Honorable Mention: International Architecture Awards 2022
Optima Kierland Center | Scottsdale, Arizona, USA | 2021

Architects: David Hovey & Associates Architect, Inc.
Lead Architect: David Hovey Jr.
General Contractor: DCH Construction, Inc.
Client: David Hovey Jr.
Photographers: Bill Timmerman

Kierland Center is a four-structure residential complex of ten- and twelve-stories in Scottsdale, Arizona that has been designed with a common language of undulating elevations, expressed concrete structures with cantilevered corners, an earthy color palette that registers as light grey and dark plum, sunscreens and louvers, and a veil of indigenous plantings falling gently over it all.

The towers are designed to float over the lushly landscaped courtyards. Floor-to-ceiling glass and terraces for each unit create a strong indoor-outdoor relationship. Each building has been sited to capture views of mountains in the background and the Kierland complex in the foreground. With all parking located below grade, the site design achieves a remarkable seventy percent open space over the twelve-acre site. The result is a beautifully landscaped, park-like setting.

The land was rezoned for mid-rise residential mixed-use from low density commercial greatly enhancing the use of urban land. The complex is adjacent to retail and a variety of restaurants that reduce miles travelled by car. Each tower features its own dedicated amenities at grade and roof levels. Each rooftop sky deck was designed with a raised deck to provide for unobstructed 360-degree views of the mountains to the north, east and west and the city lights to the south.