Live Beautifully
Every AllHaus renovation begins with intention; honoring what exists while elevating how it lives. Light is invited. Flow is restored. Materials are chosen not to impress, but to endure.
Spaces are reshaped to feel effortless, grounded, and deeply personal.
Because true luxury isn’t about starting over - it’s about getting it right.
AllHaus. Where extraordinary, becomes home.
Creating beautiful gardens is our business…what you do in them is yours.
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The powerful hybrid amplifiers and the AMT tweeter brought our home audio heritage exclusively into your Porsche. Through our BESPOKE approach, we translate this acoustic excellence into a luxury handcrafted design piece, uniquely tailored to you — from the driver’s seat to your living room.
BESPOKE stands for uncompromising custom craftsmanship: every surface is meticulously finished and refined by hand — for the highest precision and individual perfection.
Partnerships at Burmester have a long tradition and aim to create exclusive sound and design experiences in cooperation with companies that share Burmester‘s values. Each partnership is based on close collaboration, reflected in the joint creation of an exclusive Burmester product.
Since 2009, the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System in models such as the Porsche Panamera, Cayenne, 911, Boxster, Cayman and Macan has set standards for factory-integrated car hi-fi systems.
Since the introduction of the Burmester High-End Surround Sound System with the
launch of the first generation Porsche Panamera in 2009, it has been considered a benchmark for factory-integrated car hi-fi systems. This success was also continued successfully with subsequent projects in the Porsche Cayenne, the sports car icon Porsche 911, the Porsche Boxster and Porsche Cayman, as well as the Porsche Macan and the super sports car Porsche 918 Spyder.
With the introduction of the Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound System of the second generation Porsche Panamera, a new dimension of audiophile listening was achieved, which can also be experienced in the Porsche Cayenne and Porsche Taycan.
Designing Homes For Inspired Living.
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E T T A G L I O I N T E
Tracy Thomas II President & CEO
tracy@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag
There is something about this time of year that always feels like a true beginning. The holidays have settled into memory, routines are back in place, and there is a renewed sense of focus as people return to work and school energized and motivated to make 2026 a meaningful year. This February/March issue follows our January Longevity issue and feels like a natural next chapter, one rooted in momentum and intention.
For those of us who call the Valley home, this season highlights just how special it is. The weather is at its best, the community is alive with activity, and Arizona begins to welcome visitors from around the world who come to experience everything this region has to offer. It is a time when our state truly shines.
Few events capture that energy quite like the Waste Management Phoenix Open. It is an event that the Valley and the entire state look forward to each year. Yes, it can be wild, which is part of what makes it so memorable. But it is also a worldclass sporting event that brings incredible visibility, economic impact and global attention to Arizona. It supports local businesses, drives tourism and reinforces Scottsdale’s reputation as a premier destination for major events. It is a truly oneof-a-kind tournament, and we are fortunate to have it in our own backyard.
This time of year also carries a familiar sense of transition. College football has wrapped up, and the Super Bowl marks the final chapter of the NFL season. Soon after, pitchers and catchers will report, and Spring Training will once again take over the Valley. Ballparks will fill, traditions will resume, and Arizona will continue to prove why it is such an exceptional place to live and visit.
At ICONIC LIFE, we are proud to be deeply rooted in the valley of the sun. This season reminds us how fortunate we are to call this community home and why we remain committed to telling its stories. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the people, businesses and ideas that make Arizona such a remarkable place to Live Beautifully.
Warm regards,
by
Gather in the golden glow of the Gold Room for Easter Brunch. Dress to the nines for a Derby Day celebration at The Spire Bar. Then ease into Dive-In Movie Nights every Friday beginning Memorial Day Weekend, as spring turns effortlessly into summer—only at Arizona Biltmore.
Gather in the golden glow of the Gold Room for Easter Brunch. Dress to the nines for a Derby Day The Then every effortlessly Biltmore.
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Nakayla Shakespeare Editor-in-Chief
nakayla@iconiclife.com @iconiclifemag
Ifeel that February is one of the most productive months of the year. Not only are we all refreshed from the break we had during the holidays, but we are back into the swing of things with new inspiration and ideas for the year ahead. As you read this issue, I wanted to share some of the inspiration behind it.
Last February, we had a heavy focus on art, which was so well-received by all of you. Thank you for enjoying the vision! This year, we wanted to continue that sentiment while also adding architecture to the mix. Beautifully built homes are structural works of art, and we wanted to highlight that by showcasing homes that exhibit stunning design work that reflects the architect’s passion for craftsmanship.
This issue also explores the works of three incredible artists who have turned their dreams into lucrative careers. Their journeys are inspirational reminders that anything is possible when you pursue your passion. You can find this feature on page 88.
It wouldn’t be an ICONIC LIFE issue without an ICONIC fashion shoot. This time, we wanted to celebrate the active habits of our community through outdoor sports like tennis. The stunning spreads showcase high-end court fashion from our friends at NINI Designs and Jayebird. Thank you so much for your help in bringing this cover to life.
Inspiration is a recurring theme for this issue, so I want to challenge you to be on the lookout for your next source of inspiration. Hopefully, you find it somewhere in these pages.
Yours truly,
DOROTHY
AMALIE
NANCY
By Amalie Rhebeck
Teacup
SWAROVSKI
Signum
Here are seven china products that we are obsessing over this spring.
Flower Market Canape Plates, Set of 4, ($149.95) via Mackenzie-Childs.
Perched within the exclusive gates of FireRock, this residence transcends traditional luxury to offer a curated journey through the desert’s most profound elements. Reimagined by visionary designerJaque Bethke, this is a sanctuary of light, stone and a frequency designed for the individual who seeks a home with a pulse.
Fully integrated with Josh.ai, the home responds to natural voice commands, allowing the technology to vanish while enhancing the living experience.Floor-to-ceiling glass walls disappear to frame the rugged majesty of Four Peaks and the vibrant glow of Red Mountain.
This home stands as a rare synthesis of beauty, spirituality and architectural daring—a masterclass in holistic design. For more information on this home, flip to page 96.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
These court-inspired items will have you feeling and looking like an all-star.
Carrie Bordinko, M.D.
By Madeleine Perich
It’s a stone that refuses to whisper. It radiates history and has a sense of sunwashed beauty that still feels at home in the polished world of luxury jewelry. Turquoise, long dismissed as too bohemian for the glass-boxed realm of fine jewelry, is staging a renaissance. And this time, it is doing so with unapologetic glamour.
Once the hallmark of desert wanderers and Southwestern artisans, turquoise is now appearing in the ateliers of major luxury spaces. High-end jewelry designers are pairing the stone with diamonds and gold filigree, framing it as something elevated rather than earthy. What was once sold on roadside stands is now set against champagne-colored backdrops in Fifth Avenue shop windows. However, this transformation hasn’t diluted turquoise. It has revealed something essential about its allure: it is both ancient and unreasonably modern.
Luxury is about narrative, and turquoise carries one of the richest. Egyptians carved it into scarabs meant to guide souls safely into eternity. Persian royalty believed the stone protected them from misfortune. Indigenous American communities revered it as a conduit between earth and sky. When a contemporary designer places a turquoise cabochon of striking blue into a sleek bezel setting, they are not just crafting jewelry; they are stitching themselves into a lineage of human longing.
In the world of fine jewelry, turquoise carries its own quiet hierarchy—a grading system shaped more by artistry than by strict rules. Gem-grade stones, with their pure, velvety blue hue and little to no matrix, feel like rare treasures lifted from the desert earth and polished into modern luxury. High-grade turquoise, sometimes brushed with delicate spiderweb veining, offers a balance of beauty and character that designers adore.
Stabilized commercial grades bring accessibility without losing the stone’s signature charm, while heavily treated composites fade into the background as fashion accents rather than heirlooms. In every form, turquoise reveals its identity through color, matrix and the subtle evidence of its journey. It’s this blend of nature and nuance that keeps the stone so captivating in contemporary jewelry.
Luxury turquoise jewelry today is part relic and part revolution. It offers the soft geometry of old-world amulets wrapped in the crisp edges of contemporary design. In a market that cycles endlessly through trends, turquoise stands out by refusing to be one. It is steadfast, magnetic and holds raw beauty.
Perhaps the most incredible luxury of all— not the diamonds it sits beside, nor the status it confers—is the rare promise that some beauty does not age. Turquoise doesn’t just adorn; it punctuates. It creates a moment of calm extravagance.
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By Amalie Rhebeck
Photography by Maria Correa Studio
Canadian Author Robin Sharma once said, “Mastery begins with humility.”
No one knows this better than artist Ana Pau Noriega, founder of Kreyé. While many artists come from classically trained backgrounds rooted in institutes and universities, Noriega has an unconventional career in textile art defined by humility, patience and a natural eye for creativity.
Based in Mexico City, Noriega studied geography in school. It wasn’t until she was on a field research trip that she felt an unexpected inspiration to create art.
