about us
FIRM PROFILE
Founded in 2022, Native Forms Architecture is an Asheville-based full-service architecture firm. Chip Howell, owner and principal architect, is a native of Asheville who connects deeply with the history and community of Western North Carolina and feels a strong commitment to the stewardship of its natural environment and resources. This narrative informs the design process employed at Native Forms and speaks to the values of its founder.
Throughout his engagement with the Asheville community, Chip has developed strong working relationships with partners in the educational, municipal, non-profit, and private sectors. Through a collaborative approach that treats stakeholders as valued team members, Chip creates meaningful dialogue and engagement that is professional, inclusive and sensitive to the culture and community values of the region. Years of experience in the design and construction fields enable Chip to bring a holistic approach to his process that is mindful of budget, schedule, operating and maintenance parameters, while incorporating design qualities that enhance the user experience. Having previously worked with award-winning firms in California and abroad in Nicaragua, Chip has a diverse vocabulary of design and construction delivery methods as well as the management and interpersonal skills necessary to complete each project successfully. With over 15 years in the field and a long list of satisfied clients and stakeholders, Native Forms Architecture PLLC is well positioned to grow and thrive in Western North Carolina for years to come.
WHAT IS A NATIVE FORM?
As Architects we have the unique responsibility to develop built forms to suit your needs. This privilege involves creativity, communication, and technical expertise. As in nature, forms that are native to their place evolve from a particular context. This involves how we respond to our true four season weather, sunlight, cultural history, living patterns, community needs, building traditions of place, regional economy, and a host of other factors. By tuning in to our surroundings and leveraging the assets of place, we are able to create forms that resonate with and care for their users over the long term. This process sustains our inspiration and purpose for using these spaces. As the son of at least six generations of western North Carolinians, Chip leads the way in this philosophy. We feel an enduring responsibility to this place, and share the desire to make a positive impact on the people and institutions that call it home.
DESIGN APPROACH & PROJECT DELIVERY
While each project varies in size and complexity, there are fundamentals that transcend technical specifics. Most importantly, Chip listens to his client and puts their needs first in order to understand thoroughly the challenges and opportunities that exist in each design project.
Leveraging this context, Chip establishes the client’s goals and priorities to develop a framework for decision-making and cultivate a unified vision for project success. This process often involves categorizing scope and priorities based on life safety, accessibility, aesthetics and functional concerns.
The team that Chip assembles for each project appreciates the opportunity and privilege of shepherding a design concept to reality but also recognizes that the end result belongs to the client alone and this must be prioritized and respected. Using BIM 3D digital software in the design process, the team can bring a vision to life in the form of a 3D model. This enables the team to coordinate construction aspects of the project to a fine level of detail, minimizing issues in the field during construction.
Our team also understands that challenges can arise and we remain committed to collaboration and problem-solving throughout the life of the project, within the dynamics of budget and schedule. Communication is key to project success. Cultivating an environment in which team members can excel and be recognized for their interdisciplinary contributions sits at the center of this process. By identifying and leveraging diverse project assets, we create dynamic opportunities that make the most of our clients’ budgets and serve them well.