Norris Design

Flagstaff, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona & 6 Other Locations
Photo Credits: Norris Design (Unless Otherwise Noted)
by

Arizona State University Alumni Lawn Renovation; Tempe, AZ
Since 1898, the picturesque lawn space in front of Arizona State University's original classroom building 'Old Main' has been considered the front door of the campus. Over the years, it has been used to host group events and a variety of outdoor activities. Norris Design developed a Master Plan to renovate the lawn - increasing functionality while improving visibility and sustainability. The team provided research, stakeholder outreach, 3D visualizations, three distinct concepts, cost estimation of the selected concept, and construction documents.

Novel Val Vista; Phoenix, AZ
Inspired by the culture of Downtown Gilbert's Heritage District, this unique multi-family community offers elevated amenities for its residents. The neighborhood sits on approximately a quarter of an acre and includes three buildings. These four-story apartments include 317 units, each with access to an outdoor pool and spa with lounge seating, a shaded pet park, covered grilling and gathering spaces, and horizontally integrated mixed-use.

Yuma Regional Medical Center Campus & Serenity Garden; Yuma, AZ

 
The Serenity Garden is used daily, providing a space of respite for contemplation and healing. Intimate spaces are incorporated throughout the garden, indicated through a variety of seating groups, raised planter benches, and changes in texture and material. The focal point of the garden is a water wall framed by four palm trees, donated in memory of a prominent Yuma Regional Community Cancer Center doctor. The water wall provides a serene sensory experience, buffering unwanted sights and sounds from the adjacent parking area while displaying words of positivity offering therapeutic thoughts that aid in the healing process and can be seen from all angles of the garden.

University Arizona American Campus Communities Honors College Campus; Tucson, AZ
Norris Design prepared the landscape, hardscape, irrigation design and applicable construction detailing for the Honors College Campus. The scope of work included a courtyard with spaces for gathering, outdoor recreation, an outdoor classroom/amphitheater, and outdoor study areas. The team also reinvented Fremont Avenue as a vehicle-free promenade with tree-lined shaded plazas for seating. As a LEED?(R) project, the design incorporates passive irrigation harvesting, efficient irrigation design and equipment, and bicycle parking. The hardscape design was inspired by the articulation and banding of materials in the building facades. This was emulated on the ground plane with the use of varying integral color concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, and sand-blasted concrete treatments.

Desert Hope; Las Cruces, NM
Desert Hope is an adaptive reuse low-income residential project that includes 60 total units serving residents with a history of homelessness below 30% Area Media Income (AMI). Amenities include a community room, on-site laundry, landscaping, and dedicated in-house support services. This project won an NAIOP New Mexico Eagle Award in 2022. Photo Credit: jvD Architecture + Planning

Tangerine Sky; Tucson, AZ
In partnership with the Town of Marana, Norris Design delivered the community's first park east of Arizona Interstate 10. Set within the Sonoran Desert, this 17-acre park preserves natural vegetation while creating strategic separation between activity areas. The park includes natural and paved trails, large ramadas for family events and town gatherings, and a large multi-use turf area. The playground and park were created using multi-generational, accessible, and inclusive play design principles, including play areas for younger and older children, a natural boulder climbing zone, a dog park, a lighted and fenced basketball court, restrooms, and a maintenance yard. All park amenities were selected by community members through the public engagement process.

Phoenix Children Hospital; Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Children's Hospital Tower Expansion project features a new $40M emergency department and a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. The site consists of 3 acres of the PCH campus, and existing roadways were realigned to incorporate an ambulance drop off as well as a new ER parking lot. Norris Design provided landscape architecture services, including a tree preservation plan, streetscape design of 18th Place and Windsor Avenue, new drive aisle medians, and an ER parking lot within the renovated area of the campus. A highlighted site amenity includes a new sculpture courtyard.

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Arizona State University Alumni Lawn Renovation; Tempe, AZ
Since 1898, the picturesque lawn space in front of Arizona State University's original classroom building 'Old Main' has been considered the front door of the campus. Over the years, it has been used to host group events and a variety of outdoor activities. Norris Design developed a Master Plan to renovate the lawn - increasing functionality while improving visibility and sustainability. The team provided research, stakeholder outreach, 3D visualizations, three distinct concepts, cost estimation of the selected concept, and construction documents.

