For Bob McMillan, home has always been more than an address — it’s a reflection of design, community, and rhythm. After relocating from Chicago to Scottsdale in 2004, the longtime hospitality professional found himself searching for a place that could balance his love of architecture and the ease of resort living. He discovered that balance at Optima Sonoran Village®.
“I came to Scottsdale because I’ve always loved the desert,” Bob recalls, “especially the desert at night, the smell of the air — and I thought it was the right time to make the move.”
For more than two decades, Bob has worked with some of the world’s top designers and developers, furnishing hotels and resorts around the globe. That professional eye for detail made him instantly aware of Optima Sonoran Village®’s difference. “This community is built with concrete, steel, and glass — not plywood and two-by-fours,” he says. “You feel the quality. I work with interior designers all over the world, and when I drive them down Camelback Road and they see this property, they’re amazed.”
Bob first moved into Optima Sonoran Village® in 2017 after touring the property with a friend. “She didn’t move in — I did,” he laughs. “And after a couple of years, I made the mistake of buying a house. Within six months I knew I missed the community, the amenities, everything. I sold the house and came right back.”
That sense of community is something Bob treasures. “It’s not a party scene, but when you go to an event — Casino Night, a holiday party — that’s when connection happens,” he says. “You meet people of all ages, and the management team does a great job creating those opportunities.” Even quiet moments feel special to him. “Early mornings are my favorite. I take my coffee down to the fire pit and just sit under the trees. It’s beautiful here.”
When Bob isn’t working from his home office — which looks out through floor-to-ceiling glass onto lush landscaping — he’s often hosting. A passionate cook, he’s known among neighbors for his dinner parties and “chef’s table” gatherings. “I love to cook for friends,” he says. “I don’t sit down; I stay behind the counter and put on a show.” His menus are thoughtful and seasonal, featuring dishes like chicken piccata with lemon and capers, fresh green beans, and salads with pears, blue cheese, and a drizzle of syrupy balsamic. “My favorite store is Trader Joe’s,” he admits with a grin. “I could write a cookbook using just their ingredients.”
For Bob, part of the joy of living at Optima Sonoran Village® comes from how effortlessly it supports his lifestyle. “I travel a lot — to New York for trade shows, or to Europe for hiking and biking — and I can just lock my door and go. I never have to worry about a thing.” That peace of mind, he adds, is rooted in the property’s exceptional staff. “There’s a full maintenance and housekeeping team here seven days a week. You walk around early in the morning and see them wiping down pool furniture, cleaning corridors, keeping everything pristine. I’ve lived in a lot of places, and you don’t find that anywhere else.”
When asked if there’s anything he’d change, Bob laughs. “My friends keep telling me to start a blog called What’s Bob Complaining About Today? — but honestly, I have nothing to complain about here. Everything is done right.”
For a man whose career is devoted to crafting spaces that feel like destinations, Optima Sonoran Village® is exactly that — a home that embodies the beauty, care, and sophistication of great design. “It’s just different here,” Bob says. “It’s built well, it’s managed well, and it feels good to live here.”
