Samsel Architects is now Altura Architects
Altura Architects carries forward the core values that have defined our studio for decades. Our new name reflects our aspiration to evolve the beauty of architecture in our mountain region and improve our community’s quality of life.
Altura Architects (formerly Samsel Architects) was established in Asheville, North Carolina in 1985 by Jim Samsel. The foundation of our studio’s identity began with Jim’s values of environmental stewardship, service to our community, and design excellence. Jim played a fundamental role in the revitalization of downtown Asheville during the 1980s and 1990s. He served as an advocate and architect for many iconic downtown rehabilitation projects, including our office building at 60 Biltmore Avenue.
The firm began an ownership transition in 2010 and is now led by Nathan Bryant and Duncan McPherson, who have been with Altura Architects for over 20 years. During that time, the firm has made significant achievements including the LEED Platinum certified EcoDorm, AIA- North Carolina’s 2016 Firm of the Year Award, and completed a Certified Net-Zero residence.
Over the past 35 years we have developed a diverse design sense and portfolio of experience. Altura Architects has continued to evolve while our core principles of environmentalism, design excellence, and a commitment to serving our community have remained constant. Our staff continues the legacy of our values with every client and every project.
LOCATION: Asheville, North Carolina
LEARN MORE: alturaarchitects.com
The Lookout Retreat is a 3700 square foot modern home nestled in the Montreat valley. The main level allows the owners to feel hidden among the trees as they view the mountain tops. The Lookout can comfortably accommodate two or twelve.
Meadow Creek Farm is a quiet retreat in Southwest Virginia. Transitioning away from busy city life and into a new phase, the farm is a place where the owners can pursue their passion of raising Rocky Mountain horses.
The Cliffside House has amazing mountain views, however, a rock slide occurred after our clients purchased the property.
The Spruce Ridge Cabin provides a comfortable retreat that also supports a lifestyle and daily experiences that foster a meaningful relationship to the surrounding land.
The National Craft Innovation Hub was created with the intention of providing office, event, and gallery space for creative collaboration among artists, researchers, curators and other members of the community.
Recently retired, the owners of this modern mountain home overlooking Bull Creek, outside of Asheville, wanted a home that would offer refuge from their working lives – somewhere quiet, minimalistic and connected with nature.
This downtown apartment is a modern renovation in a historic Asheville building from 1905. Our design delivers a welcoming new home for the client, as well as for his extensive art collection.
The Fontana Lake House is a private lake home located in Swain County. The LEED Gold home is designed to integrate harmoniously with the surrounding Appalachian mountain setting. The understated exterior and the thoughtfully chosen palette blend into the topography of the wooded hillside.
Throughout the residence, there is a strong theme of horizontal lines integrated with a natural, woodsy palette and a gallery-like aesthetic on the inside. The Walnut Cove Residence combines the clean lines and simplicity of modern design with the warmth and functionality of a cozy home.
This light-filled modern farmhouse in Mill Spring, North Carolina serves as a relaxing retreat for its owners. The home is tucked in the countryside on a horse farm with rolling pastures and beautiful mountain landscape.
Alura Architects recently completed the Craven Gap Residence, a modern passive solar home nestled in Asheville, North Carolina. This residence is situated on five acres of steep mountain terrain
