North Carolina is a vibrant state that offers many opportunities for commercial and residential properties. Known for its diverse landscapes, thriving economy, and welcoming communities, North Carolina has become an attractive destination for individuals and businesses alike. It also boasts a rich cultural heritage, picturesque natural beauty, and a variety of recreational activities, making it an ideal place to live and invest in residential properties. Below are North Carolina’s eight best architectural firms to build your dream commercial or residential space.
Cline Design Associates
125 N. Harrington St., Raleigh, NC 27603
Cline Design Associates is a renowned firm that offers architecture, planning, landscape architecture, and interior design services to create better communities. With a philosophy grounded in practicality, economic viability, and environmental responsibility, it delivers diverse, interactive, and high-quality spaces. The firm recognizes that client satisfaction is critical to success, so it goes beyond excellent design to provide positive experiences and keep projects moving forward. This is achieved through making a great effort to understand its clients’ business, motivations, and project success requirements, allowing it to develop solutions that result in successful outcomes.
Cline Design Associates is led by principals Michael Mesnard and Cari Jones, who are both architects with extensive experience. With years of industry knowledge and a commitment to excellence, the two of them ensure that each project is approached with creativity, strategic thinking, and a focus on delivering exceptional design solutions.
CJMW Architecture
119 Brookstown Ave., Winston-Salem, NC 27101
CJMW Architecture, one of the Southeast’s oldest architecture and interior design firms, has built a strong reputation for its innovative approach and commitment to customer satisfaction. With over a century of experience, the firm’s team of 50+ professionals delivers exceptional design solutions from their North Carolina and Virginia offices. CJMW Architecture prides itself on fostering collaborative relationships with clients based on trust, effective communication, and a shared vision. The firm’s expertise spans various building types, and its professionals are well-versed in navigating complex constraints to deliver outstanding design outcomes.
CJMW Architecture’s dedication to excellence has earned it extensive industry recognition. For example, it won the award for the 2022 National Association for Industrial and Office Parks (NAIOP) North Carolina New Development Project of the Year for its work on the Nido & Mariana Arena & Conference Center. The firm has also been featured in publications like Charlotte Magazine, Business North Carolina Magazine, ENR, and Long Term Living Magazine.
MHAworks
12 S Lexington Ave., Asheville, NC 28801
Since its establishment in 1988, MHAworks has grown into a well-respected design firm, providing exceptional architecture and interior design services. With regional offices in Asheville, Durham, and Greenville, it has upheld its founding principle of forming enduring partnerships with clients through a commitment to excellence in both service and design. The firm specializes in completing projects in a wide variety of sectors, including multifamily, healthcare, research and development, and government.
MHAworks has won several awards for its outstanding work, including the Architectural Award for Restoration Excellence and the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Asheville Divine Detail Award. It is also affiliated with esteemed organizations such as the Durham Chamber of Commerce, the US Green Building Council, the Greenville-Pitt Chamber of Commerce, and the Asheville Chamber of Commerce. The company’s principals, including President Brian A. Maxwell and Asheville Director Eric R. Howell, bring decades of experience and expertise to their respective roles, driving the firm’s success in delivering exceptional design solutions.
Lindsey Architecture
324 S Elm St. #500, Greensboro, NC 27401
Lindsey Architecture, established in 2008, is a highly regarded design firm based in Greensboro, North Carolina. Known for its commitment to creative excellence, innovation, and financial stewardship in the built environment, Lindsey Architecture offers a wide range of architectural services and specializes in sustainable, integrated solutions across various focus areas. The firm has earned a reputation for developing lasting partnerships through collaboration and understanding each client’s vision, earning it awards such as the CPN Star Award and the AIA Designs for Our Community Award. Lindsey Architecture has also been featured in publications such as Our State Magazine and Triad Business Journal.
The company’s principal, Rodney Lindsey, offers decades of experience, a passion for creative excellence, and a dedication to enhancing communities through quality design. His leadership and expertise have been the driving force behind Lindsey Architecture’s far-reaching success and impact.
