Business Details
50 Years
experience
Expert Architectural Planning & Consulting Services in Albuquerque
Founded in 1976, Architectural Research Consultants (ARC) is the largest and longest-established architectural consulting firm in New Mexico. Specializing in planning, architectural programming, facility evaluation, and research, we serve federal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and private organizations. Our expertise spans facility master planning, community planning, and educational facility planning, with a focus on pre- and post-design activities. We deliver data-driven solutions that inform funding strategies, design decisions, and long-term implementation plans. With over 500 completed projects, our team combines technical proficiency with innovative technologies like GIS and 3D visualization to address complex challenges.We prioritize client collaboration, ensuring ownership of planning efforts through interactive processes involving stakeholders. Our in-house IT services enhance data management and analysis, while our geographic expertise optimizes school boundary mapping and transportation planning. Recognized as leaders in the Southwest, we have supported over $3 billion in capital projects for schools and communities. Our repeat client base, including the State of New Mexico and Sandia National Laboratories, reflects our commitment to accuracy, transparency, and long-term partnerships.
Services
Facility Master Planning
Community Planning
Educational Facility Planning
GIS Services
Facility Condition Assessment
Computer Visualization
Urban Planning
Land Use Analysis
School Boundary Mapping
Capital Budgeting
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in architectural consulting and facility planning.
- Our team specializes in facility master planning for educational institutions across the Southwest.
- We offer in-house GIS and IT services for advanced data analysis and visualization.
- 80% of our business comes from repeat clients, including state governments and universities.
- We pioneered methodologies for facility condition assessments and capital budgeting.
Services
Facility Master Planning
We develop comprehensive facility master plans that guide long-term development for educational institutions and government agencies. Our approach integrates condition assessments, utilization analysis, and capital budgeting to align infrastructure with organizational goals. By combining stakeholder input with data-driven insights, we create actionable roadmaps for facility upgrades, expansions, and sustainability initiatives.
Community Planning
Our community planning services address infrastructure, economic development, and land use needs through collaborative processes. We conduct demographic analyses, create downtown revitalization strategies, and develop implementation plans that balance growth with local character. GIS tools help visualize scenarios for housing, transportation, and public spaces to support informed decision-making.
Educational Facility Planning
Specializing in K-12 and higher education, we assess facility conditions, optimize classroom utilization, and plan for future enrollment growth. Our services include ADA compliance reviews, technology inventories, and bond cycle analysis to ensure schools meet modern educational standards while maximizing resource efficiency.
GIS Services
We leverage geographic information systems to analyze student distribution, optimize school boundaries, and plan transportation routes. Using QGIS and web-based tools, we create interactive maps that support data-driven decisions for facility planning, resource allocation, and demographic forecasting across school districts.
Facility Condition Assessment
Our assessments identify physical deficiencies in buildings and infrastructure through detailed field observations. We prioritize repairs, estimate costs, and develop phased implementation plans to help clients address maintenance backlogs while aligning with budget constraints and long-term capital strategies.
People
John Petronis
President, Architect/Planner
With AICP, AIA, and REFP certifications, John leads ARC's architectural and planning initiatives. He has over 30 years of experience in facility programming and master planning for public-sector clients across the Southwest.
John Spitz
Director of Institutional Services
A licensed architect with NCARB and LEED AP BD+C credentials, John oversees institutional projects. He specializes in integrating sustainable design principles into facility planning for government and educational clients.
Tim Price
Director of Information Technology
Tim manages ARC's IT services, developing web-based applications for facility data management. His expertise in virtual server hosting ensures high availability for client-facing tools like UCAT.
Dolores Anderson
Director of Computer and Administrative Services
Dolores coordinates ARC's administrative operations and IT infrastructure. She has over 25 years of experience supporting architectural projects through efficient data systems and office management.
Liza Caldwell
Senior Planner
As a senior planner, Liza focuses on community development projects. She conducts land use analyses and facilitates stakeholder engagement to create actionable plans for municipalities and regional agencies.
Questions
What services does Architectural Research Consultants offer?
We specialize in facility master planning, community planning, educational facility programming, GIS analysis, facility condition assessments, and computer visualization for government and institutional clients.
How long has ARC been in business?
Since 1976, we have provided architectural consulting services, making us the longest-established firm of our kind in New Mexico.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Albuquerque, NM, we serve clients across the Southwest United States, including New Mexico, Arizona, and parts of Texas and Colorado.
Do you work with educational institutions?
Yes, we are the acknowledged leader in educational facility planning in New Mexico, having completed projects for universities, community colleges, and K-12 districts.
How do you approach community planning projects?
Our community planning process involves stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and strategic recommendations to address infrastructure, economic development, and cultural preservation needs.
What sets ARC apart from other consulting firms?
Our combination of architectural expertise, in-house GIS capabilities, and decades of experience with public-sector clients enables tailored solutions that maximize capital efficiency.
