what others say
“The jurors lauded the firm as engaged in multiple disciplines as a non-hierarchical studio / collaboration that is artful and curious as a practice engaging in current discussions. In particular, it is evident that they take pride in their collaborators where it is not just one person’s name on the work but a team which becomes uplifted by the overall efforts of many individuals. The jurors commended the firm’s continuing commitment to public arts projects, and collaboration with the community. Their dedication to build and educate a more sustainable and green environment deserves recognition.”
— Head Juror Nader Tehrani of NADAAA
“The saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child but in a way we never talk about the multiple stakeholders that it takes to produce a great building, I think that the Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science shows that the process of getting something built as well as the outcome of a fantastically well-designed and well-crafted building, is a great duality and the team behind it should be very proud of what they have produced and how they have produced it.”
— comments regarding the Center for Plant Science at the Desert Botanical Garden from an AIA Arizona awards jury
“It is wonderful to see how art can bring joy and create a sense of community.”
— Shirley M
“...surpasses leed platinum at that price, that’s good. Uses $750 of energy a year. It’s meritorious given it’s efficient little size, it’s net zero, they saved framing costs. The sexy thing is that you’re looking through this gauzy screen in the front. They absolutely put all their design dollars into the front. The sexy thing about it is the gate: they put all of their design dollars into one element. Who is the target audience? Young couples. Affordable and high end sustainability.”
— Custom Builder Magazine, sept 2014
“On behalf of the City of Tempe, I would like to congratulate coLAB studio for receiving two Awards of Merit at this year’s Valley Forward Environmental Excellence Awards. As you know, this is Arizona’s most prominent and oldest competition of its kind and sets the standards for exceptional physical, technical, and social development in our metropolitan area.
Tempe is a leader in community sustainability, and forward-thinking projects like Cedar Street Residence and Extraordinarily Common play a major role in that leadership. We take great pride in having coLAB in our city. Again, congratulations on your award. ”
— Hugh Hallman, (now Former) Mayor of Tempe
“... the configuration is novel in this suburban milieu, but the Salengers’ execution and detailing— make it eminently practical.
Calling the outcome “amazing” our judges remarked on how much the project accomplished while leaving the envelope of the existing house essentially untouched. More than a gut remodel, one noted, it serves as a model for “rebuilding your suburban lot to capitalize on your square footage.” ”
— Residential Architect Magazine, March-April 2011
“As the Public Art Coordinator for the City of Tempe, I have observed the staff at coLAB studio to be highly dependable and reliable. Matthew and Maria always carry out their responsibilities with enthusiasm and dedication. In addition to working well with the Tempe Municipal Arts Commission, Matthew and Maria exhbiited professionalism when collaborating with City of Tempe Staff, project architect, project contractors, and most importantly members of the North Tempe Neighborhood Association. Matthew and Maria are extremely approachable, flexible and team players.”
— Maja Aurora, City of Tempe Public Art
“When we were introduced to coLab, we knew right away that our project was in good hands. Matt understood our mission and our ultimate vision for how we wanted to live in and with our home. Matt followed us throughout the entire design, review and construction process. With Matt, we defined spaces, addressed our “must have” vs. ”nice to have” and made trade offs along the way. We had 3 main criteria: simple and modular so we could build and maintain it ourselves; design a building that lasts 100+ years without material degradation; and use products that are organic and non-harmful which also carry a low/no/negative carbon impact. The finished product exceeds all of our expectations. We look forward to the next project!”
— Kat & Gerald (House Client 2020-23)
“This project spanned three years from start to finish, and every interaction the Garden had with coLAB and 180 only served to strengthen our conviction that we had chosen the right team and no one else could have delivered the exceptional building(s) that met, and frankly exceeded, our very high expectations.”
— Kimberley McCue, Project Lead Desert Botanical Garden
“We have had the pleasure of working with coLAB Studio on two separate projects. In addition to the wealth of architectural and public art experience they brought, we appreciated their professionalism, willingness to listen, and solution-oriented approach. Their artistic components add vitality to public infrastructure projects, and we would highly recommend working with them. ”
— Peter Bugg, Visual Arts Coordinator City of Chandler
““its beautifully made,” Juror Cary Bernstein said. “It’s a very smart use of rhythm and joints to get beyond an obvious kit of parts.””
