St Philips in the Hills church designed by Josias Joesler

Joesler: Tucson’s most well-known architect

Last Updated on February 3, 2023 by Kim Labriola

Joesler and the Murpheys

Josias Joesler is arguably the most well-known Tucson architect. Originally from Switzerland and coming to Tucson after living in various cities across Europe and then California, Joesler collaborated with developer John Murphey and his wife Helen on over 400 residential and commercial projects in Tucson from 1927 until his death in 1956.

Streamline Modern style home in historic Sam Hughes with an expansive mural painted by renowned artist Ted DeGrazia.
Streamline Moderne style home in Sam Hughes is thought to have been designed by Joesler.

Josias Joesler homes for sale

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Please note, many Realtors describe homes as “Joesler-like”. This list may include homes not designed by Josias Joesler.


Interested in buying or selling a Joesler home? Contact us today: Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956



Josias Joesler designed home for sale in Broadway Village Tucson, Arizona
Here’s a Joelser designed ranch style home c. 1945 located in Broadway Village among a small enclave of Joesler designed homes.

Joesler buildings

Some of the projects that Joesler is known for are the St. Philips in the Hills Episcopal Church (1936) at River and Campbell, the Broadway Village (1939) at Broadway and Country Club, The Ghost Ranch Lodge (1941) on Miracle Mile, St. Michael’s & All Angels Episcopal Church (1953) on Wilmot, and many homes in the Catalina Foothills Estates, Sam Hughes, and Tucson Country Club Estates neighborhoods.

Joesler's own residence built in 1936 in midtown Tucson
Joesler’s own residence built in 1936 in midtown Tucson

Joesler designed home from 1936
Joesler designed home from 1936

Joesler style

Joesler was known for designing homes in many different types of Revival styles, but using local materials to create a romantic version of what newcomers expected to see in the area. Often his buildings used mortar washed burnt adobe, stuccoed adobe, clay tile floors, clay tile roofs, brick chimney details, and wrought iron weather vanes.


A Joesler home in Tucson Country Club

Broadway Village - Tucson's first stand-along shopping center was designed by Josias Joesler
Broadway Village – Tucson’s first stand-alone shopping center was designed by Josias Joesler
Broadway Village located at Broadway and Country Club
Broadway Village located at Broadway and Country Club
There's a few popular restaurants to choose from at Broadway Village
There’s a few popular restaurants to choose from at Broadway Village

This is the fourth in a series of blogs about important Tucson Architects. Next week will feature Nicholas Sakellar, FAIA.


Buying or selling a home in Tucson? Contact us Hello@RealTucson.com or 520-975-8956


Mortar washed burnt adobe was a signature building material for Josias Joesler