From Realtor to Renowned Designer - Joel Contreras on Breaking the Mold

In this episode of Modern Home Masterminds, we sit down with visionary designer and developer Joel Contreras to explore his unique journey from building custom furniture to reshaping historic neighborhoods in Phoenix.

From his beginnings in real estate to controversial moves in historic neighborhoods, Joel shares how he built his design legacy without a formal education, why he believes good design should be accessible, and how his work is transforming communities one home at a time. Joel opens up about the challenges of working with older homes, navigating neighbor dynamics, and learning hard lessons through plumbing mishaps and appraisal hurdles. We dive into his creative approach to blending modern design with historic charm, and get an inside look at his award-winning Sky View project—an architectural transformation that turned a dated hillside house into a stunning luxury short-term rental. With deep insights, candid stories, and advice for aspiring renovators, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about design, real estate, and modern living.

⏱️ Chapter  (Estimated Timings):

00:00 – Welcome & Intro to Joel Contreras

01:10 – From Furniture to Design: Joel’s Creative Journey

04:42 – Coronado Roots & Early Renovation Lessons

07:30 – Appraisals, Value, and Building the Right Way

10:55 – Neighbor Drama & Landscape Design Solutions

13:05 – The Truth About Renovating Historic Homes

18:25 – Design Rules, Masonry Dreams & Vaulted Ceilings

23:18 – Making Historic Homes Work for Modern Life

25:32 – The Sky View Project: Design on a Hillside

28:00 – Glass, Steel, and $2,500/Night Architecture

🔹 Where to Find Joel Contreras

🌐 Website: https://joelcontrerasdesign.com/

📸 Instagram: @joelcontrerasdesign

 

🔹 Where to Find Bespoke Real Estate:

🌐 Website: https://bespokephx.com

📸 Instagram: @bespoke.phx  

📚 Facebook:   /bespoke.phx  

🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more behind-the-scenes stories in architecture, real estate, and design.