Our People | Dyron Murphy Architects

Dyron V. Murphy, AIA, NCARB

President | Managing Principal

"Native design is paramount for honoring the traditional culture of our clients in built form or planning. DMA began with a vision to work with the Native American community. We honor the work we obtain by giving it the best we can and going beyond what is expected of us. My favorite part of the job is creating something out of nothing. Taking an idea or vision our client has and expressing it in a way that is truly unique — that's the fun part! I blend traditions and modern elements by honoring the basis of cultural ideas, taking a single concept and exploring modern trends like how people interact via technology, communications and general social trends of how space is utilized."

Dyron offers 30 years of experience working with Native American communities and government agencies across the United States. His portfolio includes education, healthcare, justice and commercial projects that range in scope from basic feasibility studies to new construction of multi-million dollar campuses. Dyron is actively involved in each of DMA's projects, and works with clients to define and achieve their project goals.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture - The University of Arizona

Registrations
Arizona - Colorado - Nevada - New Mexico - Utah - Washington

James P. Houser, AIA

Principal

“As architects and designers, we are asked to create environments for our clients. From the very beginning of the process, every facet of our work from site development to interior design must come together to complete the environment that we envisioned in our mind’s eye. The challenge for us as designers is to successfully bring others into the vision so that they eventually come to share it. So many things can conspire in this modern world to destroy those beautiful visions we create. I feel that my most important contribution to our clients is my desire and willingness to fight to hold onto this vision and create places that touch something deep within us.”

Jim brings more than 30 years of professional expertise to the firm, and offers extensive experience in architectural design and construction administration for Federal and Tribal agencies throughout the country. Jim specializes in the design of medical facilities of various sizes and program types for Native clients, and has worked with Indian Health Services on projects since 1984. His extensive experience in understanding the nuances of Native healthcare systems is essential in guiding the development of design concepts. Jim has also led several housing and education projects as a Principal at DMA.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture - Arizona State University

Registrations
New Mexico

Oscar Tovar, Assoc. AIA

Director of Design

“The biggest and most rewarding challenge while working at DMA has been being involved in designing a unique style of architecture and being involved from beginning to end. Unlike those in a typical urban setting, the buildings we design are unique to our clients and are based on tradition and culture. My favorite challenge during design is incorporating new materials with traditional shapes and forms as well as traditional culture to create a cohesive design that functions properly and is also sustainable. The fun part of architecture is creating a new building out of an idea in your head and being able to evolve it and present it to our clients. The process of evolving an idea into a sketch and to a built form is a great experience.”

Oscar is responsible for the design, project management and quality control of projects at DMA. He incorporates traditional culture, environmental and regional context, and sustainable features into each of his projects. Oscar’s experience includes commercial, academic, housing and healthcare projects.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture - The University of New Mexico

Rebecca Irvin

Project Manager

“Since I was a teenager, I was always fascinated with architecture and the built environment. I knew that’s what I wanted to do as my career. I have had the privilege to work on a variety of projects for a variety of different firms. The best part of my job is seeing a project go from concept to a physical building or space. It gives me so much joy knowing that I play a small role in people’s lives.”

Rebecca rejoined DMA after relocating back to Albuquerque. She is responsible for the design, project management and quality control of projects. She gained experience working on a variety of projects ranging from commercial and residential to laboratory renovations and healthcare facilities.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture - Florida A&M University

Emilio Hernandez

Project Manager

“In my childhood, I did not understand the meaning of “Architect.” Nevertheless, I created designs of imaginary super skyscrapers with huge heliports and spacecraft platforms. I designed and envisioned many futuristic buildings. Years later, I realized that these imaginary concepts somehow reflected a future reality that could make the world a more convenient place. That is why, to me, architecture is the art of building. It was this ideology that convinced me to become an architect.”

Emilio is a skilled designer and experienced technician. His expertise includes document review, organization and preparation of design and construction drawings and specifications. Emilio ensures each project he coordinates is in conformance with client requirements and government regulations. Since joining DMA in 2007, Emilio has been actively involved in several major housing projects as well as numerous academic, healthcare, judicial and commercial office projects.

Education
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture - Universidad Autonoma de Baja California

Daniel Feldbusch

BIM/CADD Technician

Daniel has an extensive construction background, having worked with his dad in the construction field from an early age. He started drafting in high school, really enjoyed it, and has been drafting ever since. Daniel has been working in architecture since 2004, and has seen numerous projects from initial programming through construction administration. In his time away from his career, Daniel enjoys video games, rocking out to heavy metal as loud as possible, and shooting and collecting firearms.

