Profile & People

Line and Space, LLC was founded in 1978 in Tucson, Arizona to facilitate the design and building of environmentally sensitive architecture that respects and responds to existing site conditions. Our work is known internationally and has been recognized by our peers through the receipt of over 140 architectural and environmental design awards, including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Committee on the Environment (2-time recipient), the AIA Western Mountain Region Firm of the Year, and the AIA Arizona Sustainable Firm of the Year.

We strive for quiet integration of structure and landscape – our projects encourage and demonstrate notions of sustainability and environmental stewardship. We are students of regional influences and favor the deeper meaning of entry sequence, scale, materials, color and form, all of which are important in successful architecture.

Our 15-person staff collaborates in a creative, free-flowing studio; and in addition to being architects, we are general contractors. Having built some of our projects gives us unique experience and invaluable knowledge of construction, allowing us to maximize architectural possibilities within budgetary constraints.

Our projects in the US and abroad introduce visitors to climate-specific architecture, water harvesting, gray water irrigation, photovoltaics, and the use of shade, humidity and air movement to temper outdoor space.

 

Henry Tom, FAIA - Principal

Henry has been an integral member of Line and Space since 1987 and has served as the firm’s Office/Project Manager since 1993. He is consistently successful in coordinating and melding a large contingent of owners, diverse users, designers, technical consultants and specialists, keeping all team members on track of project goals, budget and schedule. He organizes and helps facilitate our on-site programming workshops with various interested parties, to define project needs and build consensus with each project’s vision.

In addition to his superior management skills, Henry is an excellent designer and provides critical input for all of Line and Space’s projects. His recent designs include the adaptive use of the existing visitor center building at Red Rock Canyon and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex, which both anticipate LEED Gold Certification and include indoor and outdoor areas for world-class interpretation, classroom and education space, and exterior gathering and transition areas. In 2018 he was elevated into the AIA College of Fellows for his design contributions to the field of architecture. He is a past recipient of the AIA Arizona Architect's medal (the highest honor given in the state for design achievement) and the AIA Arizona Young Architect Citation.

An accomplished photographer, Henry’s work appears in a number of international publications. He has served as president of the Southern Arizona Chapter AIA and periodically reviews student projects at the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 1989
Registration: Arizona Architect, 1993 - also registered in Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.

 

Bob Clements, AIA, LEED AP - Principal

One of the key designers at Line and Space, Bob has been a member of the firm since 1991. As a Project Architect, he has extensive experience in the production, coordination and quality review of Contract Documents and was heavily involved in the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum Restaurant and Gallery Complex, Slusser Memorial Library, San Pedro Riparian Visitor Center, and the Desert Learning Center and Wild Horse and Burro Complex in Red Rock Canyon, Nevada. He is currently working on Line and Space projects in various locations throughout China.

He has a strong construction background acting as Project Superintendent on Line and Space’s design/build projects, including the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum Restaurant and Gallery Complex and Campbell Cliffs, a multi-million dollar, 25,000 sf. custom residence integrated into the Santa Catalina Mountains of Tucson. In this role, Bob supervises and communicates with the project’s subcontractors, often working directly with them to improve details using innovative materials and construction methods which results in a cost effective, high quality project.

Bob balances excellent analytical skills with a very fine capacity for spatial visualization and communication. His strong graphics support our design workshops with the ability to do visual sketches and imagery. His knowledge and love of the outdoors is an invaluable asset to our office.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 1989
Registration: Arizona Architect, 1993, LEED AP, 2009

 
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Johnny Birkinbine, AIA - Principal

Johnny’s involvement with Line and Space began in 1980 when his parents commissioned a desert greenhouse from the firm. Through high school and college he maintained contact with Line and Space and upon graduation from architecture school was recruited as an intern architect in 1994. Since then he has earned great respect from his colleagues for the careful attention and graphic sensibility he applies to the development and execution of every project. As a Project Architect, coordinating the production of the firm’s Construction Documents, Johnny holds his team to equally high standards for clear visual communication, thoroughness and accuracy.

