Candelaria Design Tour Italy 2014 - Day 4 - Drive to Umbria

Ahhhhhh - the most stressful day of my trip. Putting 15 novice drivers behind the wheel who do not have a clue as to where they are going and all need to stay together in a convoy down the Autostrada! It has always been an adventure, but fortunately for me, always a successful one!  The reward is ending up at the Country Houses in Umbria and finally truly relaxing.

We started our Saturday, Day 4, with breakfast at the Hotel and then a few of us walked to the San Lorenzo Marketplace to stock up on some goodies for our trip to the country and gifts for friends and family back home. The San Lorenzo Marketplace is fantastic. I wish we had one like this in Phoenix - although I would be there everyday picking up fresh meats. fish, veggies, fruits, nuts, berries, olive oil, and of course truffles!!!! I LOVE this place! A quick cappuccino and then a little shopping and it was back to the hotel to pack up and get ready for the rental car adventure.

Ok so the first step is getting everyone checked out of the hotel as transport vans are there at 12 sharp to take us to the rental car location. Checking out went smoothly as it usually does. The transport vans were there for the most part. One made it right to the front door of the hotel, the other two were around the corner and down the street. You see around the corner here in the old part of Florence can mean a space of about 9 feet to make a turn….! So we loaded up some of my travelers at the front door and others had to hike down the busy streets to find the vans in the now crowds of people filling the streets.

So right away everyone is separated. Then I come to find they have moved the pick up location from the airport to in town. Ten years ago - in town - meant really in town. If any of you have ever been to Florence you know that driving "in town" is a big no no even for the most seasoned driver not to mention trying this with 15 novice drivers. So when I heard this my stress level went through the roof! The driver assured me it was not the "In town" location I remembered and that I would be happy with where they were taking me as it was "close" to the airport….????

So off we went - now we were all in adventure mode! As we drove I could tell we were in fact getting very close to the airport which eased my trepidation. I like the Florence airport because you virtually make one turn and you are on the Autostrada heading south towards Rome and our destination. Well our new location was just a few blocks away and underground in a nice air conditioned garage as opposed to the old airport location in full sun - so much better.

Ok then I prepared everyone with the fact that it would take a good two hours to get our 8 rental cars. I always receive a few raised eyebrows but after two hours of getting us all checked in everyone was shaking their head in awe of how well I predicted that. You see in Italy NOTHING moves fast!  As quickly as you can come to terms with that and accept that you are much better. If you expect the efficiency of America you will be disappointed your entire trip. When in Italy chill out and just roll with it and enjoy watching their dramatic banter. Every action is filled with Italian drama!

So after two hours we  had all of our cars lined up in our convoy order with Isabel driving the lead car and me navigating. We were OFF!

Oh but not too far….. we probably went about 4 blocks when the car behind us was flashing us in seemed like utter panic. So at the next stop light I jumped out of my car and ran back to see what the problem was. My rookie driver was shaking in horror ad quickly described the problem….the car would not shift out of first gear. My choice now was to try and get everyone off to the side and wait as I would drive the car back to the garage or see if I could figure out what was wrong in

the middle of a busy thoroughfare with cars honking and gesturing at us to get moving! Meanwhile my other 6 cars were behind us wondering what was going on??? Quickly, I asked the driver to get out, run up to my car and jump in on the passenger side with Isabel and I would try and drive her car and see what was going on.

Luckily, the stick was just in the wrong location and so I was able to get things going! At the next light I flashed Isabel and we did one more Tuscan Fire Drill and shifted back into our respective cars and we were off! Always and adventure…..

A quick two hour drive down the Autostrada and some of the most beautiful countryside and before we knew it we were in Umbria.  From the A1 south we take a left to Perugia and then the exit for Tuoro where we went up and over the hill and then drop down to Lusciano-Niccone Valley and our Umbrian Paradise. We stopped in the small market in Lusciano-Niccone and made that shopkeepers week.

With provisions in tow we made our way throughout the valley and then up a dusty and very steep road to our Country Houses. I love the arrival - from a luxury hotel in the busy city of Florence to these charming stone Country houses with stunning views of the valley below embraced by the hills of Tuscany and Umbria…..it doesn't get much better than this.

With everyone settled and unpacked its up to the main house Casa LaPietra for a home made meal by our host Elizabeth Wholey who runs the operation. She prepared us a wonderful meal featuring truffled hardboiled eggs, peppers stuffed with local sausage, baked figs stuffed with gorgonzola cheese and wrapped in bacon. This was followed by homemade lasagna and a salad dressed with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and honey - the best. This capped off with pana cotta and fresh local berries…..heaven.

Ok - we made it to Umbria. From dining at the Villa San Michele the night before to dining in an old Country Farmhouse Kitchen - that is the contrast I love to paint for my travelers. Both so different, yet both so magical and amazing. Welcome to Italy!

Candelaria Design Tour Italy 2014 - Day 3 - Florence

Good morning from Italy!

On Day 3 we enjoyed everything about Florence! We started the day with a walking tour led by none other than me. I love this experience - rising before the crack of dawn and heading out onto the streets before a soul awakes. The streets are empty, there is very little sound, and the indigo light of the morning sky gradually transforms and brings this time capsule of the Renaissance into another day. I believe 9 of my travelers answered the bell and joined me in the lobby at 6 am. We were off and walked for 2 hours exploring the Piazza del Duomo, San Lorenzo Market, the Piazza Republica, the Palazzo Pitti, and the Piazza Republica along with many streets and sights along the way.

We then made our way back to the hotel for a lovely breakfast and then a group of us went for a quick climb up the Giotto's Campinile - what a work out only to be rewarded by an amazing view! All of these structures are unbelievable - the craftsmanship, the thought and engineering all constructed over several years and three architects. Started in 1334 by Giotto di Bondoneand then finished in 1359 by Francesco Talenti. 25 years to build and of course it is stall standing some 650 years later. A far cry than some of our grand stadiums that are lucky if they last 25 years! You have to love our disposable way of life today….

