What does it take to create the custom metalwork found in some of Arizona’s most incredible modern homes?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Scott Dow, owner of Falcon Designs, to go behind the scenes of architectural metal fabrication. Scott shares how he collaborates with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to turn ambitious designs into beautifully crafted details.

From custom staircases and railings to fireplaces, wine rooms, window details, and large-scale architectural statements, Scott explains the precision, problem-solving, technology, and craftsmanship that go into his work. He also shares stories from some of his favorite residential and commercial projects and why the best collaborations often push fabricators outside their comfort zone.

Chapters (estimated)

00:00 Welcome to Modern Home Mastermind

01:23 Meet Scott Dow & Falcon Designs

02:00 What Makes Metalwork Beautiful?

03:47 The Importance of Collaboration

05:00 Working With Steel & Other Metals

08:23 Designing for Rust & Aging

09:29 What Makes a Great Architect–Fabricator Collaboration?

12:18 Behind the Scenes: Custom Residential Projects

13:40 A Massive Two-Sided Fireplace

15:00 The Details That Make Great Fabrication

16:00 Precision Down to 1/16 of an Inch

17:36 Why Architecture Is Always Evolving

20:00 Working With Architects & Designers

23:00 When Fabrication Pushes the Comfort Zone

27:00 Creating One-of-a-Kind Architectural Pieces

32:00 Favorite Residential Projects

38:00 Commercial & Large-Scale Metalwork

43:00 Building a 40-Foot Architectural Feature

44:10 Lux Coffee Shop Project

45:06 Scott's Rapid-Fire Questions

45:42 Statement Pieces vs. Subtle Details

46:13 The Reality of a Career in Fabrication

46:51 Where to Find Falcon Designs

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Scott Dow

📸 Instagram: @falcondesignsllc

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🌐 nextspaceaz.com

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What makes Phoenix one of the most important centers of modern architecture in the country? And what happens when the buildings that tell that story are threatened with demolition?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Alison King, professor of design and design history at Grand Canyon University and founder of Modern Phoenix, a website and community dedicated to celebrating and preserving the Valley’s remarkable legacy of modern architecture and design.

Alison takes us behind the scenes of Phoenix’s mid-century modern movement, sharing the stories of the architects who helped shape the Valley, including Ralph Haver, Al Beadle, Fred Guirey, Ed Varney, and others. She explains why modernism was such a natural fit for the Sonoran Desert and how light, shade, climate, and indoor-outdoor living continue to influence Arizona architecture today.

We also dive into the heartbreaking history of White Gates, Al Beadle’s iconic personal residence near Camelback Mountain, and the effort to preserve its distinctive architectural elements. While the home itself could not be saved, its iconic panels are being given a new life as part of a public pavilion at the Shemer Art Center.

Alison also discusses the future of modern architecture in Phoenix, the importance of affordable housing and thoughtful design, adaptive reuse, and why documenting our architectural history matters for generations to come.

From hidden architectural gems to the story behind Ralph Haver’s thousands of homes, this conversation is a fascinating look at the people, places, and ideas that have shaped modern Phoenix.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to Modern Home Mastermind & Meet Alison King

02:41 – Why Modernism Works So Well in the Desert

05:50 – The Modern Buildings Phoenix Has Lost

10:04 – The Importance of Preserving Phoenix Architecture

14:17 – The Story of White Gates & Al Beadle

17:37 – When Preservation Meets Property Rights

21:22 – Preserving the White Gates Panels

23:40 – The White Gates Pavilion at Shemer Art Center

27:08 – How the Community Can Support Preservation

27:49 – The Future of Modern Architecture in Phoenix

30:21 – Affordable Housing & Thoughtful Modern Design

31:06 – Ralph Haver & His Lasting Impact

33:47 – Restoration & Adaptive Reuse

35:43 – Alison’s Modern Architecture Picks & Hidden Gems

40:39 – Why Documenting Phoenix Architecture Matters

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Alison King & Modern Phoenix

🌐 modernphoenix.net, beadlearchive.com, ralphhaver.com

📸 Instagram: @modernphoenix

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind, where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

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🌐 nextspaceaz.com

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#ModernHomeMastermind #AlisonKing #ModernPhoenix #ModernArchitecture #MidCenturyModern #PhoenixArchitecture #ArizonaArchitecture #ModernHomes #AlBeadle #RalphHaver #WhiteGates #HistoricPreservation #Architecture #PhoenixRealEstate #ArizonaRealEstate #AdaptiveReuse

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, Shawna Glazier and Brittainy Williamson sit down with Dan Yonker of Yonker Custom Homes to talk about designing and building luxury homes that are not only beautiful, but functional and thoughtfully designed around the way people actually live.

