Some use a Potter’s Wheel

Some use a potter’s wheel to create beautiful pieces of art. There are those who transform mere canvas into scenes that make the observer want to walk into the “place” that the artist has created. Whether your favorite type of art is by instrument, voice or even pen, there are a vast number of ways people have found to convey their messages.

Edward McCormick of McCormick Architecture creates art on somewhat of a larger scale than most. Nevertheless, when you see his work, you know immediately that each site is not simply a dwelling space or a place of business, but truly a structural masterpiece.

Though Edward resides in El Paso, his reputation extends to numerous cities all over New Mexico, Arizona, Iowa and California. Certainly there are architects who are closer to these locales that could be contracted to do these jobs. So, the question is, “What is so extraordinary about Edward McCormick and his firm?” Fortunately, you needn’t look farther than any one of the many projects connected with the McCormick name to realize the rarity and unflinchingly solid qualities of his work.

Edward has designed more than 200 homes in addition to all of the commercial work he has undertaken. He is no less inspired when he is designing a house to fit someone’s lifestyle and environment than when he is laying plans for a multi-unit senior center or an annex to a college. Whether building from the ground up or redesigning an existing structure - what is referred to as a “retro fit” or “adaptive reuse” - each project has its own identity and presents different challenges.

Edward is very conscious of culture in his design. Where many tend to lump “Southwest” and “Santa Fe” styles together, he is able to distinguish and pinpoint the subtleties between the two and thus create structures that exemplify and celebrate the differences. Whether the style is modern and contemporary or rustic with old world flair, homes designed by McCormick Architecture represent the individuality of the homeowners.

While riding a gondola on the Wyler Aerial Tramway amidst the Franklin Mountains, you will notice a magnificent complex on the easternmost side. This remarkable building is the Bienvivir Senior Health Services facility. Heavily textured stucco in papaya, terracotta and other varying earth tones are rich and luxurious and were specifically chosen to blend with the region. A McCormick project, it serves as an adult day care as well as full-time housing for seniors with Alzheimer’s.

A project that Edward is currently undertaking, along with developer Rick Riddle of American Pride Homes, is in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Conceptually, it is a very unique structure that will be located on Sudderth Drive and is scheduled to break ground in September. The ground level will contain an assortment of boutiques and shops along with restaurants. Central to all the establishments will be the wonderfully landscaped pavilion, complete with tables and chairs should patrons prefer to dine alfresco. The upper levels and rear of the building are designated for one, two and three bedroom condominiums. Ranging from 850-1500 square feet, and located conveniently in the heart of the city, these spacious dwellings are destined to be snapped up in a flash.

Though it would be difficult to list all of the projects that McCormick Architecture has had a hand in, it is a safe bet that if you live in the El Paso/Las Cruces area you’ve seen some of the wonderful things they’ve accomplished. It is no surprise then to learn that the firm has received ten merit and honor awards from the American Institute of Architects. Difficult to come by, these awards are a testament to the craft and skill that this firm represents. We are lucky to have such wonderful artists in our region...making our cities more beautiful one building at a time.