After the climb we took a quick pass through the interior of the main cathedral and returned back to the hotel for a quick cat nap. Then Isabel and I grabbed a quick bite and then joined 10 of us for a guided walking tour of Florence including the Accademia where of course the David is housed. We toured the Cathedral one more time - only in amazing detail, the Accademia and then the Palazzo Vecchio and the Piazza del Signoria. So fascinating to get an understanding of all the challenges and time these people went through to virtually survive and at the same time express themselves both from an artistic and political manner. Its funny how things seem so different now in modern life yet are so the same. We share the same struggles to put food on the table three times a day, protect ourselves from danger and our enemies, yet strive to create beauty along the way.

With the tour complete we all gathered for in the lobby for our trip up the hills above Florence to the Villa San Michele for cocktails on the terrace and dinner on the loggia overlooking the city. What a magical time to drive up the hill - out of the hustle and bustle of the city and to the cypress dotted hills of Tuscany. The dinner at Villa San Michele is truly a highlight of the trip. I have had the same waiter, Antenello, for over 10 years. The building was originally constructed as a monastery by none other than Michealangelo, and it is truly spectacular, sophisticated, and elegant. Belinis were served on the terrace, followed by a fantastic dinner of mushroom raviolis, salad, and sliced roast beef with a Brunello sauce. Only to be outdone by an amazing dessert. What a treat and what a contrast to dining on the streets the night before.

Candelaria Design Tour Italy 2014 - Day 1 & 2

Our trip is off to a fantastic start! A couple of my travelers unfortunately got bumped off a connecting flight as they were coming via a different route and ended up taking a tour through Germany - but they finally made it.

The rest of us all made it on time and with no luggage hiccups this year! We checked in and was able to relax, catch a quick cat nap, get some Euros from the ATM and get ready for our first full evening in Florence.




We are staying in the Hotel Brunelleschi which is the  best place to stay for the money while in Florence. It is right in the middle of all the action and is extremely convenient. The hotel was redecorated a few years ago and is just stunning - a great combination of old and modern - transitional I like to say, and they nailed it. The staff is fantastic and I have had the same staff here for me for over 14 years.






We all met in the Hotel bar for a welcome cocktail and then it was a short walk to the Piazza del Duomo and the restaurant right there on the piazza -  Buca san Giovanni Nothing better than dining right on the street with the duomo as your backdrop on your first night in Italy. We started with an appetizer mixer that seemed endless and then our main course. Ok, everyone thinks pasta and pizza when they come to Italy, but in Tuscany steak is king! The Bistecca all a Fiorentina is the way to go! I warn everyone these are big…. and yes they are! Two steaks can handle a table of 16 well my travelers must have been hungry as they order six of them! I love the looks on their faces when the waiter drops these massive steaks on a cutting board in front of them. A little chianti, steaks, the cool fall air and the duomo as a backdrop - how better to kick off the first evening???

Following dinner it was off for a nice evening stroll, a cigar, and of course a gelato. What a nice way to wind up our long day of traveling!

Candelaria Design Tour Italy 2014 – Tour 11

We are off!!!  And so we begin our 11^th tour. It’s hard to believe that I did my first tour 14 years ago with two clients. This year we have 17 travelers from several different locations from the country. I have a number of repeat travelers and some travelers who have never been to Europe.  Every tour is so different – obviously due to the people. This year I have all ages and all walks of life. That’s the other aspect I enjoy of this trip, watching the group come together and the friendships that are created.

This whole trip started with a client who wanted to have us design a “Tuscan” home. I convinced him and his wife to go to Italy and really research what a true “Tuscan” home was all about. At the same time I was working on a remodel for a travel agent. I told her of my other client’s desire to go to Italy and so she put the whole trip together for us and asked to join us. That is how it all started!

During and after the trip, my clients encouraged me to make this part of our business plan. So the next year I promoted the tour and was surprised to get 8 travelers…. The Candelaria Design Tour Italy was born! I’ve had every size group ever since from four travelers to up to 22 travelers. Ages from 8 to 75!

This year we will fly from Phoenix to Washington DC for a short layover and a chance to stretch out, charge the phones and computers, make some calls and then we fly across the pond to Brussels, Belgium. Another quick layover and a plane switch and then we move on to our final destination – Florence, Italy!

Each trip has its own challenges, joys, apprehensions, laughter, surprises, and most of all great memories. Despite all the great planning by my staff – primarily Evelyn –  things happen!!! It’s just like life. You deal with it, keep things positive, and turn what might be perceived as a hiccup into an amazing experience and memory! 

So here we go! We are off on another adventure! Follow along here on our blog and on our Candelaria Design Tour Italy Facebook Page. I will do my best to keep up with the trip and we will be adding much more video clips this year.  Next year we will go to the Amalfi Coast and Positano and Capri. So make sure you get your reservation in as the trip fills up fast during and right after this trip.

Here is this year’s itinerary:

September 24^th          Departure for Florence

September 25^th          Our arrival in Florence and dinner on the        Piazza del Duomo.

September 26^th          Our day in Florence and dinner at Villa San Michele

September 27^th          Drive to Umbria and our arrival dinner at our Country Homes

September 28^th          Brunch at Villa Piazzano and dinner in Cortona

September 29^th          Perugia and Assisi

September 30^th          Wine tour in Tuscany

October 1^st                 Farmer’s Market in Umbertide, Antique shopping, cooking class farm houses                                                  

October 2^nd                San Gimignano and Siena

October 3^rd                 Free day at the Farm Houses

October 4^th                 Drive to Lake Como and arrival at Villa d’Este

October 5^th                 Lake Como & Milan

October 6^th                 Lake Como

October 7^th                 Fly home to Phoenix

Finally, Thanks for all who attended Isabel and my American Wedding reception last week! We had a such a great time and it was wonderful to see so many of you!! We also appreciate and thank all of you for the gifts to the American Heart Association on our behalf.  Here are a few pics from that wonderful day and evening!

Ciao,

MARCO

The Move is On & Done!

Ok August went by like a blink of an eye. My last blog was written from Santa Fe on August 10^th and here it is September 7^th already! Geez…. And I’ve squeezed in a trip to New York and of course the office move! Yes we are all moved – from our offices on 12^th Street and Campbell to our new home on the 4^th floor at 6900 East Camelback Road right next to Nieman Marcus! How perfect is that ladies! In fact when you leave our office building you have to walk through the Ladies Shoe Department of Nieman Marcus…..

