ARCA Design, PLLC

ARCA Design, PLLC Innovative
Inclusive
Inspired
Architecture ARCA is Latin for ARK, a container that affords protection and safety. What do we mean by inclusive?

This is the essence of shelter, the foundation of architecture. Architecture is a collaborative effort achieved through dialogue. A participatory design approach creates architecture that is sensitive to the needs of the client, program, and inhabitants. We believe the best ideas should win – regardless of whether it comes from our client, our consultants, or our heads. We enjoy discovering what o

ur clients think, and we enjoy seeing our clients “own” their projects by inserting some of themselves into the process. We have led visioning exercises and “problem-seeking” sessions with clients from developers to math professors for projects such as schools, retirement centers, even to private residences. Innovation can sneak up on you. A creative approach to architecture fosters change that creates a new dimension of performance. New ideas develop through questioning and re-evaluating standard design solutions. We like to test our assumptions, look for different ways to solve the problem, re-examine the constraints, and try to find a way to make the project work. We are often tasked with projects and sites that others could not make work – and we enjoy being part of the solution that does. Architecture should be more than just a business transaction; it should be a creative experience. Architects should bring a creative energy to a project that is inspired by the client, program, site, and context. We find inspiration in the brick details of the building across the street, in the curve of a plow handle, or the fact that the client wants to fly a kite out of his bedroom window. We want to find delight in our designs as we have delighted in the ideas expressed by our peers – those who work beside us and those who have gone before.

Happy July 4th from the team at ARCA Design!
07/04/2026

Happy July 4th from the team at ARCA Design!

07/01/2026

While designing for flood-prone areas throughout Western North Carolina has long been part of our expertise, the devastation of Hurricane Helene shifted the conversation from “best practice” to absolute necessity. Architecture must adapt to our changing landscapes.

This recent project—a private residence and duplex along the East Fork of the Pigeon River—embodies this commitment to resilient design.

Rather than fighting the river, the structure works with it. The elevated dwellings hover safely above the floodplain, leaving an open, unobstructed ground level. When the river breaches its banks, the water can flow freely beneath the home, minimizing structural impacts to the home.

This week, we’re topping out the primary steel structure for the Phillips Family Farm project at the . The design plays ...
06/24/2026

This week, we’re topping out the primary steel structure for the Phillips Family Farm project at the . The design plays on the traditional gambrel roof archetype, giving a direct nod to its primary program of housing farm animals.

But look closer—the second level features an expansive, open-air steel frame that will double as a unique, dynamic event venue overlooking Cleveland Park. Marrying functional agricultural design with modern community space is exactly the kind of puzzle we love to solve.

We’ve recently had the privilege of working on a unique mixed-use project right here in WNC. The vision? A dynamic hub c...
06/23/2026

We’ve recently had the privilege of working on a unique mixed-use project right here in WNC. The vision? A dynamic hub combining a food and beverage venue, a merchandise shop, and a dedicated space to store and showcase luxury cars and motorcycles.
To match the dynamic program, our design embraced a bold industrial aesthetic that proudly expresses the building’s structure.
While the project’s program has since evolved (and the design has followed suit), these early, comic-book-inspired renderings were just way too much fun to leave sitting on the shelf. Swipe through to see how we brought this concept to life.
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Exciting developments are underway at the project, where construction is going vertical with a steel and wood structure...
04/09/2026

Exciting developments are underway at the project, where construction is going vertical with a steel and wood structure for the future community room, offering a bird's-eye view of downtown Bryson City and the surrounding mountains.

I guess wildlife encounters during site visits shouldn’t entirely be a surprise when your project is at the ! We did ver...
04/02/2026

I guess wildlife encounters during site visits shouldn’t entirely be a surprise when your project is at the ! We did verify that this inspector didn’t escape from the reptile exhibit, which is ironically next door to our site.

Some projects advance rapidly, while others, like this residential lodge in Black Mountain for a camp, conference, and r...
03/31/2026

Some projects advance rapidly, while others, like this residential lodge in Black Mountain for a camp, conference, and retreat center, unfold over a longer period. Although program requirements and client needs may shift during this process, maintaining design flexibility can frequently yield more effective and refined solutions.

We’ve been sitting on this one for a while, but have had a blast over the past year or so working on this project for th...
02/18/2026

We’ve been sitting on this one for a while, but have had a blast over the past year or so working on this project for the ! The Phillips Family will provide the zoo with a new international farmyard exhibit and interactive space, as well as a second floor event venue, and two detached animal exhibits. Construction has been underway for a few months and we can’t wait to continue to share updates along the way.

Merry Christmas from the crew at ARCA Design! We wish you all a blessed holiday season!
12/23/2025

Merry Christmas from the crew at ARCA Design! We wish you all a blessed holiday season!

Address

12 Church Street, Suite 25
Asheville, NC
28801

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

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+18772722057

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