profile - link architecture pc

experience

Established in 2003, Link Architecture creates site-specific buildings and landscapes. Each new project is a celebration of the local context – the energy of an urban neighborhood, the sculptural beauty of the desert. We collaborate with clients to create designs which express who they are and a final product they are excited to live and work in.

We specialize in custom homes, remodels + additions, landscape design, commercial, educational and cultural projects. Principal Susan Link was featured in the September 2010 issue of Phoenix Home and Garden magazine, as a “Young Gun” in the Phoenix architecture and design community. Link Architecture is consistently voted “Best of Houzz” for Design and Customer Service on the Houzz website.

Susan Link has over 20 years of experience in the field of architecture. Before moving to Phoenix in 1999, she worked for 2 design-focused architecture firms in Virginia, creating public botanical gardens, a church retreat center, educational projects from elementary through university, master plans and custom homes. Some projects required historic preservation approvals, others close collaboration with landscape architects. Working for RSP Architects-Phoenix, she completed corporate projects of varying size for American Express before starting Link Architecture.

A graduate of the University of Virginia and Rice University, Susan recognizes the structure and order required for a well-designed and well-run project. She is inspired by the open Arizona landscape and the open-mindedness of the people who choose to build here.

process

Link Architecture delivers personal service at the highest level. We first listen carefully to your needs, then develop an architectural or landscape solution which fulfills them. We chaperone your project from design, to construction drawings, and through the entire construction process. We work with client and contractor for the duration, to ensure a quality final product, with the amount of client information and involvement that feels right to you.

Good design is personal design. A design solution for your project will be unique to you; the same project for another person would produce a completely different result. Your personal style – favorite color to style of architecture – should be – will be – reflected in the home, business, school or garden we build together.

A custom architectural project requires attention to detail, conscientious problem-solving, and care. In his book, Places of the Soul: Architecture and Environmental Design as a Healing Art, author Christopher Day writes, “Many people believe that artistic ability is a matter of inborn genius, but I am convinced that the main factor is commitment. Likewise, aesthetics are much less a function of money than of care, but care costs time. In a world where time means money, the less care put into buildings – in design, construction and use – the cheaper they will be, but as few people want cheap-looking buildings, they are now commonplace.”

The time and thought invested in our buildings are appreciated and enjoyed by our clients.

happy clients

“We are really enjoying our home and truly love everything about it! Thank you so much for making this such a fun and rewarding experience for us!”

–Tom and Jan Stegmann, total remodel inside and out, April 2013

“Thanks very much for the great job you did. We really love how everything came out. Use us for references any time.”

–Tom and Mary Kay, Master Suite Addition and outdoor landscape, Desert Mountain, North Scottsdale, AZ

“Dear Susan,
For the past five years we’ve worked with you on a variety of projects. From high-end custom homes to simple remodels, each has received the same detailed and comprehensive approach. Your creativity with floor plans and elevations provide an unusual combination of both technical and artistic ability.

Phoenix Smith has been a general contractor working in commercial and residential projects since 1984. In that time we have worked with many architects and designers. None have demonstrated the ability to listen to clients’ needs and then translate them to accurate and comprehensive construction documents the way you have. Further, once the project is underway, your coordination between us and the client is exceptional, defining the concept of a team effort.

We look forward to working with you again and would not hesitate to refer you to anyone, regardless of the scale of their project. Our experience with you has been both professional and enjoyable.

Warm regards,

–Andrew Whitten, Phoenix Smith and Company, Inc.”

“Susan Link of Link Architecture is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a professional, client-oriented architect. I have worked with her on two projects: one was a remodel of my home and the other was the creation of a visitor center for a public garden. Her design process is very organized and complete. She will outline the steps of the process and tell you what to expect at each level. Most importantly, she listens to what you want and improves upon it. She does not try to impose a “style” on you. She is both creative and detail-oriented (a rare combination). She thinks about how a space will work in real life, i.e. she thinks about things like electrical plugs and lighting, as well as how a space looks. She is always pleasant and easy to work with. I highly recommend Link Architecture.”

–Lee Brownson, Director, Wallace Desert Gardens, Scottsdale, AZ

“Susan helped us with a back yard remodel. She proposed a very innovative and creative solution for our large back yard, and we have been absolutely delighted with her work. Our yard was featured in Phoenix Home and Garden magazine! Susan’s professionalism is second to none, she stayed involved in our project from start to finish and made sure our relationships with contractors and subcontractors were going well. We valued the regular contact we had with Susan all along the way. We are looking forward to working with Susan when we tackle our interior remodel!”

–Bella Panchmatia, Scottsdale homeowner