First and foremost, I have to thank in particular my associate and Director of Operations, Evelyn Jung, for spearheading the idea of moving us to Scottsdale. She willed it and made it happen – and trust me it has not been easy! Second, I want to thank my Project Manager, Peter Ekema, who ran the day to day architectural and construction administration side of the project. From coordinating the design (try coordinating the desires and wishes of 12 architects) and drawings to being on site virtually every day during the construction! Great job you two!!!

 

Of course they shipped me to NYC the week the office was moving so I would be out of the way and the whole CDA team could make the move. That was a smart decision. Thank you!!! After moving my home in July and now the office in August it has been quite the whirlwind – all the while keeping the projects moving! 

But we are there, we are in, and we are loving it! Our clients are loving it – better parking, Scottsdale location, shopping, and restaurants. The AV equipment goes up this week along with our pictures and artwork so it is coming along and soon I’ll be able to have all my presentation tools at my fingertips.

Get ready for our Open House later this Fall! In the meantime, stop by for an espresso and come check us out!

From New Mexico to New York

My life is full of contrasts - that is totally who I am. I remember telling Isabel this when we first met…."we could be riding horses in the boonies in the morning and attending a black tie fund raiser that same evening - so if you are up for that and that works for you this will work out!" Of course she was on board and I'm sure she would be the first to tell you that our lives have lived up to that statement.

I write this week's blog from the boonies of Northern New Mexico and next weekend we will be staying in Mid-Town Manhattan! What more of a contrast can you find than that - and I LOVE both. Northern New Mexico is special to me in that our Candelaria ancestors originated from this region and my wife Isabel was born here. So this is kind of a second home. I love the land, the architecture, the friends we have made here, and especially the food! Red chile, huevos rancheros, tortillas…..oh my God, this is some of the best and just like my Grandma Rose used to make.

We are relaxing this weekend on Isabel's cousin, Jarred Conley's ranch north of Española, and just a bit south of Goergia O'Keefe's Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu. What great country and how appropriate to be in O'Keefe's lands this weekend and her antitheses next weekend, New York!










We toured an amazing home in the area that Jarred has the listing on Hacienda Gracias in Abiquiu that is a very unique interpretation and adaptation of Luis Barragan / Legorreta architecture of Mexico to the style and landscape of Northern New Mexico. From there we went to the Abiquiu Inn for breakfast and then made our way to Chama, NM and then up to the top of Northern New Mexico and Jarred's family's ranch up in the Tusas Mountains. After a relaxing afternoon we went to Taos for dinner and then back to Jarred's ranch. Nice loop across some amazing country.

Northern New Mexico has so much to explore from desolate deserts to green aspen and pine covered mountains. Coming here is like going to a foreign country with the Hispanic and Native American cultures taking precedent. There are small towns we stop in at and you are hard pressed to find anyone speaking English. There are places here that time has literally forgotten and so many of them to explore and experience. It's been so nice to sleep with the doors and window open, hear the coyotes howl in the distance, and feel the spirit of this land.

So let's move from that image to cabbies, skyscrapers, and Times Square…..that will be about as far from the New Mexico howling coyotes as one could get but I love NYC just as much. What a contrast in energy. I always feel it when we cross the East River and you arrive in Manhattan - I can feel the vibe and electricity of this place. Speaking of cultures - you name, it it is here. Architecture, food, people, sights, sounds - energy! We are coming this time for Isabel to hit the market and we have two sets of clients meeting us for a little shopping - and of course we will make some time for some fantastic dinners.  Little Italy, Chelsea's, Upper West Side…..Finally, I look forward to checking out the completed Freedom Tower and 911 Memorial. Looking forward to seeing the progress since I was here in April.

Busy weeks ahead….the office move is right around the corner and of course the Candelaria Design Tour Italy is only 45 days away! Stay tuned for my blog next week from Manhattan!

Summer Adventures

I hope everyone is having a great summer. It's August and we have at least come close to the halfway point of summer here in Arizona. Hence the reason I do most of my traveling in August and especially in September. September is the toughest month in Phoenix/Scottsdale. It's September, football, fall, school, yet its still 100 gazillion degrees out. So - its the perfect time to just go somewhere else where fall does begin in September.






Some of my favorites places of course are Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Santa Fe, Colorado, NYC and oh ya….ITALY! All but Colorado are on the Candelaria agenda for the next two months. And just to make things interesting,  let's throw the Candelaria Design office move in there capped off with the Candelaria Design Tour Italy at the end of September. I love all of these places for the lifestyle, culture, architecture and of course the food! Sharing these times and trips with my lovely, Isabel, even makes them more special. Do you see a trend here…..?





We are finishing a nice extended weekend here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. We are very fortunate to have three projects going up here now to add to our four completed projects. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love this place. One of my projects here was my first project period for Candelaria Design. In 1999 my good friend, Patrick Murphy, brought me up here and encouraged me to go on my own and make his project my first. I am typing this blog from that cabin/lodge now some 15 years later! From there I ended up purchasing a second home right across the street that I had for nearly six years. What good times we had being neighbors up here and platooning my Candelaria Design staff and their families up here in the summer.  So the remodel of that home became my second project.

Then we got a wonderful commission to design a home for a couple in Black Rock - a beautiful golf community just south of Coeur d'Alene. We were here all afternoon and evening this Friday getting the home professionally photographed and of course spent the night in the guest room downstairs called the Candelaria Suite. Earlier that same day, one of my outstanding associates, Vivian Ayala, and I measured up our newest project, a master suite addition to an amazing home on Hayden lake which is just north of Coeur d'Alene. This was Vivian's first time here and she brought her husband and daughter to come up for the fun. I get the feeling they loved it and will be back. While we were there we toured the home we designed right next door - a magnificent 10,000 sf lake home for another amazing couple who truly inspire me. He likes to call me "Lefty" and we had some fun times creating that masterpiece together.  To top it all off we are designing a fun 3500 sf mountain spec home on Lot 176 at Gozzer Ranch here in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. This is a little gem sited on a beautiful pond overlooking a fun par 3. Nighthawk Lot 176

As you can tell from reading this - it's not just about creating a set of plans and getting a permit. That is not what Candelaria Design or I am about. It's about the experience - not only the creation of block and timber, but of the creation of a friendship. We (my staff and I) have became such great friends with these clients and it has brought such fulfillment to all of our lives. I think that is the real point of taking on a commission and designing something as personal as a house for someone. If you can't put your heart and soul and friendship out there then it's not worth it - at least on my side of the equation. The richness this approach has added to my life is unmeasurable. I truly appreciate the friendships, graciousness, generosity, and hospitality I have received from all of these clients.

