding context both large and small, in harmony with their greater environment,” said owner Christiana Moss. “This is essential to our client promise, to deliver innovative, sustainable and unique designs to forward-thinking institutions and individuals.” Congratulations, all!