Architectural Interior Photography at Burton Barr Library
Here is an architectural interior image from a photo shoot at the Burton Barr library in Central Phoenix, designed by architect Will Bruder.

Here are some key facts about architect Will Bruder:
• Background: Will Bruder is a self-trained architect who earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in sculpture from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He supplemented his education with studies in structural engineering, philosophy, art history, and urban planning.
• Early Career: Bruder apprenticed under renowned architects Paolo Soleri and Gunnar Birkerts, gaining hands-on experience in innovative architectural practices.
• Professional Practice: In 1974, he established his own studio in New River, Arizona. Over the years, he has directed work for over 650 commissions, receiving prestigious national awards and lecturing globally.
• Design Philosophy: Bruder’s work is characterized by inventive and contextually exciting architectural solutions that respond to a site’s opportunities and user needs. He celebrates the craft of building in a manner not typical of contemporary architecture, using creative materials and light to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.
• Notable Projects: Some of his significant works include the Burton Barr Central Library in Phoenix, the Agave Library, the Nevada Museum of Art, and the Byrne Residence.
• Academic Involvement: Bruder has held visiting professorships at institutions such as MIT, Yale, and the University of Oregon, contributing to architectural education and discourse.
To see more of my commercial photography work browse my portfolio here.
Contact me today for your project!
Photographing Public Architecture
Public buildings present a different set of challenges than hotels, retail stores, or restaurants. Rather than encouraging purchases or promoting a brand, their design focuses on creating spaces that are welcoming, functional, and comfortable for the people who use them every day.
For an architectural photographer, that means looking beyond the structure itself. Light, perspective, circulation, and the relationship between different spaces all contribute to how the building is experienced. The goal is to create photographs that communicate those qualities while remaining true to the architect’s original vision.
The Burton Barr Library is a great example of architecture where natural light becomes one of the defining design elements. Throughout the day, sunlight changes the appearance of the interior, creating new patterns, highlights, and shadows that continually transform the space.
Projects like this demonstrate that architectural interior photography is about more than documenting a building. It preserves the design intent while creating images that help architects, designers, and institutions share their work with a wider audience.