2 / 7

Novel Val Vista; Phoenix, AZ
Inspired by the culture of Downtown Gilbert's Heritage District, this unique multi-family community offers elevated amenities for its residents. The neighborhood sits on approximately a quarter of an acre and includes three buildings. These four-story apartments include 317 units, each with access to an outdoor pool and spa with lounge seating, a shaded pet park, covered grilling and gathering spaces, and horizontally integrated mixed-use.

3 / 7

Yuma Regional Medical Center Campus & Serenity Garden; Yuma, AZ
The Serenity Garden is used daily, providing a space of respite for contemplation and healing. Intimate spaces are incorporated throughout the garden, indicated through a variety of seating groups, raised planter benches, and changes in texture and material. The focal point of the garden is a water wall framed by four palm trees, donated in memory of a prominent Yuma Regional Community Cancer Center doctor. The water wall provides a serene sensory experience, buffering unwanted sights and sounds from the adjacent parking area while displaying words of positivity offering therapeutic thoughts that aid in the healing process and can be seen from all angles of the garden.

4 / 7

University Arizona American Campus Communities Honors College Campus; Tucson, AZ
Norris Design prepared the landscape, hardscape, irrigation design and applicable construction detailing for the Honors College Campus. The scope of work included a courtyard with spaces for gathering, outdoor recreation, an outdoor classroom/amphitheater, and outdoor study areas. The team also reinvented Fremont Avenue as a vehicle-free promenade with tree-lined shaded plazas for seating. As a LEED?(R) project, the design incorporates passive irrigation harvesting, efficient irrigation design and equipment, and bicycle parking. The hardscape design was inspired by the articulation and banding of materials in the building facades. This was emulated on the ground plane with the use of varying integral color concrete, exposed aggregate concrete, and sand-blasted concrete treatments.

5 / 7

Desert Hope; Las Cruces, NM
Desert Hope is an adaptive reuse low-income residential project that includes 60 total units serving residents with a history of homelessness below 30% Area Media Income (AMI). Amenities include a community room, on-site laundry, landscaping, and dedicated in-house support services. This project won an NAIOP New Mexico Eagle Award in 2022. Photo Credit: jvD Architecture + Planning

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Tangerine Sky; Tucson, AZ
In partnership with the Town of Marana, Norris Design delivered the community's first park east of Arizona Interstate 10. Set within the Sonoran Desert, this 17-acre park preserves natural vegetation while creating strategic separation between activity areas. The park includes natural and paved trails, large ramadas for family events and town gatherings, and a large multi-use turf area. The playground and park were created using multi-generational, accessible, and inclusive play design principles, including play areas for younger and older children, a natural boulder climbing zone, a dog park, a lighted and fenced basketball court, restrooms, and a maintenance yard. All park amenities were selected by community members through the public engagement process.

7 / 7

Phoenix Children Hospital; Phoenix, AZ
Phoenix Children's Hospital Tower Expansion project features a new $40M emergency department and a Level 1 pediatric trauma center. The site consists of 3 acres of the PCH campus, and existing roadways were realigned to incorporate an ambulance drop off as well as a new ER parking lot. Norris Design provided landscape architecture services, including a tree preservation plan, streetscape design of 18th Place and Windsor Avenue, new drive aisle medians, and an ER parking lot within the renovated area of the campus. A highlighted site amenity includes a new sculpture courtyard.

For forty years, Norris Design has helped shape the world through the transformative power of placemaking. Partnering with visionary clients across the globe, they create meaningful places that enrich how people live, work, and play. Their integrated approach unites planning, landscape architecture, and branding to design distinctive environments that inspire communities and deliver lasting value. They believe great places have the power to connect people, spark imagination, and create lasting memories. From shaping vibrant public realms and memorable destinations to crafting authentic brand identities, they create experiences that resonate long after they are built. By blending strategy, design, and implementation, they transform ideas into places that thrive. Norris Design is an award-winning planning, landscape architecture, and branding firm with regional offices in Arizona, Colorado, Texas, and Utah.
Employees: PLAs (94), Principals (34); Total (157)

As seen in LASN magazine, August 2026.