Max Chavez Doors
Max Chavez had a significant influence on design in Albuquerque, though few people are familiar with his work and contributions to the art scene. However, if you look at many of the commercial businesses, high-end residences, and government buildings built in the 1960s and 1970s, you will see Max’s work.
Max grew up studying carpentry under his father at his construction business in Albuquerque. Eventually, he attended the University of New Mexico’s School of Art and graduated in 1959 after studying under well-known local artists, including John Tatschl and Carl Paak. His focus was on photography and sculpture, both in wood and metal, but wood was his preferred medium. After college, Chavez began his career by carving intricate doors for custom homes. With his metalwork training, he also crafted the hinges and door handles. During this time, Max also became a major player in the Albuquerque art scene. He cofounded the 10 Craftsman Gallery and the Southwest Arts and Crafts Festival. Both projects were created to provide a public outlet for local artists and to bring recognition to New Mexico design. These projects succeeded. Many of the artists associated with 10 Craftsman Gallery have won numerous awards around the country, and their work has been displayed in galleries and businesses throughout the Southwest*.
His carvings and his advocacy work increased his recognition. Notably, in 1971, he was commissioned to create the interior, doors, and stained glass of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. His carpentry work is featured in houses designed by renowned local architects such as George Pearl and Antoine Predock (One example of their collaboration here). His handcrafted doors, kitchens, and design accents can be found throughout upscale neighborhoods like Sandia Heights, Tanoan, and Four Hills. This page features a select group of his doors, discovered throughout Albuquerque.
Some Notes before you get started:
We will not be sharing personal residence addresses. It will be up to you to spy the doors from the street as you tour the city. For commercial businesses, please be respectful and refrain from trespassing.
St Paul’s Lutheran Church
From the exterior, you should be able to see the doors and all the stained glass work. If the church is open, all woodwork done inside is Max’s work.
All interior woodwork done by Chavez
Max’s signature design style on the holy water font
1100 Indian School Rd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102
Altura Park
Two along Avenida Manana
One on the west side of Altura Ave
1116 Pennsylvania NE
The main entrance door to this unsuspecting office complex.
1116 Pennsylvania St NE Albuquerque, NM 87110
Villa Apartments
All exterior doors of the apartment complex. Note: This apartment is gated and probably not accessible to the general public.
1111 Cardenas Dr SE, Albuquerque, NM 87108
Four Hills
There are three doors that we are aware of in Four Hills, but as a courtesy to the owners, we will not publish their exact addresses. For those who want to go exploring, we can provide some clues to help you find these treasures. Two of the three doors are dotted along the left side of Cuatro Cerros if you are traveling East from Wagon Train.
The third is on the left side of Stagecoach Rd heading West after passing Maverick Ct. Happy hunting!
An example of Max’s multiple talents. In addition to carpentry, he was also skilled at stained glass, here laid into concrete. Max learned stained glass from John Tatschl, whose work can be seen on the west side of UNM’s Travelstead Hall.
*One of Max’s frequent collaborators and fellow 10 Craftsman, Federico Armijo, created the world’s tallest (at the time) indoor sculpture at the Phoenix Metrocenter, in addition to being a well-known high-end furniture maker.
Max (right) kneels in front of his woodwork at the 1967 New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair, a hand-carved door inlaid with stained glass.