Designing a Sustainable Custom Home in Santa Fe: Why Palo Santo Designs May Be Ideal For You

Posted on September 26, 2025September 30, 2025 by JeanneAdmin

A modern, single-story house with large windows and a flat roof sits on a grassy hillside, with trees in the background. — Palo Santo Monte Serena project

In Santa Fe, New Mexico, where high desert skies meet historic adobe and Pueblo-Revival architecture, building a custom home isn’t just about square footage—it’s about culture, character, and climate. At Palo Santo Designs, we design and build homes with a deep understanding of sustainability, high performance, and local traditions. As an award-winning design-build firm that combines architectural creativity with sustainable building practices, we’ve become the go-to partner for homeowners who want beauty, comfort, and long-term value.

Here’s what you should know about sustainable custom homes in Santa Fe, how we deliver them, and why working with us could be the smartest move for your project.

Why Sustainable, High-Performance Homes Are More than a Trend in Santa Fe

Santa Fe’s beautiful but challenging climate demands thoughtful design. The high altitude, wide temperature swings between day and night, intense sun, occasional snow, dry air, and limited water resources mean that traditional methods alone aren’t enough. Homes built without attention to energy and water efficiency struggle with comfort, utility bills, and durability.

Key sustainable features we incorporate include:

Passive solar design: orienting the home to capture winter sun for heating and shade in summer.
Thermal mass materials (like interior adobe or mass walls) that absorb heat during the day and release it at night.
High-performance insulation, air sealing, and efficient windows to reduce heat loss.
Renewable energy sources (e.g. solar photovoltaics) to reduce or eliminate dependence on electric grid power.
Water conservation through rainwater harvesting, greywater systems, and drought-tolerant landscaping.

These features improve comfort, reduce ongoing costs, increase resale value, and contribute to environmental stewardship.

Who We Are

Palo Santo Designs is a Santa Fe-based architecture and construction firm with deep roots in sustainable design and custom home building. We have been designing and building custom sustainable homes for over 25 years. Our expertise and experience in sustainable design is unparalleled in Santa Fe.

Here are some of the credentials and practices that set us apart:

We are licensed in both architecture and general construction (GB-98 General Contractor).
Several of our staff are LEED Accredited Professionals and have extensive experience with certification.
We design and build homes that aim for zero or very low energy usage, water efficiency, and overall environmental responsibility.
Our work has repeatedly won awards for craftsmanship, sustainable building, and design excellence.
Over 25 years of hands on local experience.

Our Services & Process

When you choose Palo Santo Designs, you’re not just hiring an architect or a builder—you’re getting a seamless design-build experience. Here’s what our process typically includes:

Initial consultation & visioning
We begin by understanding your goals: aesthetics, lifestyle, budget, and sustainability priorities. Whether your vision is modern, contemporary, or more aligned with Pueblo or Territorial architecture, we’ll help bring it into focus.
Site evaluation & planning
We carefully analyze slope, shade, wind, solar exposure, and views to orient your home for passive solar gain, natural shading, and efficient layout.
Design & architectural drawings
Our in-house architecture team produces designs that merge beauty with technical performance, including sustainable materials, efficient systems, and attention to indoor air quality.
Permitting & engineering
We know the local codes, design guidelines, and HOA rules—and our experience keeps your project on track.
Construction & high-performance systems
As both designers and builders, we maintain continuity from design intent through construction, installing the best high-efficiency systems to meet performance goals.
Post-occupancy support
We stand by our work and ensure your home performs as promised—delivering comfort, efficiency, and durability.

Case Study: LEED Platinum Custom Home

One of our favorite projects is a Pueblo Revival-style home in Santa Fe’s Museum Hill neighborhood that achieved LEED Platinum certification.

Highlights include:

Roof-mounted solar panels generating most of the home’s energy needs.
All-electric systems, including radiant in-floor heating and cooling via an air-to-water heat pump.
Rainwater harvesting and greywater reuse for both irrigation and indoor toilet flushing.
High insulation levels and adobe thermal mass, paired with energy recovery ventilation for fresh air.

