3rd Story Architecture, Design, and Land Planning

3rd Story Architecture, Design, and Land Planning is a Scottsdale, Arizona-based architectural firm specializing in architecture, land planning, zoning, commercial development, mixed-use projects, hospitality, and residential design. Founded in 1983, the firm works with property owners, developers, and other project stakeholders to turn development ideas into thoughtful, practical design solutions.

Led by Principal Architect Rick Daugherty, 3rd Story takes a collaborative approach to architecture and planning. The company considers client goals, financial feasibility, site conditions, project requirements, and the experience of the people who will use the completed spaces. Its design philosophy connects creative thinking with realistic budgets, project priorities, and coordinated planning.

Architecture and Design Services

Architecture involves more than creating an attractive building. A successful design must respond to the client’s objectives, site conditions, functional requirements, budget, and the experience of future occupants.

3rd Story provides architectural design services for commercial developments, hospitality properties, mixed-use projects, and selected custom residential homes. Its website describes a hands-on approach that supports projects from initial concepts through later construction stages.

The firm emphasizes clear communication and collaboration throughout the design process. By understanding the client’s vision and requirements early, the team can develop concepts that balance aesthetics, usability, and practical project constraints.

The company also considers the relationship between architectural decisions and financial goals. This is especially relevant to development projects where design choices can influence construction costs, operational requirements, and the long-term performance of a property.

Land Planning and Zoning

Land planning helps determine how a property can be organized and developed to support its intended use. Projects may require consideration of access, circulation, building placement, landscape design, zoning requirements, development costs, and the relationship between different land uses.

3rd Story offers land planning services with an emphasis on master planning, mixed-use development, and coordinated site design. The firm considers how residential, commercial, hospitality, and other uses can work together within a broader development concept.

Its planning approach addresses land-use vision, future growth, market needs, financial feasibility, and coordination with consultants, construction teams, utilities, and governing jurisdictions.

The firm also considers wayfinding, arrival experiences, landscape themes, and the relationship between different areas of a property. These factors can help establish a coherent site layout that supports the project’s intended function and overall identity.

Zoning and land-use requirements vary by jurisdiction and property. Clients should confirm the approvals, documentation, and professional services required for each proposed development.

Commercial Development

Commercial architecture requires a balance between design quality, operational needs, construction considerations, and the objectives of the property owner or developer.

3rd Story works on commercial development projects and highlights financial feasibility and end-user experience as important parts of its approach. Its architectural services can help clients explore how a commercial property may be planned and designed to support its intended business or operational purpose.

Early design decisions can influence circulation, building layout, customer access, interior functionality, and the relationship between the building and its surrounding site. Considering these elements together helps the project team establish a more coordinated design direction.

The firm encourages communication throughout the design process so that project requirements, priorities, and constraints can be addressed as the concept develops.

Mixed-Use Development and Master Planning

Mixed-use developments combine different uses within a coordinated project. These may include residential spaces, commercial areas, hospitality components, and shared outdoor environments.

3rd Story identifies mixed-use development and land planning as areas of specialization. Its planning approach considers how different uses can coexist while maintaining clear circulation, logical wayfinding, attractive arrival points, and a consistent design identity.

Master planning can establish a broader framework for a development, including the arrangement of buildings, open spaces, access routes, and supporting facilities. It can also help stakeholders understand how individual components contribute to the overall vision.

For developers, coordinated master planning can provide a basis for evaluating design alternatives, project costs, development priorities, and future flexibility.

Hospitality and Restaurant Design

Hospitality projects require careful attention to the experience of guests, staff, operators, and property owners. Architectural design can influence how people enter, move through, and interact with a hospitality environment.

3rd Story lists hospitality and restaurant design among its project specialties. The firm’s website highlights industry recognition associated with restaurant design, including recognition for the design of Fat Ox restaurant.

Hospitality planning involves aligning a property’s concept with its operational requirements, spatial organization, visual character, and financial objectives. A coordinated design approach can help bring these considerations together while maintaining the project’s intended identity.

The scope of architectural services depends on the project brief, the property, and the requirements agreed upon with the client.

Behavioral Health and Wellness Environments

Behavioral health and wellness facilities require design decisions that respond to the needs of their users, staff, and operators. The organization of spaces, circulation, privacy, and the overall environment can influence how a facility functions.

3rd Story identifies behavioral health and wellness among its areas of specialization. Its broader design philosophy emphasizes understanding the purpose of a space and creating environments that support the intended user experience.

Projects in these sectors may require specific operational, regulatory, and technical considerations. The design scope should be established around the facility’s program, applicable requirements, and the needs of its stakeholders.

Residential Architecture and Custom Homes

Residential architecture requires a close understanding of how clients want to live and use their spaces. Design decisions may involve layout, privacy, natural light, circulation, material choices, outdoor connections, and the relationship between the home and its site.

3rd Story works on selected custom residential projects. Its residential services include custom home design, multifamily residential architecture, renovations, additions, and new construction.

The firm’s residential design approach emphasizes creativity, function, and sustainability while considering project priorities and budgets. Early collaboration can help align the design concept with the client’s requirements and the physical characteristics of the property.

Each home requires a tailored approach based on its site, intended use, design brief, and construction objectives.

Collaborative Project Delivery

Successful architectural projects depend on communication among clients, architects, consultants, contractors, and other project participants. Clear coordination helps keep the design aligned with the client’s objectives as technical details and construction requirements are developed.

3rd Story describes a hands-on approach that extends from conception toward completion. Its process emphasizes understanding project criteria, anticipating challenges, and maintaining communication as the design evolves.

The firm also highlights the importance of connecting architectural decisions with budgets, schedules, and practical project priorities. The exact services, deliverables, project stages, and construction-related responsibilities should be confirmed for each engagement.

Contact 3rd Story Architecture, Design, and Land Planning

3rd Story Architecture, Design, and Land Planning is located in Scottsdale, Arizona, and works on architectural and land planning projects across a range of sectors. Property owners, developers, and project stakeholders can contact the firm to discuss commercial development, hospitality, mixed-use planning, residential design, or other architectural requirements.

Company: 3rd Story Architecture, Design, and Land Planning
Principal Architect: Rick Daugherty
Address: 20789 N. Pima Road, Suite 220, Scottsdale, AZ 85255
Phone: (480) 607-3337
Email: Connect@3rdstory.com
Website: https://www.3rdstory.com/

Visit the official website to explore the firm’s services, review its project information, and contact the team about a potential architecture, design, or land planning project.