ADU Design

Add Living Space 

You might be dreaming of a charming guest house for visiting family and friends, a comfortable mother-in-law apartment for extended family, or a rental unit that provides additional income. Perhaps you need a dedicated space for your hobbies, a detached garage for your prized vehicles, a pool house for entertaining, or a tranquil greenhouse to nurture your green thumb. Whatever your needs, we can design a functional and beautiful space that enhances your desert lifestyle.

At Desert Architect, we design Accessory Dwelling Units and Accessory Units that seamlessly integrate with your main residence while offering privacy and independence. We understand the unique considerations involved in designing these types of structures, from navigating local regulations to maximizing functionality and aesthetic appeal. We'll work closely with you to understand your vision, ensuring that your ADU or Accessory Unit perfectly complements your existing home and enhances your desert property.

Ready to explore the possibilities? Contact us to discuss how we can help you create the perfect ADU or Accessory Unit for your desert oasis.

Cholla

This modern convertible casita packs a lot of smart living into 600 square feet. The secret is a murphy bed that folds up into a full desk, flanked by two large doors that close off the bedroom completely — so when it's time to work, it's undeniably an office, not a bedroom. Three exterior openings keep the space feeling open and connected: the front entrance flows into the living room, the kitchen has easy access for outdoor cooking, and French doors from the flex room invite the sunshine right in. Small footprint, big flexibility — the Cholla fits nearly any backyard and adapts to whatever life throws at it.

Prickly Pear

If you love to host, the Prickly Pear was designed with you in mind. Step inside and you're immediately in the Great Room, where the kitchen, dining, and living spaces flow together — perfect for gathering around good food and good conversation. French doors open right onto an adjacent outdoor patio, so the party can spill outside whenever the desert evening calls for it. Guests have their own powder room, keeping things comfortable without giving up your privacy. On the opposite end of the house, the master suite is a world away — with a walk-in closet, washer/dryer, and a generous private bath. And if you want your own outdoor escape, the bedroom's wide window can be upgraded to French doors opening onto a private patio. This is Pueblo style at its most livable — and perfectly at home in the Southwest.

Saguaro

The Saguaro is for the people you want to take care of — aging parents, adult kids, long-term guests — and it gives them a home worth settling into. At 1,000 square feet, it's spacious enough to live in fully and thoughtfully laid out so every square foot counts. An entry hall eases the transition from outside to in, leading naturally to the Great Room (kitchen and living) and the master bedroom suite. The office suite doubles as a short-term guest room and can even connect directly to the master suite if needed. A centrally located laundry room, a powder room with the option to add a shower, and room for minor modifications make this casita as adaptable as it is beautiful. The Spanish Colonial Revival style gives the Saguaro a timeless quality that never goes out of fashion — just like the people you're building it for.