Kelli Johansen
Justin's Frame Designs
Best Alterations
Laura Hermosillo’s family business brings three generations of alteration specialists to your projects. And business has been booming, she reports, noting a recent workshop expansion. “It is with immense satisfaction that I recall starting this venture with two domestic sewing machines and one sewing machine from my personal collection. Today, I am proud to declare that we possess 29 industrial sewing machines and 27 sewing machines from my cherished collection,” she tells SFR.
2864 Cerrillos Road, (505) 424-9216
2. Martinizing GreenEarth Dry Cleaning Express Alterations
Why not have these professionals fix up your duds at the same time they’re removing your grubby grub? And by “express alterations,” they mean, “hems while you wait.” Walk right in to one of four spots.
1091 St. Francis Drive, (505) 982-8603, 400 N. Guadalupe St., (505) 988-2455, 913 Old Pecos Trail, (505) 982-9259, 2801 Rodeo Road, (505) 473-4396
Maria Pinales has 25 years of experience as a seamstress and six at the helm of her own shop, where she specializes in wedding dresses, tailoring and fabricating new items. She extends her thanks to all those who have supported the business.
418 Cerrillos Road, (505) 983-8483
Best Architect
1. Hoopes + Associates Architects
“Blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors is a hallmark of Hoopes and Associates. We are inviting residents into the landscape while providing a sense of enclosure and protection,” writes principal architect Craig Hoopes. He and his colleagues count more than three decades in luxury home design and innovative solutions to organizational challenges such as performing/assembly spaces, sacred spaces and what he calls “modern commercial spaces designed for end-users.” We couldn’t say it better.
333 Montezuma Ave., Ste. 200, (505) 986-1010
Principal Architect Ramón Gabriel Martinez leads a talented team at High Desert— a rare one-stop-shop architect/supervisor setup that leads clients through real estate transactions in finding the right lot and then builds the home, too.
255 Staab St., (505) 363-6234
The firm run by principals Beverley Spears, FAIA, and James Horn, AIA, specializes in sustainable approaches to schools, commercial and institutional facilities, plus residential design, landscape architecture and historic preservation.
1334 Pacheco St., (505) 983-6966
Best Art Frame Shop
Serving artists and collectors with frames since 1973, this Midtown favorite always comes out on top. Owner Billy Peterson, who took over in 2009, says he’s “tickled to death” about the ongoing show of support and chalks it up to the shop’s reputation, consistency, reasonable prices and excellent staff. “We’re very fortunate that most of our business is repeat customers and referrals,” he tells SFR.
2008 St. Michael’s Drive, (505) 473-1901
Justin Sachs counts more than three decades as a framer and two as the head of his own shop, a place that prides itself on offering highly customizable frames for art and mirrors, including specific finishes that interior designers crave.
1221 Flagman Way, Ste. A2, (505) 955-1911
Owner William Schmidt is an artist who strives to spread the beauty of art and framework, and who has more than 35 years of experience in the field. And it’s not just for canvas. A recent project beautifully mounted an antique silk robe.
1415 W. Alameda St., (505) 982-4397
Best Chimney Sweep
1. Casey’s Top Hat Chimney Sweeps
Richard Rice and his crew of chimney sweeps specialize in rooftop singing and dancing numbers. Just kidding! They’re longtime pros who are super serious about fire safety, offering services in a 70-mile radius around Santa Fe. And it’s so much more than sweeping; the business performs chimney repairs from small cracks to major fireplace rebuilds and chimney relines, as well as troubleshooting for problem fireplaces or woodstoves.
7921 Old Santa Fe Trail, (505) 989-5775
Both high-tech and old school at the same time, Bailey’s will make videos and photographs of the inside of every chimney it sweeps, plus workers do other roof-related work such as tree trimming and gutter cleaning, along with important home details such as dryer vent services.
(505) 988-2771
3. K.C. Wester
K.C. Wester founded Clean Sweep in Santa Fe in 1979, and today, customers and SFR readers know he’s doing solid business with the eponymous moniker to keep your clothes dryer running efficiently and your home safe from dangerous soot buildup.
7 Avenida Vista Grande, (505) 466-3337
courtesy sherpastone.com
Best Countertops
1. Sherpa Stone
Smooth out your home’s rough edges with natural stone surfaces such as quartzite, soapstone, granite, marble, travertine and limestone, under the guidance of experienced owners Ngima Sherpa and Patricia Garcia. Or perhaps engineered wonders are more your style? Find Dekton, Silestone, Caesarstone, Pental and Quantum Stone, Aria Stone and Neolith here. While readers picked this biz for countertops, it also specializes in backsplashes, bathroom vanities, shower surrounds, miters, integral sinks, feature walls and fireplaces.
