Visionary design is what separates an ordinary home from an extraordinary one. Whether they’re found on New York City’s Fifth Avenue or on Hailey Road in New Delhi, homes built with a specific vision have a way of not only standing the test of time, but also standing out from their neighbors.
These five homes act as extensions to their environments, thanks to the creative minds behind each design. They offer their owners the chance to connect with the past, look to the future, and step inside a functional work of art.
Sante Fe, New Mexico by Jeff Harnar
Santa Fe, New Mexico | David Woodard, Sotheby’s International Realty – Santa Fe – Main Downtown Brokerage
Set among the captivating desert landscape of New Mexico, this home was originally designed by acclaimed architect Jeff Harnar in 1998. Harnar, who passed away in 2006, began his practice in the early 1980s and was known for his contemporary designs. His work, which organically balanced the influence of both cultural and environmental resources, is recognizable across Santa Fe. His legacy is celebrated through the Jeff Harnar Award for Contemporary Architecture, which puts a spotlight on contemporary designers. This home on Camino Don Patron, recently re-conceived with modern updates, remains exemplary of Harnar’s vision. An open floor plan, wall-to-wall windows, and vaulted ceilings make the perfect blank canvas for the home’s considered details, like minimal, geometric hearths and marble surfaces.
New York, New York by Rosario Candela
New York, New York | Harry Nasser & Lois Nasser, Sotheby’s International Realty – East Side Manhattan Brokerage
Built in 1927 by influential architect Rosario Candela, this New York apartment holds a place in the city’s history. It represents a time where rows of Fifth Avenue mansions were replaced by luxury apartments, transforming the street’s identity. Working in French and New Classical styles, Candela’s work is famous for his meticulous architectural details, and his apartments have been highly sought after since the late 1920s. This 14-room penthouse triplex is no exception. Its ornate plaster ceilings, grand fireplaces, Belgian granite floors, and an enviable view of Central Park are just a few of the features that capture the eye. Candela’s iconic style is now blended with clean, modern fixtures, making this penthouse one of New York’s most desired.
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia by Thomas Rowe
Sydney, Australia | Michael Pallier, Sydney Sotheby’s International Realty
Situated in one of Sydney’s most exclusive waterfront enclaves, this sandstone manor was designed by Thomas Rowe, one of Australia’s leading architects of the Victorian age. Notable for his involvement in the construction of religious buildings throughout Australia, Rowe’s designs changed from simplistic to more elaborate as times and tastes changed. This estate exemplifies the traditional opulence his work is remembered for, and modern updates have brought it into the twenty-first century. Built in the late 1860s, the home is surrounded by almost an acre of landscaped park grounds, while the interior features formal living and dining rooms, and a spacious kitchen. Stand-out details include the decorative ceilings, antique hardwood floors, and craftsman-style framework.
New Delhi, Delhi, India by Abhimanyu Dalal
New Delhi, India | Yatindra Soperna, India Sotheby’s International Realty
Renowned Indian architect Abhimanyu Dalal follows the guiding principle to “build structures with constant innovation and an insightful understanding of the past.” His works are decidedly contemporary, but with attention paid to their specific regions and cultural surroundings. Situated on Hailey Road in New Delhi—on the same street as the Iranian Embassy and Agrasen’s Baoli—this property has been designed to share in the rich heritage of the area. Spaciously elegant and appointed for the needs of families and their guests, the home features tasteful columns, art deco-inspired lighting fixtures, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
Park City, Utah by Michael Upwall
Park City, Utah | Valen Lindner & Jamison Frost, Summit Sotheby’s International Realty
The award-winning architect Michael Upwall designed this ski-in/ski-out estate to complement the majesty of the surrounding mountains. The driving force behind Upwall’s design firm is to create structures that fit seamlessly into their landscapes, especially in mountainside settings. This property’s porte-cochère is a dramatic and fitting introduction to the rest of the home, which features breathtaking views, an open-concept floor plan, and a spiral staircase down to the wine cellar and tasting room. Other notable aspects of the property include the access to world-class ski amenities, as well as an on-site theater and spa.
Without vision, a home is just a building. The conceptual work exemplified by these architects proves that considered design paired with artistry results in much more than a simple structure—it becomes the foundation for today’s ever-changing lifestyles.
Discover more homes designed by notable architects the world over.