With a background in real estate, remodeling, and luxury homebuilding, Dan shares how his experience walking through hundreds of homes with buyers has influenced the way he designs and builds today.

From custom homes and spec homes to wellness spaces, cold plunges, dramatic entries, indoor-outdoor living, mature landscaping, and highly personalized details, Dan gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into creating some of Arizona's most distinctive luxury homes.

He also shares his thoughts on the latest luxury home trends, where homeowners should and shouldn't spend money, the biggest mistake people make before starting a custom build, and why problem-solving and creativity are essential to successful homebuilding.

⏱️ CHAPTERS

00:00 – Welcome to Modern Home Mastermind

01:20 – Meet Dan Yonker & His Journey Into Homebuilding

02:09 – Designing Homes That Actually Live Well

02:57 – Dan's Unique Design-Build Approach

03:56 – Custom Homes vs. Spec Homes

04:45 – What's Trending in Luxury Homes?

06:00 – Designing Flexible Spaces for the Future

07:01 – What Luxury Trends Will Stand the Test of Time?

08:36 – Creating Cohesive Outdoor Spaces

09:18 – Why Landscaping Matters in Luxury Homes

10:05 – Inside a Luxury Spec Home

11:25 – Dan's Signature Indoor-Outdoor Living

12:38 – Creating Dramatic Entries & Mature Landscaping

13:14 – A Modern Paradise Valley Home

13:51 – Designing Around the Homeowner

14:56 – Bringing Indoor & Outdoor Living Together

15:36 – Are Dark Cabinets Making a Comeback?

16:41 – The Details That Make a Luxury Home Stand Out

18:03 – Building With Family & The Design Process

9:06 – Showcasing a Standout Modern Home

20:41 – The Importance of Attention to Detail

21:21 – Flexible Entertainment Spaces

22:38 – Custom Wine Rooms & Luxury Features

23:18 – Designing a Truly Custom Modern Home

23:47 – Making Outdoor Space Feel Like Indoor Space.

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Dan Yonker & Yonker Custom Homes

🌐 https://yonkerconstructionaz.com/about-us/

📸 Instagram: @yonkercustomhomes

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke Real Estate

🌐 bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 nextspaceaz.com

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

#ModernHomeMastermind #DanYonker #YonkerCustomHomes #LuxuryHomeBuilder #LuxuryHomes #CustomHomes #HomeDesign #Architecture #LuxuryRealEstate #ArizonaRealEstate #ParadiseValley #Scottsdale #PhoenixRealEstate #ModernHomes

What separates a truly exceptional custom home from an expensive one? Is it the design, the craftsmanship, or the team behind it?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Joe Costello, founder of Stonecreek Building Company, a second-generation builder with more than 30 years of experience creating luxury custom homes throughout Paradise Valley, Scottsdale, and Phoenix. Joe shares why the best architect-builder relationships are built on collaboration, communication, and finding creative solutions to bring ambitious designs to life.

We discuss why builders should be involved early in the design process, the importance of understanding construction costs before a project gets too far along, and the challenges of bringing raw materials, exposed steel, concrete, and other highly detailed architectural elements to life.

Joe also takes us behind the scenes of several of his favorite projects, including a Glenmoor home with a 70-foot bridge that went on to win an AIA Home of the Year Award, a distinctive Will Bruder-designed home, a Desert Mountain residence with a subterranean sports arena, and a dramatic North Scottsdale home created through close collaboration between architect Hugh Knoell and interior designer David Michael Miller.

