Flatow’s architectural interests centered on modern design, especially the International Style and other expressions of midcentury modernism. He was known for introducing a clean, forward-looking architectural language into a region long dominated by Territorial and Pueblo Revival traditions. At the same time, he often adapted modernism to the local environment, especially in later works that incorporated regional and Pueblo references without abandoning modern construction methods. That balance gave his buildings both a progressive and distinctly New Mexican character.

STYLE AND INFLUENCE

Flatow and Moore played an important role in shifting Albuquerque’s built environment toward modernism. Their work helped move the city beyond the repeated use of Territorial forms and into a broader architectural culture that embraced corporate, civic, educational, and institutional modern design. The Simms Building was especially significant because it was New Mexico’s tallest building when completed and one of the state’s first major International Style office towers. Its clean lines and rational composition made it a landmark of postwar modern architecture.

Flatow’s influence extended well beyond a single landmark. He helped normalize modernism in New Mexico by showing that it could be both regionally responsive and economically viable. His work contributed to the architectural identity of midcentury Albuquerque and influenced how schools, office buildings, and public institutions were designed across the region. In that sense, his legacy lies not only in individual structures but in the broader acceptance of modern architecture in New Mexico.

NOTABLE PROJECTS

Flatow’s most notable projects include the Simms Building, the UNM College of Education Travelstead Hall, the Flatow Residence, and Medical Arts Square. The Simms Building remains his signature work because of its height, visibility, and role in introducing International Style architecture to New Mexico.

Travelstead Hall is also especially important because it translated regional and Pueblo-inspired ideas into a modern architectural vocabulary. Other significant commissions included White’s Department Store, Grant Middle School, the Masonic Grand Lodge, the Dennis Chavez Federal Building, and the Farris Engineering Center.

Flatow retired in 1990 and died in Albuquerque in 2003 at the age of 87. His legacy is tied to the rise of midcentury modern architecture in New Mexico and to the successful adaptation of modern design within a Southwestern context.

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REFERENCES

  1. Flatow, M. (n.d.). Max Flatow. Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Flatow

  2. University of New Mexico. (n.d.). Travelstead Hall. Albuquerque Modernism. https://albuquerquemodernism.unm.edu/posts/cs25_travelstead_hall.html

  3. Society of Architectural Historians. (n.d.). Simms Building. SAH Archipedia. https://sah-archipedia.org/buildings/NM-01-001-0028

MAX FLATOW

Max Flatow (1915-2003) was a major Albuquerque-based modernist architect whose work helped define midcentury architecture in New Mexico. He combined technical training, postwar engineering experience, and a strong commitment to modern design with regional sensitivity, making him one of the most influential architects in the state.

Max Flatow was born in Port Arthur, Texas, and earned a degree in architectural engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II and worked with the Army Corps of Engineers, then moved to Los Alamos in 1945 as Architectural Superintendent of Construction for the Manhattan Project effort at the Los Alamos Laboratory. In 1947 he opened his own office in Albuquerque, and soon thereafter, his former college roommate Jason Moore joined the practice, forming the partnership that would become one of New Mexico’s most important architectural firms.