The story of architecture isn’t just told through drawings, elevations, and blueprints. Architecture is meant to be felt and experienced – to immerse you in the light, the flow, the texture, and the human connection that give a place its soul.

That has never been more true than in one of chief architect Marc Camens’ most dynamic, immersive architectural design projects to date – a historic Adirondacks Lakeside Retreat.

To fully capture the spirit of this unique destination and translate it into three-dimensional form, we enlisted the talented photographer and videographer Kim Smith. From there, the project took on a life of its own, unfolding organically and beautifully into a short film.

It all started with a boat ride across shimmering Lake Placid, a camera, and a story waiting to be told.

The Transformation of an Adirondacks Camp

Originally known as Camp Red Top, this Adirondacks estate is certainly cinematic in its own right – especially as it emerges into the line of sight across the lake.

Camens reimagined and transformed the original campsite into a legacy family property while paying homage to the region. This part of the country is quite special and significant for him – not only did he start his architecture career by working in the Adirondacks, but he also feels incredibly connected to its natural beauty and has so much reverence for its magnificence.

So, Camens’ design process for this property was a meticulous journey – one that was deeply rooted in the local landscape, climate, and historical craftsmanship. And it shows. Every corner of the exterior and interior is custom, intentional, and wildly poetic. It also embodies the very architectural design principles that Camens brings into every project.

Just as with every project, he approached Camp Red Top from the inside out – as he turned his attention to how it feels to move from room to room while prioritizing the stunning views.

“The camp has a human scale,” says Camens. “While it may be grand in size, the goal was for it to feel comfortable and relatable while orienting every single building in the camp towards the lake.”

Capturing an Authentic Vision

What began as a day of filming became something so much deeper – an exploration of Camens’ personal connection to the Adirondacks, to the family who will make memories in this lakeside retreat, and to the architectural process that brings it all to life.

Smith orchestrated the day-long exploration of design and place, capturing the distinct details that define Camp Red Top – like the exposed beams, the handcrafted materials, the dialogue between structure and setting.

“Kim formulated the whole thing,” Camens says. “I just showed up. It was all extemporaneous – no preparation, no written answers. Just a conversation.”

That interview became the heart of this video: a visual story that captures not only the architecture, but also the emotion and intent behind it.

Smith’s ability to blend architectural photography with emotional narrative is what makes her work so powerful. Throughout the day, she filmed light moving across surfaces, the reflections in the water, and the small, quiet moments that give the retreat its sense of life.

“She took everything – the setting, the interviews, the walk-through – and turned it into a visual,” Marc says. “I had no idea what was going to happen that day, but she made it into something beautiful.”

Through Smith’s lens, that story becomes tangible. Her work mirrors the way Camens experiences architecture – as a living, breathing interaction between people and place.

A Story with Many Layers

Camp Red Top isn’t just another project. It’s the culmination of years of connection – to the land, to the vernacular of the Adirondacks, and to the family who trusted Camens to bring the property back to life.

The renovation, its harmony with the environment, and the soul of the setting all shine through in this short film.

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At Camens Architectural Group, a new builds and renovations are never just cosmetic – it’s architectural. We reimagine homes to better reflect how you live today, using light, flow, and purpose as our guides.

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