Joe also shares his advice for anyone considering a custom home: invest in a great architect and designer and create a home specifically for the lot and the way you live. Whether you're planning a custom home, interested in architecture and construction, or simply appreciate exceptional design, this conversation offers an inside look at the collaboration and craftsmanship behind some of Arizona's most distinctive homes.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction to Joe Costello & Stonecreek Building Company

1:36 – The Architect-Builder Relationship & Collaboration

3:15 – Why Builders Should Be Involved Early

4:20 – What Luxury Homeowners Really Want

6:37 – Bringing Challenging Architectural Details to Life

9:04 – The Glenmoor Home & 70-Foot Bridge

10:36 – Technology, Automation & Smart Lighting

12:07 – The Hidden Costs of Building on Hillsides

15:33 – Inside a Remarkable Will Bruder Home

18:48 – Building a Subterranean Sports Arena

20:13 – A Custom Mountain-Top Man Cave

21:45 – A Sophisticated North Scottsdale Collaboration

23:03 – Rapid Fire: Planning vs. Construction

23:50 – Joe's Advice for Building a Custom Home

25:16 – Where to Find Stonecreek Building Company

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Joe Costello & Stonecreek Building Company

🌐 stonecreekbuilding.com

📸 Instagram: @stonecreekbuildingcompany

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke Real Estate

🌐 ⁠https://bespokephx.com⁠

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 ⁠https://www.nextspaceaz.com/⁠

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

What does it really take to build a home that looks incredible, functions beautifully, and stands the test of time?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Scott Swink, founder of Boardwalk Construction, to take a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build and remodel exceptional homes in the Phoenix Valley. Scott shares why the most important parts of a well-built home are often the things you never see, from pre-construction planning and framing to waterproofing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.

We discuss the importance of collaboration between the architect, designer, builder, and homeowner, why bringing the entire team together early can prevent costly problems, and how an experienced designer can add significant value to a project. Scott also shares his unique path from mortgage banking and real estate development into construction and explains how being a former client of builders shaped the way he approaches his own projects.

Scott walks us through several of his projects, including historic Phoenix remodels, South Scottsdale flips, a major addition that transforms a small historic home into a modern family compound, an Old Town Scottsdale Airbnb, and a North Scottsdale home refreshed with custom finishes.

Whether you're planning a custom home, considering a remodel, passionate about architecture and design, or simply interested in what goes on behind the walls of a beautiful home, this conversation offers valuable insight into the construction process and the art of creating exceptional spaces.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction to Scott Swink & Boardwalk Construction

1:12 – What Really Makes a Home Well-Built?

2:55 – Why Collaboration Is Key to a Successful Project

4:40 – Pre-Construction Planning & Team Communication

5:23 – Where Homeowners Get the Biggest Return on Investment

7:02 – The Value of an Interior Designer

8:06 – Scott's Journey from Mortgage Banking to Construction

10:00 – Inside a Historic Phoenix Remodel

12:53 – Making South Scottsdale Homes Stand Out

14:40 – Transforming a Tiny Historic Home Into a Modern Compound

16:25 – Creating an Old Town Scottsdale Airbnb

17:28 – Refreshing a Builder-Grade North Scottsdale Home

18:10 – Remodel or New Build?

18:48 – Open Concept or Defined Spaces?

19:44 – Why Arizona Homeowners Should Invest in Landscaping

20:16 – What Keeps a Builder Up at Night?

21:02 – Scott's Favorite Phase of Construction

22:03 – Where to Find Boardwalk Construction

22:27 – Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Scott Swink & Boardwalk Construction

📸 Instagram: @boardwalk.construction

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke Real Estate

🌐 https://bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 https://www.nextspaceaz.com/

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

What does it take to create a luxury home that's not only beautiful but also energy-efficient, healthy, and built to last?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Erik Koss, AIA, architect, builder, and founder of Koss Design + Build, to explore how the design-build approach is transforming custom home construction. Erik shares how integrating architecture and construction from the very beginning leads to smarter decisions, better collaboration, and exceptional results.

