---
title: "Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/primitive-huts-helen-crawford-pfvwus-pf~1577656532
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1577656532.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/0593244201f5c9e0_9529-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "Atlanta, Georgia, United States"
latitude: 33.8513
longitude: -84.287
phone: "(678) 984-0958"
website: http://www.primitivehuts.com/home.html
rating: 5
review_count: 9
best_of_houzz_awards: 2
followers: 37
last_updated: 2026-08-13
---

# Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford

Original Houzz profile: [Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/primitive-huts-helen-crawford-pfvwus-pf~1577656532)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Atlanta, GA
- **Serves:** Atlanta, Buckhead Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Marietta, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, North Atlanta, Tucker, Chamblee, Decatur, North Druid Hills, North Decatur, Druid Hills, Avondale Estates, Buckhead, Chastain Park, Connecticut, Los Angeles, New York, Southeast, Washington DC
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (9 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25 Ideabook Saves

With over 27 years of experience in the architectural profession, Helen is an award-winning architect. As a practicing architect, she has designed large, complex buildings across the country and overseas, in addition to homes and lofts. After 20 years as a leader in the design and construction of large-scale commercial, urban, and university projects, she launched Primitive Huts in 2017, with a focus on small projects for the home. Helen is a sustainable LEED professional, and a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. She is licensed in Georgia. Helen is also a visual artist and painter.

We provide Full-Architectural Services and Curb Appeal/Design Only Services.

one: design only services
we design at an hourly rate for consultation services and very tiny projects:

curb appeal services
concept design for exteriors
concept design for interiors
interior design/decor
(tiny) interior renovation projects
garden rooms and garden structures
paint selections and finishes
materials research and selection
house project masterplanning
sustainable design practices
fine art placement

two: full-architectural services
we offer full-architectural services at a percentage of the estimated construction cost, with some hourly rates for certain services, such as creating existing building drawings, and other added services.

Design specialties:
additions and renovations to existing homes (2000 sf max)
new custom homes (2500 sf max)
guest houses
small architectural projects
historic preservation of homes

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Custom Homes
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Kitchen Design
- Sustainable Design
- Kitchen Remodeling
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Bathroom Design
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Pool House Design & Construction
- Home Restoration
- Historic Building Conservation
- Handicap-Accessible Design
- Outdoor Kitchen Design
- Basement Remodeling
- Mudroom Design
- Tiny House Construction
- Staircase Design
- Landscape Plans
- Laundry Room Design

### Areas Served

- Atlanta
- Buckhead Atlanta
- Sandy Springs
- Marietta
- Brookhaven
- Dunwoody
- North Atlanta
- Tucker
- Chamblee
- Decatur
- North Druid Hills
- North Decatur
- Druid Hills
- Avondale Estates
- Buckhead
- Chastain Park
- Connecticut
- Los Angeles
- New York
- Southeast
- Washington DC

### Typical Job Cost

$10,000 - 750,000

we provide hourly design consultations for curb appeal services. we also provide full architectural services. cost for design services is based on the requirements of each project.

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford |
| Address | Atlanta, Georgia, United States |
| Phone | (678) 984-0958 |
| Website | http://www.primitivehuts.com/home.html |
| License Number | 011831 |
| Followers on Houzz | 37 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/primitivehuts/
- LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/helenfergusoncrawford/
- Blog — http://primitivehuts.blogspot.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/primitive-huts-helen-crawford-pfvwus-pf~1577656532)
- **Website:** http://www.primitivehuts.com/home.html
- **Phone:** (678) 984-0958

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- Registered Architect in Georgia; National Council of Architectural Registration Boards; LEED Green Building Professional; 2005 and 2006 AIA Merit Award; AIA Mountain Region Merit Award, 2005; Princeton University Fellow, Susan Kolarik Underwood Design Prize, Carnegie Foundation Participant

- **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2018–2020), for Service.

**Affiliations**
- [Parsons The New School for Design](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/parsons-the-new-school-for-design-pfvwus-pf~2081402793)
- [NCARB](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/ncarb-pfvwus-pf~1477640315)
- [LEED AP](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/professionals/schools-and-organizations/leed-ap-pfvwus-pf~1386238498)

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 9 reviews**

### All 9 reviews

**★★★★★ — Jessie Butts, Oct. 2019**

> We worked with Helen to design a master addition, expanded kitchen, and screened in porch to our Victorian farmhouse in Kirkwood. We spent a long time talking to different architects, but when we finally met Helen, we knew we had found a great match! She was the first one to really take a step back and look at our whole lot and suggest some really new ideas that no one else had articulated. She is so thoughtful in how she conceptualizes use of space, flow, and light. She really listened to what we needed but provided strong input and insights whenever she sensed that we needed some guidance. And much to our relief, she was cost conscious in her design and offered great suggestions about how to simplify from both a financial and design perspective. We feel really lucky that we had the chance to collaborate with Helen and would do so again in a heartbeat!

