Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in Flagstaff, AZ
Shapes & Forms Architects has been delivering architectural services since 1998, specializing in planning, design, and programming for clients in Flagstaff and Northern Arizona. Our approach prioritizes contextual understanding of each project's environment, ensuring designs balance form and function while reflecting client desires. With expertise in custom homes, residential communities, and commercial projects, we apply decades of experience to create intelligent, imaginative solutions. Stephen M. Dorsett, our President, brings over 30 years of professional experience, including licensure since 1989 and leadership roles in local design review committees. Our portfolio includes over 50 custom residences, multi-family developments, and hospitality projects, demonstrating versatility across scales and typologies.We maintain a client-centric process, emphasizing active listening and collaboration throughout schematic design, development, and construction administration phases. Our commitment to design excellence is evidenced by long-standing client relationships and recognition from industry peers. NCARB-certified, we ensure compliance with rigorous professional standards while adapting to evolving design technologies and methodologies. This dedication has solidified our reputation as trusted partners in transforming architectural visions into reality.
Services
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Bidding Negotiation
Construction Administration
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of architectural experience since 1998
- Our team includes NCARB-certified professionals
- We maintain a client-focused design process
- We handle projects from custom homes to commercial developments
- We provide comprehensive services from concept to construction
Associations and certifications
- NCARB
What people say
Incredibly talented architect
Wonderful to work with
Professional
Great ideas
Design excellence
Services
Schematic Design
Our schematic design process begins with client programming to define spatial needs and project scope. We create initial sketches analyzing site context, solar orientation, and topography to establish functional layouts. This phase defines the project's architectural character while maintaining budget parameters through early cost estimation.
Design Development
Building upon schematic concepts, we refine spatial relationships and integrate structural, mechanical, and electrical systems. This phase produces detailed drawings that coordinate all building components while maintaining alignment with client priorities and regulatory requirements through iterative design reviews.
Construction Documents
We produce comprehensive construction documentation packages including detailed plans, elevations, sections, and specifications. These documents serve as legal instructions for contractors, ensuring accurate project execution through precise dimensioning, material specifications, and code compliance documentation.
Bidding Negotiation
We assist clients in contractor selection through bid analysis and negotiation services. Our expertise ensures competitive pricing while maintaining project quality standards through thorough bid comparisons and contract administration guidance.
Construction Administration
Our construction administration services include site visits, payment application reviews, and change order management. We act as client representatives to verify code compliance, resolve field issues, and ensure final construction aligns with approved design documents.
People
Stephen M. Dorsett
Owner/President
Licensed architect with NCARB certification since 1989, Stephen brings 30+ years of experience in residential and commercial design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona and has served on multiple local design review committees.
Questions
What architectural services do you offer?
We provide full-service architectural solutions including schematic design, design development, construction documents, bidding negotiation, and construction administration for residential and commercial projects.
What areas do you serve?
While based in Flagstaff, we serve all of Northern Arizona and have experience working on projects across diverse geographic contexts.
How experienced is your team?
Our principal architect holds NCARB certification with 30+ years of experience, including licensure since 1989 and completion of over 50 custom residential projects.
What project types do you handle?
We specialize in custom homes, multi-family developments, commercial buildings, and renovation projects of varying scales and complexities.
How do you approach client collaboration?
We employ a client-centric process emphasizing active listening, iterative design reviews, and transparent communication throughout all project phases.
