Houses are generic, but people aren’t – and because the notion of home means something different to everyone, so too will the spaces within the home. That’s why, at Camens Architectural Group, we believe that great custom residential architecture must reflect the individuality of the people who live in it.

Looking beyond an inventory list of rooms to more relevant, personal details – like how homeowners spend their free time, whether they work from home or commute, if they’re playful, studious, or live a fast-paced lifestyle – offers a better illustration of what they really want from a home.

At Camens Architectural Group, we consider it our mission to dig in and discover what makes the clients unique so we can wrap the house around their lives. “The goal is always to relate the architecture to the people living within it – and to enhance their experience with the captivating site upon which their home will be built,” says chief architect Marc Camens.

One of the most rewarding parts of custom residential architecture is designing the unexpected. Specialty spaces – wine cellars, game rooms, home libraries, and more – are where personality really gets to shine. These are not cookie-cutter additions. They are highly intentional, deeply personal, and always wrapped around the lifestyle of the homeowner.

The Old-World Soul of a Wine Cellar

As a lifelong wine enthusiast, wine cellars hold a particularly special meaning for Camens. “I love wine – not just the drink, but the ritual, the history, the sense of culture that comes with it,” he says. “I’ve had the privilege of stepping into countless wine cellars throughout Europe, and what always strikes me is their character and their construction.”

Camens brings that same sensibility to his residential architectural work for homeowners who are also wine aficionados. Rather than placing wine storage above ground in a brightly lit “wine closet,” he prefers to honor the legacy of the wine cellar by building below ground for the ideal thermal and humidity conditions without artificial climate control.

Materials like stone walls, brick barrel ceilings, and European-style wood racking systems add both function and timeless charm. These aren’t just storage rooms – they’re intimate, beautiful spaces that organize wine collections thoughtfully and offer a sensory experience of their own.

“A wine cellar should feel like a journey,” adds Camens. “From the moment you step through a beautiful, weighty door into a dark, beautifully organized space, you should feel a shift. The goal isn’t just to store wine, but to celebrate it.”

The Home Office That Works Wonders

Home offices – especially in today’s digital-forward world – are now integral specialty spaces in many architectural plans for custom homes. People are running big companies from their homes, and they absolutely need a space that can accommodate all kinds of business, from virtual calls to in-person meetings to client entertaining.

Just like the notion of “home” means something different to everyone, so does the experience of the home office. Offices cannot be generic, copy-and-paste templates. They must be customized to the homeowner and to the site while affording maximum productivity and functionality.

For the Eagles Landing home, Camens created a two-story rotunda as a live-work space. This architectural standout serves up incredible views to the marsh – especially from the dedicated office on the second floor. “We designed the curved desk wall to have nearly 180-degree views, so the owner can gaze beyond the computer screens to the incredible expanse beyond,” he says.

The architecturally significant rotunda ceiling is a masterpiece that adds even more gravitas to the work zone. There’s also a comfortable den in the expanded office footprint. It’s a place for conversation and meeting – or just a short afternoon break that doesn’t require losing focus by going into the rest of the home. It’s a prime example of how custom residential architecture elevates everyday routines into rich experiences.

Additional Spaces That Spark Enjoyment and Joy

Specialty spaces in custom homes are always designed around a specific activity. Whether it’s that wine cellar or home office, or a game room, craft space, or library, the process begins by understanding how the space will be used.

For example, designing an entertainment den requires attention not just to size, but also to lighting, ceiling design, and clearances that enhance the overall experience. In one home, Camens used a barrel ceiling to define the game room and elevate the atmosphere without overpowering the space.

Craft rooms – like those designed for knitting or other hands-on hobbies – require a different set of considerations, including the balance between natural and low light, organization, and comfort. Libraries might emphasize cozy, quiet corners for reading and reflection, while still maintaining architectural interest.

Built for You, From the Ground Up

At Camens Architectural Group, building specialty spaces in custom homes is never an afterthought. They are not just extras, they are deeply personal, essential expressions of the people who live in the home. When designed with intention, they become beloved spaces – places where homeowners retreat, gather, work, create, and relax.

“While the flow and functionality of a home are foundational, there’s something incredibly rewarding about creating spaces that go beyond the expected,” says Camens.

Custom residential architecture is not about imposing a vision; it’s about uncovering one. Whether it’s a wine cellar, a library, a home office, or a craft room, or something else entirely, these unique areas wrap around the homeowners’ lives – and are shaped with careful attention to how the space will be lived in and enjoyed.

Let’s Design the Spaces That Make Your Home Truly Yours
At Camens Architectural Group, we believe custom residential architecture should reflect the way you live. Whether it’s a soulful wine cellar, a view-filled home office, or a room designed for pure joy, we’ll help you bring it to life—beautifully and intentionally.

???? Call us at (843) 768-3800
???? Or reach out through our contact page to schedule a consultation.

Let’s start creating your home, one extraordinary space at a time.