**★★★★★ — Maria M, Oct. 2019**

> Helen immediately understood and captured the design aesthetic we needed and wanted. From her scaled mock-up of our project to helping coordinate the materials, contractor, budget and schedule, her valuable insight, professional expertise and project execution provided a new modern, practical interior for our home.

**★★★★★ — Bryan Russell, Jan. 2018**

> We hired Primitive Huts for the a major remodel of our 1940 Cape Cod Cottage and were thrilled with the results.  Helen was able to guide us thru the design and construction process with ease and grace and was able to restore all the details of our home to bring back the charm that was lost thru the years.  I highly recommend Primitive Huts for projects of any complexity as Helen is one of the most talented and insightful architects in the business.

**★★★★★ — Christina Paloski, Jan. 2018**

> She was fantastic to work with! She listed to our ideas for taking one guest bath and some closet space and making it into 2 bathrooms. She provided us with 3 designs to choose from and one full set of CAD drawings. She is fairly priced and was willing to take on a smaller job like this. I would highly recommend working with her.

**★★★★★ — Kim LP, July 2017**

> Helen assisted us with master planning and defining options for our home renovation. She has wonderful vision and was able to present several options for us that will satisfy our space needs while respecting the history and style of our home. Helen was easy going, calm, and a good listener/communicator. She was very easy to work with and accomplished our goals promptly and for a fair price.

**Comment from Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford:**

> Pleasure working with you Kim. Enjoyed spending time in your home and imagining spatial solutions that will enhance the peaceful charm of your life and home.

**★★★★★ — First Street Builders, May 2017**

> My construction company, First Street Builders, did a $200K+ addition and renovation in Candler Park, Atlanta with Helen as designer.  Plans were very complete, well detailed, and efficient.  The design quality and esthetic were outstanding as were the end results.  Helen knows exactly what she wants, but isn't fussy about it. Very practical, easy to work with, and timely.  Her credentials including Parsons School of Design, Princeton University, and LEED certification are impressive, and her 20 year career shows in her work.  I can recommend Helen without reservation, and  I hope we will be working on future projects together soon.

**★★★★★ — Michele Loud, April 2017**

> Helen Crawford is a gem. She worked with us online to create a garden design that really suits us. She asked such thoughtful and insightful questions to really help us figure out what we wanted and how to achieve it. She worked with our budget and was really responsive to us. You will be so happy when you work with Helen. I cannot recommend her more highly!

**★★★★★ — Cara Stevens, April 2017**

> Helen is amazing.  She gave us a beautiful, thoughtful outdoor master plan that exceded our expections and was within our budget.  And an added bonus is that she is a lovely person who was really great to work with!  She took such care getting to know us and understanding our intentions.  Highly recommend!

**Comment from Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford:**

> Thank you Cara. The pleasure was mine. So much fun.

**★★★★★ — tfmirra87, April 2017**

> I've worked with Helen multiple times when designing my home for both interior and exterior updates and changes. I can honestly say that I have never met a more talented individual. I trust her wholeheartedly and would use her again and again.  She is, by far, my go-to person.

**Comment from Primitive Huts/Helen Crawford:**

> You have one of the coolest 1960's transitional ranches in CT. Every aspect of your home is original, and in perfect condition. What a gem! Thanks for exploring paint colors from old cars, sneakers, and 60's advertising to fond the right colors for your home. Fun projects.

