It is a given to say that architecture is an art form, though a utilitarian one. Architecture is the sculpture in which we live.
For Sara Senst, being equally involved in the architectural design of the interior as she is with the exterior reveals a comprehensive grasp of this principle. “Threading details from outside in, thoughtfully orchestrating spaces, framing views and interior wow moments, designing lighting, trim details, custom cabinetry, niches, etc., are all part of the standard process in the creation of a Senst Architecture home,” says the architect, who established her firm in 2017. “Architectural design of both the exterior and interior allows for an aesthetic tie between inside and out and is the hallmark of a truly cohesive home.”
Senst underscores the importance of an equal emphasis on function in addition to art form. Not unlike furniture design, if the product is not comfortable, it won’t be used to its full potential and the aesthetic becomes all but irrelevant. “Equally, a functional design that isn’t attractive will not reach optimal capability in sparking joy,” she says. “My goal is to create comfortable and functional spaces that also create a sense of delight through their aesthetic expression.”
In 2016, Senst and her architect husband, Bill, moved to Charleston from Connecticut, where she worked with Shope Reno Wharton Associates, gaining foundational experience designing and project managing the construction of highly detailed homes around the country. During that period, Senst also taught design studio classes at the University of Bridgeport and served as the director of campus planning and design at Fairfield University.
During her first year in Charleston, Senst plied her skills at a local residential firm. Shortly after setting out on her own with Senst Architecture, she was offered a job as director of the Architectural Review Board (ARB) for Kiawah Island, Cassique and Freshfields Village, a post she held for close to four years.
“One connection I made through the ARB was with architect Jeffrey Dungan, who was designing a couple of houses in Cassique at the time,” Senst recalls. “His traditional yet streamlined and innovative designs inspired me to recommit to designing homes full time. The experience working with Jeff was an incredible education in design.”
Senst says her responsibilities as ARB director were diverse, helping her grow professionally in ways the traditional architectural path typically doesn’t offer. “Not only did I become an expert on island-specific and regional regulations, but I also reviewed countless architectural projects by talented local and national firms,” she says. “Much like my work as a design studio instructor, reviewing architecture with a critical eye and thoughtfully discussing aesthetics, proportions, style, etc., with esteemed colleagues helped enhance my own design eye. Additionally, I made incredible relationships with many architects, builders, real estate agents, administrators and professionals in many different roles.”
Two new Senst Architecture marsh-front homes are breaking ground in the Cassique community, and its requirement for the English Arts and Crafts style is a challenge Senst embraces. “While I love many styles of architecture, I am drawn to the expression of form, asymmetry and the simplicity of the Voysey-inspired English vernacular and am excited to see these homes come to life,” she says.
Although Senst considers commercial projects that are residential in scale and character, her principal focus and design aesthetic rests with homes. For it is the home that is the most intensely personal architectural form for the client.
“Aesthetically, I love the freedom of expression that residential architecture has to offer,” says the Michigan native. “Relationship-building is equally important. Residential architecture offers the opportunity to get to know wonderful clients on a personal level and through those relationships, I have the privilege of creating spaces customized to each owner that enhances each of their lives in specific ways.”
Senst adds that she has been fortunate to work with ideal clients who are collaborative in mindset yet trust in her vision to lead them through the process. “There is nothing better than those moments where I am thinking of a specific design and one little tweak an owner envisions turns into an aha moment for us both,” she says. “Since it is a home customized to the needs and taste of the homeowner, I encourage them to be partners in the process.”
Senst’s work exhibits the balance of honoring traditional principles of design—form, style and detailing—while subtly pushing architecture forward with fresh interpretations. She says her goal is to design homes that are “effortlessly cozy, tailored, timeless and thoughtful,” engendering a sense of pride in those who inhabit them.
“My goal is to work with great clients and provide an enjoyable experience for them, where the process enhances the end product,” she says. “Taking on a lower volume of home design allows me to provide the highest-quality architecture and permits homeowners to receive the attention they deserve. A drawing set showing all details pertinent to the specific home cuts down on change-orders and ensures the home will be built in the way the homeowner envisions.”
Senst does not limit herself to work in the Charleston area. In previous capacities, she has been engaged in projects throughout the United States and savors the opportunity of working in new locations, familiarizing herself with the vernacular of a particular place. Also, virtual consultations have made it a simple matter to access homeowners in all areas of the country.
Not that there’s an insufficiency of projects in a booming Lowcountry, a sometimes artistically conservative city that presents challenges of its own. Again, for Senst, it’s about balance, and substance. She says, “While I enjoy coming up with fresh interpretations of design, including both traditional and modern architecture, I don’t believe a home should ignore its context for the sake of attracting attention.” *
Bill Thompson covers the arts, books and design.
