Fall 2023

134 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 3 titude of styles. All styles can be done elegantly, crisply and enchantingly.” From historic renovations of 1920s Spanish Revival estates to clean, con- temporary new homes, the S|H Architecture portfolio has a little of everything. “A well-designed floor plan can be adapted and expressed in various styles,” states Sterling. “We believe that a house should reflect the hopes and dreams of the client, not us,” Huddleson shares. For both architects, project inspiration comes both from the clients themselves and the specific project site. States Sterling, “I’m fortunate to work with clients who desire homes in incredible locations, which serves as a significant inspiration for me. Understanding their needs and solving the design puzzle is both inspiring and a rewarding process of creating something truly unique for both my clients and the location.” Over the past three decades, the architecture and interior design indus- try has truly embraced the importance of creating environmentally friend- ly, sustainable buildings and interiors, thanks in part to the creation of LEED standards (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design stan- dards), which were introduced in the 1990s. But to Sterling and Huddleson, there is more to a project’s sustainability than its LEED certi- fication.And while it is ingrained in the way they design, from the a house’s orientation, to window placement, to creating discreet and ample surface area for solar/photovoltaic collection, Sterling goes further, “My responsi- bility lies in creating homes that cater to our clients’ needs while prioritiz- ing and being mindful of the impact on our environment. But sustainability encompasses more than just ecological considerations; it involves sup- porting our community and including the talents of our local tradespeople and craftsmen who rely on our projects for their livelihood and bring a hyper-local perspective to every project.”Whenever possible, he and his team source local materials and goods, involving local craftsmen and showcasing local talents. And by doing so, S|H Architecture creates homes that are not only mindful of the environment, but also deeply rooted in their surroundings and the local community. When asked if there is a particular project he is most proud of, Sterling demurs, “The most exciting aspect for me is the process of collaborating with clients, design teams and construction teams to craft remarkable liv- ing environments. It's exciting to bring these creations to life.” “The Edge,” a 10,500 square-foot contemporary home with 4-car garage and 800 square-foot ADU, is perched above 17-Mile Drive, overlooking Pebble Beach Golf Links, with panoramic views of Carmel Beach, Point Lobos and Pescadero Point. A native Californian—born in Los Angeles and raised in Lake Tahoe—Sterling has a deep appreciation for the natural environment, which is evident in his firm’s work. Photo: Manny Espinoza