Here at ACM Design, our design philosophy encompasses a collaborative vision from the homeowner, our firm and other trusted professionals in the residential home industry. Amy Conner-Murphy elaborates greatly on teamwork and the success of a project; “Bridging the different perspectives of the client, architect, interior designer, landscape designer and builder, and working toward a common goal – these are the essential elements which ensure the success of the project.”

Click here for the full length article on the NC Design Online blog:
“Teamwork – “The Most Essential Element of Home Design… ”

Principal Architect and Founder of ACM Design, Amy Conner-Murphy continues her support of the Asheville community and volunteer efforts by contributing to this year’s Women Build House on March 23, 2012. Honored with the opportunity to give back, Amy Conner-Murphy reflects on her rainy day of constructing, “All of the volunteers came ready to work despite the weather, which was a clear sign of our commitment to Habitat for Humanity and working together as women to make a difference in the life of one family.”

Here’s Amy taking part in the Women Build House:

Check out this great video created by the Asheville Habitat for Humanity to promote the Woman Build Program:

For more information on the Asheville Habitat for Humanity and Woman Build program view their website here:
Women Build Program
Asheville Habitat for Humanity

Q:  What drew you to architecture in the first place?
A: “Between my junior and senior year of high school, my parents made arrangements for me to go work with several friends who had a variety of careers, just to see what their work was all about. When I first stepped into the architecture office of Allen Dryden, I was hooked! I never looked back and began studies in architecture the first quarter of my freshman year of college.”

Q: Where were you trained and who inspired you?
A: ” I learned the basics of architecture at Auburn University, receiving a Bachelor of Architecture. During that time I was privileged to participate in the School of Architecture’s study abroad program that gave me an incredible perspective on the history of architecture and its importance to people’s lives. Bobby McAlpine was a professor who most challenged and inspired me during my school years and I still admire his work today.”

Q: When you started your career, you were designing commercial projects. Where did you work and what types of projects did you design?
A: “I started my career with Overcash-Demmitt Architects in Charlotte, NC where I was involved in designing various projects with Nations Bank and the Student Health facility at Davidson College. Both were great learning experiences for me. I then joined Merriman Associates/Architects, headquartered in Dallas, TX, as a Director in their Charlotte office, managing design projects in Charlotte and south Florida. Part of my responsibilities there included being on the Executive Management Team, Marketing and Business Development and Director of Design. Those days were intense, but I learned an incredible amount about he inner workings of an architectural practice and about business in general.”

Q: You obviously enjoyed commercial architecture. What else did you do in this arena?
A: “In 995 I left Merriman Associates to become a Vice President for WGM Design, again in Charlotte. My time there was filled with great projects, including design work on Yager Corporate Headquarters, a South Park high rise building for ACC Management and Durham Academy.”

Q: So how did you shift your focus to residential architecture?
A: “My life and my focus shifted because my husband Steve and I became parents to two beautiful girls. That dramatic life change started me thinking about the importance and challenge of creating a “home”, not just drawing up house plans. As I really considered what that meant, I began the design work for my own home, for my family, which we built the next year. I was on the job site daily, even doing some of the work myself, which was a great learning experience for me.

In this home I learned the importance of thoughtful design with regard to function and to aesthetics and that this design process must be thorough from the beginning to avoid problems later on. Fortunately, because of that, there are only a few small details I would revise in this design.”

Q: What inspires you most about designing homes?
A: “The nature of my work is extremely personal. It is a privilege for me to get to know my clients well and to make a close connection with them. It is the only way to have the kind of insight about their lives that allows me to design a home that truly reflects their personalities and the way that they live. Together, we create the home that they have always dreamed of and to be a part of their dream come true is very fulfilling.”

Q: How do you approach each design project?
A: “The success of designing and building a home is dependent upon the team that is assembled to complete the project. I firmly believe in a team approach and that begins with my clients and me. I am the primary contact for each client throughout the entire design and construction process. Our team includes excellent design professionals who work with me to complete the projects. In addition to a successful client relationship, a strong working rapport between the architect and the builder is critical.  It can make or break a project.  The best projects result when the entire team employs good communication skills and are dedicated to quality and the commitment of creating a home.”

