Santa Fe, New Mexico, is a place defined by art, craft and architecture and where the boundaries between creative practices are blurred. The city attracts tourists and creatives from around the United States and the world.

Many details in Santa Fe, from signs to storefront and menus (pictured above) are a reflection of the city’s interest in the past and things that are handmade.

American Indian art is an underlying theme and a strong creative influence in Santa Fe. The Institute of American Indian Art is a one-of-a-kind museum and college of fine arts dedicated to the study of indigenous cultures and art.

New Mexico Creates at the recently opened New Mexico History Museum is a different kind of museum store that sells handcrafted jewelry, Native American art work, Hispanic crafts, art glass, and textiles all created by New Mexico artists and artisans. One of their approaches is to showcase products that integrate contemporary design in traditional craftsmaking techniques.

Further from the city center, Railyard Santa Fe is a neighborhood that is being regenerated. It represents the possibility of a more contemporary Santa Fe.

The desert landscape opens up before us. Soon we cross the Texas – New Mexico border.

Las Cruces, New Mexico. A small town with a collection of vintage American sights.

Being on the road is an opportunity to discover the most unusual town/city names. Truth or Consequences ranks very high on our list.

“Spaghetti bowl” dressed in New Mexican colors.

Brief stop in Albuquerque. Notice the environmental signage design.

Approaching Santa Fe in rush hour traffic.

Santa Fe’s distinctive identity would not exist without its architecture.  The adobe style is consistent throughout the city: from hotels, to housing, restaurants and even shopping centers.

Adobes are organic structures made out of clay, sand and  water that are particularly appropriate in hot climates. They have been continuously used by American Indians in the Southwestern regions of the United States. This building technology that dates back 4000 years was first used in Egypt.

Sabrina Pratt, Executive Director, Santa Fe Arts Commission, discusses supporting local creatives with Cities x Design.