Amy Conner-Murphy, AIA. Architect and Interior Designer. Founder, ACM Designs, Asheville, NC

Amy Conner-Murphy

PRINCIPAL ARCHITECT, INTERIOR DESIGNER, FOUNDER

Amy Conner-Murphy founded ACM Design Architecture & Interiors in 2004. After a successful career in commercial architecture, Amy turned her focus to the more personal work of designing homes that create a sense of place and belonging for the families who make their lives in these spaces. Originally from the “other side of the hill” in Tennessee, Amy has a deep understanding of the lifestyle, community, landscape, and character of the foothill communities of Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. This understanding defines what home means to Amy and creates a curiosity to connect with her clients to understand what home means to them. Our process is rooted in this ethos and belief that by discovering your unique needs, we are then able to create a sophisticated plan that highlights detail, light, volume, and exquisite materials and collections to create a home that is a unique reflection of you.

Amy Conner-Murphy received her Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University. Amy then started her career with Overcash-Demmitt Architects in Charlotte, NC where she was involved in designing various projects with Nations Bank and the Student Health facility at Davidson College. She 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 her responsibilities there included being on the Executive Management Team, Marketing and Business Development, and Director of Design. In 1995, Amy left Merriman Associates to become a Vice President for WGM Design, again in Charlotte working on high profile projects including the Yager Corporate Headquarters, a South Park high rise building for ACC Management, and Durham Academy.

When not designing homes, Amy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family. She nurtures her creative side by gardening, watercolor painting, and soul collage. She keeps herself strong by running and biking. Amy has served on the Board for AIA Asheville, as well as on the Education Committees of AIA North Carolina and Asheville Homebuilders Association.

“Our goal is a custom experience… centered around listening carefully to your needs. We will help you discover your goals and work with you to carefully understand all the layers to the fulfilling life you want to live in your new home.”

Behind the Scenes with Asheville Architect & Interior Designer, Amy Conner-Murphy

Q: How do you take your coffee?

A: “With cream. Over a cup of coffee is a great way to get to know some one, their likes and dislikes, what the definition of home could mean to them. I always look forward to sitting down for that first cup of coffee (or tea) with my clients.”

Q: What is your favorite thing to do in WNC?

A: “Drink in the beauty of these mountains! Whether hiking or biking or riding in the Jeep with the top down, we are surrounded by magnificence! The most amazing plants and vegetables grow here and I love to garden. When I need a quiet moment though, my most favorite thing to do is sit on the covered porch and watch the hummingbirds visit the feeders.”

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: Why does your firm combine the disciplines of architecture, interiors, and outdoor design?

A: For me, integrating architecture, interiors, and outdoor living spaces into the overall design of the home just makes sense. 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 same is true for the landscape. Be it elaborate or simple, the landscape completes the exterior architecture. Many people choose to live in Western NC to enjoy an indoor/outdoor lifestyle, you want your home to feel like a cohesive whole, which is why integrating architecture, interior and outdoor living space design is critically important.

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 were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

A: “Before I settled on architecture, I thought of being an ophthalmologist.”

Q: When the travel bug bites, where does it take you?

A: “I am very fond of the Provence region of France and the Tuscany and Umbria regions of Italy. All have a quality of light that spills over the architecture and landscapes making them a watercolorist’s dream. There is also the delicious food and wine and the charisma of the people that nourishes the soul. Making the time to savor each moment of the day seems so natural in these beautiful places, and I am inspired to do the same when visiting.”

Q: If you could change one thing about your home what would it be?

A: “My current home is nestled into a private wooded setting, so there is more shade than sun. I love light-filled spaces so finding ways to tease out natural light in a wooded setting is a challenge. I am working toward creating a shade garden with white blossomed plantings to reflect the sunlight that does make its way through the tree canopy. Interestingly, winter brings more sunlight into this home since the trees are bare of leaves. I am learning to live differently in this home and to appreciate beauty in new ways..”

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.