Introduction
As I look at the work we completed between 2020 and 2025, what I feel most is a sense of clarity and intention. During these years, our studio continued to refine what has always mattered most to me: creating homes that feel deeply connected to their place, their environment, and the people who inhabit them. These projects represent a thoughtful evolution of our work rooted in the desert, shaped by light and land, and guided by a belief that architecture should quietly enrich daily life.
Each home in this book began with listening to our clients’ values, aspirations, and the way they want to live. I have always believed that when architecture responds honestly to those priorities, it can become both pragmatic and poetic. This period of work also reflects a deeper level of discipline in how we design and build: testing ideas, refining details, and ensuring that what is imagined can be realized with integrity. The result is architecture meant to be experienced over time, changing with the sun, the seasons, and the rhythms of everyday life.
This book captures an ongoing pursuit rather than a single moment. It reflects the trust our clients place in us, a continued commitment to excellence in craft, and a shared desire to create homes that feel timeless, authentic, and deeply personal. I remain grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey and am inspired by what still lies ahead.
With much gratitude,
Brent Kendle, AIA, LEED AP Kendle Design Collaborative
Nestled amongst a rich palette of native vegetation, the Desert Fairways Residence slowly reveals itself as it emerges from its lush surroundings. Its design captures the eye, with low masses defining private zones that contrast with a dynamically folded metal plane that shelters the social zone. Changing hues of textured metal cast rhythmic shadows, recalling the ribs of a cactus, while masonry forms shield the interior from western sun.
Inside, the exterior ribbed metal fascia transitions to the visual warmth of a wood ceiling, whose lines draw one’s eye back out to the exterior environment. The refined and sophisticated palette of earth-derived materials continues inside with natural stone floors, rammed earth walls, and ground face masonry surfaces extending into select rooms.
Rammed earth is deeply valued for its aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and connection to place. The material’s rich, earthy tones and organic texture provide a sense of grounding and timelessness, with each wall becoming a work of art.
Serving as both a functional and aesthetic feature, the gallery wall defines the great room and establishes a visual connection between the living and media rooms. This sculptural element not only displays artwork, but also provides a vital buffer against the intense Arizona sun, creating a protective shield for the interior. As sunlight filters through, a carefully orchestrated rhythm of light and shadow unfolds, adding depth and nuance to the space while minimizing direct sunlight, enhancing the room’s comfort and ambiance.
A raised, sculptural pool reflects the blue Arizona sky while simultaneously cascading down its perimeter walls to compose a soothing harmony of sound and visual delight while creating a cool micro-climate within the outdoor living area.
Lounging on the terrace adjacent to the pool, the themes of contrasting elements— the transparency and solidity of the building against the delicate foliage, the distinction of interior to exterior, and play of light and shadow—create a perfect balance and oasis.
The guest suites offer an intimate experience of the desert landscape, with views that blur the line between indoors and outdoors. The nearly frameless glass wall brings the lush desert garden closer, inviting its textures and colors into the room. Beyond, glimpses of the golf course emerge, framed by the lowwater-use plantings that create a seamless connection to the mountain views. In the bathrooms, a “light garden” provides a private outdoor sanctuary, where natural light floods the space while offering a tranquil view of an outdoor sculpture, ensuring both privacy and serenity.
The primary bedroom offers a serene retreat, with eucalyptus paneling creating a calming atmosphere, while burnished masonry walls ground the space. Expansive windows provide panoramic views of the yard, inviting moments of stillness as one relaxes in the reading chairs. The warmth of the eucalyptus extends into the dressing area and bathroom, where custom cabinetry balances the stone-clad walls. Floating mirrors at the vanity frame views of the private courtyard, where trees and sky stretch beyond, creating a harmonious transition from the interior to the natural world outside.
As evening falls, the front terrace becomes a peaceful vantage point to watch the sun set behind the mountains. The space is made cozy with a linear fire feature, providing warmth on cooler nights while enhancing the atmosphere. The lighting accentuates the dynamic forms and ribbed design of the architecture, casting shadows and highlighting the sculptural qualities of the residence. From this quiet perch, the connection to the landscape and the home’s thoughtful design becomes fully realized, embodying the essence of the Desert Fairways Residence: a place where design and nature coexist in harmony, elevating daily life.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Mike and Marsha, Homeowners
RJ Gurley Construction
Holly Wright Design
GBtwo Landscape Architecture
Creative Designs in Lighting
Ema Peter Photography
The Desert Geode Residence is nestled within the Arizona desert, its form slowly revealing itself through a striking silhouette of folding metal planes and rugged, blasted-face masonry. This contrast of materials evokes the layered beauty of a geode, capturing the sunlight while offering a sense of protection and intimacy. The weathered metal surface acts as a strong outer shell, not only providing privacy but also sheltering the luminous interior. As one approaches, the angular roofline unfolds, gently guiding the visitor toward the front entry and creating a unique sense of procession.
