case studies
Maricopa Water District (MWD)
Challenges
The Maricopa Water District (MWD), formally organized in 1925 and completed in 1927, is a political subdivision and an irrigation and water conservation district under Arizona state statutes. Uniquely, MWD is the only privately financed reclamation project of its kind. It provides water and power across approximately 60 square miles, supporting agricultural lands that produce cotton, vegetables, fruits, citrus, grapes, and grain.
- Justifying Long-Term Investment: One major challenge was securing board approval to invest in a permanent facility after 20 years in modular buildings that had met basic operational needs.
- Balancing Heritage and Modernization: As a century-old utility, MWD aimed to honor its legacy while creating a modern space that remained warm and welcoming.
- Stakeholder Alignment and Perception Management: Internally, leadership and staff had different priorities. Externally, community members were likely to scrutinize the investment. The organization wanted to make every dollar count.
- Procurement and Supply Chain Complexity: AIR was one of many vendors evaluated, along with more than 20 manufacturers. Navigating long lead times, inflation, labor shortages, and potential delays required careful planning and coordination.
Solution Provided
Over two years and numerous meetings, AIR helped build a cohesive team to review every scope detail. Each selection was assessed for quality, quantity, aesthetics, and cultural alignment. Comprehensive cost breakdowns, including labor, were reviewed at every stage to ensure MWD leadership could confidently present the project to stakeholders.
AIR also collaborated closely with Wespac Construction and Pinnacle Design & Architecture to align furniture and artwork plans with other trades involved in the project.
Implementation Process
- AIR was given the electronic layout by the customer’s owner agent and later the customer and began sharing ideas with them ideas to meet the original interiors concepts.
- Worked with the customer to select the pieces and finishes desired.
- Organized customized site visits to other customers and to furniture and finish showrooms to enable the customer to have confidence to make such a significant investment.
- Completed a test fit with our designer to make the furniture fit
- AIR procured, received, delivered, and installed the furniture.
- In addition, AIR provided a resource for the customer to display its personal and project photos throughout the space
Results & Impact
- The result was that the brand and image of the customer were reflected in the contemporary and warm/inviting space created.
- Each office was curated by the user but the team worked together to create the overall look and feel desired.
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