built in 1999, the david michael miller associates studio is located in historic old town scottsdale, in the heart of the scottsdale arts district. the building was designed in a collaborative process between david and architect wendell burnette. in response to the bold design of the building, the studio has been published broadly, in such periodicals as architecture magazine, the new york times magazine, design & architecture magazine and objekt magazine. although the studio building is considered modern in its style, its real importance and relevance is in its embodiment of david's philosophy of truth in materials, and in david's quest to design within a space that is thematically passive, simple, well lighted, and timeless in its form.

although many interior designers might be intimidated by the idea of building a design studio that is architecturally serious and progressive, david was undeterred. as a project architect, david sought out arizona architect wendell burnette, who was a former fellow in the frank lloyd school of architecture, as well as a long time associate of famed arizona architect will bruder. the spirited design collaboration between wendell and david produced a very subdued architectural and interiors' statement, that is simultaneously both passive and emotive. design details in the building are subtle in nature, while the experience of spatial juxtapositions and the building's materiality are exhilarating. the interiors are bathed in light, and the building provides an inspiring environment for all DMMA visitors and staff.

the building represents to david, the most ideal fusion of design talents between architect and interior designer. although this sort of successful design collaboration is rare, david saw the design of the studio as an opportunity for such collaboration and seized upon it. as a client, david understood that he would be able to participate in a process, from which interior designers are often discouraged. as the architect's "client", david realized that he could play an expanded role in the development and detail of the project, in a more meaningful way than simply as the interior designer. the design result of this collaborative dynamic is as beautiful as it is rare. the blending of abilities and tastes between david and wendell burnette created an architectural hybrid like no other.

the studio is by appointment only, located just west of the intersection of marshall way and first avenue in downtown scottsdale.

home. biography. philosophy. studio. portfolio. press. contact us