Rick Daugherty

A high school trip to Italy ignited Rick’s passion for building design, and he earned a degree in environmental design from Miami University in Ohio. He then relocated to Arizona, where he initially worked for a design-build firm before becoming the Director of Architecture and Design at Pennington Construction, a land development group. His designs played a key role in creating man-made lake communities, such as The Springs of Chandler and The Islands in Gilbert.

In 1983, he founded his own firm, Rick Daugherty Architecture which was renamed in 2016 to 3^rd Story Architecture. The firm initially focused on designing luxury homes in upscale areas like Gainey Ranch, Desert Mountain, Paradise Valley, and other areas throughout Scottsdale but later expanded to include small office buildings, tenant improvements, and small – to mid-size development projects. This evolution allowed him to design residential and commercial spaces across Arizona and contribute to significant land development projects nationwide.

Throughout his career, he has crafted environments that promote genuine connections, enabling individuals to engage meaningfully with one another and their surroundings. By intentionally enhancing experiences through thoughtful design and the strategic use of emotions and energy, his spaces cultivate a sense of belonging and inspire vibrant interactions that resonate deeply with all.