Business Details
50 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architect in Wilmington, NC
Since 1976, John Stirewalt Architect has been dedicated to creating exceptional residential and commercial designs across coastal North Carolina. Our small, tight-knit team prioritizes personalized attention, combining deep local expertise with a streamlined process to deliver custom-quality plans efficiently. We approach every project as a privilege, collaborating closely with clients to transform their unique visions into reality.Our portfolio spans coastal beach homes, modern concept houses, and commercial buildings including restaurants, medical offices, and educational facilities. With decades of combined experience, our team ensures every detail reflects our commitment to quality, professionalism, and client satisfaction. We pride ourselves on maintaining John Stirewalts legacy of integrity, innovation, and excellence in architectural design.
Services
Site Analysis
Consultation
Construction Administration
New Construction
Renovations
Additions
Building Upfits
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- 46+ years of combined experience in coastal architectural design
- Deep local knowledge of Wilmington and surrounding coastal areas
- Personalized, client-focused approach to every project
- Award-winning designs tailored to individual client visions
- Proven track record with 140+ homes on Figure Eight Island
What people say
Amazing new space
Exceptional design team
Talented architect
Process so easy
Continually impressed
Services
Residential Design
We create custom residential designs ranging from traditional beach homes to modern concept houses. Our team specializes in coastal architecture, ensuring each home reflects the client's vision while meeting local building requirements. With over 140 homes designed on Figure Eight Island alone, we combine aesthetic appeal with functional living spaces tailored to coastal environments.
Commercial Architecture
Our commercial architecture services cover diverse projects including restaurants, medical offices, retail centers, and educational facilities. We ensure all designs meet code requirements while optimizing functionality for business operations. From chain restaurant layouts to specialized healthcare facilities, we create spaces that align with client branding and operational needs.
Construction Administration
We provide comprehensive construction administration services to ensure design integrity throughout the building process. Our team monitors progress, reviews contractor work, and addresses technical challenges to maintain quality standards. This service bridges design and execution, ensuring the final structure matches the approved plans and specifications.
Renovations
We specialize in both interior and exterior renovations that enhance property value and functionality. Our approach preserves structural integrity while modernizing spaces to meet current needs. From minor updates to complete transformations, we deliver renovation solutions that seamlessly integrate with existing architecture.
Site Analysis
Our site analysis service assesses land suitability for construction through topographical surveys and environmental considerations. We evaluate zoning regulations, soil conditions, and access points to inform optimal building placement. This foundational service ensures projects start with comprehensive understanding of site-specific opportunities and constraints.
People
Maria Williams
Partner / Principal
A Wilmington native with architectural design expertise, Maria leads projects with coastal design knowledge. She joined JSA in 2012, became owner in 2022, and continues John Stirewalt's legacy through personalized client service and innovative designs.
Tom Mullinax
Architect / President
With 46 years of experience, Tom brings national recognition for healthcare design. A UNC-Charlotte graduate and John Stirewalt's longtime colleague, he ensures JSA's continued excellence through technical expertise and leadership in residential and commercial projects.
Ashley Silance
Project Coordinator
As project coordinator, Ashley manages client communications and project timelines. Her organizational skills ensure smooth execution of architectural projects, maintaining JSA's reputation for efficient service delivery and client satisfaction.
Questions
What areas do you specialize in for residential projects?
We focus on coastal North Carolina, including Wilmington, Figure Eight Island, Wrightsville Beach, and the Intracoastal Waterway.
What commercial building types do you design?
We design restaurants, medical offices, retail centers, churches, educational facilities, and specialized commercial spaces.
How does your renovation process work?
We assess existing structures, create improvement plans, and manage execution while maintaining design integrity and functionality.
Can you handle both small and large projects?
Yes, we accommodate projects ranging from minor renovations to large-scale commercial developments with equal attention to detail.
What makes your firm unique?
Our combination of coastal expertise, personalized service, and proven track record with 250+ local projects sets us apart.
