Feature Story

Simplicity of interior decoration accentuates the sculptural lines of Murray’s design. The salmon pink hearth and chimney are hand-buffed with pigment and wax. A partition divides living room from dining area. Views out the windows reach all the way to Santa Fe and the Jemez Mountains.

Orchestrating
Light and Space

Dynamic architectural spaces reflect owners’ taste and needs

STORY Emily Van Cleve
PHOTOGRAPHY Dan Pearson

Continued from the Su Casa's home page...

Murray is known for creating dynamic architectural spaces that are open, airy, and filled with natural light. Albuquerque residents Rhonda Arkana and Sue Skelly became familiar with his work more than three years ago while touring a Placitas home and felt an immediate affinity with his architectural style. When it came time to sit down and discuss the design of their future home, the ideas flowed quickly and easily.

“Glenn took the time to sit down and ask us what we do on Saturday mornings, how we entertain and how we move from room to room,” Arkana enthusiastically explains. “We talked about feelings about rooms first, rather than about what the rooms themselves should look like.”

“I really need to find out how the owners live and the architectural style that they like or the style that speaks to them,” explains Murray at the completed home. “I don’t wish to get stereotyped with one style but utilize many different styles as influenced by the current owners.”

In the kitchen, a curved countertop echoes a curving overhang above the cooking area. The half wall allows the cook to socialize with guests in the living and dining areas.

If you wish to read the printed Su Casa magazine, you can buy it at a newsstand near you or click here to subscribe. Su Casa magazine is published quarterly by Hacienda Press, a division of the Home Builder Association of Central New Mexico, 5931 Office Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87109. Phone: (505) 344-1783 or toll-free 866-256-4925; Fax: (505) 345-3795. Direct your editorial inquiries, other questions, and comments to Charles Poling, editor and associate publisher.