It has been so rewarding and educational to spend evenings with clients in these homes, watch them use them, cook with them in the kitchen we all worked so hard to create, spend a night and really understand how it all feels - it's the best.

Yes - I do travel a lot and I do like to cook, play the piano, sing and spend time with my clients. I absorb it all and it all becomes this huge database that I draw upon in the design of every home. Not just the layout and the details but what that plan will do to steer every moment in a client's life. The other thing I have learned is that small details and adjustments in a home no matter how big or small can make such a difference in how you live and experience life each day. We take it all for granted and we don't realize the opportunities to live so much better that we do. Great design and taking the time to really think it through and create something that is a complete reflection of who you are and more importantly where you want to go can make all the difference. But don't wait for the chance to design a whole home. Take a room and dial it it and watch the difference, then go from there……

Life is an adventure…..live!

July 2014 - Get Ready for the MOVE!

Movin' on Up!

I hope everyone is having a great summer! We are about halfway through it. We have been doing our best to escape the 100º plus temps as have our clients. I have enjoyed hearing about all the trips.

Couple things - make sure you VOTE for us at Ranking Arizona. We greatly appreciate your support and have been Voted number 1 every year since 2012. So we hope we can keep our streak alive.

Well speaking of 100º plus temps - what better time to be moving than in July and August! Yes Candelaria Design is on the move! As many of you know, our Candelaria Design studio has been located in a wonderful, Al Beadle office building at the southwest corner of 12th Street and Campbell, since April of 2000. 14 years plus at this location and it has served to be a productive home for us.

But it is time to make a move and we are very excited to announce our upcoming relocation to the AmTrust Tower in Downtown Scottsdale. Our new studios will be located on the 4th Floor of the Tower and our elevator will bring you up from the Scottsdale Fashion Square parking structure and when you leave you will pop right down to the Neiman Marcus Women's Shoe Department….what could be better than that for my clients!

Our new offices are slightly larger than our current location but it is laid out so much nicer. Our decor will be clean, sleek, and simple infused with warm materials for a transitional vibe. Our reception area will feature a contemporary reception desk with a white washed, reclaimed brick backdrop feature wall from Telluride Natural Stone and of course a large screen TV always featuring our work and TV Show. We will then have two conference rooms in the new office which will allow us to have a lot more flexibility to set up for samples, consultants and in house team meetings and design charrettes. Then along with a few private office a Kitchen and Copy Room we will have a beautiful and large design studio for all of our staff's work stations with a central throw space and community table which will be great during working hours and equally functional for after hour parties and get togethers.




We are set to move in right before the Labor Day weekend and I cannot tell you how excited we are. Follow our move on our Candelara Design Facebook Page at Candelaria Design on Facebook.We will announce a Grand Opening Open House this fall once the temps come down and everyone is back in town. We want to thank so many of our vendors for helping us pull this all together. We will feature all of you and your work on a follow up Blog once the offices are complete and we can get some professional photos featuring your work.





Also - stay tuned to our show on The Design Network. We are changing our name from Architainment to Sketch with Season 2 that we will be releasing this coming month. Our opening episode will feature the transformation of one of our homes in Arcadia, along with our Guest Chef evening with Marcellino's Restaurante and the $5,000 we raised for St. Mary's Food Bank. This episode ties it all together. Other Episodes will feature our office move; a transform on another Candelaria Design home in Paradise Valley in time for our client's wedding which we will also feature; an amazing North Central home and its secret wine cellar, our extreme Guest Houses, and then great grand finale that you will hear more about as we get closer to the date…..stay tuned.

Finally, if you are a Flipboard fan enjoy our Candelaria Design Lifestyle magazine on Flipboard featuring architecture, design travel, food, wine, cars, fashion, tech, lifestyle….. its a lot of fun and easy to use.

Ok - stay cool and stay safe and enjoy life! Here we go!

Candelaria Design participates in the 2014 Phoenix Dream Center

Congratulations to everyone and all the teams, vendors and subcontractors that participated in the rework of six rooms at The Phoenix Dream Center!!! Our room was revealed yesterday for the first time to two special young ladies who will now call this their home. I want to give a special thanks to my Project Manager, Peter Ekama, who spearheaded the architecture for our Team. 

Last September Candelaria Design Associates was invited to take part in the phase II renovation of the Phoenix Dream Center’s Hope Wing by Mark and Chrissy Donnelly who spearheaded this entire project. Candelaria Design Associates was joined by Lynda Martin and Rebecca Arteaga of Camelback Interiors and John Gurley of RJ Gurley Construction and given one former Embassy Suites to transform from its worn and dated state into a home for two women and their newborns. 

Candelaria Design Associates jumped at the opportunity to use our design capabilities to enhance the lives of two women we have yet to meet. Our room, #409, will help expand the capabilities of the PDC’s fourth floor Hope Wing, which is already operating at capacity.

Since 2009, PDC has implemented an amazing outreach program called The Rescue Project (http://www.rescueprojectphx.org/) to bring women to the Hope Wing, and through their efforts, more than 161 women have taken part in the program with 100% retention. The Phoenix Dream Center provides rescue, housing, education, counseling, legal, and medical services, and much needed love and support for women to rebuild their lives shattered by commercial sexual exploitation.

Our room, among the others, plays a key role in providing the safe and loving environment for the women and their children to heal, dream, and ultimately thrive. A beautiful and safe well-design space goes a long way in fostering Hope. CDA thanks all those who have helped to bring our labor of love to fruition. Please come see what we believe is just the beginning of transformations, with many more transformations to come in the lives of the women and children that now make the Hope Wing their home.

 

http://www.phxdreamcenter.org/hope_wing

If you were unable to make the Open House the September Issue of Arizona Foothills Magazine will feature the Phase II Dream Rooms as well as many of the people and companies that contributed to making the rooms possible. Arizona Foothills will also hold a voting similar to Arizona Ranking (http://azbigmedia.com/vote-ranking-arizona) for the public to vote on their favorite Dream Room.  

