Palo Santo Designs Featured in Modern Home Builders Magazine’s February 2025 Issue

Posted on April 18, 2025May 4, 2025 by JeanneAdmin

Santa Fe, NM — April 17, 2025 — Palo Santo Designs is honored to announce its feature in the February 2025 issue of Modern Home Builders magazine. The article highlights the company’s commitment to sustainable design, innovative building practices, and its role in shaping the future of eco-conscious architecture in the Southwest.

Modern Home Builders is a premier publication that delves into the vital aspects of contemporary home construction, including materials, labor, design, interior and exterior finishes, and emerging trends like energy efficiency and smart home technology. The magazine caters to industry professionals, offering insights from business leaders and spotlighting the successes of leading firms in the North American home building sector. hubblehomes.com+2Modern Home Builders magazine+2Muck Rack+2 hootbio.com+2Muck Rack+2Modern Home Builders magazine+2

In the feature, Modern Home Builders explores Palo Santo Designs’ unique approach to blending traditional Southwestern aesthetics with modern, sustainable building techniques. The article discusses the company’s dedication to environmental stewardship, use of locally sourced materials, and innovative design solutions that meet the evolving needs of homeowners.

“Being featured in Modern Home Builders is a testament to our team’s hard work and our commitment to sustainable design,” said Mark Giorgetti of Palo Santo Designs. “We’re proud to be recognized for our efforts to create homes that are not only beautiful but also environmentally responsible.”

The full article can be read in the digital edition of Modern Home Builders magazine: Modern Home Builders magazine

About Palo Santo Designs

Palo Santo Designs is a Santa Fe-based design-build firm specializing in sustainable, high-performance homes that reflect the rich cultural heritage of the Southwest. With a focus on environmental responsibility and innovative design, the company creates custom homes that are both timeless and forward-thinking.

About Modern Home Builders Magazine

Modern Home Builders is a leading publication that covers the contemporary home construction industry. The magazine provides in-depth reporting on materials, design, technology, and trends, serving as a valuable resource for professionals in the home building sector.

Studios at Parkway Phase 1 Completed

Posted on July 31, 2024April 21, 2025 by Beatriz Reyna

Introduction

Palo Santo’s flagship operation, the Studios at Parkway, Phase 1 is complete. This new commercial development is situated in Santa Fe’s burgeoning Siler Rufina District, a hotspot for arts and industry that is housed in one of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Opportunity zone. All units in Phase 1 have been sold or are currently being leased.

Location Highlights:

Proximity to Key Attractions: The location is within walking distance from popular sites like Meow Wolf and the Rufina Taproom.
Business Park Adjacency: It’s right next to the bustling Richards Avenue Business Park, featuring over 100 small businesses.
Scenic Views: Although located in a commercial-industrial area, the development offers views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Outdoor Amenities: The project is adjacent to city open spaces and trails along the old Acequia Madre.
Housed in one of Santa Fe, New Mexico’s Opportunity Zone

Phase 1 Details

Phase 1 is completed

15 commercial condominiums, 1600 sf each
Contemporary, open floor plan move in ready
Ideal for small business owners and investors
Opportunity zone tax credits: Want to learn more? Check out our Instagram post (@PaloSantoDesignsLLC) with some key information about Opportunity Zone tax credits https://www.instagram.com/p/C8x1grCvI18/ and read about Opportunity Zone directly from the IRS website: https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/opportunity-zones
Priced competitively at $525,000, these units offer attractive Opportunity Zone tax credits.
All Units have been sold or leased in Phase 1

Phase 2 Plans

Phase 2, scheduled to break ground in Fall 2024, will add 14 more units with completion slated for Spring 2026.
Completion scheduled for spring 2026
Presales are currently underway, reserve your unit now. For more information on leasing, reach out to Leslie Giorgetti at [email protected].

