--- title: "BellaDomus Residential Design Studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/belladomus-residential-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~662740044 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~662740044.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "BellaDomus Residential Design Studio" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/bd530ca00fe1ce0b_9877-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Carrboro, North Carolina 27510, United States" phone: "(919) 923-6459" website: http://www.BellaDomus.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 34 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 115 last_updated: 2026-08-14 --- # BellaDomus Residential Design Studio Original Houzz profile: [BellaDomus Residential Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/belladomus-residential-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~662740044) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Carrboro, NC - **Serves:** Durham, Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Fearrington, Bynum, Greater Triangle Area & beyond - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Recommended on Houzz - 500 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - References available - Eco-friendly BellaDomus is a full-service residential design studio based in Carrboro, North Carolina. We create elegant, high-performance, environmentally-friendly homes in the North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding areas. James Morgan is our principal designer. He trained at Plymouth Polytechnic School of Architecture and practiced in England and in Minnesota before establishing his independent design studio in North Carolina in 1993. Other than his architectural work James’ passions include music, dance and the visual arts. Beth Frey is our interior designer and business manager. After an early career in catering and hospitality management Beth joined BellaDomus in 2003 and became a partner in 2010. Beth and her husband Chris express their interest in antiquarian books through their business Frey Fine Books. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - House Plans - New Home Construction - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Guesthouse Design & Construction - Universal Design - Multigenerational Homes - Pool House Design & Construction - Home Restoration - Project Management - Handicap-Accessible Design - Outdoor Kitchen Design - Barn Design & Construction - Basement Remodeling - Mudroom Design - Attic Conversion - Basement Design - Deck Design - Garage Design - Laundry Room Design - Passive Solar Heating & Cooling - Rooftop Deck Installation - Custom Homes ### Areas Served - Durham - Chapel Hill - Apex - Carrboro - Pittsboro - Fearrington - Bynum - Greater Triangle Area & beyond ### Typical Job Cost Our design fees tend to run from 5% - to 10% of construction costs - all depending on the complexity of the project. ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | BellaDomus Residential Design Studio | | Address | Carrboro, North Carolina 27510, United States | | Phone | (919) 923-6459 | | Website | http://www.BellaDomus.com | | Followers on Houzz | 115 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/BellaDomus-Inc-61206395803/timeline/?ref=hl - X (Twitter) — @belladomusnc - Blog — www.FreyFineBooks.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [BellaDomus Residential Design Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/belladomus-residential-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~662740044) - **Website:** http://www.BellaDomus.com - **Phone:** (919) 923-6459 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2021), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 34 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — heidifay79, Sept. 2020** > I highly recommend Belladomus. My husband and I wanted to add space to our midcentury ranch but didn’t have a clear vision beyond that. James designed the best looking ranch renovation I have ever seen. He was a great listener, worked around our quirks, and brought us to an end design we love, will be the place we raise our children, and can accommodate grandparents if needed. Beth is also amazing and is unmatched in her patience. She guided us through all of our fixtures, finishes, and paint colors during a pandemic, where everything had to be picked sight unseen. We are really happy with the results. Based on the time and stress it would have required us to go it alone and how different I think the end result would be, I would recommend Belladomus as a great value. **★★★★★ — William Ferris, Jan. 2020** > James Morgan did an outstanding job of designing a renovation of our home that will allow Marcie and me to "age in place." His renovation plans thoughtfully addressed issues related to stairs and provide easier access to all parts of our home, changes that we will appreciate for many years to come. James was always professional and knowledgeable. He delivered work that was of the highest quality on schedule and within our budget. We highly recommend him both as an architect and friend. **★★★★★ — Alex Herskowitz, Nov. 2019** > Beth has helped us with design decisions for our rental units and it has been some of the best money we have spent. She accompanies us to Lowes in order to pick out fixtures and paint and makes design recommendations. The results have been excellent and affordable! **Comment from BellaDomus Residential Design Studio:** > Thank you, Alex. I really enjoy working with you on these projects! **★★★★★ — Jay Kennihan, Oct. 2019** > An absolute treasure to work with, James and his firm are the very best, hands down! From inception to completion, James is easy to work with, detail-oriented and an expert in taking inspiration and making it a masterpiece. **★★★★★ — Cederberg Kitchens & Renovations, May 2019** > Working with James and Beth is always a pleasure. We enjoy working on their projects as they are typically more interesting, and creatively crafted. From a practical standpoint, their drawings are always clear and detailed allowing us to produce our work with the fewest interruptions, as well as fewer added cost issues. When we do need to clarify something, both Beth and James are very communicative and always available. > So if you are looking for a design team that is enjoyable to work with as well as good at designing creative solutions that are personalized & aesthetically pleasing Bellas Domus is a great choice. **Comment from BellaDomus Residential Design Studio:** > Thank you! We really enjoy working with you and your team Bill. **★★★★ — HU-465122586, Oct. 2018** > James and Beth were great to work with. From start to finish they stuck with me. The end result is fantastic. **★★★★★ — Katherine Zeph, Oct. 2018** > James Morgan and Beth Frey are an excellent architecture and design team. They were recommended to us by friends and we highly recommend them as well. Both are highly creative thinkers and problem solvers to both architectural and design issues. They have excellent relationships with folks in the trades in our area and all the tradespeople who worked on our kitchen project brought experience and creativity to the project. Of all the investments we made into updating an older kitchen, collaborating with James and Beth was the wisest and most important. Highly recommend without reservation. **★★★★★ — Ani Flash, Feb. 2018** > My home was conceived and designed by James Morgan to invite in a commanding view of the spacious meadow on which it sits, and to meet my needs and delight my spirit. Its custom design is sophisticated and masterful. The spaces invite, delight and surprise. One senses a nuanced and carefully crafted marriage of form