Responsible for documenting and communicating everything from clients’ needs to meticulous construction details, Johnny takes responsibility for and pride in ensuring that tasks are carried out precisely. His efforts in this regard for the Cesar Chavez Regional Library, where he also served as Construction Administrator, have been recognized in the form of numerous National design awards since the building opened in 2007. He has completed construction document and administration work on the Red Rock Canyon Visitor Center near Las Vegas, Nevada and the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge Complex. His design for the Mojave Discovery Center received an award from the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter in 2009.

Johnny is a passionate architect and artist – his graphics, photography and paintings are consistently eye catching and thought provoking.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 1994
Registration: Arizona Architect, 2004, Texas Architect, 2015

 

Jared Logue, AIA - Principal

Since joining the firm in 2008, Jared has become a key contributor to the office’s major public projects. His detailed knowledge of building materials and fluency in overseeing construction enhances the quality of the firm’s built work. For the award-winning Sahuarita Regional Library, Jared led the documentation and construction administration, overseeing each phase of development and upholding design integrity through completion. 

Jared approaches design with a sensitivity to site context, respect for program, and drive to develop details that express function at a variety of scales. He prioritizes responding with place-based and passive solutions, incorporating water harvesting, energy conservation, and strong connections to the outdoors. He is consistently sketching details to provide the most effective technical design that preserves the holistic intent of the project. 

Jared is a mentor within the studio, guiding the firm’s emerging architects through their advancement as design professionals. He often leads workshops on graphics, 3D modeling, and rendering to share his expertise. He is an efficient manager of construction documentation, balancing internal production, client communication, and consultant coordination. Jared takes great pride in the collaborative approach and is known to manage challenging situations effectively.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2010
Registration: Arizona Architect, 2016

 

Les Wallach, FAIA - Principal Emeritus

One of the nation’s leading designers, Les combines project-specific design creativity with a strong respect and understanding of the environment. He has years of experience programming, master planning, and designing projects involving tempering microclimates to comfortably extend the usability of outdoor space, water harvesting, gray water reuse, energy conservation, and thoughtful transitions between exterior and interior. His care in understanding the individual sites of our projects, allows him to strengthen their designs while providing new construction that is sympathetic, complimentary, and of its time and place.

Les founded Line and Space in 1978 and guided the firm as Design Director, for nearly 40 years. His work has received over 100 design and environmental awards in addition to being featured in more than 20 books and over 100 other national and international publications. As part of the University of Arizona’s Bicentennial Celebration, Les was honored as one of the top 100 graduates of the 20th century. Les was also honored as the first Alumni of the Year of the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, & Landscape Architecture.

Les sees a project as an interrelated whole rather than a series of parts and is able to develop solutions that simultaneously address multiple issues. He understands the importance of listening to clients and users, attributing to the success of Line and Space’s work. Gathering input from many different participants not only helps to establish goals, but most importantly, builds consensus and support for each project.

Les has served the community as past president of the AIA Southern Arizona Chapter, the Hillel Foundation Board of Directors and Civitas Sonoran (a Southern Arizona organization promoting sustainable design and responsible development). In addition to teaching periodically as a visiting critic, Les participates in reviews of student work at the University of Arizona College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture. He has lectured at conferences around the Nation and in several cities in China, South America, and New Zealand.

Education: B.S. Mining Engineering, 1967 and B. Architecture, 1974, University of Arizona
Registration: Arizona Architect, 1976, Hawaii Architect, 2007, Arizona Contractor, 1976

 
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Emily Starace, RA, LEED AP - Architect

Emily first joined Line and Space in 2008 after graduating from the University of Arizona in 2006.  She was involved in the development of Line and Spaces’s projects in China, including Harmony and Balance, the Cascading Residences, the Two, and the Wujaitang Neighborhood Center.  She became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2008 and obtained her professional license in 2011.  She has served as an adjunct lecturer at the UA School of Architecture, passing along her passion for great design and hand drawing to first year students in the Foundation Studio. Her elevated sensibility for design details and materiality allow her to positively contribute to the office’s projects.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2006
Registration: Arizona Architect, 2011, LEED AP, 2008

