A Blueprint for Luxury

Discover the Journey of Pondbank

Story courtesy of Robert and Judi Newman

Released in September 2025, Pondbank: The Residence of Robert and Judi Newman is a personal journal chronicling the six-year journey of building an extraordinary home in Denver, Colorado. From making thousands of decisions to attending hundreds of hours of meetings, the Newmans share every detail in this stunning coffee-table book.

This grand endeavor warranted a telling of how this home came to be and why, after a disaster before construction, the homeowners were still determined to bring it to life. A timeless masterpiece of Palladian architecture, sophisticated design, and energy-efficient features, Pondbank—the name given to the home, which is perched on a hill overlooking a pond on the property—is a 21,500-square-foot neo-classical masonry estate that blends classical and modern elements to create a functional, inspiring, and everlasting family home.

The Newmans refer to builder Jeff Barnett and his team at JKB Construction as “the glue” that held the project together and brought this incredible home to life, inside and out. | Photo by Emily Minton Redfield

More than just a residence, Pondbank was designed to showcase a world-class art collection, maximize natural light in every room, and harmonize history, art, and the landscape.

“This is much more than a book about architecture and design,” says Judi Newman. “From the nuts and bolts, literally, to the moment we lost our dog in the walls of the home, we share the full experience to help guide others who dream of creating a magnificent home from the ground up.”

Robert and Judi Newman—accomplished professionals and deeply committed philanthropists known for their enduring contributions to universities, the arts, sustainability, and education in Denver and Miami—assembled a world-class team to bring their vision to life.

A custom Italian tile mosaic designed by Melissa Mabe envelops the indoor pool below mythology-inspired artwork reflected in the water’s surface. | Photo by John Boak

Architect Don Ruggles, AIA, NCARB, ICAA, ANFA, CEO emeritus of Ruggles Lindemann Bell, sketched more than 300 drawings that evolved into the final design for Pondbank. Grounded in neuroscience principles and adhering to sustainability standards, the home was designed to enhance health and well-being at every turn.

Interior designer Paula Berg blended Art Deco and Art Nouveau influences, curating furnishings, cabinetry, murals, and hidden technology. She has also designed the Newmans’ homes in Scottsdale, Arizona, and South Beach, Florida.

Landscape designer Herb Schaal, FASLA, created sensory-rich landscapes, including the courtyard, cascading and strolling gardens, featuring reflexology paths, moonlit spaces, and water elements.

Contractor and custom builder Jeff Barnett, owner of JKB Construction, has been referred to as “the glue” that kept the team on point. He and his team managed the entire project, making the impossible possible.

Artisans and craftspeople contributed bespoke details, including a hand-drawn mosaic by project manager Melissa Mabe, brought to life with custom Italian glass tiles lining the indoor pool.

Photo by Peter Vitale

Photographer Peter Vitale and Emily Minton Redfield are credited with many of the images in the book, placed alongside those from the Newmans and contractors who documented the process. The result is a truly stunning collection of images, heartfelt stories, and details about a one-of-a-kind estate.

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The book was co-written by Pulitzer Prize-winning writer Mike McPhee and designed by John Boak. Published by Fibonacci, Pondbank: The Residence of Robert and Judi Newman is available online at Barnes & Noble, Strand, and Amazon.