ResponsiveArchitecturefor Arizona
Veteran-owned architecture firm serving Mesa, Phoenix, and the greater Arizona metro area.
View WorkWe partner with owners, contractors, and civic organizations to deliver architecture that performs.
From tenant improvements to ground-up new construction, we manage the full scope of architectural services — coordinating structural, MEP, civil, and specialty consultants under one point of contact.
As a veteran-owned, principal-led firm based in Mesa, AZ, our founder brings the discipline and mission-focused mindset of an Air Force veteran to every project. You work directly with your architect from concept through construction — whether design-bid-build or design-build delivery — ensuring responsive communication and accountability at every stage.
We serve clients across Mesa, Scottsdale, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Glendale, and greater Maricopa County. Our projects include restaurant buildouts, medical offices, gym and fitness facilities, retail spaces, event centers, and civic buildings.
Justin Trexler, AIA
- U.S. Air Force Veteran
- 20 Years practicing architecture in Arizona
- Dual Master's from ASU in Architecture & Real Estate Development
- Registered Architect - Arizona (#54056)
- American Institute of Architects (AIA) Member
- LEED Accredited Professional
- High Reliability Building Enclosure Certified
- City of Mesa Design Review Board Member
- ULI Adaptive Reuse, Infill & Revitalization Council
Our Design Philosophy
We believe the most successful spaces arise from rigorous analysis, thoughtful design, and meticulous implementation.
Deep respect for environment, community, and the Arizona landscape.
Architecture that speaks with quiet confidence rather than spectacle.
Meticulous attention to building science and construction detail.
Building Arizona's
future, together.
Selected projects spanning 2008–2025. Institutional, commercial, industrial, and civic work across Arizona and beyond.
Architecture rooted in context, function, and community.
Shade Architects is guided by a commitment to responsive architecture, technical excellence, and delivering projects on scope, on schedule, and on budget.
Local Expertise
Deep understanding of Mesa zoning, Phoenix area regulations, and Arizona climate considerations that impact your commercial and civic projects.
Building Enclosure
Specialized knowledge in creating high-performance building envelopes that balance aesthetics, energy efficiency, and durability for demanding civic and institutional projects.
Complex Project Management
Proven experience managing multi-discipline consultant teams across structural, MEP, civil, and specialty trades — from regulatory compliance through construction administration on both design-bid-build and design-build projects.
Civic Focus
Dedicated to creating spaces that serve the public good, with particular expertise in government buildings, educational facilities, and community-centered developments.
Common
Questions
Responsive architecture is about designing spaces that can adjust to changing needs, whether those are functional, environmental, or social. At Shade Architects, we focus on creating flexible designs that accommodate both current requirements and future growth.
Twenty years and $980M+ in construction value across complex commercial projects. We coordinate full consultant teams — structural, MEP, civil — under a single point of contact, and we deliver in both design-bid-build and design-build formats.
Yes, Shade Architects has experience working on government projects and is well-versed in meeting the stringent requirements of federal contracts. The majority of our experience is in highly complex buildings with various stakeholders.
We build schedules around risk — not the other way around. That means phased planning, integrated project delivery, and big room coordination to keep every discipline aligned from day one. The goal is fewer surprises, shorter timelines, and decisions made early enough to matter.
We handle a wide range of commercial projects including new construction, tenant improvements, adaptive reuse, retail spaces, medical offices, event centers, industrial facilities, and civic buildings throughout the greater Phoenix metro area. We work in both design-bid-build and design-build delivery.
Ready to start
your project?
We would be happy to talk with you and discuss your project goals. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation -- no commitment required.