Albuquerque, a city known for its rich culture, is also gaining momentum for being a business hub. With strong science, technology, and medical industries, businesses in these fields can easily build headquarters and offices in the city. Retail brands and lifestyle companies are also taking notice of the city’s lively residents. From luxury automobiles to independent Cannabis dispensaries, the city has a thriving retail scene. To best present these products and services, retail spaces are essential. The retail architects featured on this list have the necessary experience and insight to provide the best boutique outlet for any brands. 

This list features the best retail architects in Albuquerque. Each firm was selected and ranked based on a specific set of criteria, including the firm’s work history, unique attributes, and overall quality of work.

 

 

ΛRCHIS Architects

4700 Lincoln Rd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109

ΛRCHIS Architects is a provider of high-caliber projects all over New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. Founded in 2011, the firm operates with the desire to create relevant design solutions as it mobilizes innovative building systems, budget, timing, and style. The firm is led by Jeremy Ortiz, an alumnus of the University of Mexico and a licensed architect in four states. Ortiz is equipped with more than 20 years of industry experience, giving him an extensive understanding of the local architectural scene. The firm’s works have been featured in the locally adored publication, Albuquerque The Magazine. 

Ortiz and the ΛRCHIS team have worked on various projects in different industries, including commercial, hospitality, academic, and medical facilities. The firm’s retail portfolio consists of projects with local retail brands, commercial chains, and everything in between.

Dekker/Perich/Sabatini

7601 Jefferson NE, Ste. #100, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Dekker/Perich/Sabatini Architect is a multidisciplinary design firm built on the legacy of strong relationships with public and private clients in New Mexico.  An architectural institution since 1959,  the firm has the historical and technical expertise necessary to flourish in this competitive industry. The firm was established as Art Dekker Architects by the father of current principal, Dale Dekker. Years later in 1998, Dekker/Perich & Associates and Holmes/Sabatini & Associates merged to become what is now Dekker/Perich/Sabatini. Presently, Steven Perich, William Sabatini, and Christopher Gunning run the company operations.


Their leadership has enabled the firm to win several awards, including Engineering News Record’s Regional Best Projects Award in 2019. The three have several years of experience completing design works in various industries. As seen in the pages of Architect Magazine and ENR, the firm has worked on various projects, such as Avila Retail’s stores in four major airports. 

JON ANDERSON ARCHITECTURE

912 Roma Ave., NW Albuquerque, NM 87102

Jon Anderson, FAIA, is an architectural veteran who believes in innovation and creativity. He is equipped with about 50 years of industry experience and a well-rounded perspective in architecture. In 1991, he founded his namesake firm after years of practicing with other firms in New Mexico. The firm is composed of a modest team of five people, including Anderson himself. Having a small team enables the firm to implement agile and fluid design processes in its projects. The firm’s residential and commercial design works can be found in several design publications, including Residential Design Magazine, Su Casa, New Mexico Magazine, and American Builders Quarterly.

Photo by Kirk Gittings

The firm’s portfolio consists of retail projects for high-profile clients, including Land Rover, MINI, BMW, and Contract Associates. One of the firm’s most notable projects is The Santa Fe BMW featured here, which is a 16,368 square-foot space that displays the latest cars from the famed German automobile manufacturer.

Lee Gamelsky Architects P.C.

2412 Miles Rd. SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106

For over three decades, Lee Gamelsky Architects has provided sensible and artistic designs. The firm espouses the philosophy of the “art of architecture” as it designs projects in major industries. Gamelsky is experienced in diverse fields and market sectors, including academic, cultural, performing arts, museums, office, and retail. The art of architecture approach has aided the firm in garnering major industry awards, such as the American Institute of Architects Honor and Merit Awards, and NAIOP Award of Merit. Lee Gamelsky, the firm’s founder and principal, has been a licensed architect since 1985. A year later, he founded his namesake and from then on, he did not slow down. 


Gamelsky’s portfolio of commercial works includes a car sales center for Thrifty Car Sales. This establishment was designed with minimized cost and efficient design features. The building has a sloping structure that is both practical and aesthetically progressive.

Modulus Architects

100 Sun Ave. NE., Ste. #600, Albuquerque, NM 87109

Modulus Architects is a full-service design firm offering architectural design, planning, and project management services. The firm acquired local prominence because of its straight-to-the-point insight into design solutions. Incorporated in 2007 by Stephen Dunbar, the firm has quickly gained traction in New Mexico communities by providing top-notch retail design and client-centered services. CEO and Managing Principal Angela Williamson now directs the firm in performing architectural design, planning, and project management. The firm’s highly-detailed and organized work structure has been highlighted in Albuquerque Business First.


The firm has worked with a large number of shopping centers, boutique stores, and retail outlets. Brands including Borders, Floor & Decor, and many others refer to Modulus’s projects for top-notch retail design.

SCOUT Design

Albuquerque, NM 

SCOUT Design is an Albuquerque-based boutique architectural firm known for its nimble and fine-tuned operations. Shannon Parks, Architecture and Engineering alumnus of the University of New Mexico, takes charge of the company operations. As one of the few women-owned businesses in the city, the firm is progressive in the front and back ends of the business. This forward-thinking signature of SCOUT is reflected in its portfolio of commercial works. 


Shift Cannabis, a dispensary in Albuquerque, enlisted the firm in designing the first location in the city. The firm implemented a modern and sleek look to showcase the changing industry of Cannabis in the region.

Studio Southwest Architects

2101 Mountain Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87104

For more than 35 years, Studio Southwest Architects has served the city of Albuquerque with a collaborative and creative mindset, which has become central to the firm’s operations. The firm has a strong relationship with the local community, as demonstrated by the leadership team’s ties with local organizations. Company president Ron Burstein has served as President of AIA New Mexico in 2013 and AIA Albuquerque in 2007. This affinity with the locals is reflected in the firm’s multidisciplinary portfolio, which includes cultural, commercial, and civic projects.


The Andalucia Retail Center, a 105,000 square-foot retail space, is one of the firm’s largest and most successful projects. This retail center is central to the local community, as it is adjacent to a private school and an apartment complex and near several neighborhoods.