If you would like to join the efforts of the Phoenix Dream Center through either physical or monetary donations please contact Kathie Gadberry the Dream Center’s Chief Development Officer at kathie@pdcfoundation.org phone: 602.346.8778. We will be gearing up for next year’s makeover so please join us in making a difference. All donated materials and labor are tax deductible.

Thanks to the following Vendors and Subs - your generosity is so appreciated! Many if not all of you are good friends and companies we have had the pleasure of working with over the last 30 years. Thanks for stepping up and making us all look good!!!:

Alexander Sinclair, Banker Insulation, Breinholt Demolition, Ceramica, Chisel Marble & Granite, Clyde Hardware, CopperStone Construction, Creative Designs in Lighting, Creative Metals, Currey Plumbing, Dennis Sage Home Entertainment, Distinctive Custom Cabinetry, Ed Nolte Quality Painting, F1 Cabinets & Furniture, Foreman Furniture, Horizon Art, J Squared, Kravet Fabric,  La Galleria of Scottsdale, MAS Framing, MCC - James Morrissey, Norcon Industries, One Way Electric, Premiere Wood Floors, Roardrunner Glass, Saguaro Drywall, Sexton, Sierra Pacific, Superior Stucco, Surface Refinements, Today's Window Automation Systems & Design, & Younger Brothers!

Let's get Summer Started!

It is time for summer to begin….105º, 110º, 118º???? The mass exodus to the coast, the lakes and the high country has begun. I am off to Durango, San Francisco and Dallas in the next month. Durango and San Fran sound good – Dallas might not be the perfect spot to spend the end of June but I’ll be heading to Coeur d’Alene for the week of the 4^th so that will definitely be the reward.

One of the things I love about our body of work are the summer getaways we get to design! From homes in Colorado, Mexico, Canada,  LaJolla, Coeur d’ Alene, Northern California, to now a lake house in Michigan – what fun! It’s amazing the different approach a client takes with their getaway house from their primary residence. Even their spirit and energy is different.  – so it becomes a very creative endeavor. It all becomes more about living and enjoying life and not so much about working and getting the kids ready for school. It’s about barbecues and entertaining, guests, sleepovers and outdoor spaces.

I think second homes make sense when your children are very young or when you are an empty nester. When your children are in those tween and teen years it is just tough to get everyone there. Second homes also make good sense as a family compound where you share the whole place amongst the family…..if you can get everyone on the same page. Of course, there is always the upkeep, taxes, and HOA’s to deal with any home and vacation and second homes seem to always have their share – especially because they sit empty sometimes for weeks or months.

We have designed some amazing second homes. The key is being able to accommodate lot’s of people at any one time. From a large functioning kitchen, to plenty of outdoor spaces, to ample places to sleep including some creative bunk rooms. It’s all about making it fun and beautiful.

People always ask us can we use you to design our home even if it’s outside of Phoenix. The answer is an affirmative YES! We love it and because design is so virtual anymore we can design a home anywhere. The key is to have your initial meetings on site to really understand the place, spend some time with the local governing authorities to give them some face time, and get to know some local builders and generally a local structural and civil engineer. Once the preliminary design is going everything else can be done long distance – not an issue! We love being able to work with different materials and styles and a different climate and landscape.

So with summer coming keep Candelaria Design in mind not only for your Arizona home but anywhere…..perhaps Italy!!!

Spring 2014 - Possibilities

What a busy start to this year! WOW – I have already traveled to Las Vegas, San Diego, San Francisco, North Carolina, Kansas City, and now New York City and its only April. Off to Denver next weekend to start on a new project, and get a little fly fishing in up in Wyoming and then back to Denver to help my mom and dad move to Phoenix! I am so excited they are moving closer to me. I am looking forward to some of my mom’s amazing cooking and just having more time with them! Then it’s off to Couer d’Alene in a couple weeks to start the design on a new home on Hayden Lake.

All this traveling is totally for fun – fun projects!!! We have eight projects going in California, one now in Idaho after completing four, a couple going in Colorado, several in New Mexico, one in Las Vegas, and a lake house in design in Michigan. Excited about all that’s brewing in Kansas City and Dallas too!  Of course I always work some non-working fun in too on these trips! New York was one of those strictly non-working trips….I took my three daughters, ages 26, 12 and 8 for their first trip to New York. What fun and wow did we cover some ground….as anyone knows who travels with me.  More on that below.

On May 20^th I will be the Guest Chef with my good friend Marcellino Verzino at his fantastic restaurant, Marcellino’s in Old Town Scottsdale.  This started with us selling the 16 spots around the exhibition kitchen table for $165 a pop but then decided to auction the 16 spots off and donate the proceeds to the St. Mary’s Food Bank. We have roughly a month to go and we have already raised over $2500. Go to this link and get your spot! www.candelariadesign.com/auction/ We will be filming the evening for one of our Architainment episodes for Season 2. www.thedesignnetwork.com This is going to be a really fun evening so come join us for some fun and great food and wine! By the way – thanks for the over 250,000 views of Architainment’s Season 1 – on to Season 2!

Meanwhile,  besides my mom and dad moving we are moving our offices. We have been in our little Al Beadle courtyard office for 14 years and this summer we will be relocating to the 4^th floor of the Am-Trust Tower in Scottsdale just to the west of Nieman Marcus and the Scottsdale Fashion Square. Imagine a Candelaria Design meeting and then go right down the elevator and into the Nieman Marcus shoe department….

In terms of exciting projects we are now underway on the design of the Residence at Mountain Shadows. We are designing a number of models that will range in size from 3800 sf to 5500 sf. The plans will be very open with indoor-outdoor features, roof decks with incredible views of Camelback, three car garages and a transitional style. We will be downsizing our typical Paradise Valley 7500-10000 sf home with all of its bells and whistles into these comfortable gems we will be creating. Get ready for more on this!

Our 2014 Candelaria Design Tour Italy is SOLD OUT and we will be starting to fill spots for our 2015 May trip to Florence, Umbria/Tuscany, and Positano/Capri.  This year will be our 11^th tour and we have 20 people traveling with us. Our itinerary this trip includes Florence, Umbria/Tuscany and Lake Como. I am looking forward to this year’s trip and the group we have going! Isabel and I will celebrate our one year anniversary at the Villa d’Este where we got married on the last day of our Tour Italy last year.