— Residential Architect Magazine, Vol 2, 2014
“Jim took us up to the roof top of the Phoenix Towers for a tour of the remodeled roof top amenities which we hadn’t seen before. My wife & I were completely blown away by this wonderful space and the updating. It is both respectful to the existing design and forward looking as well. Really a great job and Jim was also so proud of your work! ”
— Perry Becker, Principal at Perry Nathan Becker Architects
“The house affected me emotionally and intellectually, and I left with the conclusion that this house, in my opinion, is nothing short of revolutionary.
I believe (the) Salengers’ home represents the future of suburban living...
The sensory experience that is the enclosed courtyard of the Salenger home is one I haven’t experienced before. ”
— Kelly Holland, ASU design student
“Matthew and Maria Salenger of Colab Studio’s, have worked with the Franciscan Renewal Center for the past five years on a variety of projects. When the Franciscan Renewal Center began the search process for the construction of our Blessed Sacrament Chapel, we needed a firm that possessed the skills and also the ability to understand the Franciscan charism. The wonderful attribute of these two was their enthusiasm and commitment to truly becoming immersed in our theology and spirituality.
The many people who have worked on committee’s with these two as well, as the friars and staff, acknowledge with full sincerity the incredible talents and gifts they offer. I would personally credit them with creating a positive environment for our community to embrace change through the people skills, sensitivity, awareness and compassion they possess.
They are without a doubt, one of the finest architectural teams in the Southwest.”
— Charles Brown, GM/Chief Operating Officer/Board Member, Franciscan Renewal Center
“It was AMAZING!!!!! Wow! What an incredibly designed, artistic, gorgeous, sustainable, state of the art area! I can’t wait for the rest of it to be done. This really is so HUGE! ...We all loved it.”
— trustee of the Desert Botanical Garden after taking a tour of the new Horticulture Center
“We just opened our Phoenix Home and Garden magazine and were delighted to see you {Matthew Salenger} as the principal architect of such a great project! Knowing you as we do, we are confident that you are absolutely perfect for the assignment! Your epiphany with the massive boulders was brilliant, especially for the setting and the function of DBG.
With great congratulations,”
— A Past Client of coLAB studio
“When I became a volunteer/docent in 1994 I said I hoped I would be around long enough to hear “the zoo is next to the Desert Botanical Garden”.
After touring the new Center for Plant Science the learning lab and “our wall” I think we are very close to the “zoo is next to the DBG”!
All the new buildings and other attractions all I can say is wow!
Thanks for your leadership”
— excerpt of a letter to the Director of The Desert Botanical Garden
“Congratulations. Your project, which won so many awards + garnered so much respect on Saturday night, is a perfect embodiment of your values. It sets a high standard for design + sustainability; it encourages all of us to settle for nothing less than our best. BRAVO.”
— - Robert Miller, Architect, Former Director School of Architecture, University of Arizona
“I can say without any reservation that the Phoenix Towers residents are extremely pleased with the final product — the Salengers’ design and the final product is superb. The roof terrace is now a beautiful and functional space.... Having been on the building committee for Phoenix Towers during the construction, I found working with the Salengers to be a very fruitful and enjoyable experience.
Also, Mr. Salenger worked very cooperatively with our general contractor, 180 Degrees. It was clear from the beginning of Phoenix Towers relationship that the Salengers were committed to Phoenix Towers and the project.
In summary, I would recommend Matthew and Maria Salenger without any reservations.”
— Mark Sendrow, President Phoenix Towers Cooperative Apartments
“This ‘50s home is pushing the edge of the 21st century housing.
In their Tempe home, Maria and Matthew Salenger have created a new way of looking at living and at home space. The two have transformed a 1,200 square-foot traditional home so that much of the home is not in the home, and the garden becomes the hearth.”
— Design & Architecture June 2004. vol.2 No.5
“The team led by Matthew Salenger displayed true professionalism, passion and dedication throughout the entire process.
The end product is a truly beautiful, majestic piece of three dimensional art which fully engages the occupants and visitors at FAU’s Culture and Society building and promotes dialogue among individuals.
I personally am extremely pleased with the performance and craftsmanship provided by coLAB studio and highly recommend them for any project.”
— Azita Dashtaki Dotiwala, Associate Vice President for Facilities, Florida Atlantic University