Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Planning Partner in Albuquerque
Founded in 1976, Architectural Research Consultants (ARC) has established itself as the premier architectural consulting firm in New Mexico, specializing in planning, architectural programming, facility evaluation, and research. Our expertise spans decades of delivering comprehensive solutions for federal, state, and local government clients, including urban planning, educational facility master planning, and community development. With over 80% of our business coming from repeat clients like Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico, we pride ourselves on translating data into actionable policies that drive long-term success.Our multidisciplinary team combines architectural excellence with advanced technologies like GIS and 3D visualization to address complex challenges in facility utilization, sustainability, and infrastructure planning. For nearly 50 years, ARC has maintained a reputation for precision, innovation, and client-centric service, completing over 500 projects that reflect our commitment to enhancing communities through thoughtful design.
Services
Facility Programming
Community Planning
Educational Facility Planning
GIS Mapping
Facility Condition Assessments
3D Visualization
IT Services
Urban Planning
Capital Master Planning
Space Utilization Analysis
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We have over 45 years of specialized experience in architectural programming and facility master planning.
- Our team combines architects, planners, and GIS specialists with proven expertise in educational infrastructure.
- We maintain 80% repeat client retention through data-driven, transparent decision-making processes.
- Our in-house IT department develops custom tools like UCAT for real-time facility utilization analysis.
- We pioneered facility evaluation methodologies adopted by major institutions across the Southwest.
Services
Facility Programming and Master Planning
Our facility programming services create strategic frameworks for optimizing building functionality and long-term asset management. Through comprehensive assessments and stakeholder engagement, we develop actionable plans that align with organizational goals while addressing space utilization, budget constraints, and future growth projections. Our methodology integrates technical analysis with practical implementation strategies to ensure sustainable, cost-effective solutions.
Educational Facility Planning
Specializing in K-12 and higher education infrastructure, we deliver facility master plans that enhance learning environments while optimizing resource allocation. Our services include condition assessments, enrollment projections, and GIS-based boundary analysis to support bond planning and legislative funding strategies. With $3 billion in successfully planned educational projects, we ensure facilities meet evolving pedagogical needs and accessibility standards.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Our GIS services provide spatial analysis solutions for school districts and municipalities through QGIS and web-based platforms. We create data-driven visualizations for student distribution mapping, optimal bus routing, and infrastructure planning. This technology supports evidence-based decision-making for capital projects, resource allocation, and community development initiatives across the Southwest region.
Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)
Our FCAs identify structural deficiencies and maintenance priorities through detailed field evaluations of building systems. This process informs capital improvement plans and budget forecasting while ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility regulations. We've assessed over 140 million square feet of educational facilities to guide strategic repair and modernization programs.
Computer Visualization
We employ advanced visualization tools to create interactive floor plans and 3D models that demonstrate space utilization patterns. Our UCAT software platform enables real-time analysis of occupancy metrics and capacity planning, helping clients optimize facility usage through color-coded visual analytics and scenario modeling for institutional planning decisions.
People
John Petronis
President, Architect/Planner
AICP and AIA-certified professional with decades of experience leading architectural planning initiatives. Specializes in facility programming and urban development strategies for public sector clients.
John Spitz
Director of Institutional Services
Licensed architect with NCARB and LEED AP credentials, overseeing institutional planning projects. Expertise in educational facility master planning and sustainable design implementation.
Tim Price
Director of Information Technology
IT leader developing custom software solutions for facility analysis. Manages virtual server infrastructure and web-based applications for client data management systems.
Dolores Anderson
Director of Computer and Administrative Services
Manages administrative operations and technology infrastructure. Ensures seamless integration of IT systems with architectural planning workflows and client service delivery.
Liza Caldwell
Senior Planner
Experienced urban planner focusing on community development projects. Specializes in comprehensive planning and downtown revitalization strategies for Southwest municipalities.
Questions
What geographic areas do you serve?
We primarily serve New Mexico and the Southwest United States, with extensive experience in urban planning and educational facility projects across the region.
What services do you offer for schools?
We provide facility master plans, condition assessments, enrollment projections, and GIS-based boundary analysis to support school districts' capital planning needs.
How do you approach facility programming?
Our methodology combines stakeholder interviews, technical analysis, and data visualization to create strategic plans that address space utilization and long-term asset management.
Can you assist with bond planning?
Yes, we help districts develop funding strategies through facility condition assessments, capital need projections, and community engagement processes for successful bond initiatives.
What technology tools do you use?
We utilize GIS mapping, 3D visualization, and our proprietary UCAT software for facility utilization analysis and interactive planning solutions.