Ok now on to New York…. What a great trip we had this last week. I love New York and have now been there several times – the first time being a spur of the moment trip where I was in Virginia for my brother’s wedding in 1990 and I convinced my mom and dad to hop in a rental car after the wedding and we drove up the entire eastern seaboard in one day ending up in Manhattan at dusk whereupon we drove across the Holland Tunnel and parked in the basement of the World Trade Center, took the elevator up to the observation deck and grabbed some pizza.  Got back into the car and then drove across the Brooklyn Bridge and back across Manhattan and then all the way to Philadelphia where we found a hotel.  What a great trip and the only time my folks have been to NYC, and of course the last and only time I was in the World Trade Center. Wow has life and times changed since then.

This trip I took the girls to as many spots as I could in the five days we were there including the new Freedom Tower and the 911 Memorial, the Empire State building, the Today Show, Rockefeller Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral for Easter Mass, a Broadway play – Mamma Mia – Little Italy for dinner, Mario Batali’s Eatly for lunch, Chelsea’s Market, Central Park, Strawberry Fields, 5^th Avenue for shopping, a ferry ride around Manhattan, Carnegie Deli, and of course Times Square.

 

I love NYC and the can do attitude this city represents. Nothing stops it – it just goes and goes and goes…..I like that as you can probably tell! Every trip I find new great places to dine and new streets to explore. I enjoyed getting the girls out of their safe little Phoenix bubble and showing them a place like this with people from every corner of the world. I know it really opened their eyes to what a big world it is.

I love travel for that reason – it keeps your eyes open and shows you endless possibilities. I love possibilities….

The Cinder Box - Micro Dwell

  

 This winter Candelaria Design Project Manager Damon Wake teamed up with friend and fellow architect Hunter Floyd to design and build a miniature dwelling unit for an exhibition at the Shemer Art Center in Arcadia http://www.shemerartcenter.org 

Appropriately named, The Cinder Box, the tiny structure has been on display for the MicroDwell 2014 exhibit (http://www.microdwelling.net/) since the middle of February.  This Sunday was the last day of the show but the Cinder Box will still be on display for another month as it is currently for sale (http://www.cinderboxdwelling.com/).

         

Last year Fire Captain and custom steel Fabricator Patrick McCue started the first MicroDwell Exhibit at the Shemer.  With his experience in steel work at his company RocketFAB (http://www.rocketfab.com/), Pat was inspired to build a small house to sit inside one of his warehouse spaces.  He convinced a few more builders to make structures to display at the show and thus MicroDwell was born.  The Shemer Art Center and Museum, located on Arcadia (50^th St.) and Camelback Road, has a large orchard space that was perfect for the display of small scale structures.  This year’s exhibit featured 13 structures nestled between orange trees.  All of the units vary in size, program, and construction.

 After last year’s show, Hunter and Damon were inspired to design and build their own tiny structure.  While Damon has been working on houses of many scales with Candelaria Design for more than two years, Hunter has been at Corgan working on the commercial side of architecture, primarily on schools and airports.  The summer collaboration resulted in the design of the Cinder Box.

   Once the design was complete, they put together marketing material to raise money for the materials.  After setting up a Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/cinderboxmicrodwelling) they started a crowd funding campaign.  Their campaign on the site Crowd Hoster (https://open.crowdtilt.com/) raised about $5,800.  Combined with their own funds they embarked on the construction the day after Thanksgiving.  Working nights, weekends, and Holidays, they completed the structure after several long nights and workdays for the show which opened on February 15.

While Damon and Hunter have been drawing up plans for years neither had any construction experience.  Damon worked as a shop technician at Cornell University in the Colleges of Architecture and the Sculpture department several years ago so his skills were rusty. The building process was slow going at first as they figured out, often the hard way, how to put a home together, but the experience proved invaluable.

The plans were simple.  Just some dimensioned framing plans and some elevations.   Much of the design and detailing happened in the field.  As all contractors know, many important decisions are made in the field as the structure starts to take shape.  This was no different.  As the framing went up Hunter and Damon made tweaks to the design, taking advantage of the opportunities they saw inherit in the structure.

           

The design concept was inspired by the dichotomy of desert ecologies.  The exteriors of rough surfaces like cactus and succulents contrast with the fleshy interior that hold the moisture necessary for desert life.  The simple form is clad in a burnt wood that contrasts with the birch plywood interior.  The wood burning technique called “shou-sugi-ban” was borrowed from an ancient Japanese method of burning cypress.  It protects the wood from pests and rot while making it fire resistant.  The plywood’s natural grain is exposed by sealing it with a clear coat of water based polyurethane.  The contrast allows the interior to glow like jewel box while the outside deals with the harsh desert sun.

            The overall structure is 200 square feet.  Not being plumbed gives the structure the flexibility to be dropped on most properties in the Valley without a building permit.  The front entry is set back to create a porch with doors and windows on the north and east sides.  This helps keep the space cool during the day as no direct sun hits the glass after the early morning.  The main living space is big enough for a couch or a fold out bed.  At the back wall is a desk alcove, a closet, and deep set steel shelves that double as a ladder to the loft bed above.  The whole unit is wired with LED lights at the desk and in the wall niches behind the couch.  It also has wiring for Internet and Cable TV.  They also pre-wired for a future mini-split AC system.

 

The structure consists of 2x10 studs which allowed for R30 insulation.  The over structured frame was also necessary to keep the unit rigid during transport.  It was primarily built in a lot in downtown Phoenix before a crane picked it up and placed it on a double-drop low boy trailer.  Then the crane picked it up again and dropped it at its current home on the Shemer’s back yard.  Sitting on 10” concrete blocks allows it to stay portable and move as the future owner sees fit.

Decorative niches with cove lights change color and provide an opportunity for storage or art.  The hot rolled steel plates with water jet hand holes were kept raw to expose the natural “mill scale” finish that the steel comes with out of the steel mill.  Pipe fittings also serve as a hand rail and guard rail at the loft.

