FEATURE FRIDAY: Blake Sutton, President of Est Est, Inc., on Scottsdale, Design, and His Favorite Project

Blake Sutton is an Arizona native. He grew up in Scottsdale, graduating high school from  Scottsdale Christian Academy and then going on to Arizona State University (ASU). Today, he is president of Est Est, Inc., an award-winning interior design firm. Established in 1959, it is the oldest interior design companies in Scottsdale.

“I’m passionate about creating amazing homes for people to live in,” he says.

Here, he talks about joining Est Est, what he loves about Scottsdale, and what people should think about when designing/decorating their homes.

How did you get started in design?

My father was a pillar of the interior design community in town. I grew up in this industry and was raised to have an appreciation for the innovation and craftsmanship that can only be found in the custom home community. I went to college at ASU and received an engineering degree in construction management. I started my career working for a residential builder and was blessed to work on the custom homes being built at the Montelucia Resort& Spa.

When did you join Est Est Interior Design, and why did you feel you were a good fit for the company?

In 2010 my father reached out and asked me to join the management team at Est Est. My education and experience on the construction side of the custom home industry brought a unique perspective to the design side of the operation. With a passion for maximizing the customer’s experience through what can be a long and stressful process, I have focused on building systems and a framework that allows our designers to have complete creative freedom while ensuring we provide consistency and responsibility in our deliverables.

 

 

 

The Est Est team. Courtesy Blake Sutton

 

 

 

 

In your opinion, what makes the company stand out?

While Est Est is known throughout the industry for our incredibly detailed drawings and elevations, one of the things that really makes us stand out is that we don’t have a “look” we sell. We really focus on listening to our clients, learning how they live, and providing a design that is truly custom tailored to their lifestyle. For this reason, we have a very diverse design portfolio including but not limited to contemporary, Mediterranean, traditional, Southwest, and mountain-style homes.

Favorite project you’ve ever been involved with?

We work on so many amazing projects, it’s difficult to pick just one. One of my personal favorites is a desert contemporary home we completed a few years ago in Fountain Hills. The architecture of Swaback was fantastic. It did an incredible job of creating a seamless indoor-outdoor transition.

You like to volunteer. Can you tell us where and why that’s important to you?

The majority of my volunteer efforts are directed towards Teach One to Lead One. It is a community-based mentoring program that goes into public schools during the school day and works with kids who are at risk. Helping raise the next generation is a privilege and responsibility for all of us to ensure a better future.

Motto you live by?

Do the right thing, even if no one is looking.

What do you love about Scottsdale?

I love our food scene! We have such an incredible variety of high-quality restaurants. My wife and I love trying new places during Arizona Restaurant Week.

One thing everyone should think about when decorating/designing their homes?

The quality of your interior space has a profound impact on your physical and mental health. You don’t have to chase trends to create the perfect space for you.

 

 

 

 

The Sutton family. Courtesy Blake Sutton

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

photo by Photo Fusion Studio