The stories that end up on our pages reach us in many ways.

The featured properties—known in magazine parlance as “the well”—often reach us through the architects, builders, interior designers and landscape professionals who create them. The smaller “front of book” content is usually sparked by what we see, hear about and experience around the Valley. For example, until very recently, I was unaware that Phoenix has its own Art Deco Society — a passionate group that not only hosts swanky events where enthusiasts don period-authentic attire but also works to celebrate and protect the city’s buildings from that gloriously gilded age.

Speaking of gilded, any conversation with architect (and Phoenix Home & Garden Masters of the Southwest award winner) Eddie Jones has a luminosity, and while chatting with him more than a year ago, I learned about the 9/11 memorial he designed with associates Maria and Matthew Salenger. From any perspective, this structure is a marvel of design and engineering, and you will find its backstory in the August/September issue. Another important home you may have seen and wondered about is South Mountain Park’s fabled Mystery Castle. Turn to the new issue to read its history—and about its uncertain future. 

In the new issue, you will also discover the Phoenix Art Museum docent program. I can tell you from firsthand experience that these friendly, knowledgeable guides can transform a museum visit with their insights and anecdotes. Next time you go (and we hope you go often), seek them out, ask questions and soak it all in. 

And because we are all about championing local talent, we are also pleased to introduce you to two interior designers who are relatively new to our community. Gregg Hodson and Bonnie Knobloch are both already making their marks here, and we are pleased to showcase their debut projects in this issue. 

Every chance encounter and conversation can lead to a great story. We will continue to talk, listen, explore and share what we find with you.