Arx Design Collaborative: dedicated to a cooperative design process resulting in spaces that truly fit the way you live.

We are …

Clean | with simple, clutter free + environmentally friendly designs

Clear | with approachable language + solid communication + transparent processes

Current | with fresh ideas that work today + timeless design

WHO ARE WE?

Arx is an architecture firm designing new homes, smart renovations, and small commercial spaces across the triangle. Our cooperative design process leads to spaces that truly fit the way you live. Our team takes your goals, concepts, and notions toward a workable design that makes the best use of the site, any existing structure, and the budget.

WHAT DO WE DO?

Our expertise lies in crafting exceptional residential and branded spaces that elevate the way you live, work, and relax.  We take care of the details (big and small) that add up to a lasting impression.  We are known for our ability to incorporate natural light and connect to the outside.  We develop spaces that are simple, clean, and full of character.

WHAT IS IT LIKE TO WORK WITH US?

We prioritize organized processes and clear communications. This is true from our regular progress updates down to our monthly billing statements which track actual cost right next to the estimated ranges. We are proud of our record of delivering drawings on time and in budget.

WHAT TYPE OF PROJECTS ARE OUR FOCUS?

Sometimes we help people design dream homes from scratch. We take all the pieces of ideas they bring and turn them into one, whole and cohesive home. Other times, we strategically expand or carve out spaces to upgrade the function of existing homes.

DO WE ALSO WORK WITH OLDER HOMES?

We believe in preserving resources, including established neighborhoods in this area and enjoy working with homeowners to unlock the possibilities within existing homes. This allows houses to work for a new season of life and stay part of our thriving neighborhoods.

WHAT SETS US APART?

We are potentially most known for listening well and bringing back solutions that fit our clients well. More generally, we harmonize modern materials and sensibilities with enduring forms and vernacular strategies to create homes that have a wide appeal while fitting you well. We leverage advancements in building science to enhance efficiency and minimize maintenance while ensuring our designs are functional and remain visually stunning for countless southeastern seasons.

Your goals are our goals.

| We make you part of our team, from the very beginning.

| We keep things simple, clean, and clear in our designs and processes.

| We bring the builder in early to sidestep surprises in pricing and construction.

Thank you for the kind words.

  • "Matthew has one of the rarest qualities in a professional of any discipline, the ability to listen. Matthew and his team...listened to our ideas, which admittedly were not always good...or in our best interest. Matthew had the ability to pull...the essentials of what we were trying to achieve with the way we lived our lives and enjoyed our family, to achieve a design that supported the goals underlying our words. He went beyond what we were asking for to find what we truly wanted."

    Neil H. | Home Owner, Amazing Dad and Doctor

  • "Matthew Szymanski was an exceptional architect who we worked with in the revamping our out little old ranch into the show piece home we wanted. We bought our home when we had no kids. A decade and three kids later we...wanted to stay in the neighborhood...but the house...had to change. We...immediately knew that Matthew was the right person to work with. He listened to our wishes and needs and added incredible ideas to transform the dark 3-bedroom ranch into a gorgeous 6-bedroom home with room for the kids, floor to ceiling windows, a breath-taking staircase and views of Chapel Hill, all while being respectful to the neighborhood and the natural space around our home."

    Lisa M | Home Owner, Super Mom and Art Collector

  • "Matthew was easy to work with, knowledgeable, efficient and intuitive. My home design underwent a number of iterations; during the process Matthew consistently and quickly came up with good solutions to difficult problems. He also was excellent at steering me toward design solutions that would work from my own idiosyncrasies but would also maintain the value of my house in the general marketplace."

    Ken G. | Home Owner, Pianist and Music Patron

Creatively making more things possible.

Our Process

Arx Design Co. starts each project by building a team: you, the builder, and us.

Our team prioritizes your experience during the design process.  We keep your priorities central throughout and check in with you early and often. This process consistently results in designs that maximize the site, budget, spaces created, and the home-owner experience.

The Overview | Kicking things off.

We believe in forming a full team early in the project. First, we determine the most effective and enjoyable ways to communicate with you. We then pull your builder into the process as early as possible. This creates a team that can set achievable expectations and sidestep surprises. Involving the contractor in preliminary phases also provides pricing in time to ensure you are applying your resources to the greatest project priorities.

Measured Drawings | Accurate documentation of your home and site

Our first steps on a project involve ensuring we have all the necessary information to move forward effectively. We begin by collecting accurate site information from a current survey. If there’s an existing building, we’ll verify its layout and document any relevant details. This information is used to create the base drawings, which serve as the foundation for all design work as the project progresses.

Schematic Design | Talking, sketching, looking at images, listing goals

We always begin with a conversation. We listen to your hopes for the project, look at photos you have collected, and discuss what type of space you are seeking. With your feedback in hand we will create a range of simple sketches. These are starting points that help us determine the design direction you want to pursue. Continual communication brings us to a design that suits your needs. By the end of this phase, the drawings are ready to get initial feedback from builders.