and function. I love inhabiting this home. It was most gratifying to work with James and Beth throughout the project. The lead contractor who assiduously oversaw its entire construction described James' work, and working relationships, as top notch. **★★★★★ — Sally Efird, July 2017** > I was fortunate to work with James and Beth on an addition to my house (bedroom, bath, laundry room). James wanted the addition to feel as though "it grew naturally from the existing house," and his design certainly achieved that goal. Beth had lots of suggestions that were a lifesaver for someone who is not very creative! > > I could not be more pleased with the project and give them my highest recommendation. **Comment from BellaDomus Residential Design Studio:** > It was such a pleasure working with you Sally, our best projects always only happen with great clients! **★★★★★ — Jason Brice, April 2017** > Our experience working with Belladomus was first rate. James worked with us to design our dream renovation within our budget. His expert, smart, design made the builders happy and us. I would recommend belladomus for anyone renovating a home! **★★★★★ — k frisch, March 2017** > It was a pleasure working with James & Beth! They proved to be great listeners and have a keen eye for detail. Definitely would use BellaDomus again and highly recommend their services to others. **★★★★★ — Joe Palrang, March 2017** > James Morgan at BellaDomus designed our dream home, and he did it with such little fuss that we didn't realize how special it was, and in so many ways, until we moved in. We'd heard horror stories of designing and building a custom home being a shortcut to divorce--or at least one of the most stressful periods in life--but with James, our first experience with this process was anything but. James conceived of, and collaborated on, many key features that made it feel immediately more like a home than any other house we've moved into. And, the house 'fits' with the site. I never thought I'd be lucky enough, or able to afford it, but I now live in my dream home--beautiful and functional. **Comment from BellaDomus Residential Design Studio:** > Thank you for your kind words, Joe & Jenny. You were great clients to work with - honest and forthcoming. We are happy you are settled in and enjoying your dream home! ## Selected projects - [Country Retreat](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-retreat-pj-vj~2819992) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - Description: A stylish contemporary cottage retreat set in an Alamance County meadow - [Durham Cottage Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/durham-cottage-renovation-pj-vj~1535739) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Country Kitchen & Dining Room](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/country-kitchen-and-dining-room-pj-vj~1588468) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 21 - Description: A country kitchen and dining room deep in Chatham County get a contemporary makeover. Design by BellaDomus, construction by Brad Johnson, Blue Line Construction. Images by Catherine Wilborne Photography. - [Contemporary Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-farmhouse-pj-vj~2809056) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 27 - Description: Our contemporary take on a traditional Carolina farmhouse appropriately set in a former cow pasture in Orange County. Design by BellaDomus, construction by Frank Cole Building Company. - [Interior Spaces](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/interior-spaces-pj-vj~84724) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 17 - [New construction homes](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-construction-homes-pj-vj~84720) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 45 - Description: A selection of images from our large and varied portfolio of custom homes. All of these projects were developed from scratch, tailored to the needs and desires of the client and the opportunities created by the site. - [Bathrooms](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-pj-vj~84737) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 60 - [Kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kitchens-pj-vj~84725) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 30 - [Whole house makeover, Chapel Hill](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/whole-house-makeover-chapel-hill-pj-vj~1588600) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Kitchen, dining room, master suite, front porch and entry get a staged makeover. Design by BellaDomus, construction by Space Builders. Images by Catherine Wilborne Photography - [Alamance Church into Home Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/alamance-church-into-home-transformation-pj-vj~1308342) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - [Chapel Hill cottage remodel](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chapel-hill-cottage-remodel-pj-vj~1816163) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 13 - Description: Thoughtful remodel of a historic Cameron Avenue home that features a new master suite, kitchen and guest bathroom. The project included extensive basement excavation for the installation of rainwater storage cisterns. Design by BellaDomus, construction by Frank Cole Building Company - [Chapel Hill horse farm - three bathroom remodels](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chapel-hill-horse-farm-three-bathroom-remodels-pj-vj~2574432) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 11 - Description: Clients decided to stay in their lovely home rather than move. We updated three bathrooms - master, guest on main bedroom floor and basement. Design by BellaDomus Residential Design Studio, construction by Trendmark Inc. - [Chapel Hill New Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/chapel-hill-new-home-pj-vj~5969243) - Location: Chapel Hill, NC - Photos: 8 - [New Home in the Woods](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-home-in-the-woods-pj-vj~5951728) - Location: Pittsboro, NC - Photos: 16 - Description: Custom design home in a wooded lot for an active retired couple. This interesting home includes a space for yoga, a screened porch to enjoy the outdoors and a fun porch off the garage for breaks while working in the yard. - [Wheel chair friendly master bathroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wheel-chair-friendly-master-bathroom-pj-vj~5522620) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 [See all 15 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/belladomus-residential-design-studio-pfvwus-pf~662740044) ## Ideabooks - [Midcentury kitchens](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112308758/list/midcentury-kitchens) — 15 ideas - [Range Hoods](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/25144992/list/range-hoods) — 6 ideas - [Front Door Trim](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/23824387/list/front-door-trim) — 4 ideas - [kitchen island](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22483182/list/kitchen-island) — 11 ideas - [kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/3673995/list/kitchen) — 1 idea [See all 5 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/bethfrey) ## Community Q&A **Q: I love the granite. Can you please tell me what the name of it is?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Hi there JoJo. I don't have that information at my fingertips. Will consult my files and get back here within a couple of days. Thank you for asking. **Q: What is the size of this shower? Thank You.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: That was a corner shower, 42" I believe. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-14.*