Hindsite Design

And the ARDA goes to...... Lindsey Hinds Smith with Hindsite Design for the Mountain Cabin Foyer in the Design Feature category!

-Project Description-
At the heart of this Mountain Cabin is a 22’ long foyer crowned by a custom cupola clad entirely in reclaimed Louisiana sinker cypress. Conceived from the earliest stages of design as a defining architectural element, the cupola establishes a memorable sense of arrival while transforming a simple circulation space into the emotional center of the home.
The significance of this feature lies not only in its architectural presence, but in the story embedded within its walls. The sinker cypress originated from centuries-old logs recovered from Southeast Louisiana swamplands deeply connected to the homeowners' roots. After retrieval, the material was milled into tongue and groove planks, kiln dried, and driven to Montana to be laid flat to season beneath the mountain sun, allowing the wood to acclimate naturally while lightening over time. Rich texture, distinctive grain patterns, and the warmth of the reclaimed cypress take center stage, framing dramatic 360-degree mountain views surrounding the home.
Beyond its visual impact, the cupola enhances the functionality of the space. Deep covered porches on the front and rear elevations naturally shade the foyer's windows. Positioned above, the cupola captures daylight as the sun travels east to west, introducing natural light into the foyer's interior and changing the character of the space throughout the day. What could have been a narrow passage instead becomes an experience, one that invites visitors to pause, look upward, and absorb the craftsmanship surrounding them.
The sinker cypress cupola and foyer sequence embody the integration of architecture, material, and memory. Before guests encounter the expansive mountain views beyond, they are welcomed by a piece of heritage. The result is a design feature that leaves a lasting impression through authenticity, craftsmanship, and the belief that the most meaningful spaces are those that tell a story.

And the ARDA goes too........
I'm excited to finally share that Hindsite Design received the 2026 ARDA Award for Design Feature for the Mountain Cabin Foyer!
What an incredible honor to have this project recognized by the American Residential Design Awards.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Hindsite Design and trusted me with your homes.

Home is where traditions are made, memories are shared, and family gathers.
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we're grateful for the freedom to build homes, pursue our dreams, and create lives we love.
Wishing you a safe and joyful Fourth of July filled with family, friends, and lasting memories.
Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

Where does everyone naturally gather in your home?

One thing I've learned after designing homes for families over the years... no matter how beautiful the living room is, everyone eventually ends up in the kitchen.

This kitchen was designed to be both beautiful and hardworking, a place for morning coffee, holiday meals, homework at the table, and conversations that linger long after dinner is over.

Because the best homes aren't just designed to look good. They're designed around the way people actually live.

Thoughtful home design starts long before construction ever begins.

Whether it’s a custom home, renovation, outdoor living space, or addition, every project starts with one question:
“How do you want your home to feel?”

I love helping homeowners create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and designed around real life — from everyday routines to the moments that bring everyone together.

Serving St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, and Washington Parishes.

If you’ve been thinking about building, renovating, or finally creating the space you’ve been dreaming about, I’d love to talk through your ideas with you.

A smaller home doesn’t have to feel like a step down.

This design was created for a couple ready to downsize, but still wanting a home that felt intentional, comfortable, and connected to the land around it.

With room to work on their property, the goal was to nestle the home into the wooded setting and orient it toward the pond — creating something peaceful, practical, and still full of character.

Thoughtful design is about more than square footage. It’s about how a home lives, how it feels, and how it fits the people it’s made for.

If you’ve been thinking about building something that fits your next chapter, let me know. I’d love to help you talk through the design.

Lindsey
[email protected]

Happy Mother's Day

This is the view.
Tucked along the Bogue Chitto River and framed by oak trees, this is what the cottage was designed around.
Some sites do a lot of the work for you — you just have to make sure the design rises to meet it.

This one is going to be special.
Inspired by a cottage the homeowners fell in love with while visiting England, this home is being designed to feel just as timeless and intentional.
With the Bogue Chitto River and oak trees as the backdrop, the goal is simple — make the architecture worthy of its setting.

One of my favorite parts of working with great clients… getting to support them right back.
Blvd Nutrition keeping me fueled while I work through the details today