Debra May Himes, ASID, IIDA, LEED AP has been working as a professional interior designer in the Phoenix Metro area for over 30 years.  Debra believes her best projects are the ones in which the home owners, architect, builder, and interior designer are all able to work as a team to make the home owner’s dream home come to life.  She feels very blessed to have been part of so many wonderful projects over the years.

Nestled in the foothills of Scottsdale, Arizona is this long-awaited dream home. Interior finishes include Sonora travertine, honed Golden Green slate, Black Galaxy granite, copper, Sedona Brown rock and walnut. The designer was responsible for the interior architectural details of this home as well as much of the fixture and furniture designs which include the entry door, turtle tanks, powder room bath pedestal, wine room door, and wet bar.  Essential to the project designs is their pet turtles’ safety and ability to adapt and function in their new environment.  Part of their family for over 40 years, these turtles are integral to the owners’ daily living. Both male, separate habitats are required for the family room turtle tanks, placed in the home so the turtles can view and interact with the owners. The owners and pets love their new home.

This project received a 1^st Place ASID Design Excellence Awards in 2017 and was published in the Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine in August of 2016 “Where Passions Reside”.

Photography by

Dino Tonn