We discuss sustainable luxury homes, Passive House principles, net-zero construction, wellness-focused design, and common misconceptions about building environmentally responsible homes. Erik also walks us through several of his award-winning projects, including his own net-zero residence, and explains how thoughtful design can improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term value without sacrificing aesthetics.

Whether you're planning to build a custom home, passionate about architecture, or simply love exceptional design, this conversation offers valuable insights into the future of modern living.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction to Erik Koss, AIA & Koss Design + Build

1:35 – Why the Design-Build Process Creates Better Homes

4:10 – Inside a Net-Zero Luxury Home Project

7:10 – Wellness, Comfort & Energy Efficiency in Modern Homes

10:00 – Sustainable Clients vs. Luxury Lifestyle Priorities

13:05 – Busting Sustainability Myths in Luxury Home Design

16:15 – Erik's Personal Net-Zero Home: The Two Barns Project

21:45 – Courtyard House: Blending History with Modern Design

24:50 – Red Rocks Remodel & Current Design Projects

29:20 – Working with Architects as a Builder & Designer

32:30 – Rapid Fire: Designing vs. Building, Sustainability & Happy Clients

35:35 – Where to Find Erik Koss & Closing Remarks

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to like, subscribe, and share Modern Home Mastermind for more conversations with the architects, builders, designers, artists, and creative professionals shaping the future of modern living.

🔗 Connect with Erik Koss

🌐 Website: https://www.kossdb.com/

📸 Instagram:  ⁨@KOSSdb⁩ 

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke real estate

🌐 https://bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 https://www.nextspaceaz.com/

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

What makes an outdoor space truly unforgettable? Is it the pool, the landscape, the architecture, or is there something deeper at work?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Kirk Bianchi, Owner and Principal of Bianchi Design, to explore the art and psychology behind designing extraordinary outdoor environments. With more than 35 years of experience creating award-winning luxury landscapes and pools, Kirk shares how beauty, proportion, and thoughtful composition transform outdoor spaces into timeless works of art.

From Japanese gardens and Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater to luxury homes in Arizona, Kirk explains why the most successful outdoor spaces are designed as complete experiences, not individual elements.

Whether you're an architect, builder, designer, homeowner, or simply passionate about exceptional design, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on creating spaces people never want to leave.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction to Kirk Bianchi & the art of outdoor design

1:50 – Where Kirk's passion for beauty and design began

5:20 – The Japanese garden that changed his perspective forever

8:55 – Why humans recognize beauty and harmony

13:55 – Why Kirk calls himself an Artistic Director

17:55 – Designing pools, landscapes, and architecture as one vision

22:05 – Budgeting for luxury outdoor living & ROI

26:00 – Before-and-after transformations and design strategy

34:20 – What inspires Kirk every day

36:35 – Rapid-fire questions: Fallingwater, favorite gardens & design inspiration

40:40 – Why simplicity is harder to design than complexity

41:15 – Where to find Kirk Bianchi & closing remarks

If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us continue bringing conversations with the architects, builders, designers, and creative minds shaping modern living.

🔗 Connect with Kirk Bianchi

🌐 Website: https://www.bianchidesign.com/

📸 Instagram: @waterscapesbybianchidesign

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke real estate

🌐 https://bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 https://www.nextspaceaz.com/

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

What transforms a beautiful house into a home with lasting meaning?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Sabah Mansoor, founder and principal designer of Sabah Mansoor Design, to discuss designing homes that tell a family's story. From creating legacy homes and luxury spec projects to selecting timeless materials, layering texture, and designing for the way families truly live, Sabah shares her thoughtful approach to creating interiors that feel both personal and enduring. She also walks us through several of her stunning projects and offers her perspective on today's biggest design trends.

Whether you're building a custom home, remodeling, or simply love great design, this conversation is full of inspiration.