This home demonstrates how beauty, comfort, and sustainability can come together seamlessly.

A modern adobe-style house with flat roofs, tan stucco walls, and a covered front porch, surrounded by dry landscaping and desert plants under a blue sky. — Palo Santo Museum Hill Adobe Project

Covered patio with wooden furniture, a fireplace, and potted plants, overlooking a garden with trees and a stone wall under a sunny sky. — Palo Santo Museum Hill Adobe Project

How We Help You Stay on Budget & On Schedule

We know one of the biggest concerns in custom building is cost and timing. Here’s how we address it:

Transparent cost validation during design, so you always understand trade-offs.
In-house architecture + construction, which minimizes miscommunication.
Hands-on project management by our principals, who know Santa Fe’s unique requirements.
Award-winning craftsmanship, ensuring lasting quality.

What to Consider Before Hiring Any Design-Build Firm

If you’re beginning this journey, ask firms questions like:

What sustainability certifications have you achieved?
Do you handle both design and construction?
Can you show similar past projects?
How do you manage cost estimates and changes?
What features do you recommend for Santa Fe’s climate?
How do you ensure long-term performance?

These questions will help you find the right partner—one whose values align with yours.

Why Choose Us

If you value high design, long-term comfort, energy savings, and environmental responsibility, we offer the complete package: licensed architects, certified green building experts, and a proven track record.

When you work with us, you’ll get:

A home tailored to you and to the site, views, and climate.
Lower operating costs over time.
Finishes and details that reflect Santa Fe’s unique character.
A smoother, clearer process with fewer surprises.

Next Steps

Here’s how to get started with us:

Reach out for a free consultation.
Gather your site info (or let us help with your land search).
Discuss design priorities and sustainability goals.
Set a budget and performance targets with our guidance.
Review our proposal and project scope.
Build your dream home—with our team guiding the process from start to finish.

Final Thoughts

Santa Fe is a place where history, beauty, light, and climate converge—and a custom home here should reflect that. Our mission at Palo Santo Designs is to design and build homes that not only look beautiful but feel right, perform well, and last for generations.

If you’re ready to explore what your sustainable custom home could be—with care for community, climate, and craft—we’d love to bring your vision to life.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Let’s talk about what sustainability means for your life, your budget, and your dreams—and start designing a home that reflects your values, not just square feet.

Modern house entrance with concrete pathway, desert landscaping, a small Buddha statue, and a view of green hills and distant mountains under a partly cloudy sky. — Palo Santo Hilltop Contemporary project

Choosing the Right Architect:

Posted on April 8, 2025May 4, 2025 by JeanneAdmin

A Step-by-Step Guide

Selecting the right architect is essential to turning your vision into reality. Whether you’re planning a new home build, a renovation, or a commercial development, choosing an architect who aligns with your goals can save you time, money, and stress. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process.

Spacious attic room with a light wood floor, white walls, a ceiling fan, and various seating areas. Decor includes plants, toys, and a small desk. Large windows provide natural light.

1. Define Your Project Scope and Budget

Before contacting architects, clarify your project goals.

Identify your top 2–5 priorities (e.g., “3-bedroom, 2-bath home with mountain views”).
Establish a realistic budget range early. Contact us if you would like help with this.
Consider your timeline and any must-have design features.
Having clear goals ensures your architect can deliver a design that fits your vision and budget.

2. Research Potential Architects

Find architects who specialize in projects like yours.

Browse online portfolios and project galleries.
Look for professionals with experience in your preferred architectural style.
Check for licenses, credentials, and professional affiliations.
Read reviews and testimonials to gauge client satisfaction.

3. Consider the Design-Build Approach

Design-Build offers a unified solution for design and construction.