“It came at a very specific time in my life where I was really struggling to find some place to be in. I was doing research in Haiti, and I found that the power of creation could unite people, could heal, and I was sure I wanted to create something,” Noriega reflects. “Once I found textiles, I was sure that that was going to be my language and my way to get to know myself better.”
Instead of opting to learn textile art from a formal institute, she traveled across Mexico and learned the art of weaving from local artisans, using a pedal loom to create textiles.
“That was a very humbling and unique way to be introduced to this world. It’s not the artistic way through institutions or galleries. It was very cozy, and everyone was super nice and very welcoming.”
Learning the hands-on skills from master artisans helped Noriega gain the confidence to create her brand, Kreyé. Years later, her studio has grown into a reflection of her creative vision and lived experiences. She creates two forms of textile art: core collections for large-scale projects, which she develops with the help of her assistant Norma Porras, and exclusive pieces developed as unique and unrepeatable works.
“A lot of people who are in the art world told me that I had to focus on one [form]. But then, I saw this opportunity to actually grow my studio,” she says, referencing the addition of her assistant. “I think it’s the best decision I’ve made because I can allow both [works] to exist in a very curious way. My creativity can bloom in different ways, so it’s a very nice balance.”
While every piece of art she creates is deeply connected to her personal journey, Noriega strives for her work to speak a more universal language, one that anyone can relate to. Because of this, she seldom shares the story behind each piece she creates.
“If someone asks me about the meaning and the story behind it, I’m really open to telling it, but I would also like the piece to connect with every person in their own unique way,” she says.
Her latest endeavor has been organizing a future collaboration on a piece with Arizonabased designer Alfonso Verduzco. Noriega says that working with him has been an enriching experience because they both enjoy pushing the limits of their vision.
“It’s very special and really enjoyable to find a safe space to truly think as big as your mind can and [to find] a person that embraces that,” she notes.
Much like her journey to becoming a textile artist, Noriega’s creativity has never been limited by adhering to societal norms. As she reflects on the career she has built through breaking the mold of what is expected of artists, she can confidently say that her textile art is a reflection of her authentic self.
From mechanic dreams to culinary mastery, Chef Ivan Jacobo’s unconventional rise is a story of passion, perseverance and fearless reinvention—now reflected in every artful, approachable dish at Anhelo.
By Nakayla Shakespeare \\ Photography by Auravisions
When I dined at Anhelo, an up-and-coming, fine-dining establishment in Old Town Scottsdale, I was blown away by the immaculate service, diverse wine selection and gourmet fare that was equally artistic as it was delicious. As I enjoyed my meal, I began to paint a picture of the chef’s journey. I imagined someone who knew they wanted to pursue a culinary path from an early age, attended school to hone their craft and began their professional career.
After speaking with Chef Ivan Jacobo, I quickly learned that was not his path. His journey to success was one taken on a more beaten path, faced with adversity and challenges that would have led many to quit. Jacobo is an inspiration and a testament to dreamers, proving that anything is possible when you have unwavering determination and a vision too bright to be shaded by life’s curveballs.
Jacobo’s original ambition was to become a mechanic, a love for cars was evident at a young age. However, after developing an interest in Food Network shows and discussing them with his friends, he decided to make a career change and pivot into the culinary scene.
Drawn to the immediate feeling of accomplishment that being a chef brings, Jacobo attended culinary school.
He later secured an internship at a restaurant on a golf course, which evolved into a full-time position and ultimately led him to drop out of school.
With his go-getter attitude, Jacobo does not steer away from fear; instead, it fuels him. “I would rather try something and fail than have the feeling of regret,” Jacobo says. “I have carried that mindset throughout my career.”
Jacobo expanded his culinary horizons through trial and experimentation, acquiring the refined skills needed for fine dining after work hours. “The golf course restaurant wouldn’t make things like foie gras,” the chef explains. “I would take my paycheck and spend the money on the tools I needed to make dishes I was interested in. I watched YouTube videos as well.”
By the age of 19, Jacobo had earned a Sous Chef position. The grueling hours, however, left him burned out, so he used his life savings to launch a food truck. “I’ve opened everything, including restaurants, with very little money. There has been no financial backing whatsoever.”
Despite his initial failure with the food truck, Jacobo prevailed, venturing into the pop-up scene by donating his culinary skills to raise money for charity and hosting private dinners for the highest bidder; a decision that
ultimately put him on the map and paved the way for him to eventually launch Anhelo.
Pop-ups were a passion of Jacobo’s, an outlet for his creativity to shine without limits. While maintaining full-time employment in restaurants, Jacobo strengthened his industry knowledge while pursuing what made him happy. When he was offered a promotion to become the executive chef at Eddie Merlot’s, Jacobo declined because it would prevent him from conducting his pop-ups. He put in his two weeks at Eddie’s the next day; it was a catalyst that led to the realization of his true dream: owning his own restaurant.
With his pop-up business gaining popularity, Jacobo was able to start Hidden Kitchen, a restaurant in downtown Phoenix. “We opened the restaurant with $100,000. The decor was cheap because it was all we could afford.” Jacobo’s focus was on the service and quality of the food, rather than the restaurant’s overall aesthetic.
Jacobo’s culinary expertise earned him both success and recognition, leading the owner of prime real estate in the heart of Old Town to approve his application request for the lot to Anhelo, just blocks away from the famed Cafe Monarch. “Anhelo was a dream project for me,” he says.
While Anhelo is considered fine dining in terms of cuisine quality and service, the price tag is affordable. “I didn’t want to do a fine-dining restaurant because I could never afford fine dining growing up,” Jacobo says. “I wanted my restaurant to be accessible to everyone.”
Offering both a tasting menu and à la carte, Anhelo is a hidden gem that welcomes all. With popular hip-hop music reimagined as jazz instrumentals, the restaurant’s ambiance is lively yet sophisticated, attracting both younger and older crowds. The open-concept restaurant is meticulously designed to feel like a gathering place where all can come and enjoy the company of those around them. Chef Jacobo also offers restaurant tours at the end of the tasting menu, showcasing how his hard work and determination have paid off.
The food speaks for itself. Innovative dishes, paired perfectly with high-quality wines, make up the menu. Chef Jacobo is always learning new techniques and experimenting with eccentric flavor combinations to elevate his cuisine. Expect to be blown away by the white-glove service and exotic flavor combinations that awaken the palate.
Jacobo’s story is a hallmark example of how passion, grit and dedication can lead to the achievement of dreams.
Guided by site, sun and sweeping mountain views, this Prescott home balances warm materiality with contemporary lines, creating a retreat that is connected to its surroundings.
By Sam Micatrotto
Set high above Prescott Valley with a clear view of Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain, this contemporary retreat was shaped around a single intention: to make the landscape the star of the show. Completed in 2024 by Tate Studio Architects, the 3,500-square-foot residence was imagined as a peaceful summer escape. The home opens wide to its surroundings, allowing the architecture to step back so the views can take center stage.
The vision began with the land itself, which captivated the homeowners the moment they set foot on the property. They were drawn to its elevation and the unobstructed long-range views that sweep across the Valley. Mark Tate, principal of Tate Studio Architects, says the design was shaped entirely around these natural gifts.
“The design vision centered on celebrating the property’s extraordinary setting. It
ARCHITECT Tate Studio Architects. INTERIOR DESIGN Tate Studio Architects. BUILD Davis Construction Consulting LLC. LANDSCAPE Terra Sole Outdoor Design. PHOTOGRAPHY CJ Tronnier Gershon. DOORS/WINDOWS Fleetwood Windows & Doors. SHADES AZ Custom Designs Window Coverings. POWDER BATH + KEYDROP TILE Solstice Stone.
showcases panoramic views of Thumb Butte, Granite Mountain and Prescott Valley and embraces the natural connection to nearby hiking trails,” he says. “From the moment you arrive, the entry sequence draws your eye through the home and toward the horizon. This creates a seamless visual and experiential link between indoors and outdoors.”
From the street, the approach is quiet and understated. This sense of release continues inside, where glass walls and clerestory windows lift the entire structure toward the sky. The home’s generous glazing includes corner butt-glazed windows, full-width pocket sliding doors and recessed channel-set windows that blur the sense of boundary.
“Rather than simply ‘framing’ a view, our philosophy is to immerse clients in it,” Tate explains. About 30 percent of the home’s exterior is glass, allowing the surroundings to pour into the interiors from morning to night.
The homeowners wanted a place that felt spacious yet intimate. They sought comfort, ease of movement and rooms tailored to their interests. Tate explains that this shaped the home’s architecture from the start.
“Their vision was a serene seasonal retreat with dedicated spaces for individual hobbies, without feeling overwhelming in scale,” he explains. “This need for balance guided the single-level layout of just under 3,500 square feet.” The final design closely follows that idea, offering flow while keeping every space purposeful and connected to the landscape.
