Business Details
50 Years
experience
Trusted Architectural Design Services in Wilmington, NC
Founded in 1976 by John Stirewalt, our firm has built a legacy of exceptional residential and commercial architectural design across coastal North Carolina. Our team combines deep local expertise with a streamlined process to deliver custom-quality designs efficiently while maintaining personal attention to every project detail. We specialize in coastal modern design, blending traditional beach aesthetics with contemporary elements for homes and commercial spaces. With over 245 completed projects on Figure Eight Island alone, our portfolio spans luxury residences, medical offices, restaurants, and educational facilities. Maria Williams, now firm owner, continues John's vision of client-centric design, supported by partner Tom Mullinax, who brings 46 years of national architectural experience.Our commitment to quality extends to commercial projects across four states, including assisted living facilities and marinas. We prioritize understanding each client's unique vision, offering consultative services to guide projects from concept to completion. Our team's expertise in navigating local building codes ensures functional, code-compliant commercial developments. Though John passed in 2022, his dedication to creating dream spaces remains the foundation of our approach.
Services
Site Analysis
Consultation
Construction Administration
New Construction
Renovations
Building Upfits
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 48 years of coastal architectural expertise since 1976
- Personalized design process tailored to client vision
- Deep understanding of local building codes and coastal environments
- Streamlined project management from concept to completion
- Award-winning portfolio spanning residential and commercial sectors
What people say
Professionalism
Attention to detail
Exceptional design team
Wonderful person
Made process easy
Services
Residential Design
Creating custom coastal modern homes that blend traditional beach aesthetics with contemporary design elements. Specializing in luxury residences along North Carolina's coast, with expertise in Figure Eight Island developments. Our process combines client vision with practical functionality for distinctive living spaces.
Commercial Architecture
Designing functional commercial spaces including restaurants, medical offices, and retail locations across four states. Our team ensures code compliance while maintaining design integrity. Projects range from small businesses to large-scale developments like 80-bed assisted living facilities.
Renovations
Transforming existing structures through interior and exterior renovations that enhance functionality and aesthetics. We handle projects of all scales, from minor updates to complete overhauls, maintaining structural integrity while modernizing spaces to meet current needs.
Site Analysis
Conducting comprehensive assessments of property characteristics to inform optimal design solutions. Our analysis considers environmental factors, zoning regulations, and structural possibilities to create site-specific architectural plans that maximize each location's potential.
Construction Administration
Providing expert supervision throughout the building process to ensure design specifications are met. We coordinate with contractors, monitor progress, and resolve technical challenges to maintain quality standards and project timelines for both residential and commercial developments.
People
Maria Williams
Partner / Principal
Wilmington native with 15+ years of coastal design experience. Joined JSA in 2012, became owner after John Stirewalt's passing. Holds degrees in architectural design and engineering from North Harris College and University of Houston.
Tom Mullinax
Architect / President
46-year architecture veteran and John Stirewalt's longtime collaborator. Specializes in healthcare design, with national recognition for residential and commercial projects. Serves as partner to ensure JSA's continued success post-John's passing.
Ashley Silance
Project Coordinator
Manages project logistics and client communications. Provides administrative support to ensure smooth project execution. Acts as primary contact for scheduling and coordination of architectural services.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in coastal modern design, blending traditional beach aesthetics with contemporary elements for both residential and commercial projects.
Do you work outside North Carolina?
Yes, while based in Wilmington, we've completed commercial projects in South Carolina, Virginia, and Kentucky, including restaurant chains and assisted living facilities.
How does your design process work?
We begin with consultation to understand your vision, followed by site analysis and conceptual design. Our team handles construction documentation and administration to ensure your vision becomes reality.
Can you handle both residential and commercial projects?
Yes, we offer full-service architecture for luxury homes and commercial developments including restaurants, medical offices, schools, and marinas.
What experience do your team members have?
Our team includes architects with 46 years of national experience, specialized coastal design experts, and project coordinators with 15+ years in local development.
How do you handle project timelines?
We use a streamlined process to deliver quality designs efficiently, with dedicated project management to maintain schedules from initial concept through construction completion.