The architect and builder work together under one company.
Improves communication, reduces costs, and speeds up the construction timeline.
Ideal for custom, complex or large-scale projects requiring precise coordination.

4. Schedule Interviews and Build Trust

Trust and chemistry are key to a successful project.

Set up initial consultations with your top choices.
Discuss your vision, goals, and expectations.
Evaluate their communication skills and how well they listen.
Trust is crucial—minor issues always arise, and a good relationship helps solve them smoothly.

5. Ask for References and Client Feedback

Past clients offer valuable insights.

Request contact info for at least 2–3 previous clients.
Ask about their experience, satisfaction with the outcome, and project challenges.
Inquire how the architect or design-build team handled communication and problem-solving.

6. Review Detailed Architectural Plans

Thorough documentation is essential.

Ensure your architect provides detailed floor plans, technical details, and material specs.
Clear plans reduce the risk of cost overruns or misinterpretations.
Review all drawings carefully and don’t hesitate to ask for clarifications.

7. Assess Compatibility and Communication Style

Choose someone you feel comfortable collaborating with.

Communication should be open, responsive, and respectful.
Look for an architect who values your input and provides clear feedback.
Compatibility reduces misunderstandings and ensures smoother decision-making.

8. Understand Fees and Contracts

Transparency on cost and scope protects your investment.

Clarify how the architect charges:
- Fixed fee
- Hourly rate
- Percentage of project cost
Review the contract thoroughly—look for clear terms, deliverables, and payment schedules.
Ensure all services and expectations are documented.

Conclusion: Build with Confidence

Choosing the right architect is about more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, communication, and shared vision. With a thoughtful approach and the right partner, your dream space is within reach.

Modern open-plan living area with a spiral staircase, brown leather sofa, glass dining table, and kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Large windows offer views of greenery outside.

A modern bathroom with a freestanding bathtub, two mirrors above a double sink, and a glass shower. A wooden ceiling and large window offer views of the outdoors.

Bedroom with wooden ceiling and large windows overlooking a garden. Features a bed with red and white bedding, two framed mirrors, and two lamps on wooden nightstands.

Ready to build your dream project?
Contact the expert Design-Build team at Palo Santo Designs.
📧 [email protected] | 📞 505-988-7230
Schedule your free consultation today!

Santa Fe Architect Spotlight – Sandra Odems

Posted on September 27, 2019August 11, 2023 by Mark

We sat down with another one of our great architects here at Palo Santo Designs—Sandra Odems—to talk about her background in architecture, her favorite part of the whole process, and how she approaches architecture now in Santa Fe.

What Led You To Architecture?

For Sandra, it was her interest in drawing from a young age. “I remember (as a child) finding art books stacked near the road, next to someone’s trash, and thinking I had found treasure,” she says.

As she journeyed through high school she always chose art classes instead of foreign language classes. Once she arrived at Tulane for college, she determined architecture would be a great path for her, one that would nurture her creativity and allow her to become a professional.

What Did You Do in Early Your Architecture Career?

For her college junior year abroad, Sandra studied at the Architectural Association in London, which had a strong emphasis on design. After graduation she flip-flopped, and jumped into residential construction, getting her hands dirty learning how buildings are actually constructed here in New Mexico.

As a licensed Architect several years later, Sandra was involved in the construction of larger projects: schools, recreation centers and visitors’ centers across the state. After ten years as a principal in a bigger firm, Sandra started her family and her own practice, with a new focus on residential architecture.

She also spent some time working with Ed Mazria and his team on The 2030 Challenge, which is an initiative that aims to reduce carbon emissions from the building sector by the year 2030.

Sandra now has 15 years of experience in residential design & construction in addition to approximately 10 years of experience working in the public sector.

What Brought You to Santa Fe?

“I’m originally from New Orleans,” Sandra says, but she landed in Santa Fe after considering options in other areas of the country and moving around a bit. Sandra initially moved to Taos with her husband. They began building houses together in the area and learning construction.

