Ann Sargent Receives Top Design Industry Award

When you think of what makes a house a home, what comes to mind? If anyone in the Upper Valley region has a deep, rich understanding of this, it is Ann Shriver Sargent.

Ann is a visionary, who, for many years, has blended her love of the natural world, her appreciation for local craftsmanship, and deep sense of family and community, with her passion for and expertise in design. She is the owner of Sargent Design Company in Norwich, VT, where she and her husband, David, live. Her story is rich, meaningful, and inspirational. For Ann, a home is so much more than the contents within. It encompasses not only the thought that goes into the design and aesthetics, but also the intention of creating a unique space where each detail, each piece within the home reflects a personal story. It is also a reflection of the craftsmen and local artisans in the community who come together to help bring the vision to life. It is not only a home, but a gathering place, a warm invitation to friends and family.

Ann in her kitchen
A guest

In November, Ann was inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame, a very high achievement recognizing individuals and businesses in New England’s residential design industry. Ann was recognized for her design work as well as for her contributions to and influences in the look and feel of New England homes and resorts. “This is a huge honor.  There’s a lot of people I have admired over the years that have received this honor, so it feels really humbling and gratifying,” said Ann.  Though her work is deeply interwoven into the landscape and history of New England, it can be admired across other areas of the country, as well.

When Ann and her family moved to Norwich in 1972, she fell in love with the area. “It was a wonderful time to be in the Upper Valley because back to nature was a big movement,” she explained. She described how seeing the local crafts and handmade items made homes more personal and told the narrative of someone’s life. This resonated deeply with her. “I loved the way it made you feel, to be in spaces like that. I absorbed those feelings over time.” This would become the heart and philosophy of her work, to create intentional and meaningful spaces for people and their stories.

At a young age, Ann developed a love for horses, which later led to her joining the The Root District Riding Club. It was there she met David, who later became her husband. Ann and David shared a deep appreciation for creative design, but also for land and family. David’s roots are deeply embedded in Norwich, his family having owned land there for many years.

After some time, Ann and David moved to Gloucester, MA where they lived in and took care of a 1739 home that had been in David’s family and is currently part of the Cape Ann Museum. The two eventually bought the house and made it their home. Living in such a space where fine craftsmanship was seen throughout, such as the architectural details, the hand blocked wall paper, and delicately carved woodwork, Ann developed an interest in how personal touches, history, and stories create a warmth and depth to a home. That “house really seeped into my sense of scale and comfort,” she explained. “I love how antiques and things that show the touch of the craftsman’s hand make a space feel.”

Ann studied art history in college, simultaneously narrowing in on her interest in architecture, which was heavily influenced during her travels through Paris. Later she took on an internship that led her to accept a position in a design showroom in Boston. And from there her career took off. Her husband, working as a graphic designer, also shared an interest in design work that led him into the field of architectural design. Their shared  passion for family, community, and their aligning careers naturally evolved into their collaboration on many projects over the years.

Their love and ties to Norwich brought them to purchase land and build a home across from David’s family’s land, now part of a land trust. Over a 40-year span of time, each of David’s siblings purchased the adjoining properties, ultimately creating a family compound.  Ann shared, “each home has its own personality. When you feel a person’s space, you know who they are.”

When thinking of Ann’s connection to the natural world, her appreciation for craftsmanship, her interest in family, community, and comfort, it is apparent what is at the heart of Ann’s design work. She shared that her intent in designing homes is to focus on “houses with hospitality in mind. It’s about creating something comforting for the people in it and their guests, with enough personal expression to feel like them.”

Congratulations, Ann, for the well-deserved recognition for your design work. It is a testament to the passion and care that is at the heart of your philosophy in creating homes for people, not only in the Upper Valley, but beyond.

So, what makes a house a home? It is the personal expression of someone’s life, the community that contributes to the story and history through fine craftsmanship and skill, and the designer who beautifully orchestrates – and ultimately creates – the complete vision.