Brandon Boetto of SlabHaus(http://slabhaus.com/) teamed up with Hunter and Damon to make a custom piece of concrete furniture just for the dwelling.  They took the burnt wood theme and created a board formed light weight concrete slab for a coffee table.  Brandon floated a piece of glass over the table and set it on top of four inset hair pin legs.  The table was raffled off in an Instagram competition.

The Cinder Box is perfect for any use from a cabin up north to a back yard studio or guest bedroom.  It can fit a TV in front of the couch and be Man Cave or just a get-away space for the kids.  The space is flexible enough to fit the needs of any future owner.  The design is flexible enough to be customized to meet an owner’s needs.  The structure is for sale so Hunter and Damon are still talking to any potential buyers (http://tinyhouselistings.com/cinder-box-dwelling/).

So far the reception has been better than expected.  Articles on the show and specifically on the Cinder box have appeared in the New Times (http://blogs.phoenixnewtimes.com/jackalope/2014/02/microdwell_2014_at_the_shemer.php) , the Arizona Republic, NPR (KJZZ)( http://kjzz.org/content/19779/microdwell-celebrates-diminutive-digs) , Houzz.com (http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/24234311) , Fox 10 News (http://www.myfoxphoenix.com/story/24795943/2014/02/22/microdwell-exhibit-demonstrates-minimalist-living-at-phoenix-exhibit) , tinyhouseswoon.com (http://tinyhouseswoon.com/cinder-box/) , and more.  Hunter and Damon are also due to appear on the cover of the magazine LocalReVibe this next month.  Channel 11 local Phoenix news is also due to have a piece on the show coming up.

Now that the show is ending, they are both ready for some long needed rest.  As this second quarter of 2014 starts to heat up both Candelaria Design and Corgan have had the good fortune of getting busier in this improving economy.  Damon and Hunter are excited to focus on their respective roles as Project Managers while they bring their newly added building experiences back to the office! So you see, we don’t just design mega-mansions – even in Arcadia!

Honoring and Remembering George Christensen & Bruce Kimball

In the last month many of us in the design community both celebrated and honored the lives of two architects who not only changed the Arizona landscape with their wonderful designs and collaborations but inspired and mentored many of us. Last month we lost one of the best free hand designer and sketcher in Bruce Kimball and this last week we celebrated what would have been the 85^th birthday of the late George Christensen.

I met both of these two amazing mentors in 1979 while attending ASU. George was one of my professors and Bruce taught sketching and rendering. I was fortunate enough to get my first job in an architect’s office in 1982 when I started as a draftsman for Christensen, Roberts and Jones and ended up becoming George’s partner, along with Brian Cassidy and Kym Billington in 1987.  This partnership lasted until 1999 when George retired and I went on to open Candelaria Design. 

During all of this time we were always collaborating with the talents and friendship of  Bruce Kimball who did a lot of our quick conceptual sketches and renderings from George’s amazing ideas and concepts. All I can say – and anyone who knew these two – was that we worked hard and we played hard! We would crank all day on a design charette and then as we approached the finish line George would crack a bottle of Dewar’s and pour everyone a Dewar’s with a splash and off we went solving the world’s problems!

I learned so much from these two – of course the most important lesson – working hard and playing hard. Skills from design and sketching to just how to work with and collaborate with clients and bring their wishes to reality. These two were not only masters in the design and presentation process with their loose and quick means of communicating an idea including sketching upside down so the sketch was to the client, but they were masters in just how to deal with clients and people – always friendly, always positive and always creative. Finally, they were always giving back to the profession through teaching at ASU, to George and his involvement with the AIA , to their yearly San Francisco – ASU spring break trip! So many firms have sprung from architects who either worked for or learned from these two.

Bruce’s memorial service last month was very nice and it was so good to see friends and colleagues I had not seen in 30 years. His wife Patti is an angel and the whole thing brought back so many great memories.  Following the ceremony many of us chatted about getting together to celebrate George’s 85^th birthday which we then did this past Wednesday at George’s old neighborhood pub, Feeney’s. We had a great turnout from partners from the late 70’s all the way to his final group from 2000 on. George passed away ten years ago and its hard to believe it has already been that long. It was great to share a Dewar’s with a splash and a cigar with so many from those great days.

So much of this profession is about sharing your talent and teaching others – mentoring. Its passing on the knowledge and wisdom while having fun doing it. That was the mastery of these two – Christensen and Kimball. Cheers to you both!

Before & After - Remodeling!!!

I love how we always get pigeon-holed into the Mega-Mansion world. Yes we do our fair share of Mega-Mansions and we love them! However, most people find it surprising that probably a good 40% of our work are remodels, renovations, and additions….and we love them!

Candelaria Design Formal Mediterranean Estate in Paradise Valley ~ Desert Star Construction ~ Crestwood Homes

Before - Clearwater Estates

Most architects once they break into the Mega-Mansion marketplace turn their noses to the remodel and addition market. Not us – I have been doing remodels and additions for over thirty years.

I have many reasons for this. First, I love the challenge of a remodel or an addition. They are like a big puzzle waiting to be solved. How do you take something that might be well done and add or modify it, or how do you take something that is horrible and make it all better? People expect perfection when you design and build from scratch but with a remodel it usually is more of a feeling or need for help or for any level of improvement.

After - Clearwater Estates

Concept Sketch

The market is huge and with the plethora of bad homes that were hastily designed and constructed during the last boom cycle, the inventory of potential remodels is enormous. Land is getting harder and harder to find and lots with great views even tougher. I am always amazed at how many absolutely horrible homes are parked on amazing lots.

Before - Clearwater Estates

I know that one of the best ways to evaluate a remodel or potential remodel is before you purchase it! This can’t always be done, but if you are in that position it is best to have an architect and builder on board as part of your team to assess the property in terms of your needs and wishes. Set up an adequate due diligence period with the seller and get to work. If you already own the property and have been living there for

awhile then that can be an advantage too in that you know the property and what its downfalls are but you may not see all the advantages – the "can't see the trees in the forest" phenomenon. Get your builder and architect out there and do the same thing – some brainstorming!

After - Clearwater Estates

I then like to quickly sketch some thoughts on an as-built set of plans. First a little bit about as-builts. I don’t care what set of plans you may or may not have, they will be wrong and not accurate. We always take some time to go through and verify the as-builts as best we can. These are our XRays and if they are not right it is difficult to diagnose the patient correctly.