“We were young and it seemed cool.” Sandra says. About a year later, they moved to Santa Fe together to pursue larger projects and decided to stay.

Sandra says they fell in love with Santa Fe because of the beauty of the area, the clean air, and outdoor activities. She and her family enjoy skiing, hiking and sailing on the NM lakes as much as possible.

How Do You Approach Architecture & Design of Custom Homes?

Sandra says it’s a lot about context: the owner, the site, tangible and intangible items.

“You’re always looking for something unique – something special that the client brings to the table – that inspires the project.” she says. For Sandra, it’s about being a great listener, and figuring out what is significant and important about each project. Then it’s about transforming what’s heard into something that can be built.

It’s also about creating a connection to the outdoors, especially here in Santa Fe where the climate is comfortable and enjoyable.

Sure, modernism influences design and trends, but sometimes it’s also about designing buildings to be timeless; something that isn’t so dated. That’s a real accomplishment.

But at the end of the day… what Sandra mostly wants is for a project to be successful for the client. Success defined on their terms, because she has listened to them and created a building that they can enjoy for years to come.

What’s Your Favorite Part of the Design-Build Process?

“I love the day-to-day coordination with engineers and just getting it right,” Sandra says.

The complexity of the design and construction is exciting to her. It’s everything from the big vision to the tiniest of details—the daily push forward to a great finished project.

At Palo Santo Designs, Sandra is pleased to work with a team of people committed to thinking everything out and putting together a great project for each client.

What Are Some of the Unique Solutions You Deliver to Clients?

“I’m always thinking about daylight and energy-efficiency, and context, and how these things can come together,” she says.

Palo Santo Designs is committed to projects that are energy-efficient and it’s also second nature for Sandra since she’s been working on energy-efficient design and construction since the early 1990s. “I was doing green design long before it was trendy”, she says.

Sandra is also a LEED certified professional. It’s everything from the orientation of a home for natural light to envelope design and efficient systems. “We like to consider all of this,” Sandra says, but we understand that each client has their own goals and needs in their home.

All-in-all, Sandra is passionate about architecture and loves walking a project from design to build with careful attention to detail throughout the process.

What Makes Santa Fe’s Architecture Different, Especially in 2019?

“I love that in Santa Fe we have both contemporary and traditional styles. Contemporary is just starting to gain in popularity, but there is a big push happening right now in this direction.” Sandra says.

She loves the historic quality of the area and the City’s commitment to historic preservation – and a desire on the part of the community to continue to blend architecture into the earth, but she also appreciates and enjoys designing contemporary buildings.

It’s not a greater appreciation for one or the other. It’s an appreciation for how both can exist side-by-side, and in doing so, create a place that is comfortable and exciting. Old and new, together.

Why You Should Hire A Santa Fe Home Builder & Architect Together

Posted on February 8, 2019August 11, 2023 by Mark

If you’re researching to build a home in Santa Fe and are wondering how to start and what’s involved in the process, then we want to provide some insight here. Building a custom home isn’t a small project and we don’t want it be a poor experience for you, which is why we want you know everything up front.

So let’s take a dive into what the traditional process for building a custom home is like and how our design-build approach is designed to make that experience better.

Understanding the Traditional Client-Architect-Contractor Relationship & Process

When it comes to building a custom home, the traditional relationship looks like a triangle with the client at one point, architect at one point and general contractor at the last point. Typically, the client would approach an architect to initiate the conceptualization and design of the project.

The triangle represents the traditional client – architect – contractor relationship. The dot represents how we’re innovating this relationship by bring everyone together as one firm.

It’s important to note that a general contractor is not involved in the initial discovery phase or even the design phase of the project, based on the traditional relationship. Selecting a general contractor only comes after the design is complete.

The selection of a general contractor typically goes through a bid process where multiple contractors bid on the project with the most expensive bids being tossed to the side and the more affordable bids fighting for the job. This, of course, is a race to the bottom in terms of price alone.

