About Us

We always get asked, “Why the buffalo?”

In Native American culture, the buffalo is a cherished animal that gave its life to provide nourishment, protection, and shelter for survival. Every part of this beautiful animal was used & nothing went to waste. We channel the same sentiment in our work by finding solutions to honor the land, the people, and purpose for each project.

Our Mission

Architecture is an art, but it is first a profession of service. The functional & fiscal needs of the client are always paramount.

buffalo design provides architectural service such as professional planning, architecture, interior design, and sustainable design services in New Mexico and the Southwest for new construction and modernization of existing facilities. We assist our clients with the initial planning and research for proposed projects including master planning, code compliance reviews, architectural design, interior space planning and facility assessments and site evaluations for existing and new projects.

Our Design Philosophy

  • Practice using a Collaborative Design Process; fully involving the Owner, Users and Community along with the Design Team, Engineers and Consultants.
  • Make the commitment to provide the best project you can within the fiscal constraints.
  • Use context and symbolism to create an identity with purpose and function foremost in mind.
  • Concentrate on the social responsibility of our actions. 
  • Let the culture guide the design; such as country, region, state and municipality.
  • Be responsible to the land and environment.
  • Celebrate the Entry.  Make it easy to understand.  It is about first impressions and this is an area of focus.  An entry should give one a sense of arrival and the ability to direct oneself within the building.
  • Discover the natural order.  Make it easy to navigate to the building and through the building.
  • Provide timeless design.
  • Stay focused; the design process may be long and protracted.  The building is complex and its perception is vulnerable to political upheaval.  Patience and understanding with sensitivity to the process and responsiveness to the Owner’s needs whether they are cultural, fiscal, aesthetic, timely or quality of design.
  • Listen closely and be responsible to the entire community.  Balance aesthetics and the utilitarian concerns of the Owner.  Develop trust and respect.
  • Restrain the ego.  The building needs to “make a statement for the community, not about the architect.”