Best Architecture Firms in Upstate SC
Welcome to our guide to the best architecture firms in Western North Carolina! If you’re looking to build your dream home or embark on a significant architectural project in this beautiful region, you’ve come to the right place. Western North Carolina, with its stunning mountain landscapes and rich cultural heritage, demands a unique approach to architecture that blends seamlessly with the natural environment while meeting modern needs and aesthetics.
At Living Stone Design + Build, we understand the importance of a unified approach to creating your dream home. From building to designing to furnishing, we are there every step of the way to ensure a seamless experience. As a “builder led” design + build firm, we collaborate with the top architects in the area to bring your dream home to life, ensuring a smooth and integrated experience for our clients as well as setting realistic budget expectations.
Our team works closely with the best architects in Western North Carolina to transform your vision into reality. This vertical integration means that every detail is considered and every phase is meticulously planned and executed, resulting in a home that not only meets but exceeds your expectations. We take pride in our partnerships with the region’s top architects, and in this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best firms we collaborate with to make your dream home a reality.
In the following sections, we’ll take you on a journey through some of the most renowned and innovative architecture firms in WNC. From Asheville to Highlands, Cashiers to Boone, these firms have left their mark on the region with their exceptional designs, sustainable practices, and client-centered approaches.
We’ll explore what makes each firm unique, their areas of expertise, and why they stand out in the competitive world of mountain architecture. Whether you’re interested in rustic log homes, contemporary mountain retreats, or sustainable eco-friendly designs, you’ll find inspiration and valuable insights in the following profiles.
Table of Contents
MossCreek Designs
MossCreek is an architecture firm based in Knoxville, Tennessee. They specialize in designing custom log and timber frame homes. Their work highlights natural materials, including stone, timber, metals, and glass. This approach gives their homes a rustic yet elegant look that blends well with natural surroundings.
Focus on Western North Carolina
MossCreek serves regions throughout Western North Carolina. Specific locations include Asheville, Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and other surrounding areas. They design homes with influences from regional and historic styles, ensuring each home fits the local environment.
What Makes MossCreek Unique
One thing that makes MossCreek unique is their team of five skilled individuals. Because they are a small team, clients get personal access to every member. This ensures that each project benefits from the unique talents of the entire team.
Another distinct feature is their emphasis on using natural materials. By incorporating elements like stone and wood, MossCreek designs homes that look like they are part of the landscape. This approach helps create a harmonious balance between the homes and their surroundings.
MossCreek also offers both custom designs and ready-to-purchase home plans. Their plans include mountain homes, lake homes, and lodges. This flexibility allows clients to choose a design that best fits their needs and budget.
Client-Centered Approach
MossCreek’s process involves closely working with clients from the initial concept to the final design. They listen carefully to what their clients want and make suggestions to improve the design. This collaborative approach ensures that each home reflects the owner’s vision while also benefiting from the professional expertise of the MossCreek team.
Realizing Dream Homes
MossCreek has earned high praise from their clients. Many homeowners have shared positive experiences working with the company, highlighting their professionalism, creativity, and patience. Client testimonials often mention how MossCreek makes the process enjoyable and stress-free.
In Their Own Words
One homeowner noted how the MossCreek team was with them every step of the way, making their dream home come true. Another client appreciated how the team’s style, patience, and efficiency meshed well with their vision. These testimonials show how MossCreek goes above and beyond to deliver high-quality designs that their clients love.
Bringing It All Together
MossCreek stands out as a unique architecture firm dedicated to designing beautiful, natural homes. Their focus on using natural materials, combined with their small, skilled team, ensures each project is given special attention. Serving areas like Asheville, Boone, Cashiers, and Highlands, MossCreek brings a blend of historic and regional styles to all their designs. Clients can trust MossCreek to create a home that is not only functional but also a true reflection of their dream. For more information, you can visit their website.
MHK Architecture
MHK Architecture is an architecture firm founded in 2009 by Matthew H. Kragh. The firm started in Naples, Florida, and has grown to include over 40 design professionals across different locations, including Florida, Colorado, the Caribbean, and the Carolinas. MHK Architecture aims to help clients realize their visions while maintaining a commitment to the historic craft of architecture.
What Makes MHK Unique
MHK Architecture stands out due to its collaborative approach and diverse talent pool. The firm operates nine studios, combining local expertise with the advantages of a larger company. This setup allows them to provide personalized service while benefiting from shared resources and varied skills.
