Sarah Barnard’s approach to designing for birders focuses on the home as a specialized lens for observing and celebrating the natural world. As a WELL and LEED-accredited designer, certified California naturalist, and an avid birder herself, Sarah creates environments that bridge the boundary between the sanctuary of the home and the avian habitats beyond. By integrating technical observation requirements with a deeply rooted biophilic aesthetic, the studio helps transform residences into hubs for ornithological study and restorative connection to nature.  

Observation & Functional Integration

Bird Blinds & Viewing Portals: Strategic positioning of windows, blinds, or hides to look out onto habitat gardens or feeders.

Bird Safe Finishes: Bird-friendly glazing and low-reflectivity glass encourage unobstructed observation and increased avian safety. Bird-friendly glass is a specialized type of glass designed to prevent bird strikes, which often occur when birds fly into windows they cannot see.

UV-Reflective Technology: Materials that appear transparent to humans but are highly visible to birds, who can see into the ultraviolet spectrum.

Visual Patterns: The implementation of "markers" or patterns (such as dots or lines) on the exterior of the glass to alert birds that a physical barrier is present.

Acoustic Optimization for Birdsong: Interior acoustics designed to minimize mechanical noise, welcoming the sound of outdoor birdsong into the living environment.

Custom Binocular, Camera & Gear Stations: Dedicated millwork for the organized storage and immediate accessibility of optics, field guides, cameras, and tripods.

Habitat-Focused Transition Zones: Mudrooms tailored for the transition from the field, featuring durable, natural surfaces and specialized storage for outdoor gear, boots, and weather-sensitive equipment.

Ornithological Workstations: Custom desks and libraries designed for logging sightings, studying ornithological texts, and managing digital photography or audio recordings.

Avian-Inspired Aesthetics & Materials

Bespoke Textiles & Wallcoverings: Custom-designed patterns featuring local bird species, botanical illustrations, and nest-inspired textures. Recent bird textiles and wallpapers include patterns inspired by the California Brown Pelican and the Hermit Thrush.

Customized Avian Personalization: The studio can personalize wallpapers, textiles, furniture, area rugs, and light fixtures with any bird or collection of birds that a client desires.

Plumage-Inspired Color Palettes: Sophisticated interior schemes derived from the natural hues of specific bird species.

Tactile Biophilia: Materials that echo avian environments, such as hand-woven grasses and sustainable hardwoods.

Fine Art Curating: Selection and commissioning of original ornithological art, from vintage scientific illustrations to contemporary photography that celebrates the beauty of flight and feathers.

Habitat & Environmental Stewardship

Habitat Garden Integration: Collaborative planning of living landscapes designed to attract specific species through native plantings, water features, and nesting support.

Sustainably Sourced Materials: Ethically sourced materials that prioritize natural and organic options to align with the naturalist ethos.

Circadian-Aligned Lighting: Programmable lighting systems that mimic natural light cycles, supporting the health of the inhabitants and minimizing light pollution that can disrupt migratory patterns.

Advocacy and Collaborative Process

Ornithological Liaison: The studio acts as a liaison with landscape architects, rainwater and greywater consultants, and specialized contractors to help the residence support a thriving local ecosystem.

Interactive Material Evaluation: Clients are invited to engage with material samples, from bird-friendly glass samples to bespoke wallpaper proofs, helping to ensure the design reflects their specific interests.

Timeline Sensitivity: Scheduling project milestones around local nesting and migration cycles to minimize disruption to the very visitors the home is designed to welcome.