Braden Sterling and Hugh Huddleson stand at the helm of Sterling | Huddleson Architecture, having cultivated a renowned legacy over the past 26 years. Esteemed by both clients and industry peers, they are celebrated for their unparalleled expertise in crafting residential designs that cater to a diverse clientele. Their extensive portfolio boasts luxury homes from Aspen to Napa, from Hawaii to France. Every project they undertake is designed to resonate with its surroundings, masterfully highlighting the dance of light, space, and form. Learn more about their amazing projects in today’s Designer Friday.
Overlooking the Montecito Country Club, this renovated 1920s estate, once owned by the Forbes family, showcases a 7,200 s.f. main home with modern amenities, a courtyard centerpiece, pool with cabana, and a guest house facing a tennis court and pristine gardens.
Andrew Joseph: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Braden Sterling: An interesting question, having grown up and now living in what can be described as a rural setting, animals have always been and are currently a part of my life. The owl has always captivated me. Observant, deliberate, and precise are characteristics that resonate, and I can relate with.
AJ: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
BS: An acceptance for simplified designs that are in direct response to the setting in which they are built, free of ornamentation.
Sleek, gently sloping standing-seam metal roofs craft an architecturally clean silhouette, punctuated with stone highlights. The design prioritizes both low-maintenance materials and energy-efficient building practices throughout.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a …?
BS: Sculpture. Working with iron and stone has always been a passion yet has become increasingly more difficult over the years as life demands attention elsewhere.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
BS: I always strive to be thoughtful, honest, and fair and I hope that resonates and influences others.
This cliffside Big Sur cottage has remained untouched since being featured in Clint Eastwood’s 1971 film “Play Misty for Me”. Aside from much-needed repairs, the owners’ requests were to maintain the charm and scale of the 1900-square-foot cottage while updating the main house and guest house finishes.
AJ: What was your first job?
BS: A car wash. It did not last long and despite it being a less-than-desirable job, I vividly remember the attention to detail, satisfaction of doing the job well and I enjoyed the pressure of the pace. Those are attributes that I still practice today.
AJ: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
BS: I get 8 hours of quiet time at night, but rarely sleep longer than 5-6 hours. I admit I am slowing down but I have never prioritized sleep. I rest when I can no longer carry on. My circadian rhythm is primarily nocturnal, mornings are because it’s necessary and are focused on mapping the day and I gain momentum as the day goes on. That momentum often projects me well into the evening where I enjoy the quiet time of night, it’s free from life’s distractions and it is the most productive time for me.
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