what we do
Envision… Plan… Achieve…
ARC is a unique architectural consulting firm specializing in the areas of planning, architectural programming, facility evaluation, and architectural research. Founded in 1976, it is the largest and longest-established firm in New Mexico specializing in planning.
Since its inception, ARC has provided services to numerous federal, state, and local governments in urban planning, land planning, and the planning of office, educational, health, and specialized facilities. Over time, we have refined and honed existing processes and procedures, adopted and developed new services, and pioneered new technologies. Many clients have come to rely on the accuracy of ARC’s data and its translation into rational policies, recommendations, and decision-making. More than 80 percent of ARC’s business has been for repeat clients, which include the State of New Mexico, Sandia National Laboratories, the National Park Service, the University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, CNM, and Albuquerque Public Schools. ARC’s staff members bring unexcelled experience in facility master planning, facility programming, urban and community planning, and facility evaluation.
what we offer
A few things we’re great at
We have extensive experience conducting large-scale and specialized planning studies for facility programming and master planning, community planning, educational facility planning, and other technical services.
Facility Programming and Master Planning
Our planning efforts encompass the entire facility planning cycle with a focus on pre-/post-design activities. With this unique perspective, we provide you with specialized assistance in making the prudent decisions that affect your long-term planning.
Community Planning
ARC’s community plans assist our clients in identifying issues and developing strategies that address current and long-range needs to improve infrastructure, enhance health and welfare, and assist local economies while retaining local character and culture.
Educational Facility Planning
ARC specializes in facilities master planning for educational institutions including facility condition assessment and capital master planning. ARC is the acknowledged leader for these services in New Mexico and the southwest region.
The secret of success
By programming and master planning facilities, government agencies, private organizations, laboratories, and education institutions can design buildings that work.
Information Technology
Our in-house information technology services provide our clients with expert assistance in data collection, management, and analysis. We also design, implement, and maintain web applications for our clients.
Computer Visualization
Visualization is a method of conveying information using illustrations, images, or animation. These graphics can model an abstract concept or a specific technical problem and assist with analysis of them.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
We provide GIS services to our clients, especially school districts. ARC uses ARCInfo, QGIS, MapInfo, and web-based GIS for our spatial analysis and mapping support services.
Facility Condition Assessment (FCA)
A Facility Condition Assessment (FCA) identifies and characterizes physical conditions and deficiencies in the improvements and land of a subject property based on field observations.
A recipe for success…
ARC values our long-term relationships with clients, many spanning decades of successful collaboration.
ARC is a member of Cooperative Educational Services (CES)
CES is a purchasing cooperative united by a joint powers agreement to aid member agencies in New Mexico.
Our work
Projects
ARC has completed over 500 projects since its beginning in 1976
Preparation of a Pre-Kindergarten Utilization and Capacity Study for Rio Rancho Public School, Rio Rancho, NM
Rio Rancho Public Schools (RRPS) and the New Mexico Public Schools Facilities Authority (PSFA) engaged Architectural Research Consultants, Incorporated (ARC) to evaluate districtwide Pre‑Kindergarten needs and options for expanding preschool within existing facilities. The study focuses on Shining Stars Preschool and the potential to add Pre‑K classrooms at Puesta del Sol Elementary and other elementary campuses while updating enrollment, capacity, and utilization data across the district.
Preparation of a Facilities Condition Assessment for Blue Cross Blue Shieldof New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Mexico (BCBSNM) commissioned Architectural Research Consultants, Incorporated (ARC), to conduct a visual facility condition assessment for three buildings in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
The assessment included the surrounding site and provided building data about HVAC, roofs, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, and general building condition. The assessment included an ARC scoring system—which takes into account the site, the building, and how well the building supports the programs and activities assigned (adequacy)—and a Facility Condition Index (FCI) score—which is a national standard for building condition that uses the cost replacement value of the building as compared to the maintenance costs.
Long-Range Master Plan for the New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy, Socorro, NM
The New Mexico Firefighters Training Academy (NMFTA) is a bureau of the State Fire Marshal’s Office, falling under the New Mexico Department of Homeland Security and Emergency
Management. Located in Socorro, New Mexico, NMFTA offers training programs in all areas of firefighting and emergency response.
NMFTA retained ARC to prepare a long-range master plan that will serve as a capital investment roadmap, identifying the necessary improvements required to meet current and future needs. The
developed master plan includes a $32.1 million implementation plan directing investments towards site and facility development.
Our Team
ARC’s staff includes architects, planners, graphic artists, computer programmers, analysts, and editors.
