Why Choose Us??

a dash of hope

Every project starts off generally in the same sort of way:
A great idea + A Dash of Hope =
An Incredible Journey to Your Forever Home

In theory... it should be a pretty straight forward path, right? That's how it's done on HGTV. What they don't show you in that 45-minute episode is all of the ups & downs that happen along the construction process. It's the in-between part, where the sticky stuff happens, so how do you make sure to prevent that?

Well, you can't; however, when you have a trusted partner and teammate on this journey with you, it's going to be way more likely that you'll have less of that sticky icky stuff. We like to think of homebuilding as a delightful adventure—kind of like planning a road trip but with fewer snacks and more blueprints!

With our team of homebuilding pros guiding you, you'll be saying, "Trust the process!" faster than you can say, "Where's my hammer?" If there were a bumper sticker for this journey, it would read, "Trust the process—it's less messy than DIY!" Let's turn that dream home into reality with a few laughs along the way! If there were ever a bumper sticker made for this home-building journey, it would be "It’s a trust-the-process kind of moment."

When our clients come to us and hand over that budget, we consider it an honor and will do everything to teach, educate, guide, and protect them as we join them on their home-building & remodeling project journey. Are you ready to turn your wildest home dreams into a reality?

With a plan so inspired it could be a bestselling novel, picture reading about a Team of Homebuilding Architectural & Interior Designer Superheroes by your side, a bit quirky, yes, but that's what makes us rise above! We promise to guide you every step of the way! Buckle up, because building your dream home is about to get a lot more fun!

It's Carved in jell0...

At the beginning of my career, one of my first mentor's taught me a very valuable saying and I'm sharing that I will share with you today he said, "the plans are carved in Jell-O till I say otherwise, so get ready to jiggle." To the Twenty-Something I was at then, found it hard to comprehend that it really was just drawings on the page only in my imagination and it's far better while in the schematic design or design development stages not to get my mind or imagination locked into a particular floorplan, especially if it wasn't working.

What I eventually learned, what he meant is that the Architectural & Interior Design Projects have phases where each has a specific task and purpose for a reason, picture a "funnel" as each phase closes out so does that stage in the design getting closer and closer to the final desired result. At first it's wide allowing for all sorts of brainstorming at the beginning, then as the as the design progresses it gets more locked in as you determine what is better suited. That doesn't mean that you cannot go back a few steps if it's not working, it's ONLY too late, when It's under construction, at that point it isn't necessarily impossible but it's going to cost a lot more to back out. It's way easier & cheaper to spend the time during the planning phases than it is to have the project build under construction then to have your builder call and give the "re-routing, re-routing" speech.

At Hentz Inspired Living, we want our prospective and current clients to know that we want to, as much as we can, keep the "If our clients can dream it, then HIL can build it" mentality. We consider it the highest of honors to be selected above our competitors. We show our appreciation by Our commitment to the process of being transparent building methods, stewards of their investment, communication, construction drawings that strive to conserve labor time and building materials, provide education to our clients so that they may self advocate and be apart of the building process when choosing building construction methods, materials, and product specifications.

Who We Are

We are passionate listeners, eager to understand your vision and needs. Our goal is to ensure that your home not only serves your family's practical requirements but also enriches your everyday experiences. Thoughtful design is at the heart of what we do; we believe that the foundation of a well-crafted space lies in thoughtful programming and schematic design. Whether we’re working on your kitchen, bathroom, or that intimate nook, our focus is on harmonizing beauty and functionality, creating an environment that inspires joy and comfort. Every home has a character of its own, and we delight in uncovering the magic within those unexpected details.

Our mission is to create homes that reflect the unique stories of the families who inhabit them. We approach each project with a "family first" mentality, guiding our clients through the design journey with warmth, education, and transparency. Our commitment to understanding your needs ensures that your home serves you, enhancing your daily life through thoughtful design and unexpected details that bring joy and personality to every space.

We prioritize functionality and beauty in every aspect of your home, from well-designed kitchens and bathrooms to clever storage solutions. Our carefully vetted team of skilled contractors shares our dedication to quality craftsmanship and ethical practices, giving you peace of mind throughout the process.