The front door serves as an opaque threshold, offering privacy while the layered etched glass tower allows soft light to filter through, sparking curiosity about what lies beyond. The weathered metal panels, framed in blackened steel, suggest durability and strength, grounding the design in the desert landscape.
In contrast, the shimmering, inlaid stacked glass accent bands catch and reflect light, evoking the delicate sparkle of a geode’s core. Together, these materials create a dialogue of contrasts, each enhancing the other’s presence.
The front door is more than an entry; it creates a stunning visual statement while fostering a sense of place that celebrates the interplay of light, materiality, and nature. It frames the passage from exterior to interior as a moment of transition, where the rawness of the desert meets the crafted shelter of the home.
Stepping into the foyer, a lush courtyard immediately unfolds, offering a contained oasis within the expansive desert. At the heart of the design is an oculus, a central feature that draws the brilliant Arizona sky into the space, filling the interior with natural light and establishing an unbroken connection between the home and its surroundings. A floating stair, with its angular wooden treads mirroring the geometry of the architecture, inviting one to ascend into the home’s upper floor.
The design of the Desert Geode Residence harnesses the desert’s most abundant resource—light—transforming it into a dynamic element that marks the passage of time. A laser-cut aluminum screen, inspired by the surrounding desert flora, casts shifting patterns of light and shadow throughout the day. These intricate shadows evolve, enhancing the sensory experience of the architecture and connecting the space to the changing rhythms of the desert landscape.
Inside, expansive glass walls open up to the outer shell-like roof, bathing the space with natural daylight. The material palette softens, with a warm symphony of wood and natural materials creating a sense of intimacy. Metal and stone elements, while referencing the exterior, introduce sophisticated contrasts within the interior. Here, every detail encourages a deeper connection to the natural world, where light, texture, and space merge to create a balanced environment.
On the southern exposure, the residence becomes more transparent, inviting exploration of the various terraces and providing a sense of openness. The infinity edge pool softly cascades, contributing to the passive cooling strategy and enhancing the connection to the surrounding landscape. Framed views extend toward Camelback Mountain, capturing the expansive horizon while offering shelter from the harsh elements. Exterior stairs lead to a balcony, offering a higher vantage point where one can take in the mountain views and sparkling city lights.
The infinity edge pool acts as a mirror to the environment, reflecting shimmering light during the day and the colors of the sunset in the evening. This interplay of reflections transforms the pool into an animated multisensory experience.
A tranquil dining area, cozy fire feature, and open-air cabana, sheltered by a patterned metal trellis and surrounded by lush vegetation, complete this intimate space. At a lower elevation, the sound of water cascading from the pool’s edge adds a soothing layer to the experience, while offering an inviting view of the home’s iconic facade.
The Desert Geode Residence harmonizes the power of nature with modernist design principles, seamlessly blending sustainability and regional sensitivity into an innovative home. The architecture embraces the desert’s rhythms, offering a sanctuary that celebrates the experience of living within this vast and dynamic landscape.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Linda and John, Homeowners
G M Hunt Builders & Remodelers
Wiseman and Gale Interiors
Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture
Creative Designs in Lighting
Ema Peter Photography
The Diamond Crest Residence takes inspiration from the glow of the sandstone ridges to the west when kissed by the morning sun, and the homeowner’s passion for music, both listening and performed. The design unfolds as a series of solid masonry forms, punctuated by subtle planar elements, creating a harmonious rhythm across the facades of the home.
Approaching the entrance, the visitor is greeted by a stone-clad gem-like structure housing the centerpiece of the home – the music room. The materials – split-face limestone, shot-blast masonry, weathered copper, and a medley of metal and glass – create a tactile experience, complemented by the interplay of light and shadows cast on their surfaces from the surrounding trees and cacti.
Stepping through the front door, a striking pivoting metal and glass panel, measuring seven and a half by thirteen and a half feet, unfolds. The door’s design abstractly echoes the home’s overall façade, composed of copper, textured glass, and hot-rolled steel elements. Just inside, a hidden door blends seamlessly into the stacked-bond masonry wall, offering discreet storage for shoes and coats, continuing the home’s refined attention to detail.
Beyond the foyer, the great room opens up with an abundance of natural light, thanks to the floating ceiling that rises towards the view flanked by clerestory windows. A panelized fireplace, with its movable panels, cleverly conceals the television while offering a striking backdrop to the grand piano. A pocketing floor-to-ceiling sliding glass wall dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, creating a seamless flow for gatherings and relaxation. An integrated trellis provides essential shade to this indoor-outdoor living area while framing expansive views of the adjacent fairway, surrounding mountains, and azure sky.
