Spiral Architects

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Spiral Architects Vernacular-inspired and regionally-appropriate residential architecture serving Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, Tucson/Catalina Foothills; based in Tucson.

Gene Kniaz, Architect. Spiral Architects is a custom residential architectural design firm based in Tempe, Arizona. It was launched in 2013 by architect Gene Kniaz, after a long tenure at Oz Architects, Inc., first as a Senior Architect, then Director of Residential Services, and for the final 6 years as a Principal of the firm. We're currently busy working on excellent residential projects (new construction and select renovation/remodel projects) in Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, and Tucson.

Mass, warmth, and quiet proportion.At Ame Bohème, the interior volumes were sculpted to feel carved rather than built. T...
10/01/2026

Mass, warmth, and quiet proportion.

At Ame Bohème, the interior volumes were sculpted to feel carved rather than built. The central fireplace anchors the room with a massive, tapered plaster hood that stretches toward the ceiling, balanced by the raw texture of a brick firebox and built-in niches for sculpture and light. Beyond, a softly curved archway draws the eye through, letting circulation feel natural and unhurried.

Paired with low-slung seating, natural woven lighting, and rich organic textures, the architecture steps back just enough to let living take center stage.

Not over-styled, not rigid. Just grounded desert living that feels right at home.

Interiors:
Pendant sculpture/illumination:
Sofa:
Stucco/Plaster: starplastering.com

Entry sequences should set the tone before you ever cross the threshold.At Ame Bohème, the arrival walk was designed as ...
09/30/2026

Entry sequences should set the tone before you ever cross the threshold.

At Ame Bohème, the arrival walk was designed as an intentional transition from the desert outside to the sanctuary within. Dry-stacked fieldstone, smooth plaster, and traditional Mediterranean inspired wood detailing give the facade mass and permanence, while Mexican fence post cacti and soft native grasses frame the stone path toward the entry portal.

This is the kind of Arizona design that interests us most: grounded, tactile, and completely tied to site. Not over-scaled, not over-styled, and never disconnected from place.

Just architecture that understands the desert—and lets the materials do the talking.

Interiors:
Stucco: starplastering.com
Stone:
Landscape:

Massing, shadow, and proportion locking into place.The courtyard takes shape in the desert light—raw concrete pool shell...
09/29/2026

Massing, shadow, and proportion locking into place.

The courtyard takes shape in the desert light—raw concrete pool shell, hand-laid flagstone terrace, and heavy timber trellis carving clean, rhythmic lines against warm stucco walls. Hand-made two-piece barrel tile stacked and ready on the gently sloping roofs; and trees starting to do their work softening the space.

More to come as the layers settle in.

GC:
Interiors: .v.interiors
Landscape Architect: .la
Landscape Install:

A serene master suite where soft textures meet classic architectural form.Vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, sw...
09/03/2026

A serene master suite where soft textures meet classic architectural form.

Vaulted ceilings with exposed timber beams, sweeping arches, and custom steel-framed arched windows invite soft desert light while framing private courtyard views.

Architecture:
Interiors: .v.interiors
Builder:
Landscape Architecture: .la
Landscape Install:
Photo:

This image captures a thoughtful balance between interior warmth and the dramatic Arizona landscape.A quiet moment where...
09/02/2026

This image captures a thoughtful balance between interior warmth and the dramatic Arizona landscape.

A quiet moment where refined interior details meet the raw beauty of the desert. Custom dark wood cabinetry and contrasting light-wood chairs ground the space, while the caramel leather banquette offers a perfect vantage point for viewing Camelback Mountain through striking black steel-framed windows.

Architecture:
Interiors: .v.interiors
Builder:
Landscape Architecture: .la
Landscape Install:
Photo:

09/01/2026

Spiral turns "13" today; wanted to do something fun!

Framing the transition from shelter to desert landscape.A layered entry sequence defined by handcrafted terracotta tile,...
09/01/2026

Framing the transition from shelter to desert landscape.

A layered entry sequence defined by handcrafted terracotta tile, exposed timber ceiling beams, and clean steel-and-glass detailing—capturing natural light while anchoring the home in its natural Arizona setting.

Architecture:
Interiors: .v.interiors
Builder:
Landscape Architecture: .la
Landscape Install:
Photo:

An interplay of rugged mass and modern precision.A closer look at this entry courtyard approach at Âme Bohème, where scu...
08/28/2026

An interplay of rugged mass and modern precision.

A closer look at this entry courtyard approach at Âme Bohème, where sculptural forms meet the raw beauty of the desert:

• Massive hand-laid dry-stack stone walls creating grounding and privacy
• Smooth, earth-toned plaster masses contrasting the rich masonry textures
• Timber vigas adding a subtle nod to regional architectural vernacular
• Layered native landscaping featuring a sculptural Yucca, agave, and native grass borders
• A protected front courtyard designed to capture natural desert light and framing big sky vistas

Architecture deeply rooted in place, materiality, and timeless desert craftsmanship.

Architect: ⁠
Interiors: ⁠
Stucco: starplastering.com⁠
Stone: ⁠

08/28/2026

New at this "video" thing, LMK what you think!

Alfresco dining shaped by regional craft and natural light.A closer look at this covered outdoor dining terrace, designe...
08/27/2026

Alfresco dining shaped by regional craft and natural light.

A closer look at this covered outdoor dining terrace, designed for seamless desert entertaining from afternoon into evening:
• Hand-hewn timber beams and tongue-and-groove ceiling with clay barrel tile trim
• Built-in outdoor plaster fireplace anchoring the gathering space
• Sculptural arched openings framing views of desert flora and soft mountain breezes
• Moravian star pendant lights adding warmth and evening ambiance
• Organic flagstone flooring grounding the transition between home and landscape

An authentic outdoor dining room crafted for memorable desert gatherings.

Architecture: ⁠
Interiors: .v.interiors⁠
Builder: ⁠
Landscape: ⁠

Address

4723 N La Lomita
Tucson, AZ
85718

Telephone

+14805406017

Website

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