Nestled amidst the eucalyptus groves of Pacific Palisades, California, the Eames House—also known as Case Study House No. 8—stands as a beacon of mid-century modern design and innovation. Designed and built in 1949 by Charles and Ray Eames, this architectural masterpiece offers visitors a glimpse into the life and creative genius of one of the most influential design duos of the 20th century. Touring this iconic home is more than just a walk through an architectural landmark; it’s an immersion into a world where functionality and beauty coexist seamlessly.

In 2021, seeking the magic of the Southwest, my friend Jane Shin and I embarked on an unforgettable road trip through the rugged, arid states of Arizona and New Mexico. While mapping out our trip, Sedona stood out as a must-visit destination, renowned for its vibrant tapestry of colors and the captivating allure of its energy vortexes.

During our time in Sedona, we were thrilled to visit the Chapel of the Holy Cross, nestled amidst the town's stunning red rock formations. More than a mere edifice, it is a harmonious convergence of faith and nature, an architectural masterpiece etched against the Arizona sky. A testament to architectural ingenuity and spiritual serenity, this iconic landmark is renowned for its breathtaking location and striking design, making it one of the most fascinating architectural sites in the country.

During my recent visits to Mexico City, making time for coffee and breakfast at The Ritz-Carlton has become a cherished ritual. It is not so much the menu that inspires me to return but rather sitting on the edge of SAMOS, the hotel restaurant rising 58 stories above Cuauhtémoc, offering an expansive panorama that stretches from the lush greenery of Chapultepec Park to the vibrant streets of Paseo de la Reforma. Whether the city below is bathed in golden sunrise hues, intense city smog, or wrapped in soft morning mist, the scene is always breathtaking. From this vantage point, Mexico City reveals its dual nature—modern and historic, energetic and serene.

Nestled within the enchanting landscapes of Napa Valley, the newly revitalized Frank Family Vineyards beckons wine enthusiasts seeking a refined and stylish setting to savor their favorite vintages. Among the array of delightful tasting experiences awaiting guests, the Miller House stands as a true gem.

The Salk Institute for Biological Studies is a world-renowned research institute located in the stunning coastal neighborhood of La Jolla in San Diego, California. It is also my favorite building in Southern California. The history-making institute was founded in 1960 by Jonas Salk, the developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine. Salk selected one of the most celebrated architects of the 20th century, Louis Kahn, to design the research facility.

My recent trip to New York City was inspired by an invitation from visionary Los Angeles artist and sculptor, Lauren Halsey, to attend the opening celebration of her newest piece entitled the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), located on the Roof Garden of The MET. Commissioned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art to create a site-specific installation, Lauren has delivered a full-scale architectural structure described as “the collective energy and imagination of the South Central Los Angeles Community”, the place she was born, raised, and continues to work.

Arcosanti, the concrete urban laboratory located at Cordes Junction, is an easy one hour drive north of Phoenix. Hop on HWY 17 and before too long you will be enveloped by pure Arizona desert. Built in the 1970s by Italian architect Paolo Soleri, this radial community began as a prototype arcology–a compact urban form intended to be self-sufficient and self-contained. The term arcology, coined by Soleri, is a portmanteau of architecture and ecology, now most often realized in sci-fi narratives. Post-doctorate, Soleri spent 18 months as a student at Taliesin West in fellowship with Frank Lloyd Wright. Having toured both Taliesin West and Arcosanti myself, it's easy to draw aesthetic similarities, but that's where it stops, as in my research I learned that the men held conflicting architectural philosophies.  While on my impressive one-hour tour at Arcosanti I was informed that Soleri left Taliesin West as he continually found himself in opposition to Wright.