## Selected projects

- [1928 Bungalow Restoration, Addition, and Gardens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1928-bungalow-restoration-addition-and-gardens-pj-vj~2458022)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 28
  - Description: Nestled under 150 year old pecan and oak trees, we carefully and thoughtfully preserved and restored this rare 1928 Federal Style Craftsman near downtown Atlanta, while adding a new 2 story, 1,000 sf addition in the back. The addition, like the house boasts, 10 foot ceilings, yet is sited in a way to seamlessly blend with the original house, without dominating the unique original structure.
- [1930's Exterior Restoration and Garden - progress](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1930-s-exterior-restoration-and-garden-progress-pj-vj~2615863)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 13
  - Description: we carefully and thoughtfully renovated the exterior of this medium sized cape cod in a historic district near Downtown Atlanta. restored this rare 1928 Federal Style Craftsman near downtown Atlanta. The full exterior renovation included removal of all existing windows and exterior materials, except the house structure. We detailed and designed new insulation, sheathing waterproofing, weather membrane, flashing, windows, exterior trim, exterior siding and shingles, gutters, new from door, paints…
- [1905 House Restoration and Addition](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1905-house-restoration-and-addition-pj-vj~3002155)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Custom Loft](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-loft-pj-vj~2863611)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: custom double loft bedroom with built in shelves, desk and stairs. solid wood and baltic birch plywood. seed factory lofts, atlanta.
- [Folk Victorian Addition and Restoration](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/folk-victorian-addition-and-restoration-pj-vj~5923238)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 16
  - Description: Folk Victorian Addition and Restoration (108 years old) New Kitchen and Master Suite Addition with a Wrap-Around Screened in Porch overlooking new gardens, with a new garden shed and parking area.
- [1950's Rambler Furniture Selection and Paint](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1950-s-rambler-furniture-selection-and-paint-pj-vj~2460009)
  - Location: Washington, DC
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Primitive Huts selected mid-century furniture, paint, custom designed carpets, and window treatments for this 6,000 sf rambling ranch in the heart of Washington DC.
- [Gulf Of Mexico Townhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/gulf-of-mexico-townhouse-pj-vj~2459980)
  - Location: Ocean Springs, MS
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: We designed a custom steel and oak stair with a balcony for a 1970s condo that overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to the stair, we updated all wall finishes, floor carpet and tile, lighting, hardware, interior doors, bathrooms, and kitchen to provide a modern interior, warm beach interior. In addition, we selected all the furniture and artwork. Art was selected from local artists, and reflects the unique history of this 1699 town, and the unique culture of the gulf coast.
- [1962 Exterior Restoration and Research](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1962-exterior-restoration-and-research-pj-vj~2462402)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 7
  - Description: Using our architectural and historical expertise, we were asked by clients in Connecticut to assess their 1962 Transitional Wood Ranch for original materials and historically appropriate paint colors. Upon assessment we we confirmed that the home contained all original exterior materials, including original front door, columns, wood shingle siding, window boxes and faux shutters. The decorative elements of mid century Ranch homes often designed for a new suburban car culture, often followed the…
- [1940's Basement Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1940-s-basement-renovation-pj-vj~2460019)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 10
  - Description: We converted a raw basement in this 1940's Cape Cod into a full garden level suite. New spaces include a large family room with custom wood built in book shelves, window seats and nooks, 2 bedrooms, a second bathroom, laundry room, mechanical room, and closets. Windows were strategically cut into the north and west elevations of the above grade masonry walls to provide substantial daylight. Since our client was already working with a design-builder capable of producing a permit set of constructi…
- [Garden Studio and Custom Fence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-studio-and-custom-fence-pj-vj~2459958)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: A custom outdoor studio/cabana and work space was added to the corner of this Atlanta garden. The interior space is vaulted to maximize height and natural light. The interior walls and ceiling are finished with painted bead board and trim. A pear wood sliding door divides the garden cabana into two spaces. A modern fence compliments the design.
- [5 year design plan for a house in the woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/5-year-design-plan-for-a-house-in-the-woods-pj-vj~2974851)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 6
- [Garden Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/garden-projects-pj-vj~2462893)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: we design gardens in sketch form, with dimensions, plant locations, hardscape and full plant and hardscape schedules. often our clients take our hand drawn garden plans and specifications directly to their landscaper for installation.
- [15 rooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/15-rooms-pj-vj~2695317)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: examples from the design masterplan for a total interior architecture renovation of a home in Georgia. 15 rooms, including furniture selections, finishes, and products..
- [1940's Curb Appeal - Exterior Paint](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/1940-s-curb-appeal-exterior-paint-pj-vj~2460345)
  - Location: Atlanta, GA
  - Photos: 5
- [Previous Architectural Projects](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/previous-architectural-projects-pj-vj~2615911)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 16

[See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/primitive-huts-helen-crawford-pfvwus-pf~1577656532)

## Ideabooks

- [Small House Paint](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/127067504/list/small-house-paint) — 3 ideas
- [Perched](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119656845/list/perched) — 6 ideas
- [Kitchens with color](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119042844/list/kitchens-with-color) — 13 ideas
- [Lookouts](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/115307960/list/lookouts) — 1 idea
- [Grotto](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/113380058/list/grotto) — 11 ideas
- [Hallways](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/110695503/list/hallways) — 29 ideas
- [Books](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/109976248/list/books) — 3 ideas
- [screen porch](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89490960/list/screen-porch) — 24 ideas
- [garden](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88716216/list/garden) — 21 ideas
- [flowers](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/88713646/list/flowers) — 17 ideas
- [houses](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86326986/list/houses) — 61 ideas
- [spaces for living](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85709845/list/spaces-for-living) — 63 ideas
- [outdoor living](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84817661/list/outdoor-living) — 53 ideas
- [spaces for sleeping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85597148/list/spaces-for-sleeping) — 50 ideas
- [front door](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/86061393/list/front-door) — 15 ideas
- [white kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85663041/list/white-kitchens) — 32 ideas
- [cabana/guest house](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/84767571/list/cabana-guest-house) — 52 ideas
- [stairs](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85867617/list/stairs) — 24 ideas
- [nooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85980681/list/nooks) — 13 ideas
- [lofts for sleeping](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/85849942/list/lofts-for-sleeping) — 10 ideas

[See all 26 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/helen-crawford)

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*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-13.*