We believe in creating inclusive and accessible spaces, seamlessly integrating ADA design to protect the dignity and integrity of all our clients. Our mission is to leave you empowered and excited about your home, building a sanctuary that truly feels like yours. Together, let’s create a space that inspires and nurtures your family for years to come.

Our Story

At Hentz Inspired Living, we specialize in crafting stylish architectural designs that perfectly combine practicality with a touch of creativity. We invite you to explore how our expertise can transform your unique ideas into spaces that truly reflect your vision! As a female-owned design + build, architectural & interior design firm, consider this your official invitation: come in and take rest under our wings, join us, and become part of our HIL family.

Our mission, oh, that's simple: we want to become your guide, a trusted resource meant to be your guide, providing that safety net through every step of the design process by committing to being fully present, transparent in our business practices, educating our clients, pulling advice and wisdom from over the 20 years of professional practice acquired, and engaging in genuine collective equal partnership with fellow practitioners, vendors, and skilled contractors coming together working towards bringing a set of architectural plans and drawings to life.

Our founder:

Susan Hentz is a residential architectural and interior designer based in Alabama and the founder of Hentz Inspired Living, a design practice focused on thoughtful, process-driven homes that balance beauty, constructability, and long-term livability. With a career rooted in both design and construction literacy, Susan brings a rare hybrid perspective to residential projects—one that bridges vision and execution. Her work spans custom new construction, major renovations, additions, age-in-place planning, and design-build consulting, serving homeowners, builders, and real-estate professionals across the Birmingham metro and beyond.

Susan’s approach is grounded in the belief that great design is not decoration—it’s decision-making. She is known for translating complex client needs, site constraints, and budget realities into clear, buildable plans that support how people actually live. Her role often extends beyond traditional design services into project quarterbacking—anticipating issues early, coordinating teams, and protecting clients from costly downstream mistakes.

Early Influences & Foundation:

Susan’s passion for residential design began early. As a child, she spent countless hours creating functional layouts in a handmade dollhouse, focusing not on aesthetics alone but on how spaces worked together. This instinct was reinforced during her teenage years when she accompanied her father daily to the construction site of their family’s custom home—watching the process evolve from raw earth to finished residence. Originally pursuing a career in healthcare, Susan later pivoted into interior architecture and residential design, drawn by the intersection of systems, human behavior, and the built environment. That early healthcare influence continues to inform her work today, particularly in accessibility, aging-in-place strategies, and empathetic design.

Professional Practice

Susan has worked across the residential spectrum, collaborating with:

Custom home builders
Trades and fabricators
Engineers and consultants
Homeowners navigating complex renovations
Clients requiring ADA-conscious or future-proofed homes

Her deliverables often include feasibility studies, schematic design, construction-ready drawings, 3D models, and client education materials, all structured to reduce risk and increase clarity before construction begins.

She is especially recognized for:

Breaking down overwhelming projects into manageable phases
Teaching clients how to think like builders without losing creativity
Designing homes that evolve with their occupants over time
Advocating for transparency, documentation, and informed decision-making

Design Philosophy:

Susan’s design philosophy centers on three core principles:

Function first, always. If a space doesn’t support daily life, it doesn’t matter how beautiful it is.
Process creates freedom. Clear planning and documentation allow creativity to thrive without chaos.
Homes should serve people—not the other way around. Design must respond to bodies, habits, seasons of life, and change.

Her aesthetic sensibility leans warm, timeless, and grounded—often blending architectural clarity with layered, human-scaled interiors.

Leadership & Thought Leadership:

Beyond client work, Susan is building a broader educational and advocacy platform within the residential design and building industry.

She is actively developing:

Educational content for homeowners and emerging professionals
A podcast focused on residential design, construction realities, and client education
Speaking and panel participation for home & garden shows and industry events
Resources supporting women in architecture, design, and building

She is known for her ability to translate industry complexity into accessible language—empowering clients and professionals alike to make better decisions. Today through Hentz Inspired Living, Susan continues to push for a more thoughtful, ethical, and human-centered approach to residential design—one where creativity is paired with accountability, and where clients feel guided, protected, and confident from first idea to final build.