Estimated Chapter Timings

0:00 – Introduction to Sabah Mansoor

1:30 – Designing legacy homes

2:45 – Luxury spec homes vs. custom homes

4:15 – Why interior designers matter

6:15 – Materiality over style

8:20 – Understanding the client first

10:20 – Behind the scenes of the design process

12:00 – Touring Sabah's projects

14:30 – Designing kitchens & entertaining spaces

17:00 – Layering texture and bold materials

20:00 – Spec homes with custom-home quality

22:20 – Rapid-fire design questions

24:10 – Overrated trends & underrated details

25:00 – Why designers should be involved from day one

🔗 Connect with Sabah Mansoor

🌐 Website: https://www.sabahmansoordesign.com/

📸 Instagram: @sabahmansoordesign

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

📩 Follow beSpoke real estate

🌐 https://bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx

🔗 Connect with NextSpaceAZ

🌐 https://www.nextspaceaz.com/

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

#ModernHomeMastermind #SabahMansoor #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #ModernDesign #Architecture #HomeDesign #LuxuryInteriors #beSpokeRealEstate #DesignInspiration

For more than five decades, Ned Sawyer, AIA has helped shape Arizona's architectural landscape through timeless modern design. In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, Ned shares stories from his career, including his partnership with legendary architect Al Beadle, the inspiration behind some of Arizona's most iconic homes, and the philosophy that continues to guide his work today. From unforgettable projects and career lessons to personal stories and rapid-fire questions, this conversation is a must-watch for anyone passionate about architecture, design, and the history of Arizona modernism.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction

2:15 – Early influences

4:45 – Rio Salado & Arizona history

9:15 – Working with Al Beadle

11:00 – Cars & architecture

13:20 – ASU Sparky story

15:00 – Naming the firm

16:00 – Four-dimensional architecture

17:30 – Timeless design philosophy

20:20 – Featured residential projects

29:20 – The Funk Residence

33:00 – Designing for clients

38:30 – The Lean House

40:30 – Commercial & residential work

43:30 – Completing an Al Beadle project

45:45 – Recent work49:30 – Rapid-fire questions

57:00 – Final thoughts

🔗 Connect with Ned Sawyer

🌐 Website: Al Beadle Campaign – Shemer Art Center

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

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🌐 https://www.nextspaceaz.com/

📸 Instagram: @nextspaceaz

#ModernHomeMastermind #NedSawyer #Architecture #AlBeadle #ArizonaArchitecture #ModernArchitecture #DesertModern #beSpokeRealEstate #Architect #Design #NextSpace

What makes a home truly timeless? How do great architects create spaces that feel calm, inspiring, and deeply connected to the landscape?

In this episode of Modern Home Mastermind, we sit down with Eric Spry, founder of Spry Architecture, to discuss luxury home design, the evolution of Arizona living, and the principles behind creating homes that enhance everyday experiences.

Eric shares insights from decades of designing custom homes throughout Arizona, the influence of his mentors, why architecture is often compared to music, and how thoughtful design can transform the way people live. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at several of his stunning residential projects in Carefree, Cave Creek, Scottsdale, and Mesa.

Whether you're an architect, designer, builder, homeowner, or simply passionate about modern homes, this conversation is packed with valuable insights on timeless architecture and intentional living.

Estimated Chapter Timings:

0:00 – Introduction & Meet Eric Spry

2:00 – Architectural Mentors & Design Philosophy

6:30 – Designing Homes Around Views, Light & the Desert

10:15 – Why Everyday Experiences Matter More Than Grand Entrances

14:00 – How Luxury Living Has Evolved in Arizona

18:30 – Common Mistakes Homeowners Make in Luxury Home Design

21:00 – Timeless Architecture vs. Following Trends

23:00 – Architecture as “Frozen Music”

24:15 – Touring the Alder Home in Cave Creek

26:00 – The Chattan House & Designing Around Black Mountain

29:00 – Award-Winning Pools & Indoor-Outdoor Living

31:00 – Hillside Homes, Cantilevers & Desert Architecture

33:30 – The Tucker Home: Designing Through an Orange Grove

34:50 – Rapid Fire Questions

39:10 – Favorite Architects, Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Subscribe for more conversations with leaders in architecture, design, and real estate.

🔗 Connect with Eric Spry

🌐 Website: https://spryarch.com/meet-the-founder/

📸 Instagram: @spryarch

🎧 Listen to more episodes of beSpoke Modern Home Mastermind where architecture, design, and lifestyle meet inspiration.

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🌐 https://bespokephx.com

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