Meet Aaron Stouffer of Post & Beam in Central Phoenix

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaron Stouffer.

Aaron, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I have had an interest in architecture for as long as I can remember. My parents would buy me sketchpads that I would fill with floor plans of dream homes. I studied architecture and design in high school and graduated from Kent State University with a Masters Degree in Architecture. During my senior year, I enrolled in a course focused on the Mid-Century Modern style and I was instantly hooked. After moving to Phoenix in 2011, I became engrossed in preserved examples of post-war architecture in both the valley of the sun and Palm Springs, CA. I began noticing the artwork of SHAG, Nat Reed, and Jon Arvizu among countless others. A friend of mine bought a signature MCM house designed by local former architect, Ralph Haver and I decided to take my hand at creating an art piece that embodied the character of the home by drawing with color blocks and using a vibrant palette. The word spread and before long, I was commissioned to do similar works of other homes and businesses and launched a “Lost” and “Found” series of Phoenix. I wanted to translate this media into an effort of preservation and pride for the community. In a city where much of our Mid-Century architecture falls victim to the wrecking ball, I want to illustrate the significance of these works, highlighting the details and remembering the nostalgia that both long time residents and transplants can relate to.

Has it been a smooth road?
All in all, it has. I never dreamt that it would be successful, or continue to grow in the way that it has. I am forever grateful for taking the opportunity and sticking with it.

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Post & Beam specializes in creating unique works of art for people’s homes. Most of us take pride in our residence and these pieces tell a fun, colorful story sometimes beyond that of a photograph. I am most known for my “Lost” and “Found” series, highlighting significant architecture that has met an early demise, or has been repurposed into a new use. My proudest achievement would have to be creating a piece of a childhood home, whether still standing or not, and seeing the emotion in the eyes of the owner. I get it. We all relate special moments in our life to a building or space of some sort, and being able to capture it in a new light is an honor.

Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Absolutely. As previously mentioned, too many of our prime examples of Mid-Century Modern architecture are plowed over to make way for newer (not always better) development. Phoenix saw a huge growth spurt post-WWII during the peak of the modern design movement. In a lot of ways, it was one of the defining characteristics of the city. Today, Phoenix is a great hub for local businesses big and small and mom and pop shops. We recognize the importance and give patronage to them. And, the efforts to preserve our buildings continues to grow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.postandbeamaz.com
• Phone: 717-377-5902
• Email: postandbeamaz@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/postandbeamaz/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/postandbeamaz/

Suggest a story: VoyagePhoenix is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.