Cherokee Custom Home - AIBD award winning design

Designed for a challenging infill lot in Ahwatukee, this custom residence transforms a neglected, rock-strewn site into a warm, contemporary desert home. Extensive rock outcroppings created a highly restrictive building envelope, making thoughtful site planning essential to the success of the project.

The design centers on a memorable arrival sequence, where a carefully framed entry opens into a dramatic great room that flows seamlessly to the backyard and surrounding mountain views. Strategic placement of windows and doors establishes a natural rhythm throughout the home, drawing daylight deep into the interior while strengthening the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Large timber beams and architectural accents soften the home's contemporary forms, adding warmth and texture to the desert palette. The bedroom and kitchen wings frame the central living space like canyon walls, emphasizing the entry experience and reinforcing the home's strong organizational axis.

Above, the second floor floats over the main level with generous cantilevers that create a welcoming sense of shelter while expressing the home's modern architectural character.

As the design evolved, the homeowners shared the exciting news that they were expecting another child. The floor plan was thoughtfully reconfigured to incorporate an additional bedroom, allowing the home to grow with the family's future while preserving the original design vision.