By Emily Glynn
BEST CUSTOM HOMEBUILDER: A Finer Touch Construction
Year after year, A Finer Touch (AFT) Construction continues to flood its evolutionary portfolio with innovative commercial, residential and retail projects. It’s no wonder that its many clients, whose expectations are routinely surpassed, have come to associate AFT with architectural fulfi llment. The detail-oriented company philosophizes that buildings are unique creations designed to epitomize the visions of its clientele and for the past four years, has remained committed to forging long-lasting relationships through professionalism, trustworthiness and knowledgeable staff members. aftconstruction.com.
AMF Fave! BEST HOMEBUILDING COMPANY: Toll Brothers
Since 1967, Toll Brothers has created some of the most luxurious communities and remarkable homes across the country. Locally, Toll Brothers has recently unveiled two new outstanding neighborhoods in Fountain Hills: Toll Brothers at Adero Canyon and The Overlook at FireRock. Surrounded by scenic mountains in a serene desert setting, the private, gated community of Toll Brothers at Adero Canyon features modern architecture with light-drenched, open fl oor plans, gourmet kitchens and lavish master bedroom suites. The single- and two-level residences range from 3,200 to 4,600 square feet, and the estate-sized home sites average a super-spacious 15,000 square feet. (Prices start in the $800,000s.) In the gated community of FireRock Country Club, The Overlook at FireRock is home to private villas ranging from 1,700 to 3,172 square feet. Eight Desert Contemporary home designs are available at The Overlook, each with beautiful natural light, great rooms, elevated ceilings, multiple sliding glass doors, well-appointed gourmet kitchens and stunning master bedrooms and baths and expansive walk-out basements. (Prices start in the $600,000s.) tollbrothers.com/az.
BEST ARCHITECT: Drewett Works
Scottsdale-based “purveyors of abstract thought,” the award-winning, frequently published Drewett Works was founded in 2001 by C.P. Drewett, AIA, NCARB. Whether the design team is handling a challenging site or trying to capture a view, Drewett Works purveys abstract thoughts into creative, innovative and beautiful architectural solutions. The fi rm specializes in luxury residential and boutique commercial spaces. drewettworks.com.
AMF FAVE! BEST CUSTOM HOMEBUILDER: SALCITO CUSTOM HOMES
Salcito Custom Homes has been featured in dozens of local and national publications since its inception in 1978, receiving unbeatable praise for its high level of service, finely executed construction and meticulous attention to detail. With 350 projects completed Valley-wide, from home renovations and additions to commercial buildings and tenant improvements, Salcito has earned itself a well-deserved reputation for delivering exceptionally beautiful product. salcito.com. Photo credit: Grey Crawford.
BEST DESIGN FIRM/STORE: Inner Mix Interior Design
Years after founding Inner Mix Interior Design, owner Gayle Davis was joined by her gifted daughter, Jacqueline. The mother-daughter design team appreciates the traditional American perspective while understanding its modern sensibilities in order to transform old dwellings into functional, contemporary spaces. Their combined perspectives are interwoven into each project they design, and they have expanded their impressive portfolio and earned Inner Mix Interior Design an undeniably positive reputation. innermix.carbonmade.com.
BEST CONDO DEVELOPMENT: Chateau on Central
Chateau on Central brings city living to Downtown Phoenix with its elegant five-story brick and masonry brownstones. The luxurious condos, which range from 5,200 to 5,800 square feet, are equipped with gourmet kitchens, private rooftop patios, two-car garages, personal elevators and endless opportunities to customize. Single city dwellers, married couples and large families alike have had wild success creating homes that fi t their lifestyle and exceed expectations. We can’t say we’re surprised; Chateau on Central collaborates with another 2017 Best of Our Valley winner, A Finer Touch Construction, to deliver the best possible product to its residents. chateauoncentral.com.
BEST FLOORING COMPANY: OneSource Flooring and Interiors
It’s been 10 busy yet successful years since OneSource Flooring and Interiors graced the Valley with exceptional service and intricate tile installations. The company offers both material and installation, specializing in custom and luxury home build projects for a discerning clientele including Salcito Custom Homes, Santorini Homes, CSE & Associates and the Residences at The Ritz-Carlton. They service commercial, residential, custom and multifamily clients. (Additional services include design consultation.) Check out the OneSource Phoenix showroom for a fi rsthand look at the company’s extensive selection of granite, quartz and marble countertops, natural stone, laminate, vinyl, hardwood, tile, window coverings and more. onesourceinteriors.co.
BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER: Amy Gutierrez
Amy Gutierrez, founder and owner of Sanctuaries Interior Design, is rarely in one spot for long. The globetrotting interior designer, who has lived in 15 cities and the Caribbean, draws inspiration from her rich experiences abroad to create unique personalities for the homes of her clients. This past summer, Gutierrez, who has offices in Scottsdale and New Orleans, explored both Spain and Portugal, an adventure that strengthened the authenticity of her already-stunning craft. sanctuariesinteriordesign.com.
BEST POOL COMPANY: Mossman Brothers Pools, Inc.
Brothers Jeff and Mike Mossman have been in the business since they were teenagers, cleaning and maintaining pools for their father’s company. Years later, the two combined their knowledge, talent and passion to form Mossman Brothers Pools, Inc., climbing the ranks to become the Valley’s most trusted authority on everything aquatic. The company’s innovative designs, which include negative-edge masterpieces, geometric straight-line pools and exotic, free-form waterscapes complete with waterfalls and rock features, have received commendation from The World’s Greatest Pools, a biannual competition celebrating exceptional pool building. mossmanbrotherspools.com.
