We worked with Samsel Architects on a residence and felt we could not have been in better hands…read more They take a lot of time to understand client needs and wants, while also advising on the best ideas to fit a specific site. Samsel Architects are experts at creating beautiful yet highly functional spaces, with an emphasis on natural materials and energy efficient design. They are also skilled communicators, and work to make sure clients understand every step of the design process, while actively seeking client input at key phases along the way. Five plus years after completion, we are still amazed and delighted every day by the lovely spaces within our home.

From the owner: We specialize in custom residential architecture, inns, galleries, retail, medical and educational…read morefacilities. Our firm provides a broad scope of architectural services including new construction, home renovation, interior design consultation and historic preservation.

Shawn helped us redesign our kitchen. Despite the odd shape of our kitchen, Shawn helped us create…read morea unique and beautiful design that works really well for us. We had never taken on such a large renovation before and we attempted the renovation during the pandemic. Shawn helped with many creative ideas, beautiful colors and always kept our ideas for our new kitchen as part of the project. We love cooking in our new space, everyone who visits comments on it's unique design and beauty.

I hired Shawn after I bought my 1947 cottage. I knew I needed a professional designer to put in a…read moremuch needed modern kitchen. I had never been through a kitchen reno before and Shawn and her professional team made it all turn out fantastic. Shawn is easy to consult and communicate with, has fabulous space and material ideas. She also honored my unique style. The install of new custom cabinets, butcher block counters and other items ( new lights, ceilings, paint etc) worked out great. My space went from a very tired dark look to bright and wow! The kitchen function is much improved as well. I highly recommend Shawn and Align Design.

Nothing but praise for this team. We hired them to soundproof the lower level of our home and…read morefinish the ceiling. They went above and beyond and did a stellar job, plus they were a joy to have around. This team is thorough and communicative. They take so much pride in their work. They also tried to save us money wherever they could and gave us many options. Highly recommend!

From the owner: We specialize in doing solid & stylish work at the lowest available prices. Custom bathrooms &…read morekitchens, custom hardwood built-ins, exposed framing for a vintage look. We'll make your project look like many thousands of dollars more than you'll actually spend.

I called Medlock and Associates for my project in Mars Hill. We renovated a 1930s rock schoolhouse…read moreand they were the only firm that got back to me. They ran the load to determine the added supports needed to complete the loft apartments in the previous gymnasium. From then on, they are the only firm I call. I'm also an active real estate agent in the area. They provide accurate information to my clients on the homes they are under contract on to help them make the decision whether they want to buy the property or not based on the needed repairs. They also share their list of contractors in the area that can repair any structural issues. Their skillset is invaluable to anyone who comes across a structural issue. I highly recommend to my friends, family and clients.

I was working with a contractor on an issue where the screened in porch on my house was coming away…read morefrom the main house so he looked at it and said that he recommends an engineer to be involved. Sounded good to me and he had an engineer that he has worked with before. He sat up the appointment and I met him and the employee from Medlock who both the contractor and Medlock employee led me to believe that he was an engineer. The Medlock employee took photos and some measurements and the contractor told me that it would be $500.00 then when we were all leaving the contractor and the Medlock employee said it would be $750.00. Then I get a bill where it showed that the person who looked at the house was a Project Manager and the letter had an engineer stamp on it and a hand drawn picture of the deck with what appeared to be supports to take it down. I called the office to inquire why a project manager and not an engineer looked at it and charged me $750.00. The Office Manager said that is the way they do it, send employees out and then they stamp it with an engineer stamp. I questioned had an engineer looked at the property as it was my house with a very serious issue, her reply was that the project manager talked to the engineer. I am new to Asheville but feel like this is very deceptive practice and when I called the Operations Manager she said that they do it all the time. My concern this was a very serious issue with my house and the Operations Manager said that there is a seal on the letter even though the engineer never looked at it. I have never had an serious issue with my house like this before but I do not feel like a 1 paragraph letter with a hand drawing on a serious issue that didn't give me an option to repair or a plan to rebuild.

The Asheville Design District is a new area in Asheville that has 60+ business that are design…read morerelated! It looks to be modeled after the River Arts District, but just getting launched. I've seen Sweeten Creek Road have some great improvements and building transformations happening over the past year or so, as well as some marketing materials and the mural on Sweeten Creek Road. I found their website that lists current members and outlines the area. If you're looking for anything home related you'll find it in this area from furniture to landscape design or plantings, antiques, paint stores, designers, architects, lamp stores, builders etc.