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ROBINETTE ARCHITECTS “I’m continuously looking at innovative trends to see what influenced them and how the classic principles of design are being used in a new way.”
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ARCHITECTS
RON ROBINETTE, ARCHITECT robinettearchitect.com 520.323.3979 robinettearchitectsinc
ike so many travelers, Ron Robinette is fascinated by the architecture of his destinations. But unlike most travelers, he searches—even if subconsciously— for three distinct structural qualities: firmness, commodity and delight. Firmness speaks to the integrity of the building and how well it’s built; commodity measures the functionality of the space, or how it meets people’s needs; and delight is what most onlookers notice—the physical beauty of the building. “These concepts serve as the basis of all good design,” Ron Robinette says. “I look for how these ideas have been incorporated into buildings everywhere I go.” Back home,
Robinette’s firm, Robinette Architects, fuses these principles with practical knowledge of the Sonoran Desert and its residents. “Our creative process involves learning about our clients, their goals, how they live, how they expect to grow,” the Gold List honoree shares. “Then, comes the most challenging and fun part of the process, the synchronization of their lifestyle with the character of the site.” The architecture firm is no stranger to the difficulties of the desert. Rugged terrain and environmental limitations require them to come up with unique solutions. But at the end of each project, what’s most visible to the onlooker is a functional and delightful home.
ASK THE EXPERT How can clients work best with trade professionals? Clients help themselves the most by spending time thinking about and defining what it is they want, need and envision in their new homes. It sounds obvious but it takes serious reflection and thought to determine those essential factors. To this point, what do you feel has been your greatest success? What makes me feel most successful is being able to instill a passion for architecture in my team, in our clients and in the construction partners who build our designs.
Above This backyard features numerous zones for outdoor entertaining, from the Jacuzzi and pool to the outdoor seating and grilling areas. Photography William Lesch
What style or focus is your firm most known for? We purposely do not work in one single style. Because each home has its own challenges and specifications, the quality of design in our projects is what is most recognizable.