Before any plans were drawn, Tate Studio conducted a thorough site study. The team spent time examining the sun’s orientation, terrain, distinctive landforms and, of course, the quality of views in every direction. “The site was the driving force behind the design as it is with every home we create,” Tate notes. “In this case, the layout was carefully oriented to capture the most dramatic vistas while maintaining harmony with the natural topography, ensuring the home feels integrated rather than imposed.”
Inside, the great room and kitchen form the primary gathering space. This area carries a compress-and-release strategy, an approach that begins under a lower, flat roof mass at the entry and then transitions into interiors defined by soaring pitched ceilings. “Our intent was to create an open, airy gathering space with a grand sense of arrival,” Tate
points out. Clerestory windows and a wall of pocketing glass fill the room with natural light. They also create a direct line to the outdoors, bringing those intentions to life. The effect is simple yet powerful—and the homeowners never lose sight of the mountains or changing sky.
Material selection also played a significant role in giving the home its warm character. Natural stone wraps key interior walls and carries through to the exterior. Wood ceilings create a continuous plane that connects the rooms, adding a tactile quality to the space. Cabinetry in soft, natural wood tones ties back to the trees that surround the property.
“Modern and warm was exactly what we were looking to achieve,” Tate says. “We wanted the finishes to echo the surrounding landscape while maintaining a clean contemporary aesthetic.” Black metal siding provides contrast and crisp lines, while Neolith fireplace panels contribute a subtle modern touch. “Mixing modern clean lines with materials that have character [such as] knots in the wood and stacked stone, adds texture and a unique personality,” Tate adds.
The kitchen balances function and visual simplicity. Thick-veined stone tops the island, while warm vertical-grain cabinetry conceals appliances and storage, creating a modern
centerpiece in the room. The space works in harmony with the great room, allowing the homeowners to cook, gather or relax within an open environment.
Because the home is intended for summer use, energy performance was a priority. Passive solar design is a fundamental component of Tate Studio’s approach. The team conducted a detailed sun study to understand seasonal angles and solar exposure. “This informs how we orient the home on the site and design roof overhangs that provide shade when needed and allow sunlight to warm outdoor spaces during cooler months,” Tate says. “These decisions not only improve energy efficiency but also
enhance outdoor livability, which is a fundamental pillar of this home and our overall design philosophy.”
The lot itself is only 0.6 acres, which made privacy a challenge. The front of the property faces another house directly across the street. Tate needed to create a sense of welcome at the entry without exposing the interior to unwanted views. “To overcome this, we used site walls and strategic landscaping to shield the glass entry and establish a sense of seclusion,” he explains. “The landscaping, enhanced with lighting and a water feature, not only blocked unwanted views but also created a serene, inviting atmosphere that sets the tone for what awaits inside.”
Meet Hunt Slonem, Stephanie Pfriender Stylander and Russell Young, three artists who share the inspiration behind their awe-inspiring work.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Creativity knows no bounds. It is the fiber of innovation, helping us grow ideas, express ourselves and bring our dreams and visions to life. Many artists have utilized their gifts and harnessed the unlimited power of creativity to express themselves in ways that not only speak to them but also to millions of others, making their work known globally and their impact colossal. We had the honor of speaking with three incredible artists, all renowned names in their respective fields, to gain a deeper understanding of their drive and what sparks their creativity.
Hunt Slonem, Russell Young and Stephanie Pfriender Stylander are all visionaries who have significantly contributed to the broader conversation about art and expression in some way. Pfriender Stylander has significantly influenced the fashion conversation with her eye for storytelling through a camera lens. Young’s Technicolor silk-screen paintings capture the complexities of fame and frame his outlook on life. And Slonem’s playful pieces ignite imagination and whimsy in those who view his work.
Hunt Slonem has established himself as a famed artist in the art community, with his work exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide. Most known for his playful depictions of bunnies and vibrant butterfly paintings, Slonem’s art is a refreshing reminder of the joy nature brings forth.
Born into a military family, Slonem was always on the move. One of his first memories of art comes from his grandfather, who would send him paintings and drawings. “I related to the art more than things like submarines and missiles,” he says. “I have never been conflicted [about my path]; it’s all I’ve wanted to do.”
His eye for creativity and his unique method of painting, which includes layering texture, bold color choices and thick brushstrokes, have resonated with millions, landing his art in countless galleries and museums across the globe, including Bonner David Galleries in Scottsdale, Ariz.
“I had no idea how artists survived in the beginning,” Slonem admits. “It’s really hard work. Alex Katz once said, ‘It’s about making the work 60 percent of the time and promoting it 40 percent of the time.’ You have to reach out and keep believing it’s going to happen.”
Repetition is not a deterrent for Slonem’s work; rather, it’s one of his defining qualities. “Repetition is one of the biggest things to describe my work,” he says. “I don’t think repetition is bad…I think it’s close to Godliness…God has created millions of leaves that create what we think of as a tree, every leaf is different, yet they’re all kind of one form.”
Art is ingrained in his identity; he paints every day. “I never want to stop doing it, I don’t feel normal if I don’t paint something,” Slonem explains. “I don’t think of it as a craft, I just think of it as who I am.”
When it comes to fashion, legendary photographer Stephanie Pfriender Stylander has an eye for it. The photographer’s keen ability to tell stories through editorial photoshoots has shaped the visual language of a generation. Known for her photoshoots with icons such as Kate Moss, Keith Richards, Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix, Pfriender Stylander’s portfolio captures the rebellious, experimental culture of the 1990s and 2000s.
The photographer started her career in Europe, shooting editorial spreads for well-known fashion magazines. “They would give me 20 pages to work with,” she says. “I would have full control over the pictures. It was fantastic because I was really able to develop a look once I started working there.”
Driven by feeling, Pfriender Stylander selected models and locations that presented something unique. “I always look for strong character, that was the key to creating my picture. My style and my approach were narrative. The locations, actors and models, makeup, hair, fashion, technique, all fed into creating ambiguous tension,” Pfriender Stylander explains.
Powerful storytelling is the fuel that propelled Pfriender Stylander to success. Her ICONIC photoshoot with Kate Moss is a hallmark example of how her photography conveys more than just the clothes the model wears; it tells a profound story. “Kate had this ability to look at the photographer in a certain way and convey something in her eyes, which you don’t see often.”
When Pfriender Stylander returned to the U.S., she began booking projects for commercial clients. With the creative experience she brought from her time in Europe, the photographer brought a fresh perspective to ICONIC fashion editorial. “People would say, ‘I feel like I’m seeing something I’ve never seen before!’ It’s incredible,” she remarks.
Pfriender Stylander’s monograph, The Untamed Eye, highlights her impressive portfolio of work. The book is designed to mirror the rhythm of film, offering readers the sense of stepping into a movie still, or a memory frozen in time. Pfriender Stylander’s signature use of natural light, grainy film and emotional realism seems to bring a human truth to high fashion, a rare fusion of beauty and authenticity that continues to inspire today’s leading photographers.
Russell Young is relentless, pursuing his dreams with pinpoint determination. This relentlessness is not only a guiding principle of how Young lives—overcoming life’s most significant challenges, including death, but it is also reflected in his subject matter, highlighting the complexities that come with fame and fortune.
Born in Northern England, Young discovered his artistic side at an early age, drawing the forest landscape across the street from his grandparents’ house. “I sat on the floor making these marks and drawing what I called scary trees,” Young recalls. “I still have one of the drawings; it’s very abstract. That was the starting point for me.”
Young’s parents would take him to museums, continually exposing him to art and encouraging his interest in it. With continued support from his school art teachers, Young had a solid foundation. Fast forward 15 years, and the artist established a successful career as a music industry photographer.
“I directed more than 100 music videos, shot sleeves for covers of magazines. I shot George Michael’s face sleeve, worked with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen, everybody really, but I sort of fell out of love with the music industry.”
After a month of self-reflection in Tuscany, Young decided to focus on what made him truly happy: his art. Young’s silk-screen prints exploit his internal journey through vibrant colors layered over ICONIC photographs of American legends.
When Young caught the H1N1 virus, he was in a coma and on the brink of death; however, he prevailed. In his first series of paintings after surviving his illness, Young pressed canvases down into pools of red shellac, letting the resin drip, smear and splatter like wounds.
The artist’s ability to crop an image to tell a different story is profound, often showcasing details that may have been missed in the bigger picture. “The Marilyn crying image is the first one that comes up when you search my name on Google. She’s got her hand up to her eye; she’s very beautiful but also vulnerable. It’s a small section of a larger photograph. I think years of being a photographer allowed me to find that out of thousands of photographs,” Young says.
The beauty of Young’s work lies in the raw emotion of the piece, which is accentuated by the vibrant color overlay and diamond dust, creating something that doesn’t quietly whisper but makes a loud statement. Young’s work has been picked up by many galleries across the U.S., including Relévant Galleries in Scottsdale and Denver.
By Nora Burba Trulsson \\ Photography by Phil Johnson
For a recent renovation project, designer Jaque Bethke had to use a crane and remove a window to hoist three colorful geodes into specially designed, motorized niches as part of the home’s entry.