Design Development | Selecting materials and finalizing details

After establishing the basic design, we shift our focus to refining the details. Using three-dimensional software, we help you better visualize your new space. During this phase, we select materials, organize the layout for structural and mechanical systems, and coordinate with installers and trades to ensure everything integrates seamlessly.

We can take the lead in selecting fixtures and finishes for your home, or we offer assistance in an a-la-carte fashion to provide you with the tools and resources to handle these selections yourself. This collaborative process ensures the design aligns with your vision and the process fits your needs.

Construction Documents | Completing the paperwork that will get your project across the finish line

Arx is fully equipped to manage your project through every detail. Our construction documents will: support permit applications, facilitate financing, and provide the comprehensive information needed for construction.

The specifications will outline all of your selections, ensuring that you and your builder are aligned on project expectations. The detailed drawing set helps eliminate surprises during construction and establishes a clear path for a smooth permitting process. With our experience working with cities and counties across central North Carolina, we are well-prepared to navigate local requirements and ensure the project's success.

Construction Administration | Working with your builder to keep things moving

We stay accessible to your builder through the design process so we can help develop creative solutions to any situations that arise during the build. We prioritize your builder's questions to ensure there are no unnecessary construction delays.

Meet Our Team

  • Matt

    FOUNDING ARCHITECT

  • Allyson

    PROJECT DESIGNER

  • Isabella

    PROJECT DESIGNER

  • Luke

    ARCHITECTURAL INTERN

Matthew Szymanski, AIA | Architect, Founder

Matthew, Arx’s founding architect, brings over two decades of experience in design and construction across the Triangle. He and his exceptional team specialize in crafting simple yet beautiful spaces characterized by clear layouts and abundant natural light, tailored to the unique needs of those living and working inside. With a background in design-build, Matthew balances the art of architecture with the practical matters of budget, maintenance, sustainability, and life-cycles. He begins each project by curating a collaborative team to develop designs that enhance the capabilities of builders, craftspeople, clients, and existing site features. Matthew is recognized for his attentive listening, creative problem-solving, and ability to create cohesive spaces with a distinctive sense of place.

"We help people create spaces to live, work, rest, recharge, get away, or host a crowd in a way that uniquely fits them. A well-designed space draws you in, makes you glad to be there, and leaves you with a sense of that place."

Matthew has done extensive work with community outreach programs like SPARKcon, Neighbor2Neighbor, and Habitat for Humanity that promote the positive impact of good design. He is a past-president of the American Institute of Architects, Triangle Chapter and continues to pour into the next generation of Triangle architects.

In his free time: Matthew enjoys travel, art, hiking, oxford commas, and building furniture.

Allyson Tomasello | Project Designer

Allyson is an innovative and award winning designer who loves to focus on getting the details right. She is a mother of three amazing kids and blends her life experience into making beautiful spaces that function well. She loves designing homes that reflect the character and needs of the people living inside. She uses Revit and a sense of humor to forge design ideas that blend form and function. She spends thoughtful time considering the impact of each design decision and really loves it when a plan comes together.

“Great spaces affect our everyday lives. Our homes shape our time together. They need to have a style but also functionality related to the people."

In her free time: Allyson finds and tackles improvement projects in her own home or those of her friends. She also likes quality time with her dogs, crime shows, and laundry.

Isabella Powell | Project Designer

Isabella is passionate about the positive impact thoughtful design can have on everyday life. She brings a holistic approach to projects. Isabella focuses on the entire site, seamlessly linking interior spaces with the surrounding landscape. We are lucky that she’s so great with plans and plants. Her projects demonstrate her commitment to listening to clients and prioritizing their goals. She is a graduate of North Carolina State University.

“I am interested in the way people interact with their environments and how we can facilitate the best experience for them. I also love creating drawings and renderings to help clients visualize the final project."

In her free time: You can find Isabella working on one of her many art projects, ranging from crocheting, to painting, to refinishing furniture. She enjoys camping and backpacking any chance she can as well as spending time at home with her plants.

Luke McBrayer | Architectural Intern

Luke is a Master's of Design student at NCSU, drawing on a diverse educational background that includes a Bachelor's in Media Studies with a concentration in film and video production from UNC Greensboro and an associate's degree in architectural technology. He is driven by the awareness of how much time people will spend in the homes he works on. His experience in video production has heightened his sensitivity to lighting, spatial sequencing, and the journey through the projects he undertakes.

"Visiting New York as a child and walking among all of the skyscrapers is what initially drew me to architecture. The Chrysler Building is still one of my favorites."

In his free time: Luke enjoys a weekly game of basketball and watching both really good and really bad movies.

Arx Design Co. | Alumni

Sean P. Carlie G. AnnaGrey L. Mia G. David P.

“We are grateful for each student, intern and designer who spends time as part of our team."