As an Arizona native with deep family roots in the Valley, Ryan Chavez has always had a special connection to this community. Growing up in Glendale, he left at 17 to pursue a Computer Science degree at MIT. After graduating, he moved to New York, drawn to the hustle and bustle of the City.  During his time there, he helped build a successful airline technology company. His career has brought him to over 75 countries, blending his love of travel, aviation, and technology.

     While Ryan is a New Yorker at heart, the pandemic forced him to return to his Arizona roots when his company went fully remote. He moved back to Arrowhead Lakes into a house near his family, where his mother, Karen Matson Kelley, has lived for over twenty years. Since then, he has divided his time between New York and Arizona. This allowed him to rediscover the beauty of year-round sunshine and the Lakes’ unique charm.
     His time in Arizona also led to the realization of a passion for home renovations and design after he renovated his second home in the Lakes in 2021. However, it’s his third project, Casa Madera, that has truly captured his heart.

     Purchased last April, Casa Madera was a home with character but needed a transformation. From the moment he toured the house, Ryan was drawn to the striking fireplace in the main living area. He saw the potential to reimagine the space, blending warmth, modern aesthetics, and mid-century design elements that he has always loved. The name "Madera," which means wood in Spanish, is a nod to the prominent walnut, oak, and teak elements throughout the design.

     For the past ten months, Ryan has worked meticulously with his talented friends, Brendan Ferry from New York and Roy Caires from Los Angeles, to renovate Casa Madera. With no detail spared, they focused on creating an open-plan layout with intimate spaces for gatherings of family and friends, ensuring that the large home still felt cozy and welcoming. Rich wood elements, luxurious fabrics, and warm lighting created an inviting atmosphere.

     The transformation of Casa Madera has been a labor of love, and Ryan is incredibly proud of what he and his friends created. He is already looking forward to his next renovation project, believing that breathing new life into homes like this will keep Arrowhead Lakes a vibrant and thriving community for generations. Until then, you can find him enjoying the lakefront living in the Arizona sunshine, trying his best to stay clear of the New York winter.