Siler Rufina District: A Business Haven

The Siler Rufina District is vibrant and unique, home to an array of locally-owned small to medium-sized businesses. The area is peppered with restaurants, coffee shops, offices, light industrial workspaces, and warehouses. Studios at Parkway are Santa Fe’s newest commercial, industrial, flex-use development with units available for sale or lease in one of Santa Fe’s most prized Federal Opportunity Zones. Studios at Parkway is located in a designated Federal Opportunity Zone has numerous investment and tax incentives for both the ownership of real estate and for business owners.

The development is well positioned at 1189 Parkway Drive, directly adjacent to the thriving Richards Avenue Business Park which has over 85 successful and prosperous local businesses. Studios at Parkway is within a short walking distance from the internationally acclaimed Meow Wolf, an immersive art and music venue that, along with playhouses, galleries and local restaurants and breweries such as the Rufina Taproom, Kakawa Chocolate House and Leaf and Hive makes these Studios an ideal business location. Additionally, many residents are moving to the area with the development of the luxury apartments, Markana de Santa Fe, and the artist rental housing development at Siler Yards.

Limited Leasing: While there are still some lease opportunities in the district, Studios at Parkway is one of the very few offering for sale.

Developer’s Vision: Palo Santo Designs

These new, Studios at Parkway are designed and built by Santa Fe’s award-winning Architecture and Construction firm, Palo Santo Designs. This firm has over 20 years experience in design and construction of unique commercial spaces and one of a kind custom homes. This development will feature a distinctive architectural design, quality construction and energy efficient building principles. Studios at Parkway will offer businesses a new meaningful and fresh environment to thrive in Santa Fe.

Ownership Opportunities: The Studios are intentionally designed to provide ownership opportunities for local small businesses.
Size and Price: With an approximate gross floor area of 1600 square feet and a pricing model targeted at owner-occupied businesses, the Studios at Parkway are poised to be a significant addition to Santa Fe’s business community.

For any inquiries or interest, do not hesitate to reach out to Leslie Giorgetti at [email protected] get purchase or lease yours today.

Coming Soon: Completion of Phase 1 of the Studios at Parkway

Posted on September 11, 2023September 14, 2023 by PaloSantoAdmin

Introduction

Palo Santo’s flagship operation, the Studios at Parkway, is presently under construction and set to be completed by January 2024. This new commercial development is situated in Santa Fe’s burgeoning Siler Rufina District, a hotspot for arts and industry.

Location Highlights:

Proximity to Key Attractions: The location is within walking distance from popular sites like Meow Wolf and the Rufina Taproom.
Business Park Adjacency: It’s right next to the bustling Richards Avenue Business Park, featuring over 100 small businesses.
Scenic Views: Although located in a commercial-industrial area, the development offers views of the Sangre de Cristo mountains.
Outdoor Amenities: The project is adjacent to city open spaces and trails along the old Acequia Madre.

Phase 1 Details

Phase 1 of this ambitious project is nearing its completion, and it will feature 15 new commercial condominiums designed in a boutique-industrial style.

Key Points for Phase 1:

Status of Units: All 15 units are currently under contract, pending sale upon completion.
Lease Opportunities: There are still leasing opportunities available for small businesses interested in this location.
Contact for Lease: For more information on leasing, reach out to Leslie Giorgetti at [email protected].

Phase 2 Plans

The next step, Phase 2, has 14 additional commercial condominiums in the pipeline and is close to receiving its required permits.

What to Expect in Phase 2:

Permitting: Scheduled to be processed very soon.
Groundbreaking: Expected to start in early Spring 2024.
Availability: Units will be available on the market in early 2024.
Pre-Sale Opportunities: Due to the rapid sell-out of Phase 1, prospective buyers are encouraged to contact us immediately for pre-sale opportunities.

Siler Rufina District: A Business Haven

Limited Leasing: While there are still some lease opportunities in the district, Studios at Parkway is one of the very few offerings for sale.

Developer’s Vision: Palo Santo Designs

Palo Santo Designs, along with its developer partners, has meticulously designed these commercial spaces to blend modernist aesthetics with practicality.

Ownership Opportunities: The Studios are intentionally designed to provide ownership opportunities for local small businesses.
Size and Price: With an approximate gross floor area of 1600 square feet and a pricing model targeted at owner-occupied businesses, the Studios at Parkway are poised to be a significant addition to Santa Fe’s business community.