In some cases a design is kicked back to the architect for a re-design because the contractors cannot build the designed home at a price the owners can afford. It is simply too lofty of a design for the budget.

Redesign can be a very costly experience, and can add many months to a project timeline…unnecessarily, in our opinion.

Why Is the Traditional Relationship is Often Not the Best Approach?

As we mentioned, while all three points of the triangle must be involved to complete a home build, the traditional relationships are siloed from each other. To explain this better, let’s take a look at a real-life example:

Reasons Why the Traditional Client-Architect-Contractor Relationship is Flawed:

#1 – No matter how talented an architect is and how much they know, if they are not working with a builder from the beginning of a project then there is information they will not know and anticipate. Materials, labor, and the environment all constantly change, which directly affects costs and completion. The builder knows that information and can inform the architect but only if the architect is working with the builder from the beginning.

#2 – With the traditional process, expectations are not appropriately set. Again, an architect will surely provide a beautiful design and capture what the client is dreaming of. However, if all of the other building factors are not considered then the client is getting their hopes up for something that may not be a reality. These expectations can crush a project.

#3 – In most cases, 50-75% of custom builds that start in with the traditional relationship end up having to go back through the redesign phase because of unanticipated factors, such as material and labor costs, and other factors Again, a redesign often costs the client more money and immediately delays the build process.

#4 – The traditional approach often focuses primarily on the artistic perspective with little or no focus on cost implications.. As we like to say “our goal is to design to your budget, so that your dream home will become a reality.” This approach is not exclusive of aesthetic focus, but is an informed approach emphasizing the aesthetic in the most cost effective ways possible. So understanding all of the building factors influences the design we create rather than working backward.

#5 – After a design is ready for contractors to bid on, it becomes all about hitting the budget that is often too low for the scope of the design, which causes a race to the bottom with contractors. Typically, the best builders are tossed out in the beginning because their bid is too “high,” although realistic. In this scenario, you have a beautiful design but a contractor trying to cut costs as much as possible to hit a budget. This is not a recipe for a successful and wonderful build for the client.

#6 – In some cases, a design may never be financially attainable for the client. They have hopes and dreams for a particular home, and while an architect can design the home, it may not be feasible at all for the set budget.

How We Approach Architecture & Home Building in Santa Fe:

Like we mentioned at the beginning, we are innovating this relationship simply by bringing architecture and contractors under one roof and on one team here in Santa Fe.

Since we can collaborate as designers and builders from the very first day, we can overcome the majority of pitfalls that occur in the traditional process. What does this look like?

Expectations – we can set the right expectations from day one. No designs that won’t fit an actual budget. We can take your budget and dreams and create a realistic expectation.
Financially Attainable – you have a set budget and dream for your home. We take both and create a plan that is attainable financially versus starting with a grand design that cannot be built for your budget. It’s our goal to make your dream a reality and attainable for you.
Land/Lot Real Estate – we can assist you in locating and purchasing a lot that suits your goals and avoids many issues that may affect budget and timeline, such as soils, topography, utilities and jurisdictional restrictions. We can effectively prevent redesigns and delays in the design-build process, which saves you money and gets you into your home on time.
Compliance – our goal from the moment we start discovery with you is to chart a path of compliance so your project complies with everything needed, such as ordinances, jurisdictions, easements, utilities, and beyond.
Truly Design and Build – some firms claim to be a design/build firm but they actually hire an outside architect to come in for a project. We don’t do this. We are truly a design-build firm because we have the architect and builders on the same team here at Palo Santo Designs. We are committed to not only designing you a beautiful home but influencing your project from the beginning with true building knowledge.
Sustainability – because of our extensive experience and expertise in the design and construction of high performance green homes, you can be assured that the design will include numerous fundamental energy and water efficiency features, passive solar design and otherwise environmentally preferable materials and methods. Sustainability is our baseline, not an add-on.