Spiral Architects

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.

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.

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Interiors: .v.interiors
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Landscape Architecture: .la
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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
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Landscape Architecture: .la
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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
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Landscape Architecture: .la
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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.

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Stucco: starplastering.com⁠
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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.

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Interiors: .v.interiors⁠
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Shadows, texture, and honest materials.A closer look at this welcoming front porch entry, where traditional regional cra...
08/26/2026

Shadows, texture, and honest materials.

A closer look at this welcoming front porch entry, where traditional regional craftsmanship meets a clean, modern rhythm:

• Custom rough-sawn timber pergola with exposed rafter tails defining the approach
• Integrated front-patio hearth with classic terracotta chimney caps
• Layered flagstone plinth grounding the entry into the natural desert terrain
• Arched pass-through framing deep desert shadows and gentle cross-breezes
• Minimalist steel-framed glazing creating a seamless, transparent transition into the home

A front porch designed not just as an arrival point, but as an authentic outdoor living room.

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Interiors: .v.interiors⁠
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Nature doesn’t rush, and neither does great craftsmanship.Every stone was carefully placed to anchor this home into its ...
08/18/2026

Nature doesn’t rush, and neither does great craftsmanship.

Every stone was carefully placed to anchor this home into its surrounding environment, creating a structure that feels as though it grew right out of the desert soil. Add a touch of golden hour light, and the whole facade comes alive.

Click on our profile to see more details from this project!

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Stucco: starplastering.com⁠
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Summer morning serenity. ☀️ This private oasis serves as the central hub of the home, where the living area opens seamle...
08/13/2026

Summer morning serenity. ☀️ This private oasis serves as the central hub of the home, where the living area opens seamlessly to the pool and the warmth of the sun. Those large-scale sliding glass doors are the key—dissolving the boundary between the cool interior and the textured, Mediterranean garden. This is indoor-outdoor living, refined.

Where would you spend most of your time in this courtyard? Let us know below 👇

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Interiors: .v.interiors
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Address

4723 N La Lomita
Catalina Foothills, AZ
85718

Telephone

+14805406017

Website

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