1985
2025
40 Years of Altura Architects
We celebrate four decades of firm history as we reflect on the projects, recognition, and key personnel that shape who we are today. Important milestones highlight our past achievements towards exceptional design, environmental stewardship, and service to our clients. We are grateful for the trust of our clients and the support of our community over these forty years of practice, and endeavor to further serve our built environment in the years to come.
1985 – 1994
1985
The founding of our studio was based on a commitment to integrating design excellence and sustainable design principles into every facet of our work. This foundational philosophy is still relevant today and guides our approach to each project.
1987
We moved our studio into 60 Biltmore Avenue in downtown Asheville after extensive renovations to the long abandoned building. Almost forty years later, we are still working out of this same space.
Drawing of our office building, 60 Biltmore Avenue, during renovations in the 1980s.
Aerial view of the Richmond Hill Inn property, which won both a Griffin Award and AIA NC Tower Award for historic preservation.
1988 – 1994
During this time period, our studio was focused on downtown revitalization and received 8 Griffin Awards from the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County. Some of the winning buildings including our own office building at 60 Biltmore, 60 Haywood and Richmond Hill Inn, which also won a Tower Award from AIA NC in 1992.
1995 – 2004
1999
Work begins on Sourwood Inn (now the Sohum Mountain Healing Resort). The small inn is located near the Blue Ridge Parkway and received a Merit Award from AIA North Carolina in 2002.
2000
We co-founded WNC Green Building Council (now Green Built Alliance), a local organization aimed at advancing sustainable living, green building, and climate resiliency.
Sourwood Inn is a small inn located on a 100-acre site near the Blue Ridge Parkway.
A before and after of the renovation project at 55 Haywood Street.
1995 – 2002
Continuing our commitment to preservation projects, we received 6 Griffin Awards from the Preservation Society of Asheville & Buncombe County including for renovation projects at Drhumor Building, Fine Arts Theatre and The Asheville Hotel, which is located at 55 Haywood Street (and currently houses Malaprops Bookstore).
2005 – 2014
2005
EcoDorm at Warren Wilson College earns a LEED Platinum Certification, as well as a COTE Award from AIA NC in 2009. The COTE Award recognizes projects that exemplify excellence in sustainable design.
2010
The ownership transition began with Nathan Bryant and Duncan McPherson, both of whom have been an integral part of our studio for over 20 years.
The LEED Platinum EcoDorm serves as a 38 student dormitory and sustainable building demonstration facility.
Fontana Lake House integrates harmoniously with the surrounding Appalachian mountain setting.
2013
Fontana Lake House earns LEED Gold Certification.
2014
Our office begins performing at Net Positive Energy, via on-site PV Panels. Our unique solar installation, by Sundance Power Systems, consists of four large arrays cantilevered on our building roof.
2015 – 2024
2015
The inaugural Climate Symposium was held in Asheville. One of our principals, Nathan Bryant, played a key role in organizing the event, which continues to this day.
2016
We received the AIA North Carolina Firm Award, which recognizes notable achievements in design, community service, education, and service to the architecture profession.
2018
Craven Gap Residence earns Net Zero certification from International Living Future Institute, it is the first ILFI certified structure in North Carolina
Craven Gap Residence is the first home in North Carolina to earn Zero Energy certification from the International Living Future Institute
Spruce Ridge Cabin received an Artchitizer A+ Award in 2023.
2021
The Cedarcliff Residence earns LEED Silver, it is the first LEED certified structure in Biltmore Forest, NC
2022
Rebrand to Altura Architects. We chose the word Altura because it means height or altitude, and is a tribute to our mountain home.
2023
Spruce Ridge Cabin wins an Architizer A+ Award, an international architecture awards program.
2025 & Beyond
Reflecting on our past underscores the transformative power of architecture in shaping environments and enhancing lives. As we look ahead to 2025, we are already excited to kick off the year listed as one of Forbes’ Top Residential Architects, we have three projects on track to achieve LEED certifications, and we will be helping to rebuild our community. The possibilities that lie ahead inspire us greatly.