Living Stone Design + Build: Honored to Be Featured in Construction Business Review
At Living Stone Design + Build, we are thrilled to share some exciting news—we’ve recently been featured in Construction Business Review, an authoritative publication in the construction industry that recognized us for our innovative and holistic approach to sustainable custom home building. This feature celebrates our dedication to building happier, healthier lives through thoughtful design, sustainable practices, and a commitment to excellence.
This recognition is a humbling reminder of how far we’ve come in our 30-year journey of redefining the home-building experience. As the NAHB 2023 Custom Home Builder of the Year, we’ve set a precedent for how homes can be more than just shelters—they can be spaces that foster well-being, energy efficiency, and a commitment to sustainability.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the highlights of the article and how it reflects our mission to create homes and lives that are not only beautiful but also healthier for both our clients and the environment.
A Vision Rooted in Whole Living
Central to our mission is the concept of Whole Living. At Living Stone Design + Build, we believe that sustainability goes beyond simply using energy-efficient materials or green certifications; it’s about crafting homes that enhance the health and well-being of their occupants.
This philosophy is what drives every project we take on. While other builders may stop at energy efficiency, we go further—integrating toxin-free materials, improving indoor air quality, and addressing environmental sustainability in every step of the process.
Sean and Laura Sullivan, who co-lead our company, have worked tirelessly to ensure that every home we build reflects the Whole Living approach. Whether it’s the structural design or the carefully selected furnishings from our sister company, Atelier Maison & Co., every decision is made with the goal of creating spaces that promote balance, health, and sustainability.
Leadership That Sets Us Apart
Our President, Sean Sullivan, is more than just a builder—he’s a visionary and leader in the construction industry. As an Accredited Master Builder and Certified Green Professional, Sean has consistently pushed boundaries to elevate home-building standards.
Sean’s leadership extends well beyond Living Stone Design + Build. He has served as president of both the local Home Builders Association and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, using these platforms to influence how homes are designed and built across the state.
One of his most impactful contributions has been through education. Sean develops and teaches courses for other builders, sharing real-world insights from Living Stone projects. As highlighted in the Construction Business Review article, Sean’s continuing education initiatives help other builders adopt sustainable practices and foster positive change across the industry.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
One of the most unique aspects of Living Stone Design + Build is the seamless integration of services across three exceptional companies—our construction company, Laura Sullivan’s ID.ology Interiors & Design, and our green furniture studio, Atelier Maison & Co.
The collaboration among these companies ensures that not only are the homes we build environmentally sustainable, but every detail inside the home—from the paint to the furniture—aligns with non-toxic and health-conscious principles.
For instance, while energy-efficient, green-certified homes are vital, our commitment doesn’t stop there. As Sean Sullivan shared in the article, homes that use toxic materials or off-gassing furniture can compromise clients’ health. By addressing these challenges, we’re able to provide a truly holistic solution.
A Case Study in Sustainable Living
Our feature in Construction Business Review highlights a particularly inspiring case study demonstrating how our philosophy translates into real results for our clients.
When a Chicago resident approached us with severe health issues caused by black mold exposure in her previous home, she sought our expertise to build a healthier, toxin-free living environment in North Carolina. In response, we created a home certified under the “Wellness Within Your Walls” program—the first of its kind in the state.
To achieve this, we focused on ten key sustainability categories, including air and water quality, sustainable site practices, and an emphasis on health-focused materials. The result wasn’t just a home—it was a sanctuary; a place where our client could thrive again.
A Personalized Approach to Every Home
Every client is unique, and so is every home we build. That’s why we’ve developed a 19-step process that ensures every detail is thoughtfully considered, from the initial conversations to the conclusion of the warranty.
This comprehensive approach allows us to tailor our services to meet program-driven priorities (whether focused on specific needs or desires) or budget-driven constraints—all without compromising on quality or sustainability.
We believe the home-building process should be collaborative and enjoyable. With our eight levels of service, clients can rest assured that every step of their journey is supported by industry-leading expertise.
Expanding Our Reach
While Asheville and the mountains of North Carolina remain our home base, our reach is growing. Living Stone Design + Build is now taking on projects across the Carolinas, including South Carolina, Cashiers, and Lake Norman.
Additionally, we’ve expanded into new territories of construction beyond custom homes to include commercial projects, full renovations, and restoration services. With every project, our commitment to crafting sustainable, eco-conscious spaces remains steadfast.
Community Engagement: A Core to Our Values
At Living Stone, we know that a thriving community is essential to fostering healthier lives. That’s why community engagement is a cornerstone of our company culture.
Every first Friday of the month, our team volunteers with local nonprofit organizations. From working with the Western North Carolina Rescue Mission to supporting orphanages and food distribution efforts through Bounty and Soul, our team is deeply committed to making an impact.
This spirit of “reaching in, reaching out, and reaching up” guides not just how we interact with our community, but also how we approach leadership within our company and projects.
Redefining Sustainable Homebuilding
What truly sets Living Stone Design + Build apart is the intentionality we bring to our process. From leadership to design and construction, we approach every project with a focus on thoughtful planning, industry-leading execution, and compassionate care.
Our feature in Construction Business Review underscores these values and recognizes the lasting impact we’re making—not just in Asheville, but across the construction industry as a whole.
Thank You to Our Team and Clients
We are deeply honored to have been recognized by Construction Business Review. This acknowledgment wouldn’t be possible without our incredible team, whose dedication and expertise drive every project.
We also want to thank our clients for trusting us to build their homes and their lives. Your dreams fuel our passion, and your stories inspire us to keep innovating and striving for excellence.
Looking to the Future
As we reflect on this milestone, we’re reminded of the responsibility we carry to continue raising the bar for sustainable homebuilding. We remain committed to redefining what it means to create not just homes, but environments that promote balance, health, and happiness.
To learn more about our approach or to start your own home-building journey, explore our website or connect with us today. Together, we can bring your design story to life, with no regrets.
Thank you for being part of our vision for happier, healthier living.
To read the full article, visit Construction Business Review.
