--- title: "Palo Santo Designs LLC — General Contractors | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/palo-santo-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1451296432 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1451296432.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Palo Santo Designs LLC" category: ["General Contractors"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8a1323520e9ca7a2_5120-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Santa Fe 87507, United States" phone: "(505) 988-7230" website: http://www.palosantodesigns.com rating: 4.6 review_count: 10 best_of_houzz_awards: 8 followers: 205 last_updated: 2026-08-10 --- # Palo Santo Designs LLC Original Houzz profile: [Palo Santo Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/palo-santo-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1451296432) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** General Contractors - **Location:** Santa Fe - **Serves:** Santa Fe, Eldorado at Santa Fe, La Cienega, Agua Fria, Tesuque, Cañada de los Alamos, Las Campanas/La Tierra - **Houzz rating:** 4.6 out of 5 (10 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2019), for Service, Design. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 25,000 Ideabook Saves Palo Santo Designs provides our clients in the residential and commercial markets with exceptional green buildings, eco-renovations and sustainable homes. Our approach is the integration of proven building methods with state of the art techniques and technologies that assure maximum energy efficiency, water conservation, environmental stewardship and luxurious comfort. Our business model is one that consistently delivers award-winning results in the design and construction of projects which are socially responsible, cost-effective and environmentally sound. Feel free to reach out to us, we would love to hear from you! ### Services Provided - Home Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - General Contracting - Home Additions - Custom Homes - New Home Construction - Outdoor Kitchen Construction - Porch Design & Construction - Energy-Efficient Homes - Green Building - Sustainable Design ### Areas Served - Santa Fe - Eldorado at Santa Fe - La Cienega - Agua Fria - Tesuque - Cañada de los Alamos - Las Campanas/La Tierra ### Typical Job Cost $100,000 - $5,000,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Palo Santo Designs LLC | | Address | Santa Fe 87507, United States | | Phone | (505) 988-7230 | | Website | http://www.palosantodesigns.com | | Followers on Houzz | 205 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Palo-Santo-Designs-LLC/221403734564035 - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/PSDesignsLLC - Blog — www.palosantodesigns.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Palo Santo Designs LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/palo-santo-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1451296432) - **Website:** http://www.palosantodesigns.com - **Phone:** (505) 988-7230 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - LEED Accredited ProfessionalWINNER of 18 prestigious awards , including 2 time winner of 'Best Craftsmanship' and 3 time winner 'Grand Green' in the "Haciendas... A Parade of Homes". - **Best of Houzz:** 8 awards (2013–2019), for Service, Design. **Affiliations** - [National Association of Home Builders](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/national-association-of-home-builders-pfvwus-pf~562065019) - [Santa Fe Area Home Builders Association](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/santa-fe-area-home-builders-association-pfvwus-pf~1452154220) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.6 out of 5 — 10 reviews** ### All 10 reviews **★★★★★ — Kerry Sherck, Aug. 2018** > Thank you for creating such a beautiful home! The thought and care you put into the house is evident everywhere, and it feels so welcoming, open and bright all at once. I continue to discover the beauty in all the details.... I'm in love! **★★★★★ — Kim Shanahan, Aug. 2018** > Palo Santo Designs has established their reputation in our town as the premiere design/build firm capable of the most cutting edge green and sustainability features, including the ability to design and build net zero energy and net zero water homes of the highest quality. Their long history in Santa Fe and Northern New Mexico has given them an instinctive feel for working within the variety of traditional and contemporary vernaculars that make our iconic style so compelling to new and existing members of our community. As a company that inspires all of its own people, as well as its trade associates, to pursue excellence at all times, it is no wonder that the slew of awards they have garnered over the years have come their way. They also give back to their industry by being actively engaged with the Santa Fe Area Home Builder Association where there leadership has helped to inspire other like-minded builders, suppliers, and subcontractors. They are one of the best at what they do, for sure. **★ — Carlos Rossi, May 2018** > No p-traps in any of our three shower drains and recurrent water leaks in our walls were the last of the defects and omissions we discovered in our new Palosanto design / built home. We started design during the Fall of 2015 and moved into our “new” House during September 2017. We knew we had defective plumbing fittings in our walls prior to moving in. The first water leaks had occurred prior to Palosanto’s substantial completion of the Project. After moving in we continued to have recurrent water leaks in our walls for several months. In between Palosanto’s limited warranty water leak repairs we discovered the cause of septic gases and smells in our bathrooms. None of our three shower drains had been fitted with P-Traps. The aforesaid were not all of the omissions and defects we discovered throughout our Project. We would describe our experience with Palosanto as a broken design / build process that was high on promise but low on: quality controls, supervision, coordination, and in some critical areas a lack of technical expertise. We cannot recommend Palosanto as Designer nor Design/Builder. > > A good example of our experience with Palosanto is the following: While an engineered heating and radiant floor design was done and utilized during the budgeting process to be implemented during Construction, Palosanto allowed the Mechanical Sub-Contractor the unsupervised freedom to change the design and install the in floor radiant piping entirely at the Sub Contractor’s discretion, all of this without having informed us, as our Designer, of said change of plans and design. We discovered the design changes to the in floor radiant piping after the concrete floors had been poured. We