About Ocotillo Design

Ocotillo Design specializes in designing Websites, providing project management and consulting, and developing graphical and narrative content for organizations that want to drive real business opportunities through the Web, as well as those that have a passion for our built and natural environments.

Learn more by following these links, or scroll down for all information:

Our Design Philosophy

Our design philosophy is simple: successful Websites have a real "sense of place."

As such, they are elegant in design and aesthetics, usability and browser compatibility, and architecture and content. The best Websites—those that create a virtual sense of place—inspire and therefore motivate the user to investigate the site, learn about the content, make the purchase, and return often. Sites by Ocotillo Design, incorporating our proven design process and wide array of experience, are crafted to provide that virtual sense of place.

Who We Are

Ocotillo Design is the work of Simmons Buntin, Website designer, editor, writer, technical project manager, urban planner, and resident of the energy efficient, pedestrian-oriented Community of Civano in southeast Tucson, Arizona. Mr. Buntin's experience includes:

Eleven years experience as founder, editor, and Web publisher of Terrain.org: A Journal of the Built & Natural Environments.

Five years experience managing energy services-related Web development projects for the U.S. Department of Energy.

Four years experience managing, designing, and promoting higher education websites for the University of Arizona's Eller College of Management.

Two years experience managing and designing business-to-consumer educational curriculum software Websites—including comprehensive Internet and Intranet sites—for Pearson Digital Learning.

Two years experience designing business-to-business high-tech software Websites—including comprehensive Internet, Intranet, and Extranet sites—for Captaris.

Nine years experience as energy services program manager for the U.S. Department of Energy, including editor of Western Area Power Administration's Energy Services Bulletin, integrated resource planning manager, and special technical project manager.

Assistant program associate for the U.S. Global Change Research Program.

Planning Commissioner, City of Westminster, Colorado.

Association Spokesperson (President), Civano Neighbors Neighborhood Association.

Telecommunications Committee Chair, Community of Civano.

Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing (Nonfiction), University of Arizona (in progress).

Master of Urban and Regional Planning (1997 Outstanding Graduate), University of Colorado at Denver.

Certificate in Energy Management, North Carolina State University.

Literary and technical publication in such forums as Environmental News Network; Bulletin of Science, Technology, and Society; Aquarium Fish Magazine; Orion; Weber Studies; Mid-American Review; Utah Holiday Magazine, and Southern Humanities Review.

Just as the whole is equal to more than the sum of its parts, Ocotillo Design is more than the work of Mr. Buntin. It is also our partners, our clients, and our connectivity to the built and natural environments. That explains the "we" and "our" references to Ocotillo Design throughout this site—Ocotillo Design is the input of many.

Why You Should Choose Ocotillo Design

You should choose Ocotillo Design for your Web design, graphics, and editorial content project for five reasons:

The Process. Ocotillo Design uses a proven six-phase process for Website design that ensures the finished product is both what you want (even, ironically, if you don't know just what you want yet) and the best product for your needs. This process has been used successfully not only by Ocotillo Design, but also by larger design firms for sites like Food.com.

The Designs. Our site and graphic designs are not overly flashy, dramatic, or theatrical—they are clean, elegant, and user-friendly. Moreover, they fit the needs of both the organization and the customer.

The Experience. Ocotillo Design has over seven years experience designing a wide array of Websites, from one-page promotions to 400-page online journals. Just as importantly, we have as much experience managing Website design and implementation as we do actually designing sites and developing graphical and narrative content. We know how to work with you to develop your best site.

The Partners. Our partners are locally, regionally, and often globally respected for their stability, experience, and outstanding customer support. When you choose Ocotillo Design, you also choose our growing community of partners, enhancing your site's opportunity for success.

The Logical Conclusion. What does our site, and our portfolio, tell you about Ocotillo Design? What do our references say about working with us? How do our graphics and presentation feel to you? After we've presented the process and designs and experience and partnerships, you'll want to choose Ocotillo Design because it all fits together. Together, we'll craft your virtual sense of place.

For further information, please contact us.