HELPING YOU GO BEYOND WHAT YOU CAN IMAGINE

Whether it is an adaptive reuse of an old building, transforming a typical southwestern structure into an expression of modernistic aesthetic, or creating a dream house on the edge of the high mountain we bring an objective concentrated effort to each project. As a certified historic architect in New Mexico we help you design your project so that it works for you and satisfies the Historic Preservation Laws.

Historic

Whether it is Adaptive Reuse, Restoration, or Renovation of historic structures, landscapes and neighborhoods we bring an objective concentrated effort to each project. We are dedicated to help you gain energy efficiency and keep the historic status of your project while making it functional for you. As a certified historic architect in New Mexico we answer these questions and more. We help you design your project so that it works for you and satisfies the Historic Preservation Laws and demands including designing in the vernacular styles of the Old Santa Fe Style, Territorial Revival Style, Spanish Pueblo Revival Style and sometimes just called simply Adobe Style.

Contemporary

We approach every project with passion and objectivity, playing to our strengths of simplicity and crafting beautiful spaces out of natural materials and light. Whether it is an adaptive reuse of an old building, transforming a typical southwestern structure into an expression of modernistic aesthetic, or creating a dream house on the edge of the high mountain desert we listen and use our 20+ years of experience of building in Santa Fe to help clients achieve their goals. We are happy designing anything and also enjoy working on private homes in every context.

Urban Design

In our practice context is critical. We believe creative community projects and engagement can and will address the most pressing social issues of our time. The buildings make the city and the city makes the buildings. All of our work is contextual, of its time and place and is versatile and practical. We enjoy engaging at the small and large scale in order to satisfy the owner of the project and that will complement the context and identify the solutions and the opportunities inherent in a particular community.

She is my favorite architect in town. She is practical & elegant.

– SANTA FE, NM

Architect-designed Santa Fe sunroom with vaulted ceilings, large windows, and natural light, showcasing an architect's expertise in sustainable design.
Architect-designed Santa Fe home entrance with carved wooden door, adobe walls, and rustic charm, showcasing expert architectural craftsmanship.
Inviting entryway to a Santa Fe home, featuring a wooden door, turquoise window frames, and a flagstone path, framed by lush greenery and traditional adobe walls.

Gayla brought to the table creative input that consistently made my ideas better. Her interface with the city, creation of plans, and thorough knowledge of the code laws allowed a glitch-free approval process. She has a deep understanding of traditional nm style but is capable of seamlessly adding more contemporary elements if desired, without losing what attracts us all to sf. If you are building in the historic district, her knowledge and expertise will be invaluable when getting through that extra review. I recommend her without reservation.

– BRIAN HILL  VIETVET CEO

Promotional brochure for Gayla Bechtol Architect, showcasing a guide to building or renovating historic Santa Fe properties, with a featured image of a stylishly designed interior.

Building in the Historic Districs of Santa Fe

This valuable guide divides up the process of building in the historic districts in stages so that you will have a better understanding of getting approvals, the accepted styles, and also an idea of how to proceed with your project.

Get The Free Guide
Portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a silver chain necklace, set against a plain background, exuding a warm and professional demeanor.

About Gayla

Gayla Bechtol started her eponymous architecture firm in Santa Fe, New Mexico to help her clients go beyond what they can imagine from traditional to contemporary. She gained her formal education at the University of Texas, Southern California, and Harvard University Graduate School of Design and continues to pursue knowledge and creativity.

About Gayla

Historic Cultural Properties Inventory

One of the challenges of buying & building in the Historic Districts of Santa Fe is knowing if your building is considered protected by the Preservation laws of the City and State. As a Certified Historic Architect in New Mexico, I am qualified to perform a Historic-Cultural Properties Inventory and make a recommendation to the Governing Body. If your survey is older than 1991 I recommend conducting a status review. If you need an HCPI please contact me.

Contact Gayla

Latest Practice News and Articles

No. 27 | Urban Sense: The Origins of the Railyard—and the Lessons to Be Learned from Its Creation
Santa Fe-style home with adobe architecture, wooden doors, brick floors, and Southwestern decor. A spotted dog sits on a rug in the warm, inviting space.
In the January edition of The Santa Fe New Mexican's Home Magazine, I discuss the historical and ongoing conflicts between.. read more →
January 5, 2025
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No. 26 | Urban Sense: Diffusing the Power of the Status Quo
Santa Fe residential architecture featuring plush yellow armchairs and a traditional fireplace, highlighting the serene work environment architects design.
In the September edition of The Santa Fe New Mexican's Home Magazine, I discuss the historical and ongoing conflicts between.. read more →
September 1, 2024
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No. 25 | Urban Sense: The Tectonics of Change
Bright and modern Santa Fe home featured in HOME magazine, showcasing a stylish staircase with warm wood flooring, iron railings, and Southwestern décor.
In the July edition of The Santa Fe New Mexican's Home Magazine, I discuss the architectural evolution in Santa Fe,.. read more →
July 7, 2024
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No. 24 | Urban Sense: Excavating the Future
Cover of Santa Fe Real Estate Guide, showcasing a traditional adobe entrance, reflecting the distinct architectural style and craftsmanship found in Santa Fe homes.
In the February edition of The Santa Fe New Mexican's Home Magazine, I reflect on the balance between preserving the.. read more →
February 5, 2024
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Gene Hackman's home in Santa Fe image credit Architectural Digest