The firm prioritizes the client’s vision in every project, avoiding a one-size-fits-all attitude. They believe in involving clients from the start, even before land purchase, to help envision the potential of a property using 3D designs and photo-realistic images.
Service Areas in Western North Carolina
MHK Architecture serves several areas in Western North Carolina, including Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They specialize in designing modern mountain homes that blend with the natural landscape. Their style focuses on connecting homes to the outdoors through large glass windows and movable panels.
MHK’s Highlands office, led by Mitch Lehde, specializes in mountain architecture. They collaborate with clients to create “legacy homes” for extended families, making spaces that evolve as families grow. These homes often include areas for various activities, like spaces for adults around a fire, TV or game rooms for older kids, and bunk rooms for grandchildren.
Future Goals
MHK Architecture continues to expand, aiming to leave a significant impact on the architectural realm of the Western North Carolina Mountains. They focus on creating timeless designs that honor the natural beauty of their locations. Their approach is deeply personal, with many team members, including Kragh, seeing these areas as second homes.
For more about them, visit MHK Architecture’s website.
C3 Architecture
About C3 Studio
C3 Studio is an architecture firm based in Knoxville, TN. The firm serves several areas, including Western North Carolina, particularly Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They work with homeowners, builders, and developers, aiming to meet the needs of modern families. They have a special interest in creating homes that are both beautiful and functional.
What Makes Them Different
The firm stands out because of its focus on collaboration. The name “C3” stands for collaborate, create, and construct. This means they work closely with clients, builders, and other team members to make the design and building process smooth. Unlike many other firms, C3 Studio puts a lot of effort into understanding how clients live and what they need from their home. This personal touch helps them design spaces that fit perfectly with their clients’ lifestyles.
Areas of Expertise
C3 Studio has a broad range of expertise. They handle large-scale projects such as building entire neighborhoods and also work on smaller, detailed projects like custom homes. They are skilled in sustainable design and historic building conservation. Their previous projects include residential homes, commercial spaces, and community planning. This variety allows them to bring a wealth of knowledge to every project they take on. For more information, you can visit their website.
Altura Architects
About Altura Architects
Altura Architects is an architecture firm located in Asheville, North Carolina. The firm was founded in 1985 and was first known as Samsel Architects. The name changed to reflect their connection to the mountains and their commitment to higher purpose. “Altura” means height or altitude, which symbolizes their dedication to quality and excellence in their work.
Services and Projects
Altura Architects offers a variety of architectural services. They handle custom residential projects, commercial buildings, and renovations. Some of their notable projects include Spruce Ridge Cabin, Meadow Creek Farm, and the renovation of the Center for Craft. They also provide consultations for green building and master planning.
Unique Aspects and Recognition
What makes Altura Architects unique is their blend of artistic vision and technical skill. They focus on creating timeless designs that enhance the community and respect the natural landscape. Their projects are highly regarded and have won several awards for design excellence. They are also known for their collaborative approach with clients, ensuring each project’s uniqueness.
Altura Architects has received many local, state, and national awards. Some of these awards include the AIA North Carolina Merit Award and the AIA ASPIRE Award. Their work is widely recognized for its innovation and contribution to the architectural field.
Altura Architects serves the Western North Carolina region, including areas like Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. Their dedication to sustainable practices, unique designs, and community commitment makes them a standout firm in the region. For more information, you can visit their website.
PLATT Architecture
About PLATT
PLATT is a custom design firm located in Brevard, NC. They serve Western North Carolina, including areas like Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They have been around since 1982. Over the years, they have gained national recognition for their work, which has been featured on HGTV. They focus on residential and commercial projects and are known for their high-end custom home builds.
What Makes PLATT Unique
PLATT stands out because they use local materials and pay close attention to the landscape. They want their buildings to fit in with the natural surroundings. They also make sure their projects capture the best views and use natural light as much as possible. Sustainable practices are important to them, so their designs often include eco-friendly features. Unlike some other firms, PLATT manages both the design and construction process, making it easier for clients.
Services Offered
PLATT offers various services like architecture, construction, interior design, and real estate. They have a skilled team that can handle every part of the building process. Their projects range from small renovations to large, complex builds. In addition to homes, PLATT also works on commercial spaces. By offering a wide range of services, they ensure that every project is consistent in quality and style. For more information, visit their website.
Griffin Architects
About Griffin Architects
Griffin Architects, P.A. is located in Asheville, North Carolina. They have been in business since 1979. The firm serves Western North Carolina, including places like Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They have a team of three registered architects and three intern architects who work on various projects. Their experience includes custom residential homes, commercial buildings, environmental design, community planning, and historic preservation.