We like to do our own as-builts of both the plans and exterior elevations so that we actually see every corner of the house inside and out. It gets the house in our heads.

Many times, depending on what we are doing we like to get a survey showing all property lines, setbacks, and easements. I cannot tell you how many existing homes are over setbacks or even over property lines! We always want a copy of the CC&R’s to make sure we understand the deed restrictions of the properties. Most properties don’t allow chickens or small farm animals, amongst other things that you will likely find most interesting and many times politically incorrect! We always get down to the local jurisdiction and/or HOA and see what they have up their sleeves.

Many projects require design review of some sort so you want to have a good face to face with them as they can make your life miserable if you ignore their wishes.

Kitchen - Before

Ok with that done, our process then starts with sitting down with the homeowner and having a brainstorming “what if” session.

This is fun and creative. Instead of me sitting down with their wish list and coming up with something I think is unique and special, I like to do this process with the homeowner. I like to extract their ideas and make them creative and beautiful. They know their house and they know what they like! Once we have some ideas on paper we clean them up and break them down into almost a shopping list of areas or phases that the builder can then prepare an initial budget range for each item or area. From there we can dial in the scope a bit more and then further develop the design knowing where the budget it. So many architects and designers lose this aspect and carry the client to far down the design path without getting a handle on the budget. It is difficult to budget remodels and additions because they are usually so piecemeal. Having a great team with a lot of past historical data on hand really makes a difference.

The last thing you want to do is go all the way down the design path and then put the project out to bid!!! That is the absolute worst way to do a project of this nature. It all becomes about price and opens the client up to a plethora of unexpected surprises and stress.

Kitchen - After

As the design develops the budget and pricing follows along. We love the team approach! It has proven over and over to be the most successful way to execute a remodel and addition.

No project is too big or too small. We are doing everything form whole house remodel/makeovers to just picking new paint colors and tweaking a few materials and the landscaping on the exterior. I am always amazed at how sometimes just a few modifications, well done and well thought out can make an enormous difference to the aesthetic

feel and value of a property and how using someone unskilled can completely ruin the value of a property.

Concept Sketch and Project Under Construction with Schultz Development

Before - AZ Biltmore Patio Home

The other big question that pops up during major remodels and renovations is should we just take the whole thing down. I personally hate to see and generate unnecessary waste so I am always inclined to try and save and work with what’s

there but there is a point where it just does not make sense and scraping is the right answer. Again, having the architect and builder on board right out of the gate can really help a homeowner make the proper assessment as early as possible so that fees and costs are kept to a minimum.

The problem many times with homeowners is they start the project with a limited scope and vision but then during the process, especially during construction, get carried away and start the “while we are at it” drill and next thing you know they are remodeling or modifying the whole house. That gets expensive and that’s usually when I hear “we should have taken the whole thing down!” Take your time folks! Don’t rush the design and budgeting process. Think through the design – live with the ideas for a while before you rush into demolishing!

Also – work with your team during the design phase to get all of your selections, materials, and goodies selected. These will make up 50% of your budget and if done ahead of starting construction it will save you time, money and aggrevation!

After - AZ Biltmore Patio home ~ Schultz Development 

Ok – I will leave it there for now. Definitely more to come on this subject. I will be posting several Before and Afters in the months ahead and relay some of the lessons and cool ideas learned in each project! The important thing is to put a great team together, set your budget and expectations early and clearly and work WITH your team to create beauty and value! And remember to have FUN!

Team Photo - House under construction in Desert Mountain ~ Signature Homes ~ Earth & Images Interiors

Super Bowl Sunday - Standing Rib Roast with Porcini Mushroom Sauce

Roast 2 in the oven is a Standing Rib Roast with a delicious porcini mushroom sauce. Yes we had to go with two roasts. This is before I knew the Broncos would be the third roast of the day! Wasn't sure if my guests like beef or pork, so we are covered.

1 standing rib roast with 4 - 5 ribs.
6-1/2 tsp dried crushed rosemary
Kosher Salt
Coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 cup olive oil and then 2 tbsp olive oil
1-1/2 oz dried porcini mushrooms
4 tbsp unsalted butter at room temperature
10 oz sliced white mushrooms
4 medium garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp flour - gluten free
1-1/2 cups reduced sodium beef broth
3/4 cup dry red wine
2 bunches fresh rosemary for the garnish

Place the roast, fat-side up, in a heavy shallow roasting pan. In a small bowl, mix together 4 tsp of the rosemary, 1 tbsp of the kosher salt, and 2 tsp pepper.  Stir in the 1/2 cup of olive oil. Brush the roast on all sides and bottom with this mixture. Make sure roast is at room temperature when you add to the oven.

Put the dried mushrooms in a medium bowl and cover with 2 cups of boiling water and let them steep for 20 min. Strain the mushrooms and like a sponge push out the liquid through a strainer. Collect the juice/liquid in a bowl and save the mushrooms. Then coarsely chop the porcini mushrooms and chop the garlic.



Heat 2 tbsp of butter and the remaining 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large, heavy cast iron pan over medium heat. Add the sliced white mushrooms and cook stirring until browned for 5 to 6 minutes. Add the garlic and chopped porcini mushrooms and cook stirring for another minute or two. Season with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and several grinds of black pepper.







Combine the remaining 2 tbsp butter, remaining 2-1/2 tsp rosemary and flour in a small bowl and mash with a fork to make a paste.


Arrange the rack at lower position and preheat the oven to 350º. Roast until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat registers 125º - 130º F - about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

Transfer the roast to a serving platter and cover loosely with foil. Let rest 35 to 40 minutes while you prepare the sauce. Skim and discard any fat from the pan juices. Set the roasting pan over two burners over medium heat. Add the reserved porcini socking liquid, the north, and the wine. Bring to a boil whisking constantly to scrape up any brown bits on the bottom and sides of the pan into the liquids, for about 2-3 minutes. Add the mushroom mixture and cook for 1 minute more. Whisk in the butter and flour mixture, a tablespoon at a time, and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens, for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.


To serve, garnish the roast on the platter with several sprigs of fresh rosemary. Slice the roast and pour the mushroom sauce on the meat or serve in a gravy boat.

Enjoy - we will!