“Each one of the geodes weighed 3,000 pounds,” says Bethke. “It took some doing to get them placed, but they were the basis for the home’s design, not just for their beautiful colors, but for the emotional flow we wanted to achieve for the interior.”
The abode’s emotional flow is stunning— bold colors, materials and forms draw the eye, and wimpy neutrals need not apply.
Bethke’s project began when the homeowners, a couple from the Midwest, bought the
Designer Jaque Bethke reimagines a Fountain Hills home with bold energy.
Fountain Hills residence several years ago. Feeling that the 5,000-square-foot house did not meet their idea of what a desert dwelling should look like, they reached out to Bethke. “The house was built in 2011,” says Scottsdale-based Bethke, who studied at Taliesin West and had a long career as design director for Wynn Resorts in Las Vegas. “It was very Tuscan, with heavy woods and Roman columns.”
Focusing on the interior, Bethke suggested a cleaner look with dramatic gestures that complemented the home’s tall ceilings and vast views. Along with the geodes’ rich hues, the designer drew inspiration from the colors found in the homeowners’ artwork. “They
INTERIOR DESIGN Jaque Bethke Design. STONE Porcelanosa & Galleria of Stone. PLUMBING Studio41. WOOD FLOORING : Mission Hardwood. APPLIANCES Central AZ Supply. RANGE HOODS Grey Leaf Studios. WINDOWS Sierra Pacific Windows. CABINETRY Artetalia Cabinetry. FIREPLACE AZ Fireplace. BATHROOM TILE Diaz Tile. CLOSETS California Closets. ELEVATOR Keltic Elevator.
love Native American art and artifacts,” she says, “and they love everything ‘desert.’ We kept that in mind when we crafted each room, which we intentionally designed to have different experiences.”
Taking much of the interior down to the studs, Bethke ensured that the geode-lined entry hall served as the dramatic preamble to the great room, where dark, heavy trusses were replaced with a white coved ceiling, its lines and angles subtly skewed to draw the eye to the outdoor views. Bethke set up the room with two symmetrical seating areas— one facing the fireplace and the other facing a TV wall. Each side is anchored by 12-foot-plus custom sofas, scaled to match the room’s volume, each featuring custom niches for sculpture and art objects. Off to one side, the couple repurposed what would traditionally serve as the dining area into a game room, uplifted with Bethke’s millwork design, which includes zigzag-shelved wine storage. “It looks just as good empty as it does filled with bottles,” she notes. As a nod
to the Southwest, the designer encircled the table with chairs covered in a serapeinspired fabric.
The renovated kitchen is perhaps the most breathtaking, anchored by a custom hood suspended over the island’s cooktop. Bethke had the eight-foot-long hood crafted of blackened steel and polished nickel, dangling the 800-pound unit from the ceiling by a series of metal straps and illuminating it with color-changing LED lighting. “It’s a piece of art that’s both sculptural and functional,” Bethke says. The kitchen’s vertical-grained custom oak cabinetry was inset with black wood patterns, creating a sense of motion, and the upper reaches were left open and illuminated to display art and collectibles.
In the primary suite, Bethke reduced the bedroom’s size to increase the bathroom’s square footage and closet space, and she created a custom headboard that frames the bed, as well as designed his-and-hers vanities for the bathroom.
Throughout the home, Bethke’s material choices coalesced to give the interior its punch. “The owners love different kinds of stones,” she notes, “We really played them up.” In the great room, the TV rests on an onyx slab, surrounded by a wall in textured, hand-scraped wood. The kitchen’s waterfall island is clad in underlit quartz that highlights its striations. In the primary bathroom, the quartzite walls and countertops are underlit, showing off their painterly patterns.
Other materials add to the visual feast— copper tile backing in the great room’s display niches, textured tile in a bathroom that resembles waves, and a wallpaper strewn with glittering geckos that adorns the game room’s ceiling. In the guest bathroom, the wallpaper features a pattern of blue eyes set against a starry background. “The house is meant to be fun, to be a celebration,” Bethke says.
Outdoors, Bethke chose to honor the original architecture and hardscape while infusing a bit
of fun and celebration with her patio furnishings. “I like designs by Kenneth Cobonpue,” she remarks. “They’re whimsical and practical.” She suggested his knitting-inspired lounge chairs, a coffee table with stitching and a dangling net chair for the pool patio.
“This house is the owners’ dream home in the desert,” Bethke says. “That entry hall is what I call the ‘spiritual portal’ to the rest of the interior, which is now all about good energy.”
By Bailey Badillo
Photography by Austin La Rue Photography & Pearl Blossom Photography
When you enter the courtyard of this Paradise Valley home, the first thing you notice won’t be the size, but the quiet choreography of arrival. A long approach draws you forward, past a formal auto court perfectly aligned with Camelback Mountain. Water cascades downward beside the entry steps, catching desert light. Through a glass wall, the mountain holds steady in the distance. From the very beginning, the house makes one thing clear: this home was designed for experience.
ARCHITECT Candelaria Design Associates. INTERIOR DESIGN Earth & Images. BUILDER Schultz Development. LANDSCAPE DESIGN Berghoff Design Group. PHOTOGRAPHY Austin La Rue Photography & Pearl Blossom Photography.
Set on 2.3 acres in Paradise Valley, the sprawling 25,000-square-foot estate is the result of a deeply collaborative vision between architectural director Mark Candelaria of Candelaria Design Associates and principal designer Isabel Dellinger-Candelaria of Earth & Images, plus a family of five intent on creating something both spectacular and sincerely livable.
“We started from the beginning,” Candelaria says. “We gathered a list of all the rooms and spaces they wanted, made little room cutouts and started moving them around the site, looking at the views. And we do it collaboratively with the owner, the interior designer and the builder. It just organically turns into a house plan.”
From the first step onto the lot, Candelaria knew the view had to dictate the design.
“It’s all about Camelback,” Candelaria explains. “When you first come in, all the primary rooms look at that mountain. That was what they wanted.”
Inside, the home reveals its most defining quality: a purposeful balance between quiet and active living. The residence is intentionally bisected to work for both lifestyles under the same roof. One wing hums with energy–children’s bedrooms, a game room, music room and theater—while the opposite side retreats into calm, housing the primary suite, office, spa, sauna and exercise room.
“The kids are growing,” Candelaria explains. “The clients wanted the kids’ side to be active and full of life, and their side to be more sequestered and quiet. You get a house for both—and everyone’s happy.”
This architectural separation gave Dellinger-Candelaria a powerful emotional framework for the interiors.
“The architectural division between quiet and active zones allowed us to design with intention,” she explains. “In the active wing, we leaned into stronger contrasts and tactile materials. In the quiet wing, the design becomes more subdued with softer palettes, fewer visual interruptions, and a focus on serenity.”
Lighting, texture and acoustics shift subtly as you move through the home. The transition is almost imperceptible, but you feel it.
While the house balances modern restraint with European influence throughout, moments of self-expression are incorporated as well, particularly in the daughter’s bedroom.
“This room allowed for softness, glamour and a sense of fantasy appropriate for her age,” DellingerCandelaria explains. “We layered plush textures, neutral tones with a bit of blush and soft plum and subtle metallic and reflective accents to create a space that feels special without being overly thematic. It was important that the room felt personal and joyful, while still evolving gracefully as she grows—so the glamour is sophisticated rather than overtly playful.”
The living room showcases one of Candelaria’s favorite features: an all-glass, columnar fireplace: floating, transparent and entirely unexpected. “It’s the first time we ever did a columnar, all-glass fireplace in the middle of the room,” Candelaria says. “You virtually sit around it, and all the views stay open.” More than a fireplace, it anchors the room without interrupting sightlines.
Despite its scale, this estate feels intimate. This balance is deliberate and achieved in a rather simplistic way: by the room sizes.
“Whether a house is 5,000 square feet or 25,000 square feet, I tend to do the rooms the same size,” Candelaria explains. “When rooms get too big, people feel lost. People want to feel comfortable—not like they’re living in a gymnasium.”
Dellinger-Candelaria reinforces that sentiment through layered finishes and lighting. “Human-scaled moments, such as intimate seating groupings, lower lighting levels and carefully placed art, help break down large volumes,” she says. “Ultimately, it’s about creating spaces that feel lived-in, where the architecture supports the human experience rather than overshadowing it.”
Step outside, and the home seems to exhale. The backyard unfolds as a series of destinations: a sports court, play lawn, pool cabana and guest house orbit
a large pool that becomes the social heart of the property. At its center is a sunken firepit—set directly into the water.
“We’ve done this before, and people really love it,” Candelaria says. “You sit at water level, the kids are playing, and everyone’s part of the action; It’s a completely different experience.”
This indoor-outdoor living is achieved intentionally through the interior design as well.
“Our role extended beyond the interior walls,” Dellinger-Candelaria says. “We coordinated closely so the outdoor spaces felt like a natural extension of the interior. When the doors are open, the transition feels effortless–almost as though the house simply expands outward.”
