A Tribute To Robert P. Senn: June 13, 1959 – September 12, 2026

Robert P. Senn, a lifelong Santa Barbara native, accomplished architect, and father, passed away on September 12, 2026, at the age of 67.

Born on June 13, 1959, at St. Francis Hospital in Santa Barbara to Dr. Peter Senn and Agnes Senn, Robert was raised in the community that would remain central to his life and career. His deep connection to Santa Barbara and his appreciation for its history, architecture, and natural beauty would ultimately shape his professional path.

Robert pursued his passion for architecture at the University of Colorado, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design, followed by a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington in 1987. His education and travels also took him to Italy, where he developed an even greater appreciation for classical architecture, historic buildings, and the enduring principles of traditional design.

Before returning to Santa Barbara, Robert gained valuable professional experience working on historic preservation projects in Colorado’s former mining towns and Seattle’s Pioneer Square. These experiences helped shape his architectural philosophy and strengthened his commitment to preserving the character and history of the built environment. He became a licensed architect in California in 1990.

Upon returning to his hometown, Robert continued building his architectural career, working with Thomas Bollay and Associates, Warner + Gray and Sorrell Design in Montecito before establishing his own practice, Santa Barbara Architecture, Inc.

Throughout his career, Robert developed a distinctive appreciation for traditional architecture, drawing inspiration from French and English country homes, American Craftsman architecture, Spanish Colonial Revival, and the classical influences of Tuscan and Palladian design. He particularly admired the work and architectural legacy of George Washington Smith, whose influence helped define much of Santa Barbara’s architectural identity.

Robert believed that architecture should be timeless, that buildings should be timeless, that buildings should respect their surroundings, and that preserving the architectural character of a community was an important responsibility. These principles were reflected in his work, including the design of his parents’ Tuscan-inspired home in Birnam Wood and the renovation and expansion of his family’s ocean-view home on the Riviera, where he resided with Monica and their four children.

His professional contributions extended beyond his private practice. Robert served on both the Montecito Board of Architectural Review and the Hope Ranch Board of Architectural Review, where he contributed his knowledge, experience, and perspective to preserving the distinctive architectural character of these communities.

His work and architectural perspective were also featured in Dream Homes of Coastal California, recognizing his contribution to the region’s residential architecture.

Outside of architecture, Robert had a lifelong appreciation for athletics and the outdoors. As a young man, he was an accomplished hurdler and competed at the CIF level at Santa Barbara High. He enjoyed skiing, travel, and the many outdoor activities that were part of the Santa Barbara lifestyle.

While Robert’s professional accomplishments were an important part of his life, his family remains an enduring part of his story. He is survived by his former wife of 20 years, Monica Senn, with whom he shared a family and raised their two children; Sophia, who is pursuing her studies in art at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, and Charlie, an avid tennis player and senior at Santa Barbara High School.

He is also survived by his stepsons, Henry and Grayson, who were an important part of the family they shared.

He is survived as well as by his three sisters: Suzanne Senn; Kathryn Everling and her husband, Richard; and Carolyn Layman and her husband, Kenneth. He also leaves behind nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Peter Senn and Agnes Senn.

Robert’s life was deeply intertwined with Santa Barbara.

He was born and raised here, pursued his education and architectural training elsewhere, and ultimately returned home to establish his career and raise his family. He devoted much of his professional life to the architectural character of the communities he loved.

His appreciation for history, traditional design, and the enduring beauty of Santa Barbara was reflected in his work and in the contributions he made to the places he called home.

His architectural legacy will remain part of the communities he helped shape, while his family and the memories they share will carry his story forward.