IN FOCUS: Chen + Suchart Studio

Periodically in December every few decades, a celestial period marks the time of the “Great Conjunction”, where two shining planets, Saturn and Jupiter converge in our night sky. The sum of each becoming synergistic display of brilliance. The same could be said about this architectural power couple, Thamarit Suchart and Patricia Szu-Ping Chen Suchart, the creative force behind Chen + Suchart Studio.

Quietly creating some of the most thoughtful designs built today, their creative genius is making a significant impact in our Valley. From highly interesting in-fill and adaptive re-use, to stunningly clean and beautiful residences, this firm seems to be coming into their own, with a humble elegance that is both refined and timeless.

Chen + Suchart Studio works at a variety of scales ranging from small well crafted projects and single family residences to larger scale urban design. Thankfully, their practice is not interested in “style.” The common thread between all projects undertaken in their studio is the integrity of design that transcends any stylistic references.

Thamarit and Patricia completed their studies at the Rhode Island School of Design and Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. Thamarit was born and raised in Arizona. Having left Arizona for education on the east coast of the United States, he chose to return to Arizona to raise his family and to start a design practice with Patricia in 2002. Patricia is a native of Taipei, Taiwan.

After working for numerous award winning architecture firms in both Boston and Phoenix, the pair officially established their own architecture firm in 2010. In 2012, the firm was identified as “15 Young Firms to Watch: Chen + Suchart Studio” by Residential Architect Magazine. Since 2015, the firm has been the recipient of a total of nine AIA design awards. 2015 also included an award from Residential Architect Magazine, where The Staab Residence was singled out.

A registered architect in the State of Arizona, Georgia, and New Jersey, Thamarit has also served as a faculty associate and adjunct lecturer, teaching undergraduate and graduate design studios at both Arizona State University and the University of Arizona. He is committed to sharing his knowledge with the future generations of architects.

At azarchitecture we are been proud to have represented their work and look forward with delight at what comes next. Like many creative outpourings, the “Great Conjunction” comes only rarely and never often, but the results is always delightful. We know this couple’s future is as bright as those the two circling planets!