Arielle C. Schechter, PLLC, AIA
440 Bayberry Dr., Chapel Hill, NC 27517
Arielle C. Schechter, PLLC, AIA is a design firm in Chapel Hill. The firm specializes in a wide range of design services, including custom-designed homes, modern interior design, mid-century modern renovations and additions, custom furniture and light fixtures, and landscape design. With a focus on warm, comfortable, and practical modern homes that prioritize energy efficiency and sustainability, Schechter and her team create spaces that seamlessly blend with their natural surroundings and maximize natural light.
Photo by Tzu Chen Photography
The firm’s projects have received extensive recognition through a handful of awards, including the 2020 Matsumoto Prize Award for the firm’s work on the Haw River Residence. As the principal of the firm, Schechter herself is committed to providing client-centered, hands-on design solutions that enhance the lives of homeowners throughout the Triangle region.
Grant Group Architecture
1502 W North Carolina Highway, 54 STE 602, Durham, NC 27707
Grant Group Architecture is a client-centric design firm prioritizing personalized and high-caliber design services. Since its founding in 1990 as Bizios Architect, the firm has built a diverse portfolio of projects that includes new constructions, additions, the building of places of worship, and renovations. Led by principals Brian Grant and Georgia Bizios, both of whom are members of the AIA and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professionals (AP), the company implements a distinctive and captivating design process that encompasses landscapes, neighborhoods, views, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The firm’s approach also emphasizes direct engagement with clients and collaborators, facilitating meaningful insights and transforming design ideas into reality through the use of sketches, drawings, and modeling.
Grant Group Architecture’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its affiliations with the AIA and AIA Triangle. Brian Grant’s expertise in green building systems has earned him accolades and has led to the development of proven strategies for energy savings and resource conservation.
Cluck Design
1530 Elizabeth Ave., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28204
Founded by architects Kevin Kennedy and Chris Scorsone in 2005, Cluck Design Collaborative is a Charlotte-based architecture firm driven by a passion for beautiful design, functional efficiency, and an unexpected inspiration—the chicken. With over 25 years of architectural experience, Kennedy and Scorsone have created a diverse portfolio that includes projects ranging from household fixtures to comprehensive urban planning projects. This has led the firm to be recognized with several accolades, including the 2017 AIA Charlotte Firm of the Year Award and multiple AIA awards for its work on projects like the Greyfriars Residence and Red Barn House.
Kennedy is a member of the AIA and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, as well as a graduate of the University of North Carolina (UNC) Charlotte. He brings his deliberate approach to design to the firm. Scorsone, on the other hand, a graduate of UNC Charlotte, combines extensive construction knowledge with client-focused design solutions, promoting sustainable practices as a LEED AP. The rest of the firm’s team consists of talented professionals who are AIA-accredited, NCARB-accredited, and LEED APs.
Sophie Piesse Architect
302 W Weaver St., Suite F, Carrboro, NC 27510
Sophie Piesse Architect, founded in 2006, is a highly regarded residential architecture firm based in Carrboro. The studio understands the importance of creating a comprehensive master plan that considers each project’s aesthetic, as well as its technical and logistical aspects. The firm also uses a collaborative approach for each project, in order to create an enjoyable and rewarding client experience.
Sophie Piesse, the principal architect, has over 25 years of experience in the field. She passive and active solar, daylighting, aging in place, universal design, energy efficient and sustainable design, new homes, as well as renovations and additions. She has completed over 400 home projects of varying scales and in various locations, including Carrboro, Chapel Hill, Hillsborough, Orange County, Chatham County, Alamance County, Durham, Raleigh, and the West End. Sophie’s expertise and attention to detail have earned her extensive recognition, including notable mentions in the 2023 Chapel Hill Magazine Local Professionals and the 2022 Chapel Hill Magazine Readers’ Favorites lists.