 
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 Brian Carstensen, RA - Architect

Brian joined Line and Space in 2016 and has quickly made himself an integral member of our team, playing crucial roles in both the construction document and construction administration phases of the Pima County Animal Care Center. Brian's comprehensive knowledge of computer systems make him an invaluable asset to our firm.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2013
Registration: Arizona Architect, 2019

 

Brandon Griffith, AIA, LEED AP - Architect

Brandon brings a diversity of experience to the firm, having worked on many different project types in Arizona, California, and Hawaii for over 15 years. His biology education informs his approach to site specific and environmentally sensitive design and his dedication to creativity and collaboration are a valuable contribution to the office.

Education: BA Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Arizona, 2000 and MA Architecture, NewSchool of Architecture and Design, 2006
Registration: Arizona Architect, 2012, Hawaii Architect, 2015

 
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Quan Trang - Associate

Quan is a valuable member of the Line and Space team, possessing a great understanding of fabrication methods, welding, and on-site construction. Coupled with his 3D modelling and rendering skills, his experience has been instrumental in supporting a range of projects. 

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2016

 

Josh Muckenthaler - Associate

Josh is a graduate from the University of Arizona College of Architecture. Bringing experience from multiple disciplines including construction, landscape architecture, architectural design, and civil engineering he supports office projects throughout multiple phases. While in school, Josh focused on projects that helped create a positive impact in struggling communities.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2021

 

Audie Batsford - Associate

Audie graduated from the University of Arizona College of Architecture in 2020. His background in construction helps support his understanding of architecture as well as the craft of building.  He enjoys exploring and rock climbing throughout the Southwest and looks to translate that into more ethical architectural design.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2020

 

Waverly Mellies - Associate

Waverly is enthusiastic and curious with a strong interest in human-centric design. While in school she worked with nonprofits to address water scarcity and infrastructure reliability issues in Nairobi, Kenya, and rural Uganda. She is inspired by the philosophy of creating designs that respond to and respect the environment.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2023

 

Alexander Kolodziej - Associate

Alexander is a graduate from the University of Arizona College of Architecture and while in school, focused on creating projects integrating passive design strategies and renewable energy collection. His strong 3D and physical modeling skills and background in art, photography, and woodworking support the development of projects at Line and Space. He enjoys focusing on the small details and creating strong visuals.

Education: B. Architecture, University of Arizona, 2023

 

Rhiannon Mitchell - Intern

Rhiannon is a student at the University of Arizona College of Architecture in her fifth year to receive a bachelor’s degree. Her background as an artist doing paintings and drawings emerged in high school and cultivated her ability to think abstractly and articulate expression. In the field of architecture, she is passionate about developing resource conserving design in the desert and experimenting with innovative materials. Rhiannon is a glass-half-full critical thinker that brings energy, ingenuity, and craft to everything she does.

 

Christian MacKay - Intern

Christian is an avid learner with a key interest in the social implications of design. He believes that there is value in architecture as a tool to connect and integrate people within their environments. He is currently working towards a bachelor’s degree of Architecture from the University of Arizona.

 

Jackie Hogan - Intern

Jackie is currently pursuing a Master of Architecture degree with a focus in Heritage Conservation at the University of Arizona after receiving a BSD from Arizona State University. Her interest in historic preservation and site-specific design allows her to work passionately on projects that prioritize resource conservation at Line and Space. 

Education: BSD, Architectural Studies, Arizona State University, 2023

 

Nathan Becenti - Intern

Nathan is currently in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Arizona. He grew up on the Navajo reservation on his family’s cattle ranch. Navajo hogans are what sparked his interest in the built environment with their natural materials. In school he focuses on merging traditional Native architecture with modern sustainable building techniques. Architecture is an art form, and he explores it with abstract drawings using different mediums such as watercolor, sandpainting, clay and charcoal.

Education: B.S. Architecture, University of Nevada, 2023