Austin King loved Antiquities Warehouse too much to let it disappear—so he bought it.  

The longtime patron and visionary behind custom home builder and interior design studio Rafterhouse purchased the antique treasure trove this past January upon hearing the news of founder Louise McDermott’s retirement.  

“I first went to Antiquities back in 2014,” says King. “I always considered it one of my happy places.” 

He adds, “Shopping at Antiquities Warehouse has always been equal parts sourcing and dreaming. The selection of truly heirloom-quality European antiquities provided the perfect jumping-off point for anything our minds could conceive.” 

With the help of veteran store manager Robert Pargmann, the custom home connoisseur is on the fast track to relaunch the warehouse at a new address this summer.  

“Antiquities is part of the fabric of Phoenix’s design community,” he says. “To help carry that legacy forward feels less like an acquisition and more like a privilege.” 

We recently sat down with Phoenix Home & Garden’s 2026 Masters of the Southwest honoree to learn more.  

What prompted you to buy Antiquities Warehouse?  

Robert called me to give me a heads-up that they would be announcing the store closing. I would say that within about 17 seconds of that conversation starting, I uttered the words, “Do you think she would sell it?” Antiquities has meant so much to so many people over the years—there’s no way I could let it go away.  

How has it been working with Robert on the acquisition? 

Robert’s amazing. Anyone who knows him cherishes their friendship with him. I wouldn’t have the courage to do this without Robert being a main part of this new chapter. 

Can you tell us more about your relationship with previous owner Louise McDermott? 

Louise is great! She and I connected early on in my Rafterhouse days due to our mutual love of antiques and a good story. She actually trusted me enough to loan me a substantial amount of her inventory to stage a home with. We had just completed our first very large spec home and needed staging furniture. One of the many pieces we borrowed was a vintage wood speedboat that we put in the backyard pool for the big open house when the home was completed. It was pretty great. 

It sounds like you’re quite the regular! Do you have a favorite find? 

Yes, I’ve bought numerous pieces over the years—some for our clients’ homes, some for my family’s home. One of my favorite pieces that I’ve acquired is an old Belgian limestone trough that’s at my house. It’s heavy enough that it took a backhoe to set it in place. It has two basins. One has been converted into a gas fire pit, and the other gets plugged and filled with ice and drinks for parties. It sits on our front patio.     

Can you speak about the influence Antiquities Warehouse has had on Rafterhouse? 

Incorporating antiques into our homes is one of the things that has truly defined Rafterhouse over the years. Repurposing antique pieces brings a depth and character that simply can’t be replicated. These pieces carry history. They’ve lived a life before entering one of our homes. That story matters. It creates warmth, authenticity and a sense of permanence that new construction often lacks on its own. 

How will Antiquities Warehouse 2.0 be different?  

It’s incredibly important to me that the heart and soul of Antiquities Warehouse remain intact. Customers can expect the same heirloom-grade European antiques and rare curiosities from around the world—and Robert will continue to be the familiar face leading the experience day to day. Louise set an incredibly high standard in both the quality and authenticity of the pieces she sourced. That commitment must continue—without it, it’s simply not Antiquities Warehouse. 

What will evolve is how that experience feels. We’re looking for a space with character and history in the urban core of Phoenix. We’re refreshing the branding, thoughtfully curating the presentation and creating a more immersive retail environment. The goal is to transform Antiquities from a warehouse you visit into a true destination you seek out—one that feels inspiring, elevated and worth adding to your map.