Meet Tyler Kuenzi | Principle Architect | Creative Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Tyler Kuenzi and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyler, how do you think about risk?
Architecture is nothing but risk. From deciding to take on a project, to taking design risks that push my creative limits, I have to take on a certain amount of risk everyday as part of the work I bring to my team. Risk has to be calculated and when taken can be extremely rewarding. I wouldn’t be where I am at today without taking risks with the designtank team or having clients take risks with us. Challenging the expected to create thought-provoking architecture has paid off for us at designtank. Each time we’ve taken a design risk it’s opened the door for new opportunities and clients and has allowed us to evolve as an architecture studio. We also understand our clients take a risk when deciding to build a custom home. We are aware of that risk and embrace the gravitas of our position and influence as Architects and position requires great responsibility and transparency. Through my experience I’ve learned that risk, or at least the perception of it, diminishes as trust is established. Once trust is built it creates a space where ideas thrive and can be explored. Trust is the foundation of designtank’s client relationships and without it we couldn’t create thought-provoking and awe-inspiring architecture.

What should our readers know about your business?
What sets designtank apart from other architecture studios, other than our uniquely warm modern design, is that we seek to understand and relate with our clients rather than come from a position of superiority. We are all part of the same team and we succeed together. Before I started designtank I came from the architect-as-developer world. My husband and I financed our own projects which provided us a client perspective of what it meant to be financially at stake for a build. designtank was an evolution from moonlighting with small side projects while working at a large commercial architecture firm. It was during this time that my husband and I purchased, redesigned, built, and moved into our home together. We were lucky enough to get exposure from that project that led to more clientele. With each new project I was able to up my game in terms of pushing the boundaries of design, be creative with what I could do with my clients’ budgets and carve out a more progressive approach to design in Phoenix. My client base grew exponentially, and I was able to establish designtank as my fulltime job. Nothing about architecture is easy; it’s a demanding profession that constantly requires me to hone my design skills, technical abilities, and expand my knowledge base. I believe my success is a combination of being determined and driven as well as having a sense of peace in knowing that I am in the right profession that challenges and rewards me. One of the biggest lessons I have learned is that I’m only as good as the team I surround myself with…and our team is so talented and fantastic! It takes a village to design and build a project and we’re fortunate to work with phenomenal clients, builders, and consultants on a daily basis.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We love Central Phoenix and what it has to offer. It’s an ever-changing scene that is increasingly more hip with great food, coffee, and unique restaurant options. We tend to frequent Steak44. The steaks are always perfect—my husband even thinks so and he’s from Omaha, the steak capital! The Biltmore Hotel is one of our go-to spots when we have guests. I love the architecture, history and soul of the hotel. It’s a special place that we are lucky to have here in Phoenix. Brunch at the Wrigley Mansion is also a favorite spot. The location, its story, and views are incredible and so is the Steinway piano.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My husband Shawn. He supported my vision both in concept and financially during designtank’s start-up. He’s provided me with market insights and business consulting and coaching as a HR professional. Without his help designtank perhaps wouldn’t be where it’s at today. I’d also be remiss if I didn’t give a shout out to my parents for their support, encouragement, and consistent excitement—they even turned over all design decisions to me when they renovated their home. I’d aslo like to acknowledge Darren Petrucci who as my thesis chair at ASU, he believed I was capable of more than what I was producing, and he gave me the confidence and taught me the skills necessary to unlock my creative potential.  Lastly but certainly not least, I would like to give a shoutout to the talented team I work with at designtank everyday, it really is a team effort and designtank wouldn’t be where it is today without their dedication an hardwork!

Website: designtankphx.com

Instagram: designtank_phx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-kuenzi-49a554a0/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designtankphx

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPUYm0c88krdQBzze1vDBg

Image Credits
Roehner + Ryan, Carrilee Fox