24. STUDIO SESSIONS -- CHOOSING THE BEST EXTERIOR MATERIALS FOR YOUR HOME

From timeless finishes to climate-tested durability, our team shares how they prioritize and pair materials for the modern home.

When it comes to designing a home that stands the test of time—both aesthetically and structurally—exterior materials matter. They're your home’s first impression and its first line of defense. So we asked the CAI team: How do you decide what to use? From coastal climates to city settings, from high-end looks to smart budget decisions, here’s how our designers think through one of the most important aspects of a home’s design.

Q: When selecting exterior materials, how do you prioritize—Aesthetics, Durability, Cost, or Maintenance?
A: Durability and aesthetics are top for me—especially living in Alabama. You need something that holds up to the heat, rain, and colder months, but it also has to look good. It’s worth spending more for a material that will last a lifetime.
A: It really depends on the goals of the project. Sometimes the design drives the decision, other times cost plays a bigger role. That said, we steer away from anything that’s a maintenance nightmare. Natural materials tend to be our go-to—mainly because of how beautifully they age.
A: We always start with the design language. If a material supports the architecture, we’ll then layer in concerns like cost and performance. But beauty and function go hand-in-hand for us.

Q: What exterior materials do you find to be timeless—always relevant, regardless of trend?
A: Stone, copper, limestone, slate, timber… anything real. We love natural materials that don’t pretend to be something else.
A: Brick, especially when it’s not painted. A good brick has so much character on its own.
A: Stone and wood siding, especially when paired. That mix just never gets old.

Q: Do you have any favorite combinations that create contrast or texture on a façade?
A: Brick and stone. A classic pairing that works every time.
A: We love mixing a masonry water table with a secondary material above. That break in texture creates a layered, elevated look.
A: Wood paneling—horizontal or vertical—with a stone base is always a favorite.
A: Dark stained woodwork with just about anything is stunning.