Norris Design Principal Mary Estes Named as 2024 ‘Master of the Southwest’ Award Winner
Norris Design Principal, Mary Estes, was recently honored as a ‘Master of the Southwest’ by Phoenix Home & Garden Magazine, one of the region’s most respected recognitions for design professionals whose work has shaped the aesthetic and character of the Southwest.
With more than 35 years of experience in landscape architectural practice, Mary has dedicated her career to designing high-quality, environmentally responsive, and enduring landscapes across the United States. While her expertise spans a diverse range of climates and project types, she has developed a deep connection to the Sonoran Desert, where the region’s dramatic landscapes, unique ecology, and cultural richness have strongly influenced her design approach.
Mary is known for her ability to balance the creative and technical demands of landscape architecture; an art that requires equal parts vision, restraint, and innovation. Her work consistently reflects a sensitivity to place, an understanding of climate-appropriate design, and a commitment to creating spaces that are both memorable and highly functional. She excels at crafting landscapes that leave a lasting impression while remaining practical, sustainable, and reflective of the communities they serve.
Her projects can be found throughout Arizona, including the award-winning Edison Eastlake redevelopment in central Phoenix. Completed for the City of Phoenix Housing Department, the project transformed an aging public housing site into a vibrant, multi-phase community offering both market-rate and affordable housing. The design expands access to recreation, particularly for inner-city youth, and integrates thoughtful public spaces that support health, connection, and long-term neighborhood vitality. Edison Eastlake stands as a strong example of Mary’s ability to elevate quality of life through thoughtful, community-driven design.
