A Refined Sonoran Escape: Landscape Design by High Desert Designs x Craig Wickersham Architecture

Nestled beneath the warm glow of Pinnacle Peak, this Scottsdale estate remodel (the first home built in the Estancia neighborhood)—masterfully orchestrated by architect Craig Wickersham and brought to life by the artisans at High Desert Designs—redefines what it means to live luxuriously in the desert. The result is a seamless fusion of natural terrain and curated elegance, where every view feels intentional and every plant tells a story.

A View Worth Framing

From the moment you step inside, the desert becomes part of the home. A grand picture window in the study captures a pristine desert tableau—mature saguaros, sculptural ocotillo, and desert spoon stretch upward against the dramatic backdrop of the high Sonoran foothills. The view is framed by a rustic stone arch, echoing the organic textures found throughout the landscape.

Layered Texture and Color

Outside, the front garden rises in tiered levels of stonework that cradle lush plantings of golden barrel cactus, silver-blue agaves, desert spoon, and native flowering lantana. Bursts of purple verbena and the soft yellow glow of palo verde blossoms infuse the palette with vibrancy, while stone boulders—both native and placed—anchor the scene with timeless strength.

Architectural Harmony

The landscaping enhances Wickersham’s architectural language—clean lines, natural materials, and openness to the surrounding landscape. Curved paver pathways flow like arroyos through the plantings, guiding guests through an immersive desert experience. Boulders flank the stairs, softened by strategic plantings that merge wild and cultivated elements with ease.

Sunset Serenity

As the Arizona sun sets, the estate takes on a golden hue. Landscape lighting subtly uplifts towering cacti and the silvery plumes of blooming yucca. In the distance, the mountains glow copper against a lavender sky, offering a serene close to the day’s design story.

Elevated Outdoor Living

In the rear of the home, High Desert Designs embraced a more modern desert aesthetic—clean-lined patios, a serene pool with Baja shelf loungers, and native plantings that echo the wild beauty beyond the property line. Here, form meets function in the most elegant way: a sanctuary that invites both quiet reflection and sophisticated entertaining.