Custom Casita Design
Every casita we build starts with a custom design created specifically for your lot, your needs, and Tucson's desert environment. No cookie-cutter plans. No one-size-fits-all templates.
Design That Fits Tucson
Building a casita in the Sonoran Desert is different from building anywhere else. Sun orientation matters for energy efficiency. Drainage patterns matter for monsoon season. Material choices matter for 110-degree summers. And the architecture should feel like it belongs here, not like it was transplanted from a suburb in Ohio.
Our design director, Daniel Reyes, is a University of Arizona-trained architect who grew up in Tucson. Every casita floor plan he creates accounts for passive solar design, cross-ventilation for natural cooling, shade structures that reduce energy costs, and desert-adaptive landscaping that conserves water while creating privacy.
We design casitas ranging from 300 sq ft efficiency studios to 1,200 sq ft two-bedroom units. Whatever the size, our approach is the same: maximize every square foot, respect the existing property and neighborhood context, and build something that's beautiful, functional, and built to last in Tucson's climate.
Our Design Process
Site Analysis
We survey your property, assess sun angles, soil conditions, setbacks, utility access points, and how the casita will relate to your existing home and outdoor spaces.
Concept Development
Based on your goals, we develop 2-3 concept plans showing different layouts, orientations, and size options. You pick the direction that feels right.
3D Renderings
We create photorealistic 3D renderings showing your casita in context with your existing home. You'll see exactly what it will look like before any construction begins.
Construction Documents
Full architectural drawings, structural engineering, MEP plans, and everything needed for permit submission and construction.
Material Selection
We guide you through finish selections including flooring, countertops, cabinetry, fixtures, exterior materials, and paint colors. Our design team provides recommendations based on durability, budget, and desert climate performance.
Popular Casita Floor Plan Styles
Southwest Territorial
Flat rooflines, stucco exteriors, exposed wood beams, and covered patios. The classic Tucson look that blends with any neighborhood in the region.
Modern Desert
Clean lines, large windows, open floor plans, and mixed materials (metal, wood, stucco). Contemporary without feeling out of place in Tucson.
Spanish Colonial
Tile roofs, arched doorways, courtyard-style layouts, and warm earth-tone exteriors. A timeless style that nods to Tucson's rich architectural heritage.
Compact Studio
Efficient 300-500 sq ft layouts that maximize space with built-in storage, multi-function furniture areas, and clever room-within-a-room designs.
Start Your Design
Schedule a free consultation with our design team. We'll discuss your vision, assess your property, and outline what's possible.
Schedule Consultationor call (520) 555-1234
Design FAQ
How long does the design phase take?
Typically 2-4 weeks from initial consultation to finalized plans.
Can I modify existing plans?
Absolutely. We start from scratch or adapt concepts you've seen. Every plan is customized to your lot.
What's included in the design fee?
Site analysis, concept plans, 3D renderings, construction documents, and permit-ready drawings. The design fee is credited toward construction if you build with us.