Arizona was Scott Jarson’s boyhood home. Join him as he explores the unique history of Arcadia, from irrigated citrus groves to one of the Valley’s most desirable luxury enclaves. He shares insights into the area’s historically referenced name, innovative land use, early settlement, and architectural development, along with engaging stories and little-known facts. With roots in a family of growers and produce shippers, and a career spanning decades in real estate, design, and storytelling, Jarson brings a rare firsthand perspective to the Arcadia story and is widely recognized as an expert in Arizona history and architecture.

Scott Jarson is a Realtor®, writer, artist, and lecturer whose firm specializes in the marketing of Architecturally Unique Homes™. He co-founded azarchitecture/Jarson & Jarson Real Estate with his wife and partner, Debbie Jarson, a brokerage dedicated to distinctive design and architecture. A top-producing agent since 1987, he has earned numerous awards and industry recognition. An Arizona native, he holds a fine arts degree from Arizona State University and is publisher of Defining Desert Living magazine. Widely respected for his expertise in architecture and regional history, his career reflects a lifelong passion for design, preservation, and Arizona’s cultural landscape.
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 5:30 – 7 pm

$15 per person


  •  November 12, 2026
     5:30 pm - 7:00 pm

At the corner of Third Avenue and Monroe Street in downtown Phoenix, a century of history unfolds in the Monroe Street Abbey. Originally built as the First Baptist Church and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the landmark was later devastated by a fire that destroyed its roof and interior floors. Amid the ruins, owner Terry Goddard and a collaborative team of designers envisioned new life: a cultural garden taking root within the three-story sanctuary, now open to the sky. After decades of dedicated work, the site has been reborn. Join Terry Goddard, Eddie Jones, and Maria Salenger as they share the vision, collaboration, and remarkable transformation behind this extraordinary Phoenix landmark.

Saturday, December 12, 2026 | 11 am – 12:30 pm

$15 per person


  •  December 12, 2026
     11:00 am - 12:30 pm

 

More Architecture Lectures to be Announced Soon!

 

 


Past Architecture Lectures

 

Architecture Integrating Art with Douglas Sydnor

Held Saturday, October 3, 2026

 


James Turrell with Chris Chamberlain

Held Thursday, August 20, 2026

 


The Design of Houses with Ned Sawyer

Held Thursday, May 14, 2026

 


The Unique History of Arcadia with Scott Jarson

Held Thursday, April 30, 2026

 


100 Years of Residential Architecture with Roger Brevoort

Held Thursday, March 26, 2026

 


Passion & Design with Mark Ryan

Held Thursday, January 29, 2026

 


Immersive Living within the Sonoran Desert with Kris Floor

Held Thursday, November 6, 2025

 


Architect as Designer – Architect as Builder

Panel Discussion with Brent Kendle, Mark Tate, and Richard Fairbourn

Held Thursday, October 2, 2025

 


Landscape Architecture with Michael Desplaines of The Green Room

Held Thursday, August 7, 2025

 


Jones Studio: Art Inspired Architecture with Eddie Jones

Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer by Gustav Klimt, 1907 and Entry to the Logan House

Held Wednesday, May 21, 2025

 


Dreamers in the Desert with historical architect Don W. Ryden, AIA

Tovrea Castle & Carraro Cactus Garden

Held Thursday, April 24, 2025

 


How to Not Ruin Your Beadle with Joel Contreras

Three Fountains by Alfred Newman Beadle remodel by Joel Contreras

Held Thursday, March 27, 2025

 


Everything’s a Sculpture: The Life and Designs of Alfred Newman Beadle with Gerri Beadle-Murray

Held Thursday, January 30, 2025

 


My Journey to the West with Michael Johnson

Ellsworth Residence by Michael P Johnson, Photo credit Bill Timmerman

Held Saturday, December 14, 2024

 


Making Architecture – the Work of 180 Degrees Design + Build with James Trahan

Held Thursday, December 5, 2024

 


Landscape Architecture : The Poetics of Gardens with Chris Winters

Held Saturday, November 23, 2024

 


Modern Homes: 3 for 3 with Lawrence Lake

Held Thursday, November 14, 2024

 


Architecture as Art with Ned Sawyer

Cobus residence in Pinnacle Peak

Held Saturday, November 9, 2024