The work of Rick Joy has a stoic elegance that blends beautifully with the natural deserts of the southwest.   He has said that “the task of architecture is not to entertain us, or to suffocate us with impressions of witty formal inventions, but to create the silence, calmness, and concentration that enables us to experience the beauty of the world and life around us.” His work perfectly describes his ethical stance.  His private residence in Arizona is a perfect example.  The use of rammed earth in a form that is simple and forever timeless.  It creates a highly sucessful project that conveys a sense of place in a seemingly infinite landscape.

Because Rick Joy sticks with basic design principles such as common building materials, proper solar orientation and proven green principles, his buildings stand the test of time.  It is a tried and true way to design buildings.  While it is possible to have a highly successful building with experimental materials and playful forms, there are many correct ways to design.