Arielle Schechter is a registered architect and AIA member based in North Carolina. She specializes in modern and modernist residential architecture. She also designs interiors, custom furniture and light fixtures, native plant and wildlife habitat gardens.
Arielle C. Schechter, AIA Architect
Registered in NC since: 1994
b. Algiers, Algeria
Bachelor of Music: The Juilliard School
M. Architecture: NCSU School of Design
As an architect it is my goal to work very closely and interactively with clients as a team. I listen carefully to what a client is telling me so that I may help enhance their lives through design. My goal is also to walk softly on the building site, to cause as little damage to the site as possible. If a site is already damaged, then I want to be able to reclaim and restore it for all species to use.
In addition to architecture and design, I have research interests in modernist architecture history, furniture and emerging products. I search new products that are environmentally responsible in every way, from source to manufacturerer to transport to end use, always considering the future recycling of the product as well (cradle to cradle).
I am deeply interested and passionate about houses and everything related to houses and shelter. I have a lot of empathy for clients building or renovating their homes, as well as the millions of people around the world with less than adequate housing. My heart goes out to them too. I understand EXACTLY how important a client’s home is to them, having built my own house and gone through the millions of choices and compromises that entails. I would encourage clients to be unafraid of exploring design, because the results can be life-altering in the best possible way. Winston Churchill said “we shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us.”
A philosophy of respect for all life has always influenced my approach. For gardens, I always think of every creature that will use the garden, not just people. I consider and include the native plants and animals, as it is their land too. I would encourage clients to include native animal habitat in any landscape or garden project. Humans have destroyed the majority of habitat for other species on earth. However, adding back in a small habitat into your garden will benefit not only the animals, but add a whole extra dimension of beauty to your project.
In my personal life I am supported by a wonderful, loving and brilliant husband and many, many rescued animals who provide constant delight. I also have volunteered long-term with Durham’s Independent Animal Rescue. I never met an animal I didn’t like, and my studio space often has at least one foster cat to welcome clients. I am honored to serve on the advisory board of Triangle Modernist Houses, one of the nation’s leading archives of modernist homes.
Services:
Architecture: specializing in custom modern residential architecture from a single room to a complete residence.
Consultations: Yes
Additions: Yes
Small projects: Yes
Large residences: Yes
Interior Design and Detail Design:
Kitchen and Bath design: Yes
Color Selection help: Yes
Detail Design: Yes: all types of architectural details such as handrails, cabinetry, light fixtures, fireplaces
Lighting Design: Yes
Furniture Design: Yes
Garden Design:
Master garden plans: Yes
Plant Selection: Yes
Restoration: restoring wasted spaces and returning land to native species
