Sarah Barnard’s design philosophy is deeply informed by her lifelong love of animals and the foundational belief that pets are integral, cherished members of the family. This approach views the home as a shared sanctuary where the well-being of every inhabitant, human and animal alike, is of equal importance. By acknowledging the profound emotional bond between people and their companions, the design methodology focuses on seamlessly integrating animal-specific needs into the home environment to prioritize health, safety, and long-term durability.

Pet-Safe Materiality: Prioritizing healthy indoor air quality through the use of low-VOC and non-toxic finishes and building materials.

Performance Textile Selection: Focusing on high-durability fabrics that withstand heavy use.

Integrated Pet Architecture: Custom, built-in features such as kitty highways, catios, pet bedrooms, pet playrooms, recessed sleeping nooks, pet grooming stations, under-cabinet feeding stations, and concealed litter boxes.

Outdoor Safety & Enrichment: Secure catios and bird-safe porch enclosures help to provide mental stimulation and safe access to nature while preventing escapes and interactions with wildlife.

Mudrooms & Grooming Stations: Specialized transition zones featuring low-entry pet showers and dedicated storage for leashes, grooming tools, and outdoor gear.

Boot Rooms: Specialized transition areas that bridge the gap between stables and the primary residence, utilizing heavy-duty, moisture-resistant surfaces.

Acoustic & Sensory Management: Sound-dampening materials and acoustic insulation help protect sensitive animals, such as birds and high-anxiety dogs, from external noise triggers.

Smart Home Animal Monitoring: Integration of discreet technology for climate control and remote pet monitoring.

Senior Pets: Therapeutic resting stations can integrate custom heated beds. Slip-resistant flooring solutions help to ensure safe mobility. Joint-supportive transitions, such as integrated ramps or shallow-rise stairs, help reduce the need for high-impact jumping.

Vision-Assistive Lighting & Wayfinding: High-contrast markers along common pathways and near essential areas like water bowls or litter boxes can help pets with declining eyesight navigate.

Thermal Regulation & Draft Management: Insulated windows and custom interlined window treatments can help protect pets from drafts and temperature fluctuations.