For any inquiries or interest, do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.

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.

How Modern Architecture is Mixing with the Traditional Architecture in Santa Fe

Posted on August 26, 2019August 11, 2023 by Mark

Modern architecture refers to an overarching movement and design that emerged in the Western world at the turn of the 20th century.

This architectural style was popular for universities, government buildings, and residential homes.

Modern architecture brought about:

Clean lines
Plenty of glass for natural light
Broad roof overhangs
Well-defined, rectangular forms
Modern materials and systems, such as steel, exposed concrete, column-free spaces, and radiant floor heating

As you may infer, modern architecture is quite the opposite of the traditional adobe Santa Fe style. Since adobe style is meant to mimic the land and environment around it, the style contains more earth tones and rounded features versus the more angular approach of modern architecture.

A Mix of Architecture Begins

Santa Fe stayed true to its traditional theme well into the 21st century. The city has long been a tourist destination due to its unique architectural style: rounded walls, muted colors, small windows.

Strict building codes in Santa Fe ensures that this aesthetic is maintained throughout the city’s central district. But many modern home buyers prefer a different approach to Santa Fe’s traditional architecture.

Now, the city’s less regulated areas have experienced a new wave of modern homes, with steel and glass materials dotting Santa Fe’s landscape, and homes with angles versus a rounded finish.

Builders and architects in Santa Fe believe that the shift towards more modern styled buildings coincides with the increasing admiration for contemporary art in the city.

Modern art galleries have been set up in notable areas like the Railyard district, just outside of the city’s heavily regulated central districts. This has given contemporary artists the platform they need to put their creativity to good use.

The Historic District Review Board in Santa Fe is responsible for regulating the construction of new buildings, exterior alterations to existing buildings, and the demolition of buildings. This jurisdiction covers Santa Fe’s five historic districts, which makes up 20% of the city. In these districts, building codes are strictly applied. For instance, windows must be a maximum of 30 inches diagonal.

Tradition Meets Modernism in Santa Fe

While many potential homeowners are attracted to Santa Fe for its unique landscape, they want homes that reflect a more contemporary aesthetic:

Bright spaces with plenty of natural light
High-efficiency features
Low environmental impact

Palo Santo Design LLC – an award-winning general contractor and architecture/design firm – is committed to meeting this need. Our goal is to provide custom homes, renovations and commercial spaces that meet the highest standard of craftsmanship, high efficiency, with personalized project management tailored to the unique needs of each client.

We understand the dramatic shift in demands in Santa Fe, with a steadily increasing demand for contemporary buildings and energy efficient features, which bring about more modern touches.

However, we also realize that today’s prospective homeowners in Santa Fe desire homes that integrate traditional features such as curbless shower stalls and wider doorways into contemporary styled buildings. This is why our “soft contemporary” custom homes are designed to have a traditional adobe, yet modern feel.

Exotic woods, glasses, metal and glints of stone contribute to the contemporary feel in Santa Fe even when they are styled in plastered interior walls and a coated exterior.

Santa Fe’s architecture continues to stand out and attract tourists from different parts of the world. As a result, our approach at Palo Santo Design LLC focuses on ensuring the right mix of tradition and modernism based on what our clients want.

Yes, we are able to meet the city’s strict building codes as well as provide homes that are energy efficient and modern for our clients.

Introduction

Location Highlights:

Phase 1 Details

Phase 1 is completed

Phase 2 Plans

Siler Rufina District: A Business Haven

Developer’s Vision: Palo Santo Designs

Introduction

Location Highlights:

Phase 1 Details

Key Points for Phase 1:

Phase 2 Plans

What to Expect in Phase 2:

Siler Rufina District: A Business Haven

Developer’s Vision: Palo Santo Designs

What Led You To Architecture?

What Did You Do in Early Your Architecture Career?

What Brought You to Santa Fe?

How Do You Approach Architecture & Design of Custom Homes?

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

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

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

A Mix of Architecture Begins

Tradition Meets Modernism in Santa Fe

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