Who We Are:

We are an Architectural Firm registered to perform services in the state of Arizona. We provide a broad range of Architectural Services, including preliminary drawings for the design of residential and commercial projects, as well as construction plans for city review and building permit.

Philosophy:

Our company is based on the belief that our customers' needs are of the utmost importance. WDS is committed to meeting those needs. As a result, a high percentage of the business is from referrals and repeat customers that rave about our customer service.

Qualifications of the Firm:

Founded in 2002, we are a Professional S-Corporation. (click here to verify we are in Good Standing). We are designated to perform Architectural Services in the state of Arizona by the Corporation Commission. We are authorized to practice Architecture under state license, allowing us to advertise and provide architectural services through firm registration with the Arizona Board of Technical Registrants(click to verify current license or verify firm registration). Western Design Studio is also a Better Business Bureau "Accredited" Architect (click to see membership) and a member of Ethical Arizona. In addition to these local credentials, the Firm's Principal has acquired rigorous training through the Internship Development Program (IDP) and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) to become eligible to practice in other U.S. States (click to review national reciprocity qualification).

Qualifications of Mike Marden  - AIA |NCARB | ICC (Principal Architect)

After spending nearly ten years in academia pursuing industry related degrees, Mike traveled to more than fifteen countries studying architecture in a wide range of buildings types and settings. These deliberate investigations formed the foundation for a successful career as a design and construction professional. Mike’s professional Architecture experience was gained while working for several firms in the southwest. His exposure to Construction involved managing projects for three general contractors, including land-development and design-build endeavors.  Mike worked for Armed with a blend of Construction and Architecture knowledge, Mike founded WDS in 2002. The company has performed hundreds of projects under Mike's direction, since gaining licensure. There is no doubt that he has the necessary qualifications to assist with your next project and WDS can deliver the tools and service to make it a success.

Qualifications of Kristin Thoma - IDP |NCARB | AZBTR (Architect-in-Training)

Under Contract, Kristin contributes at multiple project phases. From programming and space planning, to code-research and detailing, she lends expertise gained from working on many different building types. Under the direction of the Firm's Principal, her specialties are Design, Construction Documents, and Reviews for Code Compliance and Quality Control of final drawings. Having completed 3.2M sf of space, approximately 36 new ground-up buildings and more than 200 tenant improvements, Kristin is now in the process of documenting  her Internship and studying for the Architectural Examinations.

Licenses and Credentials:

• AIA (American Institute of Architects)
• NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards)
• AZBTR (Arizona Board of Technical Registration)
• ICC (International Code Council)