Chief architect Marc Camens is something of a modern Renaissance man. Not only does he create contemporary architecture masterworks that are grounded in his distinct architectural design principles, but he also is quite the cyclist, chef, wine connoisseur, and more.

To know Marc is to understand his life – lived with intentionality – from the way he designs homes to the way he starts each morning.

We sat down with him to get a glimpse into his rhythms, passions, and what continues to inspire his work after more than four decades in architecture.

How do you start your day?

Marc: I start with a cappuccino or espresso and sit down at my desk. It’s a quiet, focused time – for me, it’s ideal for noodling on design ideas. It’s often when inspiration strikes. After that, I take Carr Carr, our Maltipoo, for a walk. Three mornings a week, I train with a coach in my garage gym, then have breakfast before diving into work – either in my home studio or the office. I do my best thinking in the morning.

Where did you grow up – and how did that shape your path?

I’m originally from Boardman, Ohio, just outside Youngstown. I studied architecture at Kent State University, which set me on the path, but it was studying abroad in Florence, Italy, that really shaped my worldview – how I see space, light, proportion. Tuscany still speaks to me more than anywhere else in the world.

How did your career in architecture begin?

One of my earliest jobs was in Maui, working for architect Hans Riecke. Before that, I started out as a carpenter. I even built my own home in the Adirondacks. That experience still shapes how I design residential architecture – I understand how things come together from the ground up.

Travel seems to play a big role in your life. What places have inspired you most?

Absolutely. Tuscany is like a second home. The land, the food, the hills – it all connects to something deep inside me. I ride my bike there, enjoy the wine, and soak in the beauty of those old cities. More recently, I traveled to New Zealand, Australia, and Tasmania. Stunning places, each one. This year, we’re planning a safari in Africa – something I’ve always wanted to do.

Any hobbies or rituals that keep you grounded?

Road biking has been a part of my life for 35 years. A friend in the Adirondacks got me into it. He invited me to ride with him one time – and I’ve never stopped. It’s meditative and keeps me fit. I also love skiing in Vail, hiking, and playing golf – I’ve been swinging a club since I was seven and even played on the Kent State golf team.

Your passion for cooking… where did that start?

Cooking has always been a joy, but recently I took it up a notch with a bootcamp at the Culinary Institute of America in New York. It was humbling – I realized how much I didn’t know! Sixteen of us cooked four-course meals in teams, and I walked away with a deep appreciation for the craft. Italian food is my go-to – homemade pasta, Caesar salad, sauces from scratch. It connects me back to my time in Italy.

Wine is another one of your passions… tell us more.

I’ve been collecting wine since 1990 and have a cellar at home. Good wine and good food go hand in hand, especially when shared with people you care about. It’s an extension of how I think about home – every detail matters.

Tell us about your family.

I have three grown kids and six grandkids – all out west now. My son lives in Denver, one daughter is in Park City, and the other is in Sonoma. We love to visit and we make the most of our time together.

Marc Camens’ approach to architecture is deeply rooted in creating beautiful, intentional experiences – and so is his life, whether that’s traveling through Italy, riding mountain roads on a bike, or cooking a perfect plate of pasta.

It’s what makes him one of the best residential architects in Charleston, SC, and beyond. Learn more about his approach here and discover his portfolio of architectural design.