Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design in Wilmington, NC
Founded in 1995 by award-winning architect Michael Ross Kersting, our firm specializes in creating thoughtfully designed spaces that respond to the unique needs of clients and communities. We prioritize understanding project-specific conditions, cultural contexts, and client aspirations to deliver authentic, meaningful architecture. Our team combines decades of collective experience with a commitment to progressive design solutions, as reflected in our numerous AIA awards and national publications. We approach each project as an opportunity to innovate while maintaining rigorous attention to detail and functionality. Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, and institutional projects, demonstrating versatility in addressing diverse architectural challenges.With a focus on sustainability and contextual sensitivity, we strive to create spaces that enhance both individual experiences and broader environmental systems. Our collaborative process ensures clients remain integral to decision-making throughout the design journey. Recognized in publications like Ocean Home Magazine and GC Magazine, we maintain a reputation for excellence rooted in craftsmanship and intellectual rigor. We uphold professional standards through continuous engagement with architectural discourse and emerging design technologies. Our legacy of award-winning work, including the Matsumoto Prize-winning projects, reflects our dedication to advancing the built environment through thoughtful innovation.
Services
Architectural Design
Residential Projects
Commercial Spaces
Sustainable Architecture
Historic Renovations
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We have earned 12+ AIA Design Awards for architectural excellence
- Our team includes architects licensed in multiple states with NC State University affiliations
- We maintain a 95% client retention rate through personalized design processes
- Our work appears in 20+ national architectural publications
- We offer LEED-certified sustainable design expertise
What people say
Exceptional attention to detail
Award-winning design expertise
Client-centered process
Sustainable solutions
Timely project delivery
Services
Architectural Design
We create custom architectural solutions tailored to site-specific conditions and client needs. Our process integrates functional requirements with aesthetic innovation, producing spaces that balance practicality and artistic vision. From concept development to construction documentation, our team ensures every design decision enhances the built environment while meeting regulatory standards.
Residential Projects
Specializing in high-end residential architecture, we craft living spaces that reflect individual lifestyles and environmental contexts. Our expertise spans modern single-family homes, coastal retreats, and urban infill projects. Each design prioritizes natural light integration, sustainable materials, and seamless indoor-outdoor connections while maintaining strict budget parameters.
Commercial Spaces
We deliver innovative commercial environments that optimize functionality and brand identity. Our portfolio includes adaptive reuse projects, corporate headquarters, and mixed-use developments. We focus on creating flexible spaces that enhance productivity while incorporating energy-efficient systems and contemporary design elements that reinforce business objectives.
Sustainable Architecture
Our LEED-certified architects implement environmentally responsible solutions across all project types. We specialize in passive solar design, energy modeling, and material lifecycle analysis to minimize ecological impact. From net-zero energy homes to eco-conscious commercial buildings, our approach combines cutting-edge technology with time-tested sustainable practices for measurable environmental benefits.
Historic Renovations
We specialize in revitalizing historic structures while maintaining architectural integrity. Our team navigates complex preservation guidelines to modernize infrastructure without compromising original design elements. Through meticulous research and material analysis, we ensure historically significant buildings meet contemporary standards while retaining their cultural and aesthetic value.
People
Michael Ross Kersting
Founder
Renowned architect with 28 years of experience, recipient of multiple AIA Design Excellence Awards. Specialized in modernist residential architecture and sustainable design principles before his passing in 2022.
Mark Wilson
Partner/Principal
Licensed architect with 20+ years of experience, specializing in modernist structures and award-winning educational facilities. Holds a degree from North Carolina State University and contributes to architectural discourse through publications.
Toby Keeton
Partner/Principal
Experienced project leader with expertise in complex commercial developments and historic preservation projects. Recognized for innovative solutions in adaptive reuse and urban infill developments across the Southeastern United States.
Jaime Smith
Senior Project Architect
Licensed architect with 15 years of experience managing high-end residential and institutional projects. Specializes in sustainable design and has worked on multiple award-winning educational facilities in North Carolina.
Ryan Blackwell
Project Manager
Certified Project Management Professional with expertise in construction administration and technical detailing. Manages complex project timelines while maintaining strict adherence to design intent and budget parameters.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We work across multiple styles but excel in modernist, coastal contemporary, and sustainable architecture while respecting historical contexts when required.
Do you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, our portfolio includes both sectors with equal emphasis on design quality and functional performance across project types.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We integrate passive solar strategies, energy modeling, and material lifecycle analysis to create high-performance buildings that minimize environmental impact.
What is your project timeline typically?
Design phases average 6-12 months depending on project complexity, with construction timelines determined by scope and permitting requirements.
Can you work with existing architectural plans?
Yes, we provide design modifications, technical revisions, and sustainability upgrades to existing architectural documentation when appropriate.
Do you offer interior design services?
While our primary focus is architecture, we provide interior design services that maintain continuity with the overall architectural vision.
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