Rogers Hall was an important WPA project and one of the leading examples of Spanish Colonial architecture in New Mexico. It was designed by John Gaw Meem, a noted New Mexico architect, and was officially project number 2404R of the Federal Emergency Administration of Works. Meem's design is characterized by a Beaux Arts inclination for symmetry and proportion: the arched, deeply recessed main entrance - topped by a cartouche panel and wrought iron balcony. Meem had participated in a training program of the Beaux Arts Institute of Design from New York, and favored the Beaux Arts style in much of his work.

Inside, the main staircase walls are covered with a monochromatic Social Realist mural by Santa Fe artist Lloyd Moylan. Typical of public art of the time, the images depict cultural pluralism, regionalism and land, education, industry and a futuristic view of science.