The Spring Su Casa has always been about new beginnings and, with its annual emphasis on remodeling, fresh starts. To that end, we once again bring you our Sources directory for home building, remodeling, and everything in between (see “Sources,” page 121). Many of you can see, feel, or talk to (as the case may be) those products, services, and the people who provide them at the annual Home Builders Association of Central New Mexico Home Improvement Showcase, March 16–18 at the Albuquerque Convention Center.

That’s the “resources” side of Su Casa. Over on the “inspiration” and “ideas” pages, we hear an adobe remodeling theme beginning with “Reversing the spiral” (see page 102), then serendipitously echoed in the Honor Award winner of the annual residential design competition we conduct with the American Institute of Architects, Albuquerque chapter. Sam Sterling won the top award for the renovation of his Peralta house (see “Let it be,” page 92). The other winners were D. Joseph Andrade of Santa Fe, William Agnew of Santa Fe, and Cindy Terry of Albuquerque. (Look for further coverage in future issues.)

Despite the wide range of styles represented by these four—from traditional adobe to postmodern playfulness—they all embrace New Mexican restraint and a refined sense of place. It’s a mark of cultural continuity that today’s architects continue to find inspiration in the local home-building heritage. They manage to articulate new statements about modern life while retaining phrases from the old design vocabulary.

In another new variation on classic New Mexico themes, architect Steven Robinson designed a nuevo–Territorial-style home for Jim and Sandy Fitzpatrick outside Santa Fe (see “Creative impulse,” page 82). A wonderful mix of traditional elements with modern space planning, the Fitzpatricks’ home oozes livable charm. Between its respectful architecture and their comprehensive collection of fine art and New Mexican folk art, the home maintains a strong connection to its cultural surroundings.

Other homeowners are bringing culture and art inside through tile mosaics. “Piece work” (page 70) offers a diverse portfolio of this captivating art by three of New Mexico’s finest practitioners: Erin Adams, Erin Magennis, and Laura Robbins. Each in her own style, working with pieces of glass, tile, and even stone, creates stunning imagery ideally suited to architectural enhancement.

This year, Su Casa undergoes an enhancement of our own: we’re adding an issue between this Spring issue and Summer. With its focus on green homes, outdoor living, and the Custom Builders Council Home Tour, we hope our new start will inspire a fresh perspective for your home, too.