Who We Are
South West Concepts (SWC) is a full-service, multidisciplinary design practice committed to the creation of transformative spaces and forward-thinking solutions in design and construction. Founded in 1985, the La Quinta based, family-owned practice reimagines and remolds the very Coachella Valley landscape from which it rose, contributing some of the area’s most distinctive residences and commercial destinations.
SWC has earned its reputation through a diverse team of problem solvers and designers – a group innately rewarded by the creative process and the desire to reach further - for both client and community. Their shared objective - collaborate closely with clients and stakeholders to move beyond boundaries in the creation of functionally beautiful homes, mixed-use offices, neighborhoods and communities.
Our Experience
SWC is led by designer & builder Stephen R. Nieto, who brings 30+ years of Coachella Valley connection and experience. SWC has contributed some of the desert’s most resplendent homes and commercial destinations. The firm’s most recognized architectural work lies at the heart of the La Quinta village, Old Town La Quinta, designed with a California Spanish vernacular, becoming the city’s most beloved and visited dinning and boutique shopping environment.
SWC believes in designing for people first, from the most elemental scale of rooms, to functional community master plans. The firm shares a collective ambition for community improvement through urban design and human-scale city planning. SWC Urban Design is directed by Stephen T. Nieto who brings a diverse portfolio of private and public-sector large-scale planning projects. Stephen is credited with the development of myriad, successful master plans for waterfronts, downtown cores, mixed use and entertainment districts. His work has shaped both cities and communities across the globe, while maintaining an unwavering focus on sustainability and pedestrian-oriented development. Past projects include New Beijing City Waterfront Master Plan, LA River Revitalization Concept Plan, Santa Monica Expo Line Station Area Design, Park 101 Freeway Cap and most recently, spearheading the planning team responsible for winning the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Bid.
SWC consistently seeks to provide quality and professionalism, while striving to deliver successful design with every project. The firm takes tremendous pride with every endeavor, including its decades-long ability to deliver services on schedule and on budget.