procured professional heating design assistance, and made changes, at our expense, to the above floor manifolds, the circulating pump and the flow controls. We are still working on recuperating all we can of the original heating design’s performance and efficiency. > > After the discovery of the missing P-Traps in our shower drains, Palosanto agreed to demolish and rebuild our shower pans and floors, and finally also agreed to replace all suspected defective plumbing fittings in our walls. During demolition three new, up to then hidden, water leaks were found. > > All errors and omissions could have been easily prevented with good design/build practices. In retrospect, we had seen signs of deficiencies in the design and budgeting process, and we had known that the contract documents were lacking details and specifications. We had signed the Construction Contract and moved forward based on Palosanto’s experience, portfolio of work and reputation. **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > Carlos, we are truly sorry that you feel this way. Construction is fraught with variables, some of which are beyond anyone’s control, others are avoidable. In either case, Palo Santo Designs always does our very best to manage the variables and correct any defect to the customer's best satisfaction. The failures of a manufacturer’s fittings in your water supply system represented an unprecedented crisis not within our control. But one, in which Palo Santo Designs acted quickly and decisively to remedy, going the extra mile by replacing every plumbing fitting in your home, whether they had failed or not, while also installing additional preventative safety measures at no charge to you. We know this was a terrible inconvenience to you, and we certainly tried to make the corrections as painless as possible for you. Because Palo Santo Designs is accustomed to providing the highest quality product and always aims to protect our customers from any defect, we chose to go above and beyond what would be expected within the terms of the warranty, taking action to correct not only the existing problem but also the possibility of future problems. All other concerns you brought to our attention were each addressed with the highest level of care and we believed to your satisfaction as was stated to us at the time. As you know, I am always available for discussion regarding your concerns and Palo Santo Designs remains at your service should you need. We hope that, in time, your satisfaction and enjoyment of your home will increase and match that of our many other satisfied customers. With kind regards, Mark. **★★★★★ — Melodie Milhoan, Feb. 2016** > Mark Gorgietti and his team at Palo Santo Designs have worked with us through every detail of the design of our home. They have created an elegant, yet simple and efficient home plan for us that includes everything we hoped to have while fitting into our budget. Our impressive plans cover every phase of our building process from the ground up, and they have given us a realistic timeline with schedules that allow plenty of time to make our selections of lighting, windows, doors, appliances and decorative finishes. We are excited and thrilled that we will be living in a home designed by this talented company. **★★★★★ — Archaeo Architects, Sept. 2015** > Working with Palo Santo Designs has been an absolute delight. They are committed stewards of the planet and they demonstrate that in their everyday actions as builders of sustainable homes of the highest quality. > > The partners and staff are young and energetic, yet have enough solid experience where one can rely on their being well versed and experienced in the craft of building construction. > > As architects, we relish the opportunity for a long and sustained collaboration. **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > Jon, > We appreciate your support, and too look forward to a long and sustained collaboration. **★★★★★ — Julie Gray, Feb. 2015** > I've owned land in New Mexico for several years and had always dreamed of building a small casita on the site. I live on the east coast and over the years, have never been able to find the right fit with a contractor/designer where I'd feel comfortable having something built while living so far away. I wanted quality design and construction, someone that was environmentally conscious, and most of all someone I felt I could trust. About a year ago, I was looking at house designs in New Mexico on houzz and came across Palo Santo's work. I was immediately drawn to the exterior design of a particular house and in looking at their website could see that they were quality builders. So, I reached out to Mark regarding the possibility of building something on the land I owned. Mark got back to me right away and said we should discuss the possibilities. I explained to him what I was trying to accomplish. We traded ideas and sketches for several months via emails and phone calls. We met in person during a trip to New Mexico and I knew these were the right guys to work with. They have great ideas, were very responsive, and delivered an on-time and on-budget project that exceeded my expectations! **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > Julie, > > Thanks for the kind words. You were a joy to work with in every regard, and you're right, it's all about having a good fit between builder and owner! **★★★★★ — HVL Interiors, Aug. 2014** > I give Palo Santo Designs LLC the highest endorsement. As an interior designer, I have worked with many contractors/ builders through the years, and they are top notch in every way. They bring the highest level of communication, integrity, resourcefulness, attention to detail, oversight, respect for budget and 'the team', and collaboration to a project. They have a "can do" approach. They have dealt with sometimes difficult situations with grace and aplomb. That they apply an emphasis on green and sustainable products and practices earns yet even more respect. **★★★★★ — Laura Ward, Nov. 2013** > Palo Santo Designs did the remodel on my Santa Fe Stamm. Mark, his team, and subcontractors, did a really great job and I'm very pleased with the outcome. My realtor, who has worked in Santa Fe for over 20 years, said it was the nicest remodel of a Stamm that he's seen! **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > Thanks Laura! We really enjoyed the "Eamesian" redux of the old Santa Fe Stamm home. **★★★★★ — numiv, Nov. 2013** > Working with Mark and his expert team was a great experience. Our project was complete when he said it would be even inspite of all my changes. The finished product was beautiful and we couldn't be happier. I highly recommend Palo Santo to anyone contemplating a remodel or building from scratch. **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > Thank