In this episode of Modern Home Masterminds, we sit down with Stephen Bardorf, the visionary behind Flo Design & Construction. Stephen specializes in transforming Arizona’s raw desert terrain into refined, sustainable landscapes that complement and elevate modern architecture. We explore Stephen’s hands-on process, the philosophy behind his design decisions, and how site-specific elements—from geology to microclimates—inform his work. You’ll get an inside look at real projects, including how a simple pile of rocks turned into a key design element, and how he cranes in massive trees for instant impact. Plus, hear his unique journey from New Hampshire to the Sonoran Desert and how that desert night changed everything.
CHAPTERS (estimated timings):
00:00 – Intro & behind-the-scenes banter
02:30 – Stephen’s approach: fact-gathering & on-site observation
07:40 – Plant selection: a process of elimination
10:50 – Drawing by hand & working at the dining room table 14:00 – Designing around site materials (like rocks!)
17:45 – Personal preferences vs. client-centered design
20:15 – Integrating landscape with modern architecture 25:20 – Tree salvaging & craning in the landscape
29:00 – Creating window-framed views with intention
32:40 – How a visit to Arizona sparked a new path
36:00 – From New Hampshire to the Sonoran Desert
38:15 – Relearning the landscape: schooling, plants & desert design
40:00 – (Continues into challenges of building in desert environments...)
🔹 Where to Find Stephen Bardorf
📚 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/floconcepts/
🔹 Where to Find Bespoke Real Estate:
🌐 Website: https://bespokephx.com
📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx
📚 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bespoke.phx
🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more conversations with design masterminds across Arizona!
#landscapearchitecture #arizonadesign #StephenBardorf #modernhomes #desertarchitecture #beSpokebrokers #modernhomemastermind #sustainabledesign
