Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Cavin Costello of Arcadia

We recently had the chance to connect with Cavin Costello and have shared our conversation below.

Cavin, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think many people think that the main driver of architecture is the look or aesthetic. In our work the look or the aesthetic is the result of many other decisions.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Cavin Costello, principal architect and co-founder of The Ranch Mine, an architecture firm based in Phoenix, Arizona. We design modern homes and hospitality projects with the mission of connecting people with nature and each other. Our work spans across the U.S., and we recently completed our first international project, “Island Retreat’ in San Pedro, Belize, with a few others currently in the works.

Our clients are adventurous thinkers. They come to us to create bold and meaningful spaces, whether that is a personal residence, a destination boutique resort, or a one-of-a-kind venue. They are not looking for what is typical. They want to create something lasting, something that reflects how they live, what they value, and how they want to connect with nature, with others, and with themselves.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents. My dad taught me the value of working hard and working smart. He showed me how to think independently, constantly improve, and stay curious. He showed me that while business often rewards specialization, being well-rounded and engaged with the world leads to better insights and more original solutions. My mom managed the controlled chaos of raising three kids with remarkable clarity and care. She was incredibly organized, deeply involved in our community, and generous with her time. From her, I learned that meaningful work doesn’t always show up on a resume. It’s about presence, commitment, and contribution, whether it’s at home, in business, or in service to others.

What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
After working really hard for many years and graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Architecture degree, I thought I would graduate and immediately be given a job. I had done everything right up to that point. Not only did I have that degree, but going to a co-op school, I also had 24 months of working full time in architecture firms with great references. I graduated in May 2009 just as the Great Recession was really picking up. I applied to over 250 jobs and got 3 interviews, and no job offers. That made me grow up quickly and realize that nothing is guaranteed.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
People being true to themselves. I care little about status, and a lot about integrity. I respect those who are not chasing approval, who value substance, develop their own point of view, and turn their lived experience into original work.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. How do you know when you’re out of your depth?
When I feel nervously excited. Being out of my depth means there is a new opportunity to learn or improve at something, and I find that very exciting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theranchmine.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ranchmine/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/comm/mynetwork/discovery-see-all?usecase=PEOPLE_FOLLOWS&followMember=cavin-costello-6b2239289

Image Credits
Dan Ryan Studio