The kitchen features a bespoke Eggersmann design, with a book matched stone slab backdrop that contrasts beautifully with the walnut cabinetry and high-end appliances. Behind this wall, the butler’s pantry and a tucked-away workstation are discretely concealed, with a carefully framed view of the garden from the desk, adding a moment of calm and connection to the natural surroundings.
The music room was intentionally designed to enhance the listening experience of the homeowner’s extensive record collection. With dimensions tailored for optimal acoustics, the room offers dedicated storage for the records, while the dropped ceiling integrates lighting that echoes the keys of a piano, subtly underscoring the room’s musical purpose.
The backyard continues the rhythmic theme established in the front, with its layered landscape design creating unique moments where hardscape, planting, and the raised pool with its chiseled basalt edge converge. Each element contributes to a composition that invites movement and connection with nature.
From below, the trellis above creates a rhythmic dance of light and shadow across the terrace. As the day progresses, the shifting patterns on the ground bring a dynamic quality to the space, inviting quiet moments of reflection or lively interaction.
The primary suite is defined by light and openness, with a skylight gently illuminating the stone-clad shower wall. The soft, diffused light transforms the stone’s texture, while beyond, a private garden offers a serene outdoor space, fostering a quiet retreat within the home.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Randy and Staci, Homeowners
Blaser Construction, Inc.
Rosemary D’Amato Interior Design
Greey|Pickett Landscape Architecture
Ema Peter Photography
Nestled in the prestigious golf community of Forest Highlands, the Flagstaff Forest House is a contemporary residence that quietly harmonizes with its natural surroundings. Unassuming yet visually captivating, this residence is designed to seamlessly integrate among the trees, creating a tranquil retreat in the heart of the forest.
Upon entry, the low profile of the roof and entry portal sets a modest tone that gracefully unfolds into a dramatically scaled great room, offering panoramic views that extend to the treetops. The design intention is to create a space where the boundary between indoors and outdoors is blurred, fostering a connection with the surrounding forest.
Adding to this immersive experience, the primary suite daringly cantilevers into the trees, evoking the feeling of being perched amongst the branches. This architectural choice not only captures breathtaking views, but also deepens the connection with the natural environment.
The wrap-around deck and outdoor dining areas elevate the experience, allowing occupants to immerse themselves in the sensation of camping amid the treetops.
To reinforce the symbiotic relationship with the forest, the home is strategically positioned down the hill among the trees. Leveraging the steep drop of the rock outcropping that bisects the lot, the lower-level houses guest suites, a covered terrace, an expansive home gym and a secret wine cave integrated into the rock outcropping beneath the main house. This stacked configuration not only enhances the visual appeal of the home, but also minimizes the home’s footprint, reduces the number of trees needed to be removed, and ensures that the surrounding trees have ample space to thrive.
The Flagstaff Forest House, with its thoughtful design and symbiotic relationship with nature, emerges as a serene retreat in the heart of the Forest. It is a residence that not only offers panoramic views and a unique living experience, but also stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of modern architecture and the natural beauty of Flagstaff’s forested landscape.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Howard and Lu, Homeowners
Builders Showcase, Inc.
Chimera Interior Design Life Created Photography
PARADISE HILLS
PARADISE VALLEY ARIZONA
The Paradise Hills Residence is anchored to its rocky hillside site by a substantial masonry base, elevating the home to capture sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and distant vistas. The soft curves of the site walls and roof elements gently guide the approach, creating a sense of invitation and fluidity as one draws closer to the home.
Basalt stone walls march from inside to out, gently guiding the visitor towards the entry. With a rhythmic pattern of solidity and void, these stone slabs act as a visual foil to create privacy and separation, while anchoring the home to its rocky hillside site. A large oculus marks the entry portal with light, framing the heavens above, weaving structure and sky together as one.
Basalt stone piers rise from grade to ceiling, framing the homes hearth, reaching beyond the glass line to embrace the garden as an integral component of the home’s composition. Floor to ceiling walls of glass bathe the interior with natural light, blurring lines between indoors and out, while extending the view to the mountain spectacle that surrounds.
Pocketing multi-slide doors allow the interior to seamlessly open up to the exterior terrace, creating a space that invites relaxation, social gatherings, and moments of quiet reflection. The expansive views, complemented by the sparkling pool, are framed by a soaring metal-clad roof that provides much-needed shade from the harsh desert sun. Native desert vegetation along the perimeter of the terrace softly transitions the built environment into the natural landscape of the site below.
