Business Details
13 Years
experience
Custom Home Builders in Laurel Park, NC
Brains On Fire is a boutique architectural and general contracting firm dedicated to delivering exceptional custom home design and construction services. Founded by Marc and Sue Gulliver, our firm combines over 50 years of combined industry expertise with a hands-on approach to ensure every project meets the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction. We specialize in luxury residential projects, focusing on one to two custom homes annually to maintain personalized attention to detail. Our process begins with in-depth client consultations to understand individual needs, preferences, and budgets, followed by site-specific design development that integrates natural elements like topography and vegetation. We prioritize daily on-site management to proactively address challenges and ensure seamless project execution.With a career spanning decades in global hospitality architecture at Marriott International, Marc brings unparalleled construction management expertise, while Sue contributes her interior design and architectural background. Our collaborative husband-and-wife leadership model ensures every client receives a uniquely tailored design that reflects their lifestyle. We are committed to transparency, ethical practices, and maintaining open communication throughout every project phase. Our portfolio includes luxury residences in North Carolina and international hotel projects across Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean. By limiting our project volume, we guarantee each home receives the meticulous craftsmanship and innovative design solutions that define our brand.
Services
Custom Home Design
Architectural Consulting
Construction Management
Site Analysis
Luxury Residential Builds
Details
- Year established: 2013
Highlights and features
- We have over 50 years of combined experience in architecture and construction
- Our hands-on management ensures daily oversight of every project
- We create fully customized designs tailored to client lifestyles
- Our site-specific approach integrates natural elements into every home
- We specialize in luxury residential projects with limited annual volume
Associations and certifications
- NAHB
- NCARB
- NASCLA
Services
Custom Home Design
We create fully customized architectural designs tailored to client preferences and lifestyles. Our process includes site analysis, bubble diagrams, and iterative client reviews to ensure perfect alignment with client needs. Each design integrates natural elements like topography and vegetation for unique, site-specific homes.
Construction Management
Our hands-on approach includes daily on-site management to proactively address challenges and ensure quality execution. With decades of global construction experience, we maintain rigorous standards while delivering projects on schedule and within budget through meticulous planning and coordination.
Site Analysis
We conduct comprehensive site assessments considering topography, orientation, vegetation, and natural features. This analysis informs design decisions to create homes that harmonize with their environment while optimizing functionality and aesthetic appeal for each unique property.
Luxury Residential Builds
We specialize in crafting premium custom homes with attention to detail and material quality. Our luxury builds incorporate advanced design elements and innovative solutions while maintaining personalized service and adherence to client specifications throughout the construction process.
Architectural Consulting
We provide expert advice on architectural solutions, space planning, and construction best practices. Our consulting services help clients navigate design challenges, budget considerations, and regulatory requirements while ensuring their vision translates into functional, beautiful living spaces.
People
Marc Gulliver
Architect & General Contractor
Marc has over 30 years of experience in architecture and construction, including leadership roles at Marriott International. He specializes in global hotel design and luxury residential projects, bringing international expertise to custom home building.
Sue Gulliver
Interior Designer
Sue combines architectural knowledge with interior design expertise, having worked on international hospitality projects. She focuses on creating functional, aesthetically pleasing spaces that reflect clients' lifestyles and preferences through personalized design solutions.
Questions
What services does Brains On Fire offer?
We specialize in custom home design and construction, architectural consulting, site analysis, and luxury residential builds with personalized attention to detail.
How experienced is your team?
Marc and Sue Gulliver bring over 50 combined years of experience in architecture, construction, and interior design, including global projects with Marriott International.
What areas do you serve?
We primarily serve Laurel Park and Asheville, North Carolina, with select projects in surrounding regions based on client needs.
How does your design process work?
We begin with client consultations, site analysis, and bubble diagrams, followed by iterative design reviews until achieving 100% client satisfaction before finalizing plans.
How many projects do you handle annually?
We limit our workload to one or two custom home projects per year to ensure meticulous craftsmanship and dedicated client service.
