Marble, Milan & Million-Dollar Visions
When I was invited to join Jeanette Mendez, Principal and Architectural Designer at CAM Design Group, on a business trip to Italy, I knew it would be something special. What I didn’t expect was how deeply inspiring and educational it would be, not only from a design perspective, but also in seeing the passion and precision behind every slab of marble that goes into her multimillion-dollar homes in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale.
This wasn’t just a vacation, it was a journey into the heart of one of the world’s oldest and most luxurious industries: Italian marble and natural stone. Jannette’s mission was to see the variety of beautiful slabs she might choose from for her upcoming projects. We met with Vidya Walia and Sai Kosuri from Arista Quartz and Natural Stone, a family-owned company whose attention to detail have earned them a reputation for excellence among top-tier designers around the globe.
Touching the Source
From the moment we stepped into the first warehouse, the scale and elegance of the entire setup struck me. Row after row of polished marble stood like pieces of art, each one with its own personality, texture, and origin story.
These weren’t mass-produced materials. They were curated natural works of art—cut, finished, and refined using some of the world’s most advanced equipment. The owners gave us a behind-the-scenes look at the process: how raw stone is transformed into something breathtakingly smooth and mirror-like. It’s not just about cutting a rock. It’s an art form that requires precision, patience, and vision.
The Family Behind the Stone
What made the experience even more meaningful was meeting the young couple behind this company. The business was passed down from a father who spent over 40 years building strong global relationships and mastering the marble trade.
Vidya and Sai run warehouses in Tempe, Arizona, and Utah, and are currently planning to expand to Scottsdale. Their knowledge of the industry is profound, and their network of suppliers is impressive. They travel internationally throughout the year to inspect shipments and ensure high standards are maintained. Every month, they bring in 40-yard containers of stone, ensuring that designers like Jeanette receive only the best.
Their hospitality was unmatched. They picked us up, treated us to amazing dinners, hotels, and guided us through the towns where their marble is sourced. On our final day, they drove us through small villages, shared stories about the business, and brainstormed with us about expansion strategies. Jeanette and I even shared our thoughts on branding and scaling, mentoring them as fellow entrepreneurs.
Creative Spark
Jeanette was in her element. Watching her study the stones, develop ideas, and make selections for her upcoming projects was something I won’t forget. These weren’t random choices. She was already imagining kitchens, bathrooms, and living spaces—each slab matched to a purpose, a story, a lifestyle. I affirmed just how gifted she is. Her ability to translate raw material into refined living spaces is remarkable.
As someone who has worked closely with Jeanette through our Llamas Productions team, we’ve filmed her finished homes before and have seen the marble she selects installed in properties worth over $20 million dollars. But to be with her at the source to see her process from the very beginning was something entirely new.
Milan Moments
Before the business portion of our trip began, Jeanette and I arrived in Milan two days early. We explored the Cathedral, toured boutiques, admired sculptures, and indulged in Italy’s finest cuisine. The food was unforgettable. Even when we didn’t know exactly what to order, every bite was fresh and full of flavor, especially the seafood and pasta. And the wine? As good as you’d expect.
We spent those first couple of days grounding ourselves, resetting our clocks, and soaking in the culture before diving into the intense and fulfilling week ahead.
What I Took Away
This trip opened my eyes to the elegance and complexity behind the materials that form the backbone of luxury homes. I saw how relationships are forged, not just contracts. I saw how the most stunning elements of a home are born in beautifully organized warehouses, carved from mountains, and refined by artisans. And I saw how collaboration between designers, vendors, videographers, and mentors can create something truly exceptional.
If you ever get the chance to travel for business, take it. There is something profound about stepping into another world and seeing your industry through a new lens. For me, it was a crash course in high-end stonework and a reminder of the creativity and effort that goes into every element of design.
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