At the heart of the home’s open-plan arrangement, a sculpted feature, composed of high-gloss millwork and stone, floats within the larger volume of the home’s social zone, offering ample storage and utility while subtly defining the kitchen, bar, formal and informal dining areas, and circulation pathways. Each surrounding space feels more gracious and connected to each other by virtue of the visually borrowed space of its neighbor. To further define this central feature, a ceiling cloud, adorned with metal and wood, floats above, bringing a feeling of warmth, coziness, and intimate scale to the kitchen and bar area. Natural light from surrounding clerestory windows is diffused by this architectural cloud during the day while indirect lighting creates a halo effect in the evening, adding further drama and refinement to the primary entertainment zone of this home.
The siting of the Paradise Hills Residence offers an intimate connection to the surrounding landscape, allowing one to begin the day with the soft light of the rising sun illuminating the eastern sky behind Mummy Mountain. As the day closes, the shifting colors of the surrounding hills and mountainscape create a tranquil backdrop, offering an ever-changing, serene view from both inside and outside the home.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Shawn and Ania, Homeowners
Alexander Enterprises Construction Development Co., Inc.
GBtwo Landscape Architecture
Ema Peter Photography
PARADISE VALLEY ARIZONA
The White Wing Residence is defined by a sense of simplicity and calm, where the home’s quiet presence is felt from the moment of arrival. Concrete and masonry site walls frame the entry, their textured surfaces shifting in orientation, drawing attention to the interplay of materials. As one enters the first courtyard, trellis elements begin to emerge, filtering the intense Arizona sun and guiding visitors into the shelter of the interior spaces, creating a thoughtful transition between the outside world and the sanctuary within.
The home’s layout wraps around a central courtyard, creating a seamless connection between the interior, the expansive views of Camelback Mountain, and the private yard. The carefully selected materials, both inside and out, impart a timeless quality to the space, allowing a sense of calm and tranquility to permeate throughout, inviting quiet moments of reflection and connection to the natural surroundings.
In the kitchen, a simple yet refined palette of white quartz countertops and midnight blue cabinetry creates a balanced space, punctuated by the gleam of silver hardware, appliances, and fixtures. The design fosters a warm, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for gathering with family and friends, where the quiet beauty of the materials enhances the everyday experience of cooking and connection.
As an extension of the kitchen, the butler’s pantry serves not only as a functional space for meal preparation, but also as a hidden utility area, including space for laundry and for caring for the client’s beloved pet. This thoughtful design element flows seamlessly into the home’s larger rhythm, ensuring that even these everyday tasks remain connected to the broader living experience, without disrupting the home’s overall harmony.
Across the courtyard, the shaded pavilion provides a serene retreat that defines an outdoor living and entertainment space. The zero-edge spool (spa-pool) invites relaxation, while a water feature gently cascades, offering a soothing sensation akin to a spa. The outdoor fire feature, which cleverly conceals a television, completes the space, creating a harmonious environment for both relaxation and gathering with loved ones.
To control and soften the harsh desert sun, a continuous trellis and automated exterior sun shades moderates the flow of light into the home, casting filtered shadows that evoke a feeling of serenity. In the central courtyard, the interplay of concrete and stucco surfaces creates a refined, clean aesthetic, which is softened by the surrounding desert foliage. Glazed bridge-like passages transition between the private and social “islands” of the home, where the sea of lush desert flora washes up to their shore, connecting inhabitant to nature as they move throughout the home.
The family room offers a private, intimate space for guests to enjoy, with direct access to the central courtyard and views of the surrounding natural beauty. The concrete walls of the foyer, visible from this space, form a strong yet understated backdrop, contributing to the room’s grounding atmosphere.
The primary bathroom serves as a sanctuary, where every detail is designed to promote relaxation and wellbeing. With its own access to a private garden and dog run area, the space invites moments of peace and quiet. A luxurious tub offers an opportunity for a deep soak, while custom integrated sinks elevate the sense of refinement, enhancing the spa-like quality of this personal retreat.
As the day draws to a close, the Arizona sunset bathes Camelback Mountain in warm hues, casting soft light through glazed slots in the site walls. This interplay of light and shadow illuminates the central courtyard, creating a striking contrast between the luminous glass and the solid, protective materials that embrace this tranquil sanctuary, capturing the essence of a home that remains in harmony with its surroundings.
Great projects are created by great teams with a common vision. We would like to especially thank our creative collaborators who made this project possible.
Kayla, Homeowner
True North Builders
Holly Wright Design
GBtwo Landscape Architecture
Kevin J Flower Lighting Design
Ema Peter Photography
