Local Designers Feel the ‘Love’

Phoenix-based design firm dominates Dwell Mag’s “Houses We Love” contest

For more than a decade, Dwell Magazine has been the authority for fresh Modern design from a national perspective. More important, this San Francisco-based publication has always shown a lot of love to our local architecture scene, helping bring local legends such as Alfred N. Beadle and Rick Joy into the national spotlight. Most recently, Dwell honored Phoenix-based, [merz]project with no less than three spots on its annual “Houses We Love” contest.

Hand-culled by Dwell’s editors, the 20 finalists showcase “innovative, modern architecture and design for the contemporary urban dweller.” [merz]project’s three nominees include a sleek residence/office/gallery, as well as artful home remodels of a 1920s bungalow (Nieto Residence) and a 1950s ranch home (Stumpf Residence). However, our fav is the After Hours Building (pictured), an all-new gallery/design studio and home located at McDowell and 7th Ave. Built, owned and occupied by a local graphic design company, the structure combines a soaring studio and art-lined gallery with a stylish second-floor residence. See the rest ot the projects, and vote for your favs here.

Desert Dwellings: 1437 N. 1st St., 602-430-3223