BARNABY (BENNIE) MONTAGUE GONZALES

Bio:

Born and raised in Phoenix, Bennie Gonzales (1924-2008) was the first Mexican American to graduate from Arizona State College's Architecture program. After graduation, he attended the University of Mexico in Mexico City for post-graduate work. The nearby ancient ruins influenced his designs throughout his career. He is the first Mexican American to become a registered architect in Arizona and designed buildings that were responsive to the conditions of the Sonoran Desert.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

As a youngster, Mr. Gonzales worked for his uncle’s adobe brick factory,who supplied material to the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. He saw Frank Lloyd Wright visit the resort during its construction. As a result, he decided to become an architect.

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What do you do?

Architect

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

When asked about his architectural style, Mr. Gonzales said it's a“regional style, but goes beyond regional; an inherited philosophy that the materials are present in Arizona.” His legacy is NOMAarizona where "Our Strength is Our Diversity

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Featured Project Name: 

Nogales Library, Gonzales Residence, Valley National Bank, Scottsdale Government Complex

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Featured Project Location: 

Phoenix, Scottsdale Arizona

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Featured Project Completion Date: 

N/A

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Role in Featured Project: 

Architect

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Featured Project Description:

For over 40 years Mr. Gonzales completed 300 projects, including residential, commercial, hospitality, educational, religious, and public commissions. His designs, which can be seen all over the Valley, received more than 130 design and professional awards.

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Photography Credit:

Doug Sydnor