Education
Associates in Computer Aided Drafting - University of New Mexico at Valencia

Andrea Moore

Construction Administrator

“The unique thing about Dyron Murphy Architects is that we are a young, innovative and diverse firm serving the Native American community. In a fast-changing society where tradition is often lost, we make a conscious effort to incorporate Native history and tradition into modern designs and construction. As a Navajo, it is a privilege to have the opportunity to share my talents and contribute back to the Native community.”

Andrea joined DMA in 2008 with five years’ experience administering contracts for Planning, Design and Construction with the Navajo Nation. Andrea coordinates responses to RFIs and provides administrative support to project managers in consultant, owner and contractor communication and coordination.

Perla Palomino

Intern Architect

“I believe as young architects, we have so much potential on completely re-thinking design by getting creative with new technologies and integrating environmentally responsible features into a building’s life cycle. Architecture and research combined with design thinking have the ability to strengthen societies and have a positive effect on the world.”

Perla recently finished her undergraduate degree in Architecture from The University of New Mexico. Since starting at DMA she has already begun working on some of our firm’s projects with the City of Albuquerque and the Institute Of American Indian Arts.

Education
BAA Architecture - The University of New Mexico

Lizette Trevizo

Intern Architect

Lizette knew she wanted to be a designer from a young age, her interest in architecture was found when her parents began to build their home and she was able to watch it be built. Her passion to travel the world enhances her design perspectives. To her, architecture is exactly what her favorite architect Zaha Hadid explains “I don’t think that architecture is only about shelter… it should be able to excite you, to calm you, to make you think” which Lizette thinks should help not only us designers but also individuals create a better tomorrow. Being a recent graduate from The University of New Mexico she will also continue her Masters in architecture to pursue licensure.

Aside from her professional career, Lizette loves to travel and experience adventurous activities such as hiking, and zipping. She also enjoys refurnishing old furniture, and building do it your self-projects from Pinterest.

Education
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture - The University of New Mexico

Tahlee Vargo

Intern Architect

Tahlee has received his Master of Arts in Architecture from the University of New Mexico and is looking to use sustainable concepts and creative techniques to design buildings for Navajo communities. His team-building skills are a great asset here at DMA where we work together to come up with traditional, modern, and innovative ideas for our clients.

Education
Master of Arts, Architecture - The University of New Mexico

BreOnna Lucero

Intern Architect

“I love how architecture can foster connections among people, encouraging interaction and creating a sense of belonging. Architecture is more than just buildings: it’s about shaping the environment in ways that inspire and uplift those who experience it.”

BreOnna recently completed her undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico. Incredibly, BreOnna’s interest in architecture was sparked at the tender age of four years old! Definitely a natural born architect in the making!

Education
Bachelor of Architecture - Summa Cum Laude - The University of New Mexico

Armando Romero Jr., CSI, CDT

Director of Operations

“Coming from a tightly knit family, I believe tradition is paramount to my existence—it is the basic fabric that makes me who I am. I have been with DMA since 2002 and will attest that being part of DMA is like being part of a family. Because of this family type togetherness, our clients and their projects are treated with personal attention and dedication. I believe that with respect and admiration for our ancestors’ wisdom and knowledge, modern design should emulate, not copy, the creations of the past. Every day, every person, every client, and every project is different. To me, this continually offers new and distinct challenges every moment of the day.”

Armando is the Operations Manager and Senior Project Manager for Dyron Murphy Architects in charge of daily office operations and overall project development from marketing to design inception to construction closeout. He has worked on architectural projects for Native American Tribes and Organizations for over 25 years and has been involved in architecture for nearly 30 years.

Armando has experience with single and multi-family residential projects; community development and master planning; office, retail and commercial development projects; multi-purpose and recreational facilities; and educational and healthcare facility projects. Armando’s experience encompasses a wide facet of architectural services; including computer aided design, specification writing, production, estimating and project management, as well as experience in bid award negotiations, construction administration and post construction services.

Education
Associate of Science, Emphasis in Engineering and Architectural -
Drafting and Design, New Mexico State University

Registrations
Certified Construction Documents Technologist

Mary C. Ray, EA

Director of Finance

Though I am not an architect at DMA, I embrace the traditions in my life and reflect them in my everyday routine. I believe we should cherish the time we have with family and treat the people around us with respect and kindness. This in turn makes us happier. I also believe in enjoying your work and the place you work for. I enjoy the feeling of getting up in the morning, excited to go to work. The DMA team makes me feel this way.

Working for a Native architectural firm is a new and exciting industry, one full of learning opportunities. I recently learned that a design on the floor, or even a light fixture, can have a significant meaning. Now when I walk in to a building, I wonder why the architect designed it that way, and what the story is behind their decision.

Registrations
Enrolled Agent

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