Q: You frequently do interior architecture and design, as well as outdoor living design too. Why is that important?
A: “Designing a home is about functionality and style. Even though the exterior may be dazzling, if the interior doesn’t work or isn’t comfortable, the design fails. The landscape, be it elaborate or simple, really completes the exterior architecture.  Many people choose to live in Western NC to enjoy the outdoors which makes integrating outdoor living spaces into the architectural design important.  For me, integrating architecture, interiors and outdoor living spaces into the overall design of the home just makes sense.”

Both building new and renovating offer benefits, but careful consideration of many factors is required to inform the best direction for you. If you are considering a renovation, ask yourself the following questions:

• What is the extent of renovation and/or addition required to meet my changing needs? How long will this renovation meet those needs?
• What is the current condition of my existing home? Will the existing HVAC and electrical systems suffice for the renovation and/or addition or do I need to upgrade?
• Will I have to find another place to live during the construction phase?
• What kind of ROI (return on investment) should I expect if we renovate? In other words, will the cost of the renovations added to the value of my existing home still fall within the average cost of homes in my neighborhood?

Depending upon the answers to those questions, you might pursue a renovation project or you may consider building a new home that’s design is tailored to meet your needs, current and future.

Building a new home allows a homeowner to fully customize every square foot of their home, planning for any anticipated changes from an empty nest to a mother-in-law suite to features that support aging in place. For those who are interested in green building, constructing a new home grants the opportunity to build sustainably even to the extent of a net-zero home that’s operations nearly pay for themselves and place little impact on the environment. Additionally, advanced building processes have nearly eliminated an abundance of waste that occurs when new homes are constructed.

On the other hand, renovating a an existing home offers many benefits, especially if you are pleased with your current neighborhood and location. Renovating allows you to stay in the location you love while giving your home the face lift you need or want to continue living comfortably in the home. Generally, a renovation project is a more affordable option than building new if the changes are not too extensive, as well as offering a shorter construction period. By definition, a renovation project is sustainable or “green” because it generally makes use of existing foundation and materials from your home. By incorporating green products where new materials are required, the idea of sustainable building is extended even further. Keep in mind that a renovation project offers a great opportunity to assess the condition of existing plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems that may be outdated and in need of repair or replacement.

While building new and renovating each have their own benefits, it is important to remember that the right decision for you can only be determined by examining your lifestyle and future needs before making a decision. At ACM Design we are committed to helping homeowners decide on a path that will create the home that meets their specific needs. For information on how we can help you, call us at 828-684-9884 or email us at info@acmdesignarchitects.com

You want your home to maintain its identity and your own personality, so stay true to the style of the home as well as the interior design and decor of your home.

The top areas of your home to highlight the architectural features and interior design elements are:

 
1-The Front Door: Show your guests a true “Welcome” with a beautifully decorated front door that not only shows your holiday spirit but highlights your front door at the same time. From wreaths, to garland to other decorations such as photo frames and wooden letters, these items are a great way to complement your front door and introduce the decor that encompasses your home

 

 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 


 
2-Your Mantel: A great architectural feature of many homes is the fireplace mantel. Show off your own mantel by adding a wide arrangement of decorations that match your home’s interior decor as well as your Christmas tree. Using candles, mirrors, ornaments, lights, plants/flowers, Christmas cards, and of course the traditional stockings will impress your guests and bring attention to your mantel at the same time.

 

 
*Photo from HGTV.com

 
 


 
 
3-Stair Railing: Don’t overlook the stair railing of your home. Several ways to add sparkle to the stairs is by draping greenery and garland, adding bows and ribbon, or by hanging stockings or pinecones. The stairs are a dominant design feature of your home, so don’t forget to spruce it up as well.

 
 
 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 

 

 
 
 
4-Windows: Many people don’t even think to decorate the interior windows of their home, but the windows are perfect for hanging garland, bows, lights and more. Show off your home’s unique style by adorning your windows this year!

 
 
 
 
 
*Photo from MarthaStewart.com

 
 


 
 
5-Bookshelves: Built-in or regular bookshelves shouldn’t be overlooked either. Add garland or hang a wreath on them to spread the holiday cheer and your guests won’t be disappointed.

 
 
*Photo from BHG.com

 
 


 
6-Pendant Lights: Another unique place to decorate is on pendant lights. Usually found in your kitchen and dining areas, pendant lights draped with garland will draw guests attention to the lights during those fabulous holiday parties.

 
 
 
*Photo from BHG.com

 
 
Just like you, your home has it’s own personality and style. Showcase your home this holiday season by decorating the top architectural and design elements of your home.

