The Architectural Styles of the American Southwest

Hello! My name is Bella, and I’m originally from El Paso, Texas.

My house, which mimics many of the features of a traditional adobe, (mud made of sand, clay, and water), building, fits right into its surrounding desert landscape. The material used to form its walls is ideal for insulation during the hot summer months, and its warm tan color tones allow the house to blend in with the sandy hills and dusty mountains. It wasn’t until I moved to Austin, Texas that I began to miss the iconic style and look of adobe architecture.

El Paso is the westernmost city in Texas, and, because of this, the city reflects many of the architectural styles that are common in other Southwestern states, including New Mexico and Arizona. The Pueblo Revival style— or “Santa Fe”— of architecture is one of the most commonly recognized in the Southwest. This style is a combination of Spanish colonial architecture and Mission architecture, and takes inspiration from Pueblo Indian architectural forms. Some of the elements of Spanish colonial architecture that are most visible in the Southwestern United States are terracotta roof tiles, thick and textured stucco walls, rounded arches, and asymmetrical facades. Residences with these characteristics are often white, instead of the warm, tan natural tone of adobe, which helps the house maintain cooler temperatures. Exposed wooden beams and intricate designs of painted tile are also commonly associated with Spanish colonial architecture.

Mission-style architecture originated as a tribute to the Spanish missions in Texas and Southern California that worked to convert Native Americans to Catholicism while educating them of Spanish culture. Mission-style architecture is most often seen in public buildings such as churches, government buildings, and railroad depots, sharing many of its characteristics with Spanish colonial architecture, such as stucco walls, exposed rafters or other wooden supports, and arched entryways. Some distinctive characteristics of Mission-style architecture include enclosed courtyards, towers, and roof parapets.

Pueblo-style architecture is the traditional style of the Pueblo Indians. Traditional Pueblo buildings are most often constructed out of adobe, with exposed wooden rafters called vigas and smaller wooden roof supports called latillas. These buildings are known for their flat roofs, stepped massing, rounded corners, and small windows. Certain elements from these styles combine to form the “Sante Fe” style, which is demonstrated in buildings with soft edges, terracotta roofing, and exposed wooden supports. A well-known example of Pueblo Revival-style architecture is the La Fonda Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico (below).

There is a reason why Pueblo Revival-style architecture has amassed popularity. Many are drawn to the natural and warm atmosphere of Pueblo Revival-style homes. As the materials used in the construction of these homes traditionally included only what was available— clay, sand, and water— the homes seem to blend right into their surroundings. Many also appreciate the inviting nature of the homes, as the exterior features and color themes continue inside. Pueblo-inspired buildings truly embody Southwestern history and culture while providing comfortable and modern environments.