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Photo courtesy Lord, Aeck & Sargent

University of Phoenix Stadium / Photo courtesy Bernard Gagnon / Wikipedia(top); Taliesin West / Photo © Jenna M. McKnight (middle); Heard Museum / Photo courtesy Wikipedia (bottom)

Wise is a senior project manager in the Atlanta office of Lord, Aeck & Sargent. He has worked on several LEED-certified projects (including the ASU Biodesign Institute) in the Phoenix area and travels there often.

Best New Architecture
University of Phoenix Stadium
“The stadium [by Peter Eisenman with Populous (formerly HOK Sport)] is interesting because it’s the first indoor stadium with a natural turf field, and the retractable roof allows patrons to take advantage of the fall, winter, and spring weather in Phoenix without air-conditioning.”
 
Best Historic Architecture
Taliesin West
“Within a pristine Sonoran-Desert landscape and surrounded by suburban development, Taliesin West remains one of the few estates in the Phoenix metropolitan area that has been able to preserve the open space of the desert and mountains.”

Best Museums and Galleries
Heard Museum
“The Heard features [a great collection of] Southwestern art—plus it has a nice gift shop for native pieces.”
 
Arizona Science Center
“A hands-on science center that teaches kids and adults alike about our world, how it works, and our relationship to it.”
 
Best Restaurants
“Downtown by the Convention Center, go to Matt’s Big Breakfast for a home-brewed breakfast, and have lunch at Crave Sandwich Cafe. For real Mexican food, go to the Barrio Café on 2814 N. 16th Street.”