Santa Fe is known for its historic adobe homes, but a new wave of architects is redefining what modern living looks like in the high desert. If you think Santa Fe is all mud-plastered walls and wooden vigas, think again. A handful of visionary designers are crafting sleek, minimalist, and contemporary homes that still honor the region’s natural beauty. Here’s a look at some of the top architects bringing modern design to Santa Fe, complete with clean lines, expansive glass, and organic materials.
Praxis Design
Praxis Design, led by Mark Hagedorn, blends contemporary aesthetics with sustainable building practices. Their homes often feature floor-to-ceiling windows, flat roofs, and natural materials like stone and steel, creating spaces that are both warm and modern. One notable project is located in the Las Campanas neighborhood, where they designed a home that seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor living with an open-concept layout and a stunning desert courtyard.
Santa Fe Modern
If you’re looking for cutting-edge design that still nods to Santa Fe’s heritage, Santa Fe Modern is a go-to. Their homes are known for their striking geometric forms, monochromatic palettes, and bold use of glass and steel. They have several projects scattered throughout the foothills, particularly in the Tesuque area, where their homes frame breathtaking mountain views while maximizing energy efficiency.
Trey Jordan Architecture
Trey Jordan is one of Santa Fe’s most recognized modern architects, known for his elegant yet functional homes. His projects often incorporate custom woodwork, expansive courtyards, and seamless indoor-outdoor transitions. One of his standout projects is located in the Cerro Gordo area, where he designed a home that embraces both minimalism and warmth, featuring polished concrete floors and an open living space that spills onto a covered patio.
Seth Anderson
Seth Anderson’s designs strike a balance between rigid modernism and organic elements, ensuring that his homes feel contemporary without being stark. Many of his homes feature raw materials like exposed concrete and reclaimed wood, making them both timeless and functional. One of his more notable projects can be found near Museum Hill, where a cantilevered living space offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Craig Hoopes
Craig Hoopes is known for designing homes that embrace both clean, contemporary lines and natural textures. His approach incorporates sustainability, smart home technology, and passive solar design. Hoopes has worked on multiple projects in the Ridges neighborhood, where his homes blend modernist simplicity with Santa Fe’s rugged surroundings. Expect open floor plans, expansive outdoor decks, and a sense of serenity in every space.
Palo Santo Designs
Palo Santo Designs takes a holistic approach to modern architecture, focusing on energy efficiency and sustainable building materials. Their projects frequently include rammed earth walls, solar panels, and rainwater harvesting systems, making them some of the most forward-thinking homes in the region. A prime example is a residence they designed in Eldorado, featuring a minimalist aesthetic that still feels warm and inviting.
Lloyd & Tryk Architects
Lloyd & Tryk have been instrumental in shaping Santa Fe’s modern architectural landscape, crafting homes that merge Southwest tradition with contemporary form. Their designs often include large glass walls, sharp angular lines, and low-impact building techniques to harmonize with the natural desert environment. They have several homes in Las Dos, a neighborhood known for its breathtaking views and secluded lots.
The Future of Modern Design in Santa Fe
These architects are proving that modernism and Santa Fe’s unique character can coexist beautifully. Whether through sustainable building materials, expansive glass windows that frame the desert, or minimalist interiors that let nature take center stage, these designers are redefining what it means to live in the Southwest. If you’re in the market for a modern home in Santa Fe, keep an eye out for these names—you just might find your dream home designed by one of them.