BEST LANDSCAPING: Berghoff Design Group
For 20 years, Jeff Berghoff and his trusted team of designers, craftsmen and caretakers have perfected the art of storytelling through landscaping. Their approach? The group stands by a comprehensive, collaborative design process that includes everything from planting and custom amenities to cost estimations and full installation, maintenance and horticultural care. If you need further convincing, just take a peek at Berghoff’s extensive online portfolio, proof of the company’s versatile talent and ability to transform any residential property into their client’s vision. berghoffdesign.com.
BEST RUG COMPANY: Azadi Fine Rugs
Over two centuries of providing exquisite rugs with extraordinary service. Azadi Fine Rugs continues to uphold its fl awless reputation, one built upon rich design, trustworthiness and humanity. The company, which is certifi ed and recognized globally as being a child-labor-free rug dealer, has galleries in Scottsdale, Sedona, Telluride and Jackson Hole where it displays a vast inventory of competitively priced contemporary and antique rugs of unparalleled quality. The company offers the largest collection of contemporary rugs available for immediate delivery. azadifinerugs.com. Also a 2016 winner!
AFM FAVE! BEST OUTDOOR FURNITURE STORE: Brown Jordan
This esteemed maker of California-inspired outdoor furniture from the hills of Pasadena has been setting the industry standard since its founding by Robert Brown and Hubert Jordan in 1945. Together, the two men created a line of refined products that continues to epitomize the concept of luxurious outdoor living some 72 years later. Known for its iconic, award-winning designs, Brown Jordan delivers superior custom service, and unsurpassed seating and table options that cater to a wide range of tastes and styles worldwide. brownjordan.com.
BEST LUXURY MANAGEMENT COMPANY: Alliance Residential Company
Alliance Residential Company is more than just a multifamily real estate operating company, but a client-centered company dedicated to providing residents with luxury, convenience and comfort. Alliance is headquartered in Phoenix with 35 regional offices nationwide. Services include investment, development and property management. Alliance is the No. 1 multifamily developer in the U.S. and seventh largest multifamily manager in the nation. Alliance manages 42 communities in Phoenix, including the luxurious CityScape Residences in Downtown Phoenix, another Best of Our Valley winner. allresco.com.
BEST LUXURY RENTALS: CityScape Residences
You may miss this one if you aren’t looking in the right direction. CityScape Residences, the Valley’s only high-rise apartment community on top of a hotel, is perched atop the Hotel Palomar, 24 stories above street level in the heart of Downtown Phoenix. The property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom apartment homes, as well as penthouse suites and a wide range of unique perks. Residents enjoy access to Hotel Palomar’s many amenities, state-of-the-art interiors and appliances, and floor-to-ceiling windows to admire expansive views of the bustling city below. cityscaperesidences.com.
BEST HOME ACCESSORY STORE: Buffalo Collection
Inspired by the great cowboy culture of the American West, Buffalo Collection specializes in heirloom-quality furniture and home décor, all of which is expertly handcrafted in the U.S. The exceptional Buffalo leather, available in a multitude of finishes and colors, is guaranteed to elevate any living space to new levels of modern sophistication. buffalocollection.com.
BEST LOCALLY OWNED FURNITURE/HOME STORE: Kokopelli Custom Woodworks
After just two years in operation, Kokopelli Custom Woodworks has received national and international acclaim, creating custom designs for clients all over the world. The shop, known for its modern rustic aesthetic, specializes in live-edge tables, mantles, shelves, cutting boards and cheese boards, all of which are 100 percent reclaimed and sustainable. kokopellicustomwoodworks.com.
BEST MASTERPLANNED COMMUNITY/DEVELOPMENT: Vistancia
Located in the Northwest Valley and surrounded by Peoria’s White Peak, Twin Buttes and Bradshaw Mountains is Vistancia. This pristine 7,100-acre master-planned community embodies the beauty of natural desert living. Apart from an impressive selection of new homes, state-of-the-art amenities and opportunities for community enrichment, Vistancia works hard to connect its residents through unique programming options, parks and trails for the nature-enthused, and two beautifully landscaped golf courses. Also worth noting is Vistancia’s commitment to education. The property currently includes two award-winning elementary schools with plans for a third K-8 school, as well as a high school. vistancia.com.
AMF FAVE! BEST LIVE/WORK COMMUNITY: Soho Scottsdale
Irene Clary of Catclar Investments has taken a unique approach with her newest inspiration in North Scottsdale, Soho Scottsdale. This live/work community was designed to not only meet the needs of local and out-of-town buyers who are looking for the vertical-living lifestyle; the project also incorporates her passion for the arts through her partnership with local artists, enhancing the development as well as the surrounding business community. Among the display of sculptures within the development and courtyards are multicolored oversized Lego-style sculptures, weighing more than 1,800 pounds each (pictured). Clary’s partnership with local artist, Lauren Lee, has also created buzz within the Valley’s art community. Lee has been commissioned to paint four murals to represent the marriage of nature and technology at Soho Scottsdale. Models for the townhome community opened in March, along with the first installation of the unique Lego-style sculptures within the courtyard. sohoscottsdale.com.
FAST FAVORITES:
BEST APPLIANCE STORE: Allstate Appliances, allstateappliances.com.
BEST HOMEBUILDING COMPANY: 180 Degrees – A Design + Build Company, 180degreesinc.com.
BEST HOME THEATER: Lanza AV Home Theater and Security, lanzaav.com.
BEST RETIREMENT/SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY: CantaMia at Estrella, Inc., avhomesinc.com.
BEST CUSTOM CABINETS: Distinctive Custom Cabinetry, distinctivecc.com. Also a 2016 winner!
Buy your copy of Arizona Foothills Magazine Best of Our Valley 2017 Collectors Edition issue here.