When asked to define the home’s aesthetic, Candelaria doesn’t hesitate to give the home its own category. “I’d call it glamitarian,” he laughs. “Glammy, European, Mediterranean—it’s a combination of a lot of things. This house is its own style.”
Dellinger-Candelaria sees it as something deeper. “Modern restraint paired with international soul,” she says. “I’m less interested in adhering to a single style and more focused on creating spaces that feel emotionally resonant and enduring.”
In a place where luxury homes are styled for aesthetic, the home stands apart by resisting spectacle. Instead, it prioritizes rhythm, balance and human connection.
“What I’m most proud of is the cohesion,” DellingerCandelaria reflects. “Nothing stands apart. The home feels calm, welcoming and deeply personal.”
For Candelaria, the project’s success comes down to collaboration. “The secret formula is always a great team,” he says. “We all worked together really well— and that always makes for a successful project.”
The residence is a home that understands how people live—where glamour coexists with noise, serenity with play and architecture with heart. And that may be its greatest luxury of all.
Spring is in full swing, and so are outdoor court sports. Here is some inspiration for what to wear when you step onto the court.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
Photography by Mark Sacro
Spring fashion is in full swing. To celebrate the start of the new season, we brought court couture to our magazine pages, showcasing that stylish design and sports can coexist in harmony. These ICONIC looks are courtesy of our friends at NINI Designs and Jayebird, with accessories from My Sister’s Closet, thank you for your participation in this photoshoot. So lace up your tennis shoes and grab your racquet, because this fashion spread is serving style.
PRESIDENT & CEO Tracy Thomas II. PUBLISHER Renee Dee. CREATIVE DIRECTOR Nakayla Shakespeare. PHOTOGRAPHER Mark Sacro . HAIR/MAKEUP Melissa Evans. MODEL Logan, Ford Robert Black . WARDROBE NINI Designs & Jayebird. ACCESSORIES My Sister’s Closet. ICONIC TEAM Amalie Rhebeck, Madeleine Perich.
Sleeveless pleated performance dress UPF 50+ via NINI Designs. Christian Dior white Diorclub mirrored sunglasses via My Sister’s
Fitted skort UPF 30+ via NINI Designs. Long sleeve performance cropped top UPF 30+ via NINI Designs. Black Prada Catwalk cat-eye sunglasses via My Sister’s Closet.
GAME. SET. MATCH.
Fitted long sleeve performance top UPF 50+ via NINI Designs. Pleated performance skort with detachable belt UPF 50+ via NINI Designs. Chanel CH5465Q rectangular sunglasses via My Sister’s Closet.
Fitted skort UPF 30+ via NINI Designs. Long sleeve performance cropped top UPF 30+ via NINI Designs. Black Prada Catwalk cat-eye sunglasses via My Sister’s Closet.
Floral Meg top via Jayebird Sport. Floral Janie skort via Jayebird Sport.
By Madeleine Perich
Photography by Hugo Landa Garcia
For most people, a garage is a utilitarian afterthought. For Page Sigband, founder of Joyride Garage Design, it became the catalyst for an entirely new design niche. A self-described lifelong “design geek,” Sigband’s career spans graphic design, furniture design, museum exhibit work in Washington, D.C. and residential interiors. But it was during the pandemic, after moving into a home with a completely unfinished garage that her trajectory shifted.
“I designed my own garage to actually suit how my family lived,” Sigband says. “It wasn’t just storage. It was a workbench, a place for my tools, surfboards, wall graphics, even a chalkboard wall for my daughter.” She shared the transformation online, and the response was immediate. Friends began asking if they could hire her to design their garages. Shortly after, a television producer reached out about designing multiple spaces for the show Garage Rescue
“That’s when I realized I had a real knack for this niche,” she explains. “I genuinely enjoyed working with car enthusiasts, and I saw how underserved this space was from a design standpoint.” What began as small residential projects soon evolved into immersive, luxury automotive environments, and Joyride Garage Design was born.
One of Sigband’s most notable projects is a 2,600-square-foot private garage condominium at the Finish Line Auto Club in Costa Mesa, Calif. It was a space she had long envisioned transforming. “I had attended countless car events there and always imagined what those cavernous shells could become,” she says. “Being referred to this project felt like the culmination of years of showing up.”
The two-level unit, with 25-foot ceilings on the ground floor and a mezzanine designed for entertaining, began as a largely blank slate. Nearly everything installed by the previous owner was removed, save for a deep charcoal wall color. “The LED hex lights, the oversized Rolls-Royce mural, the dated cabinetry, it all had to go,” Sigband notes. “None of it aligned with how my client wanted to use the space.”
The client, a Ferrari and Porsche collector, had a clear appreciation for quality but no fixed aesthetic. “He was very much an ‘I’ll know it when I see it’ type,” Sigband says. To establish direction, she presented two distinct mood boards. “That step was invaluable,” she explains. “He could react instinctively, pull what resonated from each concept, and from there the design came into focus with precision.”
The resulting space tells a deliberate story. “I wanted the garage to feel like a narrative about performance, craftsmanship and elegance,” Sigband says. Automotive materials anchor the design, including black steel cabinetry, knurled hardware, tire-groove–textured wallpaper and a custom wool rug woven with concentric racetrack lines. These rugged elements are balanced with refined layers: dramatic gold drapery, plush velvet pillows embroidered with automotive crests and curated vintage racing imagery.
“High-performance cars live in that same tension between grit and refinement,” she explains. “The materials needed to reflect that.”
Lighting became one of the project’s most transformative elements. “Even the coolest-looking fixtures can cast distracting shadows on a car,” Sigband says. “High-quality architectural lighting and precise dimming control is essential.” She worked with Audio Images to create a programmable lighting system with multiple presets, allowing the owner to shift the atmosphere from functional to cinematic with a single touch. Each control is labeled with automotive-inspired names such as Launch Control, Cold Start, Victory Lap, Downshift and Pit Stop. “Those moments of surprise are where luxury really lives,” she adds.
The project’s primary challenge was scale. “You’re designing for two completely different experiences in one volume,” Sigband explains. “The ground level has to hold its own against 25-foot ceilings, while the mezzanine needs to feel warm and intimate.” She addressed this by turning the walls into architectural storytelling elements: a gallery of historic racing photography framed by dramatic drapery, illuminated Ferrari and Porsche signage paired with dimensional quotes and a striking Dan Gurney champagne-spray mural that draws visitors upward toward the lounge.
Among the details Sigband is most proud of are two custom concrete pieces. The first is a bar island with a recessed display showcasing vintage Porsche gears, softly illuminated with integrated LED lighting. The second is an oversized gearshaped coffee table that required a forklift to install. “Despite its scale, it glides easily on
hidden casters,” she says. “It’s massive, but still incredibly functional.”
For Sigband, the project exemplifies her broader philosophy. “I always start with function,” she explains. “How the cars move, how the space is used, what needs to perform. Then I elevate those elements rather than disguise them.” When done correctly, she says, “A garage can be practical, high-performance and beautifully composed at the same time. When those pieces work in harmony, functionality becomes its own form of luxury.”
As for designers looking to define their own path, Sigband offers pointed advice: “We tend to define ourselves too narrowly,” she says. “The most interesting work often comes from stepping outside the lane you think you’re supposed to stay in. That mindset is exactly how I discovered an entirely new design niche.”
by Brent
By Katherine Lawless
Chef Brent Menke’s celebrated Scottsdale restaurant, The Mick Brasserie + Bar, is rooted in an appreciation for how global cultures are expressed through ingredients and technique. He describes the menu as “French colonial,” drawing on food traditions from across Southeast Asia, North Africa and Europe. The goal is to reinterpret classic dishes from around the world, like escargot or pork ribs, often inspired by Menke’s experiences traveling the globe as a chef aboard the world’s finest yachts.
The chef’s journey to becoming a travel and food expert began with a leap of faith. The summer after graduating from the University of Arizona, he found himself rooming with a friend in Newport, R.I., where he discovered a whole new world: the superyacht industry. After cold-calling his way into an interview for a deckhand position,
he received a call that would change his life. There was a yacht sitting in the Caribbean, set to depart for Europe the next day. Was he able to get down there on the next flight?
“It was one of those moments in life when, figuratively and literally, your boat is ready to sail, and you can either get on it or not,” Menke recalls.
He said yes and immediately jet set to St. Martin, getting the first stamp in his passport and embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. Menke started as a deckhand on a 175-foot yacht crossing the Atlantic, but when charter season began in Europe, and the onboard chef needed help, he stepped into the galley. When the executive chef went on vacation, he assumed full responsibility for the entire operation. What began as a temporary solution became a new direction in life.
“IT WAS ONE OF THOSE MOMENTS IN LIFE WHEN, FIGURATIVELY AND LITERALLY, YOUR BOAT IS READY TO SAIL, AND YOU CAN EITHER GET ON IT OR NOT.”