It’s been estimated that if you live to be 75, you will spend a total of 1.5 years of your life in the bathroom. Why wouldn’t you want to make this space a top priority when designing or redesigning your home?

Modern innovations have cleared the way for bathrooms to cater to our every need and desire while taking into consideration the new technologies. For example, toilets are no longer the simple necessities we’ve come to depend on. Ultra-modern toilets exhibit new specs like comfort design, high efficiency flushing systems, bidet and washlets, and even power lid systems and lighting built into the toilet’s design.

Simple shower heads have evolved to mimic “natural” influences, with the trend towards rain-head designs, ceiling mounted shower heads, waterfall showers, and even chromotherapy lighting. Taking it a step further, the shower heads are commonly accompanied by side jets and sprays. Complete shower systems even allow for hydro massage and full temperature control and monitoring at the press of a button.

Picking out your flooring could take a little longer with new heating systems to keep your feet toasty on the cold tile, stone or hardwood flooring. These radiant heating systems install easily under your flooring and make a big difference throughout the year, especially during the colder months.

For those who want televisions in the bathroom, you can now look into the mirror to watch your favorite shows and news. Recessed mirror TV’s are simple mirrors until turned on, then a TV appears within the mirror. This technology is an elegant way to save space without the clutter of a traditional television. The New York Times Company, R&D Lab has a new “Magic Mirror” in the works which showcases a human-computer interface with voice recognition to allow access the internet through the mirror. This new technology would allow you to check email, shop, access social networks and browse the web from the bathroom. Before long, we will be fully connected, regardless of the room we’re in.

ACM Design can help you from day one to design and build the bathroom refuge you’ve been dreaming about. For more information contact us at 828-684-9884.

View a video of Amy Conner-Murphy showcasing her work on HGTV Remodels here:

HGTV Online Video of ACM Design

Architecture and interior design professionals are regularly called upon to transform existing homes or to design new homes that satisfy the needs of aging homeowners. With universal design ideas and products, it’s becoming easier to custom design your home to meet the demands presented within every life stage. Innovative companies are developing products targeted towards the aging consumer from kitchen cabinet and countertop design, door handles more suited towards arthritic hands, shower and bath design for the aging, and more. As you begin thinking more about your future, take time to consider how your home’s design will effect your future. At ACM Design we help you plan ahead, designing a home that encompasses your lifestyle now as well as make your life as comfortable as possible in the coming years. We help incorporate design principals that extend beyond level entries and open floor plans, but create innovative solutions to designing the home of your future dreams.  Your home is more than bricks and mortar, it’s your refuge.  Why not make plans now to preserve your refuge for many years to come?

• Pet friendly construction materials
• Cabinets with pull-out food storage and bowl storage
• Bath/Shower units for pets in mudrooms/storage areas
• Pet beds/crates built into furniture design
• Fabrics that are durable, easy to clean and resistant to claws, paws, and fur.
• Paint finishes that are easy to clean such as semi-gloss or satin over flat
• Carpeting on stairs to prevent slipping; on wood flooring steer clear of the those that show scratches..all carpets should be stain resistant
• With furniture, take a look at metal framing and legs to prevent chew marks
• Central vacuum system to make cleanup a breeze
• Design should extend to the exterior of your home with pet friendly vegetation, fencing, and hardscapes that are gentle on the paws

The team at ACM Design takes time to clearly understand all the needs of our homeowners, from form and function to aesthetics and even pets. Our portfolio of work extends throughout WNC with testimonials speak that for themselves. For an architectural and design team with a personal commitment to your custom home or renovation project, contact ACM Design to get your dreams on track to become a reality.

Sliding windows and doors are transforming the design, feel, and function of residential spaces. Here at ACM Design, we have extensive experience on a project utilizing both liftslide and bifolding exterior doors as a main design feature on the home’s facade, allowing the homeowners to experience the full pleasures of nature from the convenience of home. The “convertible” ability of these doors is a modern approach to architectural design, lending itself to satisfy both the interior and exterior desires of the home’s residents.

Whether you are building a new custom home or renovating your existing home, exploring new trends in architecture like liftslides and bifolding doors can open up a whole world of possibilities in customizing your dwelling. At ACM Design, our team specializes in designing a home built around you and your lifestyle. Contact us to find out how we can incorporate the latest trends in your style of choice. For more information on these doors, check out the links below:

• Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows
• Panda Windows & Doors

*Photo from Weiland Sliding Doors and Windows