2356 Fox Road, Bldg. B, Ste. 400, (505) 473-2273
SFR’s HQ is just a stone’s throw away from Counter Intelligence, a family business located in Pacheco Park that boasts particularly impressive kitchen remodels. The Herreras count almost four decades in fine cabinetry design and construction.
1512 Pacheco St., Ste. C204, (505) 988-4007
3. New Mexico Granite Builders
Using materials from Arizona Stone, the professionals at kitchen design and remodel will have your prep space looking pristine. Want more rock? The business provides interior and exterior options that will make your heart roll.
1344 Jorgensen Lane, Unit C, (505) 629-7404
Best Dry Cleaning Service
1. Martinizing GreenEarth Dry Cleaning
Keep your formal and business attire looking its best with the service our readers say deserves kudos in this department. Four locations reach every corner of the city, and operators promise they’ve developed best practices for minimizing the environmental impact of dry cleaning with an odor-free process, too. Ask for same-day service at the St. Francis shop. As you might have read earlier, this business also offers high-rated quick alterations.
1091 St. Francis Drive, (505) 982-8603, 400 N. Guadalupe St., (505) 988-2455, 913 Old Pecos Trail, (505) 982-9259, 2801 Rodeo Road, (505) 473-4396
2. La Unica
Conveniently located in Midtown on the Cerrillos corridor, La Unica has been performing the secret art of dry cleaning for decades, keeping folks tidy and dapper. It’s washing, but it’s not wet? Will miracles never cease?
647 Cerrillos Road, (505) 983-1182
3. Park Avenue
This low-cost cleaner maintains its popularity with reliable next-day service and an economy-of-scale partnership in Albuquerque. Get regular laundry service and alterations when you need them, all from a team that cares about service.
720 St. Michael’s Drive, Ste. K, (505) 438-2524
Best Electrician
1. Gorman Lightning Protection & Electric
Brothers Don and Jay Gorman have worked together off and on ever since their childhood days of delivering the Santa Fe Reporter on their bikes. Don started the electrical contracting business in 1997, and Jay joined him in 2000. “We have been super fortunate and have a very busy year,” Jay tells SFR as he celebrates another year in first place. The company has about 15 employees doing not just electrical work, but also lightning protection and solar installations.
325 Palomino St., (505) 560-2696
2. Busy Bee Electric
New research produced last year found that a swarm of honeybees can create as much electricity as a thunderstorm. Bees really are busy. And we presume Busy Bee follows its namesake, keeping the buzzing to a minimum, of course.
(505) 470-5198
Miguel’s makes another repeat appearance in the Best Electrician category, demonstrating how loyal customers can make all the difference when it comes to the A-list of service providers for Santa Fe, Taos, Los Alamos, Albuquerque and many towns in between since 2008.
PO Box 6667, (505) 501-0736
Best Flooring
1. Old Wood
The New Mexico History Museum mounted a show this year called With the Grain that highlights art with wood. We think the homes and offices that use Old Wood are worthy of similar awe. Products include very wide planks, end grain wood blocks and architectural elements inspired by art, the design community, modern forest science and natural creativity. The business keeps an “eye to what was and what will be classic, enduring, and of course, beautiful.”
505 Cerrillos Road #207, (505) 989-9663
Whether you are looking for remnants or planning a renovation of a large space, look no further than the reliable warehouse. This business offers not just sales, but expert installation of all the top lines (Shaw, Mohawk, Dixie Home, DMI Wools, to name a few), too.
3212 Richards Lane, Ste. B, (505) 471-3454
Husband and wife Mario and Laura Guerrero established the business just last October. They work with a small team of installers on new and historic projects all over Northern New Mexico, largely using Bona products.
(505) 913-0854
Best Homebuilder
Three partners—brothers Erik and Kurt Faust, and their friend Keith Gorges— have worked together in the homebuilding business for more than 30 years. (Fun fact: The brothers met the other at an Ultimate Frisbee match.) The Santa Fe Home Builders Association has awarded the firm its Grand Hacienda prize an unprecedented eight times, two of them back to back, last year and the year before. Repeat Best of Santa Fe wins reflect the same values: High quality and head-turning beauty.
1512 Pacheco St., Ste. D206, (505) 989-8484
2. Homewise
The typical developments from this nonprofit org include both market-rate and affordable homes, with current projects on the market such as La Camino Crossing, Oshara and Desert Sage that showcase energy efficiency, live/work options and walkable concepts.
