A custom home on a lake is a dream for many — it’s the unique opportunity to blend breathtaking natural surroundings with thoughtful architecture.

But it’s also more than that — it’s about understanding how the home interacts with the landscape, the views, and the way people live by the lake.

Here are five key points that Camens Architectural Group chief architect Marc Camens considers when planning a lakeside retreat— whether it’s nestled in the wooded charm of the Adirondacks or overlooking a serene southern reservoir, or somewhere else entirely.

 

1. View Path Orientation: Framing the Perfect Perspective

Before even laying the foundation, Camens physically stands on the site to assess how the home will naturally fit within the lakeside terrain. It’s the only way to see exactly where the sun hits the earth, what kind of topography is present, and even how the lake winds might impact the future home. “Walking the land, feeling it underfoot, and experiencing it personally also helps find the best views,” says Camens.

 

A common mistake is clearing out all the trees for a massive, uninterrupted view, but that can make the space feel exposed and unnatural. Trees frame picturesque sightlines — giving each window and outdoor space a carefully curated view of the water.

And here’s something many people forget: You must look at the house from the water, too. People don’t just live on the lake; they live with the lake. “When I design, I think about how the home presents itself from a boat, how it fits into the shoreline, and whether it feels like a natural part of the environment,” says Camens. Getting out on the lake to evaluate how the structure will integrate into the landscape is an essential step in the design process.

2. Respecting Setbacks and Waterfront Access

Many homeowners are drawn to lakefront living for the easy access to water-based recreation. However, local jurisdictions and Architectural Review Boards (ARBs) often impose strict waterfront setback regulations, determining how close a home can be built to the shore.

ARBs serve an important purpose. They’re protecting the integrity and value of the land and ensuring that manmade structures don’t infringe on Mother Nature. That said, they can introduce additionally complex and complicated factors to a custom lakeside home project and the architect must explore different ways of approaching a structure on any given site.

What’s more and a homeowner will often have an opposing viewpoint philosophy from the ARB for their property.

“Some people are all about the view, while others want easy access to kayaking, fishing, and swimming,” says Camens. “Their answer shapes everything — from the site plan to how we design the pathways leading to the shore.”

Having designed magnificent lakeside homes for many years, Camens knows firsthand how to masterfully navigate ARBs, finding innovative solutions that align with the rules and regulations in the area without compromising the finished design. It’s what makes him one the best residential architects for lakeside living and beyond.

 

3. Understanding Local Regulations: Height, Drainage, and Sustainability

Every lake has its own character, and so does its governing body.

In addition to waterfront setback considerations, height restrictions, stormwater drainage, and sewage solutions all play into what’s possible. This grand Lake Placid home, designed by Camens, is a perfect example of expertly maneuvering the structure to comply with the maximum height requirement without compromising the design.  

Particularly in ecologically sensitive areas like the Adirondacks, water drainage and runoff management are critical factors in the design process to protect the pristine wilderness. Homes built on sloped lots must incorporate sustainable water management solutions to prevent erosion and protect the lake’s water quality.

Sewage and wastewater management are also crucial considerations. Unlike urban developments, many lakefront homes rely on septic systems, which must be designed in compliance with local health codes. A thorough understanding of these restrictions ensures that the home is both built to code and environmentally responsible.

4. Boathouse and Dock Placement: Incorporating Function with Views

If you’re building on a lake, chances are you’ll want a dock, and maybe even a boathouse. But these structures need to be thoughtfully placed so they don’t block the home’s primary view path.

Consider the best access point from the house to the water and ensure that the dock or boathouse harmonizes with the natural setting rather than dominating it.

In many cases, the land slopes down toward the lake, which means well-designed and landscaped stairs and other pathways are necessary to make the journey between the house and the water both beautiful and functional.

 

5. Architectural Style and Materials: Blending with the Environment

Every lake has its own architectural language, and a well-designed home should complement its surroundings. “It must be simpatico; there must be congruence,” says Camens. In the Adirondacks, for example, classic lakefront homes feature natural materials such as dark wood exteriors and green roofs to blend seamlessly into the wooded landscape.

One more thing to consider: Glass. While big windows are a staple of lakefront homes, orientation matters. A west-facing wall of glass will catch incredible sunsets, but it will also create intense heat and glare. Thoughtful overhangs, shading, and window placement make all the difference.

And while pools are often a staple in many custom homes, they’re rare for lakefront properties. With beautiful, direct water access just steps away, why compete with it?!

Celebrating Lakeside Living

Designing a home on a lake isn’t just about architecture; it’s about creating a place that enhances the way you experience the water, the trees, the light. It’s about respect for the land and the lifestyle.

By considering view orientation, setback regulations, environmental impact, dock placement, and architectural style, we can craft a home that feels timeless — one that looks like it was always meant to be there, so you can comfortably take in the natural beauty around you. Contact us today.