Unique Qualities
Griffin Architects is unique because of their attention to both architecture and interior design. They have interior designers on staff and can also work with the clients’ interior designers. This allows them to create cohesive and detailed designs for their projects. They use different styles and techniques like hand drawings, sketches, CAD drawings, and 3D modeling to communicate their ideas clearly. Griffin Architects is recognized for their work locally in Western North Carolina and more broadly in the Southeast.
Services Provided
The firm offers a wide range of services. They do single-family and multifamily residential designs, commercial developments, and community planning. They are also known for their work in historic preservation. Griffin Architects provides detailed interior design services, including coordination of finishes and furnishings. Their broad portfolio includes various architectural styles such as American, Arts and Crafts, Modern, and Mountain. This diversity helps them cater to a wide range of client needs. For more information, visit their website.
Mountainworks
Who They Are
Mountainworks is a custom home design firm located in the Cashiers valley of Western North Carolina. For over 20 years, the design team has been creating custom homes for clients. The team includes Travis Mileti, Marie Mileti, Nick Mileti, and Valerie Chastain. They focus on making homes that fit the specific needs of each client. Every home is custom-designed, considering things like the land’s shape, the view, and the homeowner’s wishes. They do not sell pre-made plans.
Locations They Serve
Mountainworks mainly works in Western North Carolina. This includes towns like Cashiers, Highlands, and areas like Boone, Asheville, and more. They create homes that blend well with the mountain environment. Their homes are beautiful and designed to last a long time. The design team also works on small commercial buildings in the Cashiers-Highlands area. They design shoppes, markets, offices, gatehouses, and retail stores with a mountain feel.
Unique Features
What makes Mountainworks special is their design style. They combine elements of Adirondack and craftsman styles with shingle style overtones. They use high-quality materials like antique logs and lumber. Their designs often have an “old world” style that stands the test of time. Every Mountainworks home is unique to the client, focusing on details like solar influence and topography to make the home special.
Noteworthy Awards
Mountainworks has won many awards for their designs. From 2008 to 2018, they won the American Residential Design Award. In 2009, they won the Best New Home Award by Southern Living Magazine and the Pinnacle Award. These awards show that their designs are highly respected. Their commitment to quality and craftsmanship is clear in every project they complete.
Why They Matter in Cashiers and Highlands
In areas like Cashiers and Highlands, Mountainworks plays an important role. They design homes that fit perfectly with the natural surroundings. Each home reflects the unique beauty of the mountains. Whether you’re looking for a custom home, cottage, or cabin, Mountainworks aims to create a special place for you in Western North Carolina.
Feel free to learn more about them on their website.
Mathews Architecture
About Mathews Architecture
Mathews Architecture is an architecture firm based in Asheville, North Carolina. They have been serving the people and communities of Western North Carolina since 1992. The firm focuses on a variety of projects, including residential, commercial, public, nonprofit, arts and cultural buildings, outdoor spaces, historic preservation, and educational sites. Their main goal is to provide designs that help clients fulfill their needs and dreams within their budget.
Areas They Serve
Mathews Architecture serves a large region. They work in Western North Carolina, including areas like Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They also extend their services to eastern Kentucky, Tennessee, and the Upstate area of South Carolina. Their work helps many communities in the greater Appalachian region.
Unique Qualities
What makes Mathews Architecture stand out is their approach to design and community engagement. Here are some key points:
- They are known for their community-based design solutions, meaning they listen carefully to what people need and want.
- ‘They put a strong focus on sustainability, making sure their buildings are environmentally friendly.
- The firm is well-versed in historic preservation, ensuring that old and important buildings are restored and maintained properly.
- Mathews Architecture helps non-profit and government entities to create functional, beautiful, and affordable spaces.
- They have a history of working together with clients and community members to create designs that make everyone happy.
- The firm values the integration of natural and built environments, making sure their designs fit well with the surrounding landscape.
Achievements and Values
Mathews Architecture has been recognized for their hard work and dedication. They received the NC AIA Firm of the Year Award in 2011, which shows their commitment to delivering quality architecture and client satisfaction. This award is a big honor in the architecture community.
The core values of Mathews Architecture include utility, community, economy, empathy, imagination, and resourcefulness. These values guide their work and ensure they provide the best service to their clients and communities. They believe in creating places with and for people, making sure everyone involved has a voice in the project.
