Design Services

Archetype Design is the design studio of Vishu Magee, who has been designing houses and community buildings in Taos and Santa Fe since 1973.

While nearly forty years of work have earned Vishu the reputation of being a leading designer in the region, the 1999 publication of Archetype Design, together with his columns in Su Casa Magazine and Enchanted Homes, has set him apart as bringing something special to the drawing board. Perhaps this is best described as an unusual ability to sense the deepest aspirations of his clients, and to provide a design which will help them realize their dreams through years of living in their home.

However, as important as creative vision is for home design, successful projects also require a mastery of materials, budgets, timelines and techniques – not to mention the ability to work well with people and form an effective team. As a licensed contractor, Vishu brings to the table decades of experience in all facets of design and construction. He excels at working closely with clients in co-designing their home, incorporating all their good ideas (and dealing diplomatically with the bad ones!). For out-of-state clients he typically serves as their onsite representative through the entire course of construction.

The design process typically begins with an interview at either the studio or your proposed building site, at which time Vishu can answer the many questions regarding building costs, choice of materials, design concepts or selection of contractor. With the help of a comprehensive design questionnaire you will arrive at a preliminary budget which also serves as the basis for the design fee.

Past projects span the range from $40,000 self-sufficient adobes to homes topping $2,000,000. To this day Vishu does all the design and drafting himself, and so you can be assured of receiving the finest personalized attention. Vishu knows all the good builders and is adept at pairing you with a contractor whose skills and cost-effectiveness complement your desires and your budget.

Archetype Design offers the following services:

• step-by-step personalized service and attention to detail
• complete design and AutoCAD drafting
• project planning and supervision, from site selection to occupancy
• budget review, selection of contractor, and client representation
• residential, light commercial, and community design
• new construction, additions, remodels, and landscape design
• non-toxic and natural materials: adobe, pumice-crete, rastra, timberframe
• an emphasis on sustainability features: energy efficiency, solar gain, roofwater catchment, natural cooling, green materials, and permacultural landuse