Colwell Shelor Landscape Architecture
Phoenix, Ariz.

Principals Allison Colwell and Michele Shelor have collaborated with a wide range of disciplines on some of the most imaginative and technically challenging projects in the state, ranging from large civic complexes to intimate domestic sanctuaries. Colwell Shelor is dedicated to creating simple yet dynamic landscape environments that are sensory and personal, yet fiscally realistic, sustainable and socially responsible.

Arcadia Residence, at the foot of Camelback Mountain, Phoenix

The more formal character of the lower courtyard is bordered by fully windowed living/dining rooms, master bedroom and guest room, along with a recycled glulam bench and an at-grade reflecting pool. Wide-tread turf steps transition to the more informal upper yard. A long, white fence and gate of contemporary materials evokes memories of Phoenix's old manor estates. The design offers a pastoral atmosphere, while maintaining the flood irrigation for the front and back yards. A large porch is flanked by a water feature, crafted into a board-formed concrete entry wall with a carpet of recycled bricks interspersed with dichondra. The driveway transitions to a south side garden and a play area for the kids. The three predominant garden zones have climate-appropriate plantings. A lawn and a 50-year old grapefruit grove were preserved. Lemon, lime and orange trees abound, with mesquite trees for shade.

Prescott, Ariz. Residence

This 4,500 square foot home is on a 2.5-acre lot that rises and falls, sometimes steeply. There are strands of pinyons and junipers, picturesque granite outcroppings, a natural wash, seasonal creek bed and an understory of native shrubs and grasses. The home, with views of the Granite Mountains, is constructed of concrete, COR-TEN steel, stacked stone and glass. The spa off the master suite is tucked into the walls of granite and pine trees. The concrete finger walls flank the large outcropping, providing seating and planting areas for the east patio. A steel bridge spans two ridges. A 22,000 sq. ft. area of disturbed landscape was restored with indigenous native plants. Concrete retaining walls and steel headers delineate the patios. The agave/yucca garden has canting concrete retaining walls following the lines of the roof. Shelves were cut into the grade, supported by jute netting and seeded with native wildflowers and grasses. Boulders were winched into place. The entry drive and auto court is stabilized granite from a regional quarry.

The Dot Garden, Old Town Scottsdale

The Dot Garden is part of an infill project to revitalize downtown Scottsdale neighborhoods. From the street, a shallow bank of golden barrel cacti line the sidewalk. A raised slot planter has a screen of horsetail reeds. A patio fountain helps absorb street noise, and a concrete bench marks the patio boundary. The landscape is all drip-irrigated xeric plants valued for their sculptural qualities.