Discover “The Real Places of Arizona” with Architect Don Ryden

For more than five decades, Don Ryden, AIA has explored, documented, and celebrated the “Spirit of Place” that defines Arizona’s architectural and cultural identity. His engaging lectures and visual presentations – now available for Speakers Bureau programs – bring to life the stories of Arizona’s people, places, and dreams across centuries.

A Friend and Ally of Arizona Preservation

Don is no stranger to the Arizona Preservation Foundation community. A recipient of the Governor’s Heritage Preservation Honor Award, a featured presenter at several PreserveAZ Conferences, and a longtime friend of the Foundation, Don has inspired countless professionals and enthusiasts with his blend of architectural insight, historical depth, and storytelling artistry.

His presentations are ideal for heritage organizations, historical societies, local preservation commissions, community groups, and architecture programs seeking to deepen their understanding of Arizona’s built environment.

The Lecture Series: “Architect Ryden and the Real Places of Arizona”

Don's PowerPoint-based talks, often accompanied by vivid photography and personal anecdotes, offer audiences a tour through Arizona’s history, architecture, and imagination. Each lecture connects the state’s “Real Places” – from prehistoric pueblos to modern masterpieces – to the people and ideals that shaped them. Among his offerings:

• Dreamers in the Desert and Their Architecture of Opportunity – An exploration of how newcomers, visionaries, and builders transformed the Arizona desert into a land of new beginnings. Highlights include Casa Grande Ruins, San Xavier del Bac, Mystery Castle, Tovrea Castle, Taliesin West, and Arcosanti—all linked by themes of hope, adaptation, and creativity.

• The Humble Hero’s Dream of Chance – The story of Arizona statesman Ernest W. McFarland and his memorial at Wesley Bolin Plaza, a study in humility, justice, and legacy.

• Modern-Day Duel in the Desert – A provocative look at how the minimalist ideals of the Bauhaus “White Box” style fared differently in Phoenix, Palm Springs, and Tel Aviv.

• Phoenix Architecture of Optimism – A groundbreaking study of the city’s Modern architectural identity and its preservation legacy.

• The Magical Mud of Tsiuk-Son – A celebration of San Xavier del Bac’s adobe artistry, passive cooling ingenuity, and the enduring wisdom of traditional building techniques.

• Siege of the Dream Castles – The captivating stories behind Tovrea Castle and Mystery Castle, two of Arizona’s most beloved architectural curiosities.

And many more tales – from Bisbee’s miners’ paradise to Mogollon’s hidden catacombs – each combining meticulous research with heartfelt storytelling. For a full list of presentations, visit URL.

Why Don’s Talks Matter

Don’s work reminds us that historic preservation is not only about saving the past – it’s about envisioning the future. His lectures engage audiences in reflecting on their own place in Arizona’s ongoing story of reinvention and resilience. Whether you’re a preservation professional, student, or lifelong Arizonan, you’ll leave inspired by the state’s architecture of opportunity.

Book a Presentation

Organizations interested in hosting Don for a presentation can contact him directly:

Don W. Ryden, AIA

Ryden Architects, Inc.

📍 2241 E. Mountain View Road, Phoenix, AZ 85028

📞 602-253-5381 (office) | 602-616-7381 (mobile)

📧 don@rydenarchitects.com

Architect Don Ryden discusses the museum’s collection of rare architectural drawings with Leann Powers and Phil Stewart of Bullion Plaza Museum in Miami, AZ. Photo: Globe-Miami Times.