Photography by Scott Sandler
How Interiors Remembered transformed the ICONIC home of Wendy Horwitch.
Great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about functionality, adaptability and ensuring that a space works seamlessly for everyone. In the Phoenix and Scottsdale area, Interiors Remembered has been at the forefront of designing homes that prioritize accessibility while maintaining beauty and timeless elegance.
One recent project stands out as a testament to their mission: the home of Wendy Horwitch.
For Horwitch, home has always been more than just a place to live—it’s a reflection of history, community and personal identity. As the daughter of the late and ICONIC Elaine Horwitch, a legendary art dealer credited with shaping the Scottsdale and Santa Fe art scenes in the 1970s and ‘80s, Wendy’s world was filled with artistic expression, an appreciation for design and an intuitive understanding of space.
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She followed that passion into architecture, working on notable projects, including being part of the Bellagio design team when Steve Wynn still owned the ICONIC Las Vegas resort.
Despite her love for design and architecture, life threw Horwitch an unexpected challenge. She was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in 1991. While she managed the condition for many years, living in her Scottsdale home became increasingly complex due to mobility issues. The house, built in the 1990s, was full of 45-degree angles, high shelves and swing doors that were more of an obstacle course than a functional design.
“Hinges were not my friend,” Horwitch recalls, describing how she would continuously run into doors and struggle with upper cabinets that were out of her reach.
For more than 15 years, she envisioned transforming her home into a space that worked seamlessly for all abilities—where she could move freely, entertain guests and continue her deep-rooted commitment to community involvement. Yet, the thought of undertaking a complete renovation was daunting.
Then, she found Athena Vigil with Interiors Remembered.
“Googling interior designers led me to Athena, and I fell in love,” Horwitch says. “I wanted my house to be a place anyone could live in, no matter their ability—whether it was children, guests or people facing physical challenges. Interiors Remembered understood that vision from day one.”
From the start, Vigil and her team approached the project with unparalleled dedication and understanding. They didn’t just want to design a beautiful space; they wanted to ensure that Horwitch’s daily life was made easier by incorporating thoughtful solutions at every turn. For instance, they replaced all swing doors with pocket doors to allow her to transition effortlessly through the home and created wider hallways so her scooter could move freely.
“In the kitchen, we installed a French wall oven, where the doors open to the side rather than pulling down,” Vigil explains. “This way, Wendy doesn’t have to risk burning her elbows on a traditional oven door.”
The team also paid close attention to Horwitch’s primary bathroom, designing a custom bench that starts at the shower’s entrance and runs along the entire space so she can comfortably move to where she feels most at ease. The thermostatic valve was positioned at chair height, allowing her to turn on the water before entering.
“Every detail was planned with her convenience and independence in mind,” Vigil adds.
For Horwitch, the process of creating these designs was very collaborative and easy, and she attributes this to Vigil taking the time to understand Horwitch’s vision for her home.
“We worked together on all the finishes and details and it was very easy. Part of that may be my background because we have the same language, but I’ve seen her with other clients, and I know it’s the same with everybody,” Horwitch said.
Even her beloved service dog, Violet, was kept in mind during the renovation. Interiors Remembered created a dog water and food station at the kitchen island, complete with a pot filler and sink installed at chair height. Violet also has automatic door openers, ensuring she can access spaces freely alongside Horwitch.
“It’s small details like these that make a big difference in someone’s day-to-day life,” Vigil shares.
The transformation was nothing short of life-changing. “I think it looks beautiful, but it’s also extremely functional as a space,” Horwitch reflects.
Beyond her personal enjoyment, the renovation has allowed Horwitch to continue doing what she loves: giving back.
She sits on the board of several charities, including Gesher Disability Resources, an organization dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities in the Jewish community. The redesigned space has given her the ability to host, connect and contribute without limitation.
“A lot of our clients use wheelchairs or other assistive devices. This house is going to be so great for them to be able to come and not have to worry about whether they can get into the house or use the bathrooms. I just know they’ll be able to. It’s a space for everyone,” Horwitch says.
For Horwitch, the renovation wasn’t just about accessibility—it was about reclaiming her home. For Interiors Remembered, it was another opportunity to show that elevated interior design can affect our overall quality of life.
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