Empowered by nature, light, and her clients, Sarah Kennedy has curated immaculate spaces that were built to last lifetimes. From her original home of Australia to her new home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Sarah is creating chic spaces in the interior and architecture arena. As an associate with CLB Architects, she plans to continue producing thoughtful and well-conceptualized spaces from tip to tail, construction to finishing touches. Sarah’s projects have been featured in many major publications such as Elle Decoration Germany, AD Mexico, and aspire design and home. Introducing this week’s Designer Friday, Sarah Kennedy.
For this breathtaking space, CLB incorporated both Scandinavian and Brazilian influences while honoring the beautiful mountains that surround this home. More importantly, they took into consideration the homeowner’s expansive art collection that includes pieces by renowned artists like Slim Aarons, Andy Warhol and Gray Malin.
Andrew Joseph: If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?
Sarah Kennedy: I would be a sea animal for sure––maybe a dolphin or a whale. I grew up by the ocean, and I have a deep respect and love for it.
Andrew: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Sarah: I aim to connect people with places across all of my designs and create something intimate and personal. CLB’s guiding principle, “Inspired by Place,” is not just about the relationship between landscape and architecture—it’s an all-encompassing design philosophy.
Andrew: What makes you angry?
Sarah: It frustrates me when people skirt around things and aren’t direct.
Andrew: What is the last book you read?
Sarah: Untamed by Glennon Doyle.
Andrew: What is something you hope to see trending in design in the future?
Sarah: I’d love to see greater sustainability in product design.
With Mount Glory in the foreground, this 18-acre meadow home is nothing short of immaculate. Natural light floods this open space and provides a sun-soaked place for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner dalliances.
Andrew: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
Sarah: The house in Ex Machina. The way the entire space connects to the surrounding nature really speaks to my design aesthetic.
Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Sarah: I love a caipirinha, particularly when enjoyed on the beach!
Andrew: What are three words to describe where you live?
Sarah: The three words that best describe Jackson Hole are: snowy, breathtaking, and remote.
Andrew: What’s your design pet peeve?
Sarah: Clutter! We emphasize functional and accessible storage in all of our designs.
Andrew: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
Sarah: Besides design, my passions lie in food, fashion, art—really, any aspect of culture. I think of these pursuits as part of design as a whole, and I try to stay as current as possible. I like to think that I am a good cook. I make excellent Vietnamese rice paper rolls.
Andrew: Do you get your eight hours a night? – What is your schedule like?
Sarah: I never get a full eight hours. Between working and taking care of my family, I always have a full plate!
A fluidity of neutral colors guides the eye gently through this newly refined home. One can also find splashes of blues, golds and steel accents, honoring the pop-art guru Andy Warhol’s artwork on the back wall.
Andrew: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
Sarah: My dream project would be a house on the beach in Brazil. Can you tell I’m over the harsh Wyoming weather?
Andrew: What are you most proud of?
Sarah: I am infinitely proud of my children. They motivate and inspire me. I am also proud of the beautiful work that our team at CLB Architects is producing.
Andrew: What might the design world look like in 10 years?
Sarah: My vision for the design world in 10 years is one that is hopefully more sustainable and less mass-produced.
Andrew: If you had one more hour in the day what would you do with it?
Sarah: I would spend this time crafting with my kids. Fostering creativity at a young age is so important, and I want to impart my love of design to the next generation.
Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Sarah: The rise of ethically sourced products is very inspiring to me. This is something that we need more than ever right now. I personally make a point of supporting small craftspeople and sourcing custom furniture from local brands. Artisans are the essence of amazing design; you can rely on impeccable design details in a way that is often lost in mass-produced products.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.