INGREDIENTS
2 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
1 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
2 cups tomatoes, diced
½ red bell pepper, diced
1 shallot chopped
1 small garlic clove
½ cup blanched almonds
2 tablespoons sherry vinegar
¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
¼ teaspoon salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
GARNISHES
Finely diced watermelon
Diced cucumber
Fresh mint or basil, thinly sliced
Drizzle of olive oil
Toasted bread crumbs (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. You may want to thin out the gazpacho with a little water if you want a thinner texture. Serve in a soup bowl with the garnishes scattered around as to catch a bite in each spoonful.
After that, the yacht was sold and Menke went to Florida, connecting with crew agencies and landing a hybrid deckhand/sous chef role on a 180-foot yacht traveling between the Caribbean, the Mediterranean and the U.S. When he wasn’t cooking for billionaires and oligarchs, he explored the port cities where the yachts docked, learning local food cultures in places like the Amalfi Coast and the Côte d’Azur.
Years later, after leaving the yachting world, Menke and his family took a different approach to travel. Before settling back in Scottsdale, they spent a year living abroad, exploring 13 countries, including Bali, Ecuador, Peru, Greece, Turkey, Italy, France, Thailand and Vietnam.
Together, they ate ceviche in Lima, Chuleta beef in San Sebastián, oysters in Cap Ferrat and laksa soup in Bangkok—meals that were lessons in culture as much as cuisine. In each country, regional cuisines taught them about local ingredients and the influence of neighboring cultures, as well as the impact of immigration and colonization.
Vietnam left a powerful impression. “Vietnam’s food scene is often a collaboration of Vietnamese and French culture to form something
like a Bánh Mì sandwich,” Menke explains. “That sandwich is absolutely ICONIC, but it wouldn’t have happened without those two cultures coming together.” He noticed how cuisine shifted by region: “In the south of Vietnam, the food is spicy and barbecue-y, but to the north, it’s more subdued and includes more braises and stews.”
Turkey offered another lesson in contrast. “Turkish food has a combination of Eastern and Western influences, seen in the breads, kebabs and street vendors,” he notes. And when asked to choose one country to live in for food alone, Menke doesn’t hesitate: “If I had to live in one country, from a food standpoint, I’d have to say France,” citing the dramatic difference in dishes from Paris and Champagne to Provence, Toulouse and Bordeaux.
History plays a role, too. French culinary technique was shaped by figures like Marie-Antoine Carême, who cooked for royalty and developed elaborate pastry and decorative traditions that eventually filtered into everyday cooking.
Menke often points out that many beloved cuisines are made simply from what is most available to a community. Italian food, he explains,
4 to 6 servings
6 large eggs
3–4 medium potatoes (Yukon Gold or similar), peeled
1 medium onion (optional but traditional)
Olive oil (generous amount for frying)
Salt, to taste
1. Prepare the potatoes and onions
• Slice the potatoes into thin, even slices (about 1/8 inch).
• Thinly slice the onion.
2. Slowly fry the potatoes and onions
• Heat a large amount of olive oil in a deep frying pan over medium heat.
• Add the potatoes and onions; season with salt.
• Cook gently (they should simmer in the oil, not crisp) for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until completely soft.
3. Drain and mix with the eggs
• Remove the potatoes and onions with a slotted spoon; drain well.
• In a large bowl, beat the eggs with a pinch of salt.
• Add the drained potatoes/onions to the eggs and let sit for 5 minutes to absorb.
4. Cook the tortilla
• Heat 1–2 tablespoons of the same oil in a smaller nonstick pan (8–10 inches).
• Pour in the potato-egg mixture and spread evenly.
• Cook on medium-low until the edges firm and the bottom lightly browns (5–7 minutes).
5. Flip the tortilla
• Place a plate over the pan, flip the tortilla onto the plate, then slide it back into the pan to cook the other side.
• Cook 3–5 minutes more, depending on how runny or firm you prefer the center.
6. Serve
• Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting. Serve warm, room temperature, or cold.
is deeply rooted in peasant culture, built around affordable ingredients and resourcefulness. Panzanella transforms leftover bread and vegetables into something new, while pasta dishes, made from simple ingredients—flour and water—change completely depending on where they’re cooked. Along the Amalfi Coast, that might mean the addition of clams, garlic, parsley and white wine. In EmiliaRomagna, a pasta dish might include Parmigiano Reggiano and prosciutto, both staples in the region.
For Menke, learning culture through food also means learning how to cook with new skills, not just new ingredients. Mastering new techniques, he says, can completely change how you experience an ingredient. He points to sous vide—a French method that allows for precise temperature and texture control—followed by a hard sear to create a crust and a perfect medium-rare interior.
No matter what culinary traditions you’re intrigued by, he encourages home cooks to start with fundamentals: brining birds, cooking
more whole foods, experimenting with color and texture through fruits, vegetables, grains, lentils and legumes, and saving bones to make stock. “Once you get your basics, everything else falls into place,” he says.
Today, Menke still leads small, immersive tours through Europe, focusing on food, art and architecture. On trips to Italy, France and Spain, he takes guests to local markets and invites them to choose what to cook. If an ingredient sparks curiosity, they buy it and experiment together. “So much history and culture are based on food,” Menke says. “Through food, you can learn how people live on an everyday basis.”
From yacht galleys to fine-dining restaurants and home kitchens, Menke has learned that food is one of the clearest reflections of how people live and connect with one another. At The Mick, decades of insight into history, geography and technique come together on the plate.
Four visionary residential architects reveal the legendary designers who shaped their creative lens, unpacking how inspiration, legacy and place influence the homes redefining our modern landscape.
By Nakayla Shakespeare
There are so many inspiring architectural works in our community being crafted by forward-thinking architects. Just as these incredible works have galvanized us, our hard-working architects, Brion Jeannette, Jessica Hutchison-Rough, Stratton Andrews and Anders Lasater have muses of their own, other architects that have long inspired them and influenced their work style. Get to know them and the motivation behind their awe-inspiring residential designs.
Stratton Andrews is an Arizona-based architect most known for his sleek, modern architectural style. Creating stunning, light-filled residences across the Valley, Andrews’ design philosophy is rooted in sensitivity to form and function. His firm, Stratton Architects, has earned numerous industry accolades and awards, including multiple ICONIC Design Awards.
Andrews’ motivation to become an architect can partly be attributed to the work of Roger Ferris + Partners. “Every project is unique and inspiring,” Andrews says of Roger Ferris + Partners’ work, which he also describes as “clean modern forms that relate to their surroundings [using] natural, well-balanced materials and details.”
Roger Ferris + Partners is a Connecticut-based architectural firm that produces innovative, modern projects across all scopes, from single-family residences to commercial mixed-use buildings to high-rises, in contexts ranging from rural towns to suburban campuses to dense urban centers.
The firm’s smaller projects allow it to experiment with innovative methods and materials, pushing the envelope of creativity. Roger Ferris + Partners’ work speaks for itself, earning critical acclaim from many highly respected design and architectural organizations. “They helped form some of our early design inspiration,” Andrews says of the firm, “analyzing form, scale, materials and the environment the project resides in to create a successful, beautiful project.”
For the owner and principal architect of Urban Design Associates, Jessica HutchisonRough, architectural design and the environment should coexist in perfect harmony. “Nature is our greatest teacher, and architecture must honor its context,” she says. This philosophy grounds their work, creating homes that seamlessly blend with the landscape.
This design ethos was heavily influenced by the work of the ICONIC Frank Lloyd Wright. “Wright taught me that architecture is inseparable from its environment—that buildings should rise from their sites with a sense of inevitability,” Hutchison-Rough explains. “Growing up in the Sonoran Desert, seeing Wright’s ability to harmonize structure, landscape, light and material left an imprint that never left me.”
Hutchison-Rough’s father played an integral role in exposing her to Wright’s work. “My father took me on architectural pilgrimages across the country—from Fallingwater to Hollyhock House—long before I fully understood what I was looking at,” she says. These early-day adventures sparked design inspiration years before she committed to developing her illustrious career as an award-winning architect.
“Ultimately, this architect taught me that great design is not a style—it is a way of seeing,” Hutchison-Rough says. “ It is the responsibility [of the architect] to listen to the land, to respect legacy and to create spaces that hold meaning for generations.”
by Kevin Brost
Brion Jeannette, founder of Brion Jeannette Architecture, is known for creating world-famous private homes and estates. The California-based architect has been designing beautiful homes for clients for more than 50 years. Jeannette’s scope of work is wide, ranging from contemporary projects to European-inspired homes.
While each client’s needs are the architect’s source of inspiration, two other great architects have influenced Jeannette's designs: Antoni Gaudí and Frank Gehry. Jeannette is drawn to the fluidity of form in their work. “I am influenced by these two great architects . . . both of these architects use organic forms and are particularly fond of the emotional impact of curves,” Jeannette says.