1301 Siler Road, Bldg. D, (505) 983-9473
Zachary Shultz started off in the industry shoveling sand for his grandad, and now, he’s passing the torch to his sons Josh and Aaron—part of the firm foundation of this family-driven home construction business that is a regular on the Best of Santa Fe list.
218 Camino La Tierra, (505) 982-7768
Best Interior Design
1. Annie O’Carroll Interior Design
Annie O’Carroll established her Santa Fe firm in 1997 and has been creating warm and inviting indoor spaces since long before that. She has been assisting the full-time and part-time residents of the city in living more beautifully and comfortably, whether they are building a new home, renovating an existing home, downsizing or furnishing, she tells SFR. “I work with local architects, builders and craftspeople to bring the best Santa Fe offers.”
1512 Pacheco St., Ste. A104, (505) 983-7055
Tap into the aesthetic of principals Paul Rochford and Michael Violante, a married couple who have brought their style to luxury interiors for more than two decades by working with custom manufacturers and antique and art dealers.
401 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 983-3912
Lisa Samuel brings her Santa Fe roots to every project, serving clients throughout the Southwest, the Pacific Northwest and California. She holds credentials as both a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and a Certified Aging in Place Specialist.
607 Cerrillos Road, (505) 820-0239
Best Landscaping Company
Have you seen what the roses in Santa Fe do during the month of June? What a bunch of show-offs. Whether you want a few iceberg floribunda or a whole yard full of Queen Elizabeths and Ingrid Bergmans, Desert Rose Landscaping won’t disappoint. Plus, these experts and owner Phil Madrid know how to create an outdoor environment that is light on water and heavy on color. Then, they’ll help you maintain it.
1336 Acequia Borrada, (505) 471-6403
The section of median along Paseo de Peralta downtown adopted by McCumber should have its own category for Best Median. Given that example, there’s no doubting the proper use of the adjective “fine” in this case.
86 Old Las Vegas Hwy., (505) 820-0837
Just like the name implies, The Raincatcher wants to make the most of water falling from the sky. Get help with design and installation of any size of systems, plus cisterns above and below ground, drip irrigation, erosion control, graywater recycling and more.
1925 Aspen Drive, Ste. 102A, (505) 501-4407
Best Lighting
Make an appointment, and step into the Midtown showroom for a dazzling array of brightness from 60 manufacturers and expert guidance from the longtime illumination professionals at the best-known name in Santa Fe for lighting. Presenting ideas for homes and businesses with renovations or new construction in the works, Dahl seeks to inspire from wall and ceiling fixtures to desk lamps, floor lighting, vanities and landscape features.
1000 Siler Park Lane, Ste. A, (505) 471-7272
2. La Luz
Artistic styles ranging from hand-blown glass to pendants situate La Luz in a special place among lighting sourcing. Find the signature piece that can transform the dining room or foyer with a modern glow, or line an outdoor passage with unique approaches to paths and steps.
1512 Pacheco St., Ste. C203, (505) 954-1149
Allbright & Lockwood’s vast selection of fixtures for designers, architects and do-it-yourselfers includes an abundance of lighting, but also tile and other home touches. Local specialists are passionate about lighting your art collection, what they call “the jewelry of your home.”
322 Montezuma Ave., (505) 986-1715
Best Mortgage Lender
High home prices and low inventory in Santa Fe create an intense market for buyers, so having a first-rate mortgage lender in your back pocket makes sense. Del Norte commits to all those credit union sensibilities and works hard to minimize hassle, whether it’s your first home or a downsize. Repeat first-place wins in this Best of Santa Fe category show it has earned the trust of our readers—and that’s priceless.
3286 Cerrillos Road, 510 N. Guadalupe St., Ste. A/B, (505) 988-3628
2. State Employees Credit Union
You don’t have to be a state employee to take advantage of the customer service and low rates from the State Employees Credit Union, and you don’t have to be a real estate genius to turn to local professionals for help with financing.
813 St. Michael’s Drive, 4920 Promenade Blvd., (505) 983-7328
3. Homewise
Not merely a developer, this nonprofit also functions as a lender for homeowners across the region with a mission to “help create successful homeowners and strengthen neighborhoods so that individuals and families can improve their long-term financial well-being and quality of life.”
