Business Details
50 Years
experience
Custom Architectural Design in Coastal North Carolina
Since 1976, John Stirewalt Architect has been a trusted name in residential and commercial architectural design across coastal North Carolina. Our firm combines decades of experience with a personalized approach, ensuring every project reflects the client's unique vision while maintaining the highest standards of quality and functionality. Our team of skilled professionals brings deep local knowledge and a streamlined process to deliver custom designs efficiently, whether for new construction, renovations, or commercial developments. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term relationships through integrity, attention to detail, and a commitment to exceeding client expectations. With a portfolio spanning over 140 homes on Figure Eight Island and numerous commercial projects, we continue to honor John Stirewalt's legacy of excellence and innovation.Our leadership team, including Maria Williams and Tom Mullinax, ensures the firm remains dedicated to its founding principles while adapting to evolving design trends and technologies. We specialize in coastal modern design, blending traditional beach aesthetics with contemporary elements to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Our clients consistently praise our professionalism, collaborative approach, and ability to transform ideas into award-winning structures. From initial consultation to project completion, we prioritize clear communication, transparency, and a client-centric philosophy that sets us apart in the industry. This enduring commitment to quality and service has solidified our reputation as a leader in coastal architectural design.
Services
Site Analysis
Construction Administration
New Construction
Renovations & Additions
Building Upfits
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 46+ years of coastal architectural expertise since 1976
- Personalized service from a tight-knit, award-winning team
- Proven track record with 140+ homes on Figure Eight Island
- Streamlined process for efficient custom-quality design plans
- Deep local knowledge of coastal North Carolina markets
What people say
Amazing new space
Exceptional design team
Talented architect
Process so easy
Continually impressed
Services
Residential Design
Creating custom residential designs tailored to coastal environments, blending traditional beach aesthetics with modern functionality. Our team develops detailed blueprints and coordinates construction for new homes, ensuring each project meets client specifications and local building codes while maintaining energy efficiency and sustainability standards.
Commercial Architecture
Designing functional commercial spaces including restaurants, medical offices, retail centers, and educational facilities. We ensure compliance with accessibility standards and zoning regulations while creating visually appealing spaces that enhance business operations and customer experience through thoughtful layout planning and material selection.
Renovations & Additions
Transforming existing structures through comprehensive renovation and addition services. Our team assesses structural integrity, develops modernized designs, and manages construction to expand living spaces or update commercial properties while preserving architectural integrity and improving energy efficiency.
Site Analysis
Conducting thorough property assessments to determine optimal building placement and design considerations. This includes topographical surveys, environmental impact evaluations, and zoning regulation reviews to create site-specific designs that maximize property potential while addressing potential challenges.
Construction Administration
Providing comprehensive construction management services to ensure design integrity throughout the building process. Our team coordinates with contractors, conducts site visits, and manages documentation to guarantee projects meet design specifications, budget constraints, and timeline requirements.
People
Maria Williams
Partner / Principal
Wilmington native with 15+ years of architectural experience specializing in coastal design. Graduated from University of Houston with BS in Engineering Design (2009). Joined JSA in 2012, became owner after John Stirewalt's passing in 2022.
Tom Mullinax
Architect / President
46-year architecture veteran and John Stirewalt's longtime collaborator. Graduated from UNC-Charlotte's first architecture program. Formerly worked with Sir Basil Spence in London. National expert in healthcare design with published works and conference speaking experience.
Ashley Silance
Project Coordinator & Executive Assistant
Key team member managing project coordination and administrative operations. Provides critical support for design projects from initial consultation through construction phases, ensuring smooth workflow and client communication.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in for architectural design?
We focus on coastal North Carolina, including Wilmington, Figure Eight Island, Wrightsville Beach, Landfall, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
What types of residential projects do you handle?
We design custom beach homes, contemporary coastal residences, and mixed-style properties with over 140 completed homes on Figure Eight Island.
Do you work on commercial projects outside North Carolina?
While our base is North Carolina, we've completed commercial projects in South Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, including restaurants and retail locations.
How does your design process work?
We begin with consultation and site analysis, develop custom designs, create detailed blueprints, and provide construction administration to ensure design integrity throughout the building process.
What makes your firm unique?
Our combination of 46+ years of experience, local coastal expertise, and personalized service creates a streamlined process for delivering high-quality custom designs efficiently.