Curved rooflines, archways and organic forms are seen throughout many of Jeannette’s projects. The influence of both Gaudí and Gehry is evident. “I have traveled extensively since the early 1970s to study architecture throughout the world, but when I encountered Gaudí’s incredible sense of wonder in Barcelona, I knew I was forever changed,” Jeannette says. “His understanding of light, scale, color and form, so abundant in his work, has influenced many of my homes.”
Jeannette first encountered Gehry’s work in the 80s, when Gehry began experimenting with ‘deconstructive architecture.’ “I am inspired by Gehry’s art in architecture, which has changed modern architecture in ways no other architect has in the last 75+ years. I have had the joy of experiencing firsthand many of his museums, theaters and public spaces. I find each uniquely thrilling for the ways in which he uses materials to express the excitement that lies within and without,” Jeannette says.
Exceptional architecture is a combination of creativity and great execution of the fundamentals. When both of these elements are done well, it can turn a good home into a great one. For Anders Lasater, founder of Anders Lasater Architects– an award-winning architectural firm most known for its modern, dynamic homes–fundamentals are everything, and it’s famous architect Carlo Scarpa’s mastery of the crucial elements that spark inspiration in Lasater’s work.
“For me, he was the absolute master of the fundamentals,” Lasater says. “What I love is how subtle and intentional he was. He didn’t need to show off; he could manipulate scale so that even his small projects felt immense just through thoughtful control of proportion. Crucially, he treated light as a building material, just like concrete or steel, and used it to animate his simple palette. It’s that focus on relationships and contrast—dark against light, old against new—that makes the architecture resonate.”
Lasater encountered Scarpa’s work while studying architecture. His keen understanding of balance and contrast drew him in. “His profoundly contemplative Brion Family Tomb, for example, wove together life, death and nature into this meditative journey. And then there was his design for the Museo Canova, which showed me how light is literally captured and controlled as art itself. That commitment to creating a rich tapestry of texture and detail, even when installing modern architectural interventions inside a medieval structure like the Castelvecchio Museum, was instantly influential,” he says.
Scarpa’s influence is evident in Lasater’s work, which showcases space, proportion, light and material in ways that elevate a home, adding interest and character and reflecting the client’s unique rhythm and life. Lasater’s homes are masterfully executed with thoughtful intention.
by Sam Frost Studio
evolution of an artist.
By Fran Miller
Less than five years ago, Jacob Vilató was undergoing a personal and professional transformation. At the time, he had just pivoted from a successful international architecture career to focus on Vilató i Vilató, the Barcelona-based art and design studio he co-founded with creative partner Itzel Culebro.
Since then, much has changed—his visual language, his creative motivations and even his sense of where he belongs in the artistic lineage that includes his great-uncle, Pablo Picasso. What hasn’t changed is Vilató’s quiet intensity and the raw curiosity that fuels his work. Once hesitant to publicly link himself to his ICONIC family heritage, he now embraces it more freely, not as a crutch or credential, but as part of a more complex narrative about influence, identity and artistic inheritance.
Vilató grew up in a household where art wasn’t a pursuit; it was a presence. Paintings by his great-uncle hung unceremoniously on the walls; creativity was never separate from daily life. “Some families care about money, some care about society, some care about animals, but my family cares about art,” he says.
Yet, he chose a different path, steering toward architecture as a compromise between the logical and the lyrical. He founded an architecture firm with offices stretching from Barcelona and Beijing to Delhi, a choice guided more by a desire to please than by passion. But even as his practice grew, he couldn’t shake the urge to create more personally, more freely.
Furniture design offered an initial outlet. His sculptural pieces attracted attention from Architectural Digest, Surface, Azure and Elle Décor But it was painting—a discipline he never formally studied but absorbed intuitively— that brought him back to himself. In 2019, he unveiled his paintings to the public for the first time through a high-profile charity auction. The enthusiastic reception buoyed him.
Despite the pedigree, Vilató has never leaned heavily on the Picasso name. For years, he avoided mentioning the connection altogether. But over time, his view evolved.
Rather than feeling overshadowed by the ICONIC figure, Vilató now describes the relationship as walking by Picasso’s hand, not in his shadow.
Today, his canvases are bold and instinctual. His forms, once architectural and controlled, now flirt with abstraction and surrealism. Collectors across continents— Europe, North America and Asia—are taking note. As he prepares for new exhibitions and continues to evolve his craft, I visited with Vilató to gain a deeper understanding of how far he has come and where he’s headed next.
Since your first public exhibition in 2019, your work has been featured in collections worldwide. How has that kind of reception impacted your creative process?
I’ve become increasingly aware of how difficult it is to claim any supposed truth, sometimes due to superficial praise and at other times due to a lack of meaningful feedback. However, the truly incredible part of this journey is meeting extraordinary individuals who continually enrich my life, whether through book recommendations or original, unconventional ideas; it’s often conversations that act like sparks, igniting new perspectives.
I’ve also developed a fear of painting, which might easily be mistaken for reverence, though caution is necessary here. This fear has actually fostered a more intimate, comforting artistic process. It compels me to create fractures, in a surreal sense, enabling deeper self-exploration. It’s a vivid reflection of Lavoisier’s maxim: “Nothing is created, nothing is destroyed, everything is transformed.”
How do you begin a new painting? Is it a planned process, or does instinct lead the way?
I throw paint onto the canvas without expectation, accepting the possibility, even likelihood, of initial failure. I don’t like to start with preconceived ideas, as they inevitably lead to familiar places, and I’m far more interested in discovery than in craft. Each day, after hours spent painting and
repainting, I eventually arrive somewhere meaningful. I prefer not to close my eyes until sleep finally insists.
Many artists describe a turning point when they started creating primarily for themselves rather than for an audience. Have you reached that moment?
I believe I’ve always painted for myself. Perhaps that’s the true family legacy, and it’s likely the reason I choose to keep a significant portion of my work. At the same time, there’s a deeply rooted spirit of service within me, influenced by my background in architecture and my family’s medical tradition. (His exposure to diseases such as cholera and diphtheria left a profound impact on him, especially after losing his sisters to illness.)
Your paintings have grown more gestural, emotional—even surreal. What drives your visual language?
I don’t like painting on autopilot or letting my mind drift too freely. I prefer to remain fully present. By doing so, I feel paths and insights gradually settle, even if I’m not immediately aware of them. Testing new ideas born from unexpected sparks can reveal surprising paths. A good example is my series “Primeras impresiones.” After returning from a trip, I left a few tickets lying around. Initially, I scratched them to darken and draw on them, then later applied alcohol to lighten the surfaces. From there, I discovered I could substantially transform the images while preserving a remarkable level of detail. Ironically, embracing unexpected discoveries has taught me that selectively losing control often leads me toward a deeper kind of mastery.
Are there themes or questions you keep coming back to in your work, consciously or not?
I’m deeply drawn to themes such as memory, not merely as an archive of the past, but as a selective filter that shapes who we are and how we perceive our surroundings. Perception itself also fascinates me: the delicate interplay between what we see and what we think we see, that thin border where reality blends seamlessly with imagination.
Another recurring theme is death, though not in a somber sense. Instead, it serves as a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and beauty. I’m intrigued by the paradoxical urge to step away from the real world precisely to grasp it more firmly, a kind of dance between escape and attachment.
My work engages with these ideas through intuition and gesture, and through echoes of philosophers who constantly accompany me, such as Merleau-Ponty and his exploration of perception, and Bergson, who beautifully described memory as a living fusion of past and present. Ultimately, my paintings aim to make visible what is usually invisible: the intricate emotional and perceptual tapestry that shapes our reality.
What are you currently working on that scares you—or excites you— enough to keep you up at night?
To be honest, I find this particular question difficult because the answer changes every time I’m asked. But maybe that’s the point of my work: refusing to let my life remain the same year after year. What excites me, and what occasionally keeps me awake at night, is this deliberate resistance to predictability. If I answered today, tomorrow’s truth would already be different, and that’s exactly how I want it.
What does success look like for you now?
In architecture, success had a more precise definition. It meant delivering a project that made my client happy, solving every idea as efficiently as possible, often with a mathematical, almost algebraic and geometric approach. Today, I find it harder to define success. Perhaps it has something to do with the profound feeling I get when I wake up in the morning and immediately feel compelled to see the piece I worked on the day before. When I create something I’m eager to revisit, something that questions me, intrigues me, I feel I’ve accomplished something essential. I’ve altered my memory, and consequently, how I live and perceive my life. So, success now feels more intimate, perhaps less tangible, but infinitely more personal. It’s about creating something powerful enough to reshape how I exist in the world.
Discover the magic of the Danube River on a seven-night cruise from Budapest to Vilshofen, plus Munich or Prague.
By David Rubin
My favorite European riverboat cruise is a classic seven-night Danube River itinerary, sailing from Budapest to Vilshofen, with a land transfer for extra days in Prague or Munich. Traveling the opposite direction is just as amazing! You will be traveling through Austria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia and possibly the Czech Republic, visiting up to four capital cities. The trip includes highlights of the former Habsburg Empire and charming towns.