1301 Siler Road, Bldg. D, (505) 983-9473
Best Pest Control
Faster than a speeding cockroach. More powerful than a swarm of fleas. Able to leap tall termites in a single bound. It’s Bugman! In this case, Roman Valdez has gone by that nickname for his long career in pest control, and the company he founded proudly performs as a repeat Best of Santa Fe winner, providing service in Santa Fe, Pecos, Los Alamos, Espanola, White Rock, Taos and Albuquerque.
2873 Trades West Road, (505) 455-3832
Whether you’ve got a major mouse problem or a tiny ant infestation, tap into the experts at Critter Control. They’ve also got plans for addressing larger animal issues such as raccoons, squirrels, bats and more.
(505) 544-4988
Receive advanced, specialized analysis from the company’s “Masters of the Bug Kingdom” by filling out an online bug ID form. It’s just the beginning of the supreme service to keep up the boundaries for your home and business.
866-327-8177
Best Plumbing Company
1. Aranda’s Plumbing, Heating and Supply
When it comes to crowning Santa Fe’s plumbing royalty, there’s no question the Arandas are the ruling dynasty. Readers consistently place this homegrown business at the top in the Best of Santa Fe poll, reinforcing its solid reputation from seven generations of supply and service. Whether you’re putting up the mayday for an emergency repair or you’ve got a careful plan for a new project, Aranda’s can help.
600 Cortez St., #1012, (505) 983-7391
2. TLC Plumbing, HVAC & Electrical
Tender loving care is just what you need when the hot water heater is spraying water all over the kitchen at 2 am. Don’t worry, TLC promises to take your call 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
2532 Camino Entrada, (505) 471-0119
3. Rich Duran Plumbing & Heating
Residential, industrial and commercial plumbing jobs connect to superior heating and cooling services, all under one roof. Santa Fean Rich Duran and company have been at it since 1994, with loads of experience.
1400 Boylan Lane, (505) 992-0306
Best Real Estate Agency
The Santa Fe Association of Realtors rolled out its second-quarter housing statistics right around the time our Best of Santa Fe issue was heading to press. The median price of a single-family home in the city limits increased another 1.6% to $604,500 this quarter. Available homes on the market make about a 2.6-month supply. Not great at math? Get help making sense of the equations with the team at Barker.
530 S. Guadalupe St., (505) 982-9836
A large team of experienced brokers awaits your big plans to buy and sell for your home or business. The independent firm handles a wide price range, from Casa Solana Stamm homes to sprawling ranch spreads.
1000 Paseo de Peralta, (505) 982-4466
Chantelle Chavez-Leyba says she’s proud to work alongside her husband Jerome and their 23-year-old daughter in their family partnership with Keller Williams. The team focuses on
Santa Fe and the surrounding area and especially enjoys working with first-time homebuyers.
130 Lincoln Ave., Ste. K, (505) 795-9028
Best Roofing Company
One name rises to the top of mind over and over when it comes to Santa Fe’s best roofers. There might be a lot of vowels in Brian’s last name, but readers know how to pronounce “quality service” and “reliability.” Founded in 1985 by brothers Brian and Kevin McPartlon, who followed in their father’s footsteps, the company has earned and sustained local trust for replacement, restoration and maintenance.
39 Bisbee Court, Unit 7, (505) 982-6256
Here’s another name that rolls off the tongue and through the downspout: Mike Lopez knows roofing in Santa Fe. Long-lasting relationships come from the way he treats customers like family—and that’s who you want watching the very roof over your head.
3000 Agua Fría St., (505) 982-8262
CEO Francis McPartlon carries on his family roofing tradition with his own business (he’s Kevin’s son). And if you’ve ever tried to get a roofer fast, you know Santa Fe benefits from having as many of these craftsmen as possible.
3600 Cerrillos Road, Ste. 101, (505) 690-6215
Best Solar Energy Company
Let’s face it, as solar energy moves closer to the mainstream marketplace, the sheer volume of solar installers can be enough to send a consumer into heatstroke. Stay cool; Positive Energy Solar is the top name in sun-powered energy for Northern New Mexico, and it offers total-system warranties with every project. This certified B Corp has demonstrated a long-term commitment to the cause, performing commercial and residential services since 1997.
3209 Richards Lane, (505) 424-1112
Choosing this employee-owned company means working with professionals reaching the entire state and El Paso, too. With over 5,550 installations under their proverbial belts since 2015, there are few places the sun doesn’t seem to shine.
3831 Singer Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, (505) 415-6172
How many businesses use Dixon as their main headquarters? The small-town charm is one of the many reasons our readers depend on Sol Luna Solar. What’s more: The company’s mission includes increasing the number of solar car charging stations in New Mexico.
56 Hwy. 65, Dixon, (505) 455-8875
