Canter

Steven B Canter

Current Role

  • Canter Studio – Specializing in design programming, planning, and workplace/residential design.
  • Developed projects for the Prescott, AZ, Preservation Commission, including a Homeowner’s Guide to Historic Preservation, which received an Arizona Governor’s Award.
  • Passionate about the art and science of architecture, Steve works both independently and with organizations, focusing on sustainable living environments and maximizing capital real estate asset value.

Previous Experience

  • Moshe Safdie & Associates – Planning and design for internationally acclaimed architecture firm. Contributed to urban condominium design, office innovation, and executive education facility planning. Served on Harvard Business School campus master planning team with published projects. Served as Adjunct Design Faculty at Boston Architectural Center.
  • Abacus Project Management – Managed construction projects for the Arizona School Facilities Board, overseeing public school renovations. Also served as a lender's representative for diverse projects, including a Mayo Clinic laboratory/research building, urban apartments, retail centers, and resorts. Also worked with the Navajo Nation.
  • Public Sector – As facility planner, led Tulare County, CA’s Capital Projects Division, and served as Campus Architect for Arizona State University’s West Campus where he led an Energy Management Task Force which earned an Arizona Governor’s Award.

Civic and Community Activities

  • Rotarian since 1988 – Committed to Rotary’s RYLA youth programs, currently a member of the Rotary eClub of SW USA, engaging with members across six continents.
  • Board Member – Served on the Boards of Directors for the YMCA and Project Shelter Inc. in Prescott, AZ.
  • Community Involvement – Performs Firewise property condition assessments for local fire districts and supports disability access advocacy in Arizona and California.

Personal Interests

A Sonoran Desert native, Steve is deeply engaged in architecture’s relationship with human habitation and history which he views as a slow dance on the landscape. He had the privilege of working with the late Dr. Emil Haury, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Anthropology at the University of Arizona, on a proposed project for a Snaketown National Monument.

- Beyond architecture, Steve enjoys

  • Hiking and backpacking in Arizona and Colorado
  • Art and craftsmanship, including painting, sculpture, enamel work, and photography
  • Music appreciation and skiing, a sport he first learned at Fort Lewis College