The couple moved into their 5,400 square-foot home in November 2007 after 15 months of building. Architect Enrique Martinez and Interior Designer Lynda Power of Designs by L.L. Power and Associates, helped the couple create their own masterpiece.

“It’s been a work in progress since we moved in,” Alan says, laughing at the extensive amount of work performed by the couple themselves. “We were involved in every step along the way. This is the first one we built ground-up and maybe our last.”

Alan and Frances visited the home site every day, with Frances delivering home cooked food to the builders. That special treat kept them on top of the progress, with the builders wanting the Erickson’s input, approval and company. “They all felt a vested interest and I see their pride and workmanship in the little details.” While there, Frances kept close watch on the kitchen – the room of her dreams.

“I love to cook, so I tried to design the kitchen to support the way that I cook,” says Frances, who worked closely with Lynda on the design. Frances credits Lynda for capturing unique design elements and providing a type of efficiency not always found in grand kitchens. “She is very talented and very down to earth,” claims Frances.

The island in the middle is gorgeous with a granite countertop that has sentimental value as well as an appealing look. When Ramon Gandara received the granite slab the couple purchased in Phoenix, he was unaware the granite company sent the wrong color, but when he found out, he did everything he could to find what the couple wanted.

“He was wonderful. He just kept looking for the granite that we had originally selected, even flying to Mexico City and Dallas to look,” Frances says of Gandara, who passed away from cancer in July. “The fact that he did so much for us while he was so sick is more special to me than anything. He left me a legacy of love and a piece of himself, which I will cherish always.”

The island also holds a unique Franke Beach sink that includes an area for a cutting board, stainless steel bowl and colander with a disposal to the side. Refrigerated drawers in the island allow Frances to grab vegetables she needs quickly while cutting and disposing of the garbage, all right where she works.

The cabinetry in the kitchen was created at the hands of Sergio Villarreal of A-1 Cabinets and includes a custom designed pull-out spice rack, a tall dresser with pull out drawers holding plates and bowls, as well as a separate drawer with an area for organizing lids.

If the island is extraordinary, the pantry is breathtaking. The large room is used as a space to hold a lot of food, an additional refrigerator and freezer, extra pots and pans and, according to Frances, “every kitchen gadget ever made.”

“My pantry is set up so things I don’t need to use everyday can be stored in there,” Frances says. “It leaves a lot of extra room in the kitchen.”

Frances had a lot of support from Alan, who, when asked if he cooks, said, “Not a chance!” He told Frances, “This is your kitchen, do whatever you want with your room.” She gets to work in her dream kitchen, but Alan gets the rewards from it. “I’m spoiled by her cooking because of this kitchen,” Alan says. “I pinch myself every time I walk through.”