Sarah Broughton is a design leader known for shaping a thoughtful, people-centered approach to architecture that blends sustainability, inclusivity, and enduring quality. Since co-founding Rowland+Broughton in 2003, she has guided the firm with a holistic vision, advancing projects that prioritize both environmental responsibility and client well-being. With a background spanning hospitality, residential, urban design, and historic preservation, her work reaches across regions while remaining grounded in collaboration and diverse perspectives.
(Image above courtesy of Rowland+Broughton)
The First Light residence in Walla Walla, Washington (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge facing the design world today? How do you think designers should respond to it?
There is a huge challenge right now in attracting the next generation into architecture and the trades. We are seeing a cliff coming. Fewer people are entering architecture programs, and fewer are going into skilled trades. We need to make the profession more accessible and more expansive, as an architecture degree is about critical thinking. It applies broadly, but we also need to better prepare students for the realities of practice, budgets, timelines, and communication. At the same time, the pace of culture pushes immediacy. Good design takes discipline. We remain focused on stewardship, material integrity, and legacy. We are incredibly devoted to the craft.
What are you currently working on?
We are continuing to expand our practice and are working on compelling residential projects across the country. We also have two upcoming collaborations with Italian glass brands, which is exciting. Italian design has always influenced us, and these pieces are rooted in narrative and craftsmanship. I am also curating a conceptual design room for the ArtCrush Auction Exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum for the second year. That is meaningful as it allows me to merge architecture, art, and storytelling in an immersive way and give back to the arts community.
The Ridge House in Aspen, CO (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
Was there a specific turning point or experience when you realized that design was your true calling?
Architecture school solidified it for me. It was a culmination of everything in my life up to that point and really felt right. Learning how to apply design ideas and turn them into tangible outcomes was fulfilling and it was clear from then on what my professional path would be.
Is there a particular designer, artwork, or design movement that deeply inspires you? How has it influenced your own style or philosophy?
The idea that architecture, interiors, landscape, and craftsmanship all come together in one integrated process really resonates with me. My husband, John, and I built our firm around that thinking. We bring disciplines together early and we collaborate closely with artisans. We do not see architecture as separate from interiors or landscape, but instead as one experience. I am also inspired by stewardship. Growing up in Portland, surrounded by incredible urban design and nature, shaped me, and then Aspen reinforced that. We believe we are here for a short time, and it is our job to make things better for the next generation. That mindset influences every project.
The Meadow House in Aspen, CO (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
Which designers do you love following on social media? What draws you to their work?
I follow a wide range of architects, designers, artists and fashion designers. Inspiration comes from all corners, and I love seeing what others are up to and how it might inform my own work.
How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it evolved over time, and if so, how?
We are timeless designers. That is really important to us. There are immense resources that go into our projects, and we feel an obligation to make sure what we create stands the test of time and gets better with age. We have always been focused on details and being deliberate with materials. We invested in culture and have been attentive to stewardship and legacy. John and I consider ourselves lifelong students, as we are always observing, asking questions, learning from other cultures and craftspeople. Our recent trip to Oaxaca was inspiring. The craftsmanship, the clay, the textiles, the relationship between color and climate. That experience is already influencing upcoming work in very thoughtful ways. Our clients trust our knowledge and enjoy the iterative process of designing their project alongside us.
The First Light residence in Walla Walla, Washington (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
Which designers do you love following on social media? What draws you to their work?
I follow a wide range of architects, designers, artists and fashion designers. Inspiration comes from all corners, and I love seeing what others are up to and how it might inform my own work.
How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it evolved over time, and if so, how?
We are timeless designers. That is really important to us. There are immense resources that go into our projects, and we feel an obligation to make sure what we create stands the test of time and gets better with age. We have always been focused on details and being deliberate with materials. We invested in culture and have been attentive to stewardship and legacy. John and I consider ourselves lifelong students, as we are always observing, asking questions, learning from other cultures and craftspeople. Our recent trip to Oaxaca was inspiring. The craftsmanship, the clay, the textiles, the relationship between color and climate. That experience is already influencing upcoming work in very thoughtful ways. Our clients trust our knowledge and enjoy the iterative process of designing their project alongside us.
Lookout House in Aspen, CO (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge facing the design world today? How do you think designers should respond to it?
There is a huge challenge right now in attracting the next generation into architecture and the trades. We are seeing a cliff coming. Fewer people are entering architecture programs, and fewer are going into skilled trades. We need to make the profession more accessible and more expansive, as an architecture degree is about critical thinking. It applies broadly, but we also need to better prepare students for the realities of practice, budgets, timelines, and communication. At the same time, the pace of culture pushes immediacy. Good design takes discipline. We remain focused on stewardship, material integrity, and legacy. We are incredibly devoted to the craft.
What are you currently working on?
We are continuing to expand our practice and are working on compelling residential projects across the country. We also have two upcoming collaborations with Italian glass brands, which is exciting. Italian design has always influenced us, and these pieces are rooted in narrative and craftsmanship. I am also curating a conceptual design room for the ArtCrush Auction Exhibition at the Aspen Art Museum for the second year. That is meaningful as it allows me to merge architecture, art, and storytelling in an immersive way and give back to the arts community.
Lookout House in Aspen, CO (Image courtesy of Rowland+Broughton, photographed by Lisa Romerein)
What’s on the horizon for you? Any upcoming projects, events, or goals you’re particularly looking forward to?
We are looking forward to Salone del Mobile in Milan, both to present our collaborations and to learn. Travel continues to fuel us. We go with open eyes and open hearts. We are also continuing to grow internally by increasing the number of partners at the firm. Shared leadership matters to us as we want people to build careers here. At the end of the day, John and I are driven by doing work that we are passionate about, work that makes an impact on our communities and work that we share with wonderful clients and colleagues.
What’s a favorite movie, band, or song that inspired or shaped your creative mind?
I love music and go see a lot of it live! However, I typically work in silence. The silence is meditative and I can really focus. One of my favorite movies is Auntie Mame, which I watched repeatedly as a child! I was mesmerized by Mame’s unique character and by her ongoing re-decorating! It is fabulous!
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