Your journey begins in Budapest, the capital of Hungary. Consider adding a few nights at the exquisite Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, a jewel of Art Nouveau architecture and design. Reserve a table for Herend Afternoon Tea featuring live music and a decadent spread served on hand-painted Herend porcelain.
Wander Budapest to discover the city’s rich history and architecture, including the ICONIC Parliament Building, Buda Castle and St. Stephen’s Basilica. Hike up Castle Hill and visit the Fisherman’s Bastion for stunning views. As you stroll along the Danube promenade, you’ll be captivated by the city’s grandeur.
I recommend leaving time to visit at least two of Budapest’s famous thermal baths, steeped in history and ideal for relaxation, some of which date back to the Roman and Ottoman Empires. The Rudas Bath, built in 1550, is one of the oldest and most famous thermal
baths, featuring a stunning Ottoman-era dome. The Széchenyi Thermal Bath, established in 1913, features Art Nouveau architecture and a lively atmosphere, including locally popular indoor and outdoor swimming pools. Other notable baths include the Gellért Baths (built in 1918) and the Lukács Baths (from the 12th century).
Your next stop is Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia. Spend a few hours exploring the Old Town, admiring the cobblestone streets, colorful buildings and historic landmarks like St. Martin’s Cathedral and Bratislava Castle. Then, head up to Castle Hill for views of the city and the Danube River.
Next, you’ll arrive in Vienna, the former capital of the AustroHungarian Empire and current capital of Austria. Discover this regal city, including visits to Schönbrunn Palace, St. Stephen’s Cathedral and Hofburg Palace. Vienna is worth multiple visits to explore its historic center, museums, coffee houses and opera house. Book the classical music performance offered as an option on most of the cruises. If your ship overnights in Vienna, dabble in the diverse nightlife.
Treat yourself to a quintessential Viennese experience at one of the city’s ICONIC coffee houses, where grand cafes like Café Central and Café Sperl have been perfecting the art of coffee and cake for centuries. Savor a Wiener Melange, a classic coffee drink made with espresso, steamed milk and a dollop of foam, paired with a decadent slice of Sachertorte, which originated at the legendary and recommended Sacher Café at Hotel Sacher. Other ICONIC cafes include Demel and Café Landtmann, a grand cafe that has been a hub for intellectuals and artists since 1873.
A donation to the Hintalovon Child Rights Foundation supports vital programs protecting children in Hungary. Founded in 2015, this non-profit organization works tirelessly to raise awareness about children's rights and address critical issues like sexual abuse and exploitation. Hintalovon's Child Rights Centre provides free, tailored legal aid services to affected children and families. Their innovative programs, like the Nemecsek child safeguarding policy, equip institutions to prevent and manage cases of child abuse. With initiatives like YELON, an online sexual education platform and an anonymous helpline, Hintalovon empowers children and educates adults on creating a safer environment.
Donate today at hintalovon.hu/en/home
Leaving Vienna, you will enter the enchanting Wachau Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its breathtaking scenery and rich cultural heritage. Be sure to visit Dürnstein, Melk and Grein, and sample local wines. A highlight is a stop at the Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque monastery perched atop a hill overlooking the Danube. Explore the abbey’s opulent church, ornate library and meticulously manicured gardens.
The next day, choose the optional day trip to Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the Old Town’s Baroque architecture and visit Hohensalzburg Fortress. Snap photos in the ICONIC Mirabell Gardens, where Julie Andrews famously sang “Do-Re-Mi” in The Sound of Music
Alternatively, take a day trip to one of my favorite Czech medieval fairytale towns, Cesky Krumlov. A highlight is the Cesky Krumlov Castle perched on a rocky outcrop. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Central Europe, with epic views and ornate interiors with period furnishings.
The seventh day of your cruise visits Passau, Germany. Join a walking tour of Passau’s Gothic and Italian Baroque architecture and St. Stephan’s Cathedral, or take a guided hike up to the Veste Oberhaus fortress, built in the 13th century.
Your cruise concludes in Vilshofen, a traditional Bavarian town in Germany. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the Old Town center or take a scenic hike in the surrounding countryside.
From Vilshofen, you can choose to have your cruise line transfer you to Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, or Munich, the capital of Bavaria. As the culmination of your Central Europe immersion, I suggest Prague.
Prague is a treasure trove of heritage, art and wonder. Wander streets where Gothic spires meet Baroque splendor, catch a classical concert in a centuries-old hall or soak up the vibes at a lively street performance. Savor traditional Czech cuisine, such as goulash and dumplings, or sip a world-class Pilsner in a cozy pub. From the ICONIC Charles Bridge to the fascinating Jewish Quarter, Prague’s treasures are endless. An insider tip is DavidTravel’s access to warehouses filled with vintage furniture and objects waiting to be discovered.
For dinner or drinks, book a table at Terasa U Prince, a restaurant located on the rooftop of Hotel U Prince Prague by BHG, just steps from the Astronomical Clock in Prague’s Old Town Square, with fabulous 360-degree views of the city. This is where Czech friends introduced me to a favorite cocktail, the BeTon, made with the traditional Czech liqueur Becherovka and tonic water.
When staying a few nights to discover Prague, my first choice for accommodations is Augustine, a Luxury Collection Hotel. Augustine is part of an active, 13th-century Augustinian monastery where monks still reside and pray. Visit the hotel’s St. Thomas Brewery Bar and order monastery-inspired cocktails or St. Thomas Beer, an aromatic dark lager brewed according to the Augustinian monks’ secret and ancient recipe. The Four Seasons Hotel Prague is also recommended.
Ending your river boat trip in Munich is a great choice, too. DavidTravel’s favorite hotels in Munich are Rosewood Munich, Mandarin Oriental Munich, The Charles Hotel, Koenigshof, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Munich and BEYOND by Geisel.
Each of these hotels is centrally located to explore this lovely city’s grand boulevards, historic plazas and artsy vibe. Stop by Marienplatz for a Glockenspiel mechanical clockwork show, which runs daily at 11 a.m. and noon (with extra shows in the summer). Chill in the English Garden’s beer gardens. Delve into art at Alte Pinakothek, one of Europe’s oldest museums, housing masterpieces from the 14th to 18th centuries, including works by Peter Paul Rubens and
Rembrandt. Be sure to check out Nymphenburg Palace and the BMW Museum, as well.
My favorite ship for this voyage is the AmaMagna by AmaWaterways, the world’s widest riverboat, featuring some of the largest cabins in the industry. Top river cruise lines for this voyage include AmaWaterways, Riverside Luxury Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, Tauck and Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. A very good value option is Viking’s River Cruises. Abercrombie & Kent also offers chartered sailings with their signature top-notch touring.
This journey showcases the enduring beauty and charm of Central Europe. A Danube riverboat journey is a perfect introduction to the region and river cruising. Contact DavidTravel for expert guidance and exclusive deals on worldwide travel.
To book your business and leisure travels worldwide, call on David Rubin and his team at DavidTravel. In 1996, David moved from a successful law practice, followed a deep passion for travel and launched his travel company. For more than two decades, David has been on both the Travel + Leisure Magazine “A-List” and the Conde Nast Traveler Magazine “Specialist List” of the world’s top travel advisors. DavidTravel delivers unparalleled style, attention to detail and insider access, uniquely responding to each client’s goals, budget, interests and dreams. Request@DavidTravel.com. www.DavidTravel.com
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By Amalie Rhebeck
Butterfly roofs are easily recognized by the striking, unconventional valley at the center of the roofline.
The upward shape at the ends of the roofline draws the eye outward to the surrounding landscape.
The anatomy of a butterfly roof and what makes it an architectural staple.
It would be a challenge to name a more ICONIC architectural form than the butterfly roof. This structural element is unlike any other, mimicking one of nature’s most delicate and intricate insect species. To learn more about this striking roofline, which marries Mid-Century Modern structure and avant-garde architectural individualism, we spoke with award-winning architect Brent Kendle of Kendle Design Collaborative.
According to Kendle, the butterfly roof design originated in post-war suburban developments of the 1950s and 1960s. Recognized for its unconventional shape, with its peaks positioned at the end of the roofline, forming a “valley” in the center, this unique style became synonymous with the MidCentury Modern character of Palm Springs. Like many architectural and design elements of this time, the butterfly roof was the fusion of creative experimentation and raw individualism. It rejected traditional residential rooflines in favor
of an abstract shape that required a balance of visual aesthetics and functionality. The result was a roofline that drew the eye outward to the surrounding landscape.
The butterfly roof also plays a key role in shaping the home’s interior. Kendle noted that its upward-sloping wings allow for more expansive window openings, drawing in abundant natural light and emphasizing the surrounding views. In turn, those vistas influence furniture placement and how each room is used throughout the day as the sun shifts across the sky.
Today, the butterfly roof remains a staple in modern architecture and home design. While it remains synonymous with the historic modernism of Palm Springs, the butterfly roof has also been incorporated into new homebuilding. Its unorthodox shape and clean lines both command attention while allowing the surrounding landscape to take center stage.