you! It was a pleasure every step of the way **★★★★★ — caralevick, Nov. 2013** > In 2011 my partner and suffered a house fire and lost our home and all of our belongings. It was a very delicate time for us and therefore it was extremely important to find a contractor that not only did good work but was compassionate and grounded. I feel like we hit the jackpot with Palo Santo! Their craftsmanship and attention to detail is near perfection. Their professional yet warm communication made them so easy to work with. Our passive solar home is so efficient, it is warm in the winter and cool in the summer. > We love our beautiful new home! > Thank you Palo Santo! **Comment from Palo Santo Designs LLC:** > We thoroughly enjoyed the process of designing and building your LEED Gold home, and becoming friends in the process! ## Selected projects - [Santa Fe Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/santa-fe-remodel-pj-vj~364744) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Apache Ridge Santa Fe](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/apache-ridge-santa-fe-pj-vj~85199) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 11 - Description: LEED Gold Certified passive solar home - [Tesuque Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tesuque-remodel-pj-vj~895632) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: extensive whole house remodel of luxury Santa Fe home - [Galisteo Basin Preserve](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/galisteo-basin-preserve-pj-vj~66112) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 13 - Description: LEED Platinum certified home - [Contemporary Custom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-custom-pj-vj~589772) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - [Casita de Azulejo](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/casita-de-azulejo-pj-vj~934721) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: This small custom cabin was a design-build project by Palo Santo Designs completed in early 2015. - [Lamy New Mexico](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lamy-new-mexico-pj-vj~85202) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [San Antonio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/san-antonio-pj-vj~369313) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Caminito Nevado](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/caminito-nevado-pj-vj~7721115) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 23 - [C. Lane Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/c-lane-project-pj-vj~7474609) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [C. Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/c-residence-pj-vj~7474608) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 16 - [Tano Hacienda awarded “Best Craftsmanship Award”](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/tano-hacienda-awarded-best-craftsmanship-award-pj-vj~7464469) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 18 - [C&K Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/candk-residence-pj-vj~7463741) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 8 - [Vistoso Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vistoso-residence-pj-vj~7463738) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 6 - [Abiquiu Casita](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/abiquiu-casita-pj-vj~7463735) - Location: Abiquiu, NM - Photos: 14 - [Las Campanas](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/las-campanas-pj-vj~7463717) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 10 - [Contemporary Hilltop](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-hilltop-pj-vj~7463708) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 16 - [Far Niente](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/far-niente-pj-vj~7463702) - Location: Santa Fe, NM - Photos: 15 [See all 18 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/general-contractors/palo-santo-designs-llc-pfvwus-pf~1451296432) ## Ideabooks - [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114793387/list/wish-list) — 2 ideas - [Strongwater Remodel](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86291335/list/strongwater-remodel) — 64 ideas - [Milhoan Residence & Studio](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/61858307/list/milhoan-residence-studio) — 38 ideas - [Klaus Residence](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/63808398/list/klaus-residence) — 9 ideas - [Rossi/Garcia](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/59736170/list/rossi-garcia) — 33 ideas - [1300 Rufina](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/64481788/list/1300-rufina) — 4 ideas [See all 6 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/mgpalosanto) ## Community Q&A **Q: adobe?** *(in Photo Questions)* Love your work. Can you share a little about the construction process for this project. How are modern adobe houses built? What was the "green" approach to this build.? Thank you! A: Hi Mizfixit! Thanks for your interest in our work. This house was a design-build project by Palo Santo Designs and although atypical in its very small size (under 1000sf); we applied all the same principles of sustainable design and construction to the house that we would to any home. A super insulated thermal envelope, R-30 walls, R-50 roofs, ENERGY STAR rated windows and doors, ultra high efficiency heating with in floor radiant, LED lighting, and indoor air quality features like non-toxic finishes and Energy Recovery Ventilation. **Q: How is the concrete finished?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The floors are hard trowelled pigmented concrete with a clear water based concrete sealer. The countertops are cast in place concrete with custom aggregate, pigment and inlayed steel components, sealed with penetrating oil (non-toxic). **Q: Great vanity** *(in Photo Questions)* Can you tell me the length and whether it was custom made? A: I recall the length is approximately 8ft. It was custom made. **Q: Backsplash question** *(in Photo Questions)* Hello! Is this glass mosaic tile on the backsplash? Also, would you mind sharing the name of the manufacturer? Thank you very much for your time. A: Hi Becky, Yes this is glass tile mosaic. I do not know the manufacturer, but similar products are available at many big box home improvement stores. **Q: What is the color of the concrete pigment in this photo?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The concrete pigment is "silver smoke" from daviscolors.com **Q: What is the material & color of the floor?** *(in Photo Questions)* Is the floor made of concrete and what is the color? A: This is a concrete floor with "silversmoke" pigment --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-10.*