To learn more about them, you can visit their website.
https://www.mathewsarchitecture.com/
Tab Associates, Inc.
Who They Are
TAB Associates, Inc. is an architecture firm providing professional architecture, planning, and interior design services. They have been around since 1997 and have vast experience. TAB Associates has handled over $600 million in development, working on various types of buildings like residential, commercial, medical, institutional, and spiritual ones. They work in Vail Valley, Colorado, and have expanded to serve Western North Carolina since 2018.
Specialties and Services
TAB Associates offers a full range of architecture services. They start from conceptual design and move through schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. They are also experienced in providing interior design services. They can create everything from traditional log homes to modern buildings. Because they came from the mountains of Colorado, they have special expertise in designing for mountainous regions like Western North Carolina.
Western North Carolina Focus
TAB Associates has an office located in Hendersonville, which is about 20 miles south of Asheville. They are committed to serving the needs of clients in Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. North Carolina projects require special knowledge to handle the landscape and environment, which they have because of their Colorado background.
What Makes Them Unique
- Experience: They have more than 30 years of experience and have completed over 300 projects.
- Mountain Design Expertise: Their background in Colorado’s mountainous regions gives them an edge in designing properties in similar landscapes like Western North Carolina.
- Client-Centered Approach: They focus on the clients’ needs and strive to incorporate clients’ desires into the designs. They avoid putting their ego first.
- National Certification: They are nationally certified and can work in multiple states across the U.S.
You can find more details about them, view their projects, and get in touch by visiting their website.
D. Stanley Dixon Architect
D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. is an architecture firm led by Stan Dixon. The firm is based in Atlanta but has projects all over, including Western North Carolina. Stan Dixon was inspired by the historic homes in his home region of Sumner County, Tennessee. He studied architecture at the University of Tennessee and also learned about historic homes in Britain. He worked with other firms before starting his own in 2006.
Unique Features
One thing that makes D. Stanley Dixon Architect unique is its approach to combining classic and modern styles. They aim to create buildings that fit well with their surroundings and feel timeless. Stan Dixon has received many awards for his work, showing that others appreciate his careful design.
Projects in Western North Carolina
The firm has done several projects in Western North Carolina. They have worked on homes in Cashiers, Highlands, and Lake Toxaway. Their designs in these areas mix local materials and traditional styles with modern touches. For example, they designed a home in Cashiers to look like an old log cabin but with modern features inside.
Area Focus and Approach
D. Stanley Dixon Architect focuses on understanding the needs and desires of their clients. They work closely with them to make sure every building is beautiful and practical. They also pay a lot of attention to details and materials to make sure their designs are both classic and durable.
You can learn more about D. Stanley Dixon Architect on their website.
Summit Architecture
Summit Architecture Pa is an architectural firm located in downtown Highlands, North Carolina. They provide a full range of architectural services. Wendy Stiles is the leading architect, and she has over 47 years of combined experience along with Jeff, another experienced architect. They are registered in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Summit Architecture Pa is known for paying great attention to detail in every project, ensuring both functionality and aesthetics are achieved.
Serving Western North Carolina
Summit Architecture Pa primarily serves the Western North Carolina (WNC) region. This includes specific areas like Boone, Cashiers, Highlands, and Asheville. They are dedicated to designing structures that fit well within the WNC’s unique mountain environment. The firm’s designs often incorporate local materials like native stone and timber, honoring the traditional and rustic style of the area. This approach helps their buildings blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings.
Why They’re Relevant to Highlands, NC
Summit Architecture Pa has a significant presence in Highlands, NC, where their main office is located. They understand the local landscape and climate, which is crucial for creating durable and sustainable buildings in this mountainous area. Their deep connection to Highlands means they are well-versed in the community’s needs and tastes. By focusing on the region’s architectural styles and preferences, Summit Architecture Pa provides tailored solutions that enhance the charm and character of Highlands.
Unique Aspects of Summit Architecture Pa
What sets Summit Architecture Pa apart from other firms in the region is their personalized approach to each project. They prioritize their clients’ needs and foster close collaboration to ensure the final design meets all expectations. Wendy Stiles’s extensive experience and commitment to detail means clients can trust the quality and integrity of the designs. Their focus on using local resources not only supports environmental sustainability but also keeps the essence of WNC’s native architecture alive.
For more details, visit Summit Architecture Pa.
https://www.summitarchitecturepa.com/
