CH Architects is a specialist practice dedicated to historically-informed design. We mine the architectural wisdom of our forebears to create homes that feel lasting, not trendy. We believe the most sustainable building is one that never goes out of style.
We specialize in architecture of permanence - architecture defined by the use of honest materials, historically proven proportions, and natural light. We have expertise in the restoration of historic properties dating back to the mid-eighteenth century, and we apply the same level of historical rigor on new, historically-inspired residences. We don't have a specific style; instead, we reference historical precedent to create homes that feel like a permanent part of the landscape.
We specialize in complex restorations, substantial additions, and new legacy homes. Our studio is for those who want a designer’s eye on every detail, from the first sketch to the final walk-through, and we are best suited for 'jewel box' projects that prioritize disciplined building over minor cosmetic updates.
Our practice is rooted in the building traditions of the North Carolina Piedmont, but we work anywhere there is a shared commitment to honest materials, traditional proportions, and enduring detail. We are currently licensed in North Carolina and Virginia, and we maintain NCARB certification, which allows for expedited licensure in any state.
We intentionally limit the number of commissions we accept each year to ensure that we can personally handle every detail, from the first sketch to the final site walk-through. Because our calendar is often committed months in advance, it is never too early to reach out to discuss your project and start the planning process.
Our clients are our best advocates, and we view our relationships with homeowners as long-term partnerships. For serious inquiries, we are happy to provide references that can speak to our technical discipline, our collaborative process on the jobsite, and the enduring quality of their finished projects.
Our fees reflect the direct involvement and daily oversight a legacy project requires. We don’t use a flat rate because every commission is unique; instead, we tailor our fee to the specific complexity of the build. This ensures that we have the time to obsess over every detail and act as your advocate on-site, ensuring that the finished house matches the original vision.
Our fees cover the entire duration of the project, from the first site visit to the day you move in. This includes:
Measuring & Documentation: Recording every inch of an existing structure so new work integrates perfectly.
Design: Developing a home that balances time-tested building patterns with your specific needs and the logic of the land.
The Builder’s Roadmap: Producing the exhaustive drawings that remove guesswork in the field, ensuring the house is built exactly as we designed it.
Finding the Right Team: Helping you identify a builder who has the specific skills and temperament your project requires.
On-site Presence: Being there in the mud to ensure the finished house matches the vision we started with.
We are there to ensure the final result isn’t just a house, but a home that feels like a permanent part of the landscape.
A lower fee almost always means a trade-off in technical rigor. In architecture, you aren't just paying for a set of drawings, you're paying for the depth of experience required to protect your investment. A reduced fee typically necessitates a superficial design process - one with less detail, less technical coordination, and less presence on the jobsite. We don't compete on price because we refuse to compromise on the discipline required to ensure your home stands the test of time. A cheap architect is often the most expensive mistake a homeowner can make.
We are a specialist practice, not a drafting service. A floor plan is only one part of the architectural puzzle, one that must answer to the lay of the land, the path of the sun, and the way the materials meet. We start every project with a blank page to ensure the proportions are right and the result is a home worth passing on.
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Architecture is 10% vision and 90% execution. We're known for the thoroughness of our drawings - builders often tell us our plans solve problems on paper that would otherwise become expensive delays on the jobsite. By providing a clear, detailed roadmap for the build, we remove the guesswork from construction and protect the design vision for the house.
Our dream project is always one where the client is as excited about the possibilities as we are. We're drawn to historically-inspired homes that feel married to the land - projects that use authentic materials and the proportions and details of the past to create something timeless. Whether it’s a Piedmont farmhouse or a refined coastal retreat, the goal is to build a home that is a joy to live in and a legacy to leave behind.