Ascending Design: The Staircase as a Sculptural Element

In the hierarchy of architectural elements, the staircase holds a unique position. It is fundamentally a tool of circulation, a means of moving from one level to another. Yet, to see it only in these terms is to miss its profound potential. At my studio, we approach the staircase as the structural and artistic spine of the home. Especially in the grand homes of Myers Park or in a light-filled new build, the stair is often the first and most lasting impression. It dictates flow, choreographs movement, and offers a primary opportunity for sculptural expression. It is a constant, daily interaction with form and material, and we believe it deserves to be extraordinary.

## The Spine of the Home

The design of a staircase is an act of commitment. Its form is woven into the very bones of the house, and its creation requires a close collaboration between our design team, the architect, and skilled artisans. Whether it is a graceful, sweeping curve or a clean, monolithic line, its presence defines the character of the spaces it connects.

## Form, Flow, and Volume

The form of a staircase sets the entire tone of an interior. A helical stair, for instance, introduces a soft, organic geometry, its continuous spiral creating a dramatic focal point within a double-height foyer. A cantilevered or floating staircase, with treads that appear to emerge directly from the wall, creates a sense of lightness and transparency, allowing light and sightlines to pass through it. This approach can make a space feel larger and more open, a technique we often employ to enhance a home's connection to its landscape.

### Exploring the Forms Conversely, a more solid, monolithic stair can serve as a powerful anchoring element. We might design a form wrapped in smooth Venetian plaster, its mass appearing as if it were carved from a single block. This creates a quiet, powerful presence that guides movement while also shaping the surrounding space, perhaps creating a protected zone for a reading nook or a small library beneath its ascent.

The geometry of the stair—its rise and run, the width of its treads, the design of its landings—is a science, but its effect on human experience is an art. It can encourage a swift, direct path or a slow, contemplative journey. A wider, more generous stair with intermediate landings feels more stately and processional. A tightly wound stair can feel more private and dynamic. Our process involves carefully studying the home's floor plan and the client's lifestyle to determine which form will not only fit the architecture but also enrich the daily experience of living there.

## The Poetry of Material

If form is the grammar of a staircase, material is its poetry. The choice of materials determines its sound, its feel, and its visual weight. It is here that we can create a rich tactile experience that unfolds with every step. Our work is an exploration of juxtapositions: the coolness of steel against the warmth of wood, the smoothness of plaster against the texture of forged iron, the transparency of glass against the solidity of stone.

For a clean, contemporary design, we might pair a slender steel stringer with thick, solid treads of rift-cut white oak. The wood brings natural warmth and grain, while the steel provides a crisp, graphic line. The balustrade in this case might be ultra-clear, low-iron glass panels, creating an almost invisible barrier that maximizes the sense of openness. For a home with more traditional roots, perhaps a Georgian-style residence in Eastover, our approach would be different. Here, we might specify a hand-carved mahogany handrail that feels substantial and smooth in the hand, paired with custom balusters forged from iron by a local artisan. The slight imperfections in the forged metal tell a story of craftsmanship.

Surrounding surfaces are just as important. We often use a soft, luminous finish like Venetian plaster on the walls of a stairwell. The way it reflects and diffuses light highlights the three-dimensional form of the stair itself, turning the entire volume into an immersive experience. The staircase becomes an object held within a beautiful container of light and texture.

## The Art of the Detail

The soul of a custom staircase is found in its details. The handrail, in particular, is the most intimate point of contact. We obsess over its profile, its material, and its finish. Is it a sleek, rectangular profile wrapped in hand-stitched leather? Is it a continuous ribbon of steam-bent wood that flows unbroken from top to bottom? Or is it a custom-milled brass profile that will develop a beautiful patina with time? This single element can elevate the entire composition.

The balustrade offers another canvas for artistry. It can be a simple, rhythmic series of vertical posts, or it can be a complex, custom-designed screen that becomes a piece of art in its own right. The connection points, the way the treads meet the stringer, the nosing detail—each of these decisions contributes to the final, cohesive whole. A staircase is not an assembly of parts; it is a singular, unified sculpture designed for daily life.

A home’s narrative is often told in its transitions. The staircase is the most significant of these, a physical expression of connection and aspiration. We would be honored to help you craft yours.