--- title: "Skia Design LLC — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/skia-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~789621848 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~789621848.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Skia Design LLC" category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/2613cd23047e30fa_9374-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States" latitude: 37.2563 longitude: -80.4347 phone: "(540) 731-3197" website: http://www.skiadesign.com/ rating: 4.9 review_count: 19 best_of_houzz_awards: 2 followers: 42 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Skia Design LLC Original Houzz profile: [Skia Design LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/skia-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~789621848) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Blacksburg, VA - **Serves:** Roanoke, Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Radford, Merrimac, Fairlawn, Shawsville, Pembroke, Prices Fork, Floyd, New River, Parrott, Belspring, Goldbond, Mc Coy, Newport - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (19 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2016–2017), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves Skia Design was founded in 2001 with one goal firmly in mind: to make superb residential design more accessible and more affordable to more people. Whether you desire a Luxury home, a "gap" home, or a bare bones home, Skia Design will provide you inspirational house plans for much less than you would typically pay a licensed professional. And you will feel “at home”. You will enjoy the balanced proportions, the play of light, the advantageous views, the highly functional spaces, the cozy nooks. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Floor Plans - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Universal Design - Drafting - 3D Home Design ### Areas Served - Roanoke - Blacksburg - Christiansburg - Radford - Merrimac - Fairlawn - Shawsville - Pembroke - Prices Fork - Floyd - New River - Parrott - Belspring - Goldbond - Mc Coy - Newport ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Skia Design LLC | | Address | Blacksburg, Virginia 24060, United States | | Phone | (540) 731-3197 | | Website | http://www.skiadesign.com/ | | Followers on Houzz | 42 | **Social profiles:** - LinkedIn — www.linkedin.com/in/marc-manley-74642a1b - Blog — www.skiadesign.com ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Skia Design LLC](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/skia-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~789621848) - **Website:** http://www.skiadesign.com/ - **Phone:** (540) 731-3197 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 2 awards (2016–2017), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 19 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — pesmith929, Dec. 2020** > I nearly cried yesterday when I stopped to take the photo of the garage. It is the first time there hasn't been trailers, trucks and the lift sitting around it so I had a much better view of the garage unobstructed. It is doing everything you designed it to do: not detract from the house, echo the house design, not obstruct the view, and other than the downstairs bedroom or walking across the upstairs bedroom you have to really look for it to see it from inside the house. I am so happy you worked on this project. I cannot thank you enough for your thoughtfulness in both placing and designing the garage. > Peggy **★★★★★ — HU-839194983, Nov. 2020** > Skia Design was excellent to work with. He was able to solve a complex design issue for a bathroom remodel in a 100-year-old house. He created an elegant solution. The work was done quickly. Additionally, he provided follow-up and assistance, even months after he finished the design. I would recommend him. **Comment from Skia Design LLC:** > Thank you for the kind words. I enjoyed figuring out a solution which met your needs and am very glad you like it. **★★★★★ — Phil Greenwood, Oct. 2017** > When my wife and I were looking for a house designer who shared our vision for a sustainable future, the spirit of home, and how to bring that spirit to life, our search brought us to Marc Manley of Skia Design. Marc worked with us to refine our vision for what we wanted in a smallish house. He came from Blacksburg to rural Gladstone, VA, to look at the property for proper placement of the house and so the design would sit well in the topography of the land. He was well-versed in sustainable building processes and materials. While we had no deadlines, he kept us up to date on his progress and was timely in his replies to our questions and input. Throughout the process his focus was making our vision a reality and he was responsive to all of our feedback. We were very pleased with the final plan. Unfortunately, however, we had to scuttle the entire project for reasons beyond our or his control, so the house was never built and we sold the property on which we had planned to build. When we are ready to pick up where we left off we will absolutely get back in touch with Marc to carry the project through to it's ultimate completion. In Marc we truly found someone who shared our vision of a sustainable future, the spirit of home, and how to bring that spirit to life. We recommend him very highly! **Comment from Skia Design LLC:** > Thank you, Phil. I very much appreciate your comments, have enjoyed working with you, and with you hope we will be able to pick up where we left off sometime in the future. **★★★★★ — Gwen Douglas, Nov. 2016** > Marc came highly recommended from a friend, and he did not disappoint! His attention to details, and accountability for our relatively small project, a front porch addition, was very satisfactory. I would not hesitate to refer him to anyone seeking an architect who considers client feedback, budget, and communication, a priority. His final design for us is graceful, unique, and appropriate for our existing home and site. He was able to recommend contractors to work with, and completed his work with us in an efficient, pleasant, and attentive manner. **★★★★★ — K & D Dunlap, April 2016** > Superb!!!! We feel extremely lucky to have found Skia Design. It’s very rare to find the balance of design, building knowledge, listening, and creativity. Skia pulls together these skills better than a large professional firm and with far less cost. We had a very challenging project and would have never come to the solution that Skia designed. We did not fully realize the genius until the walls were framed up and we could walk through and see the views and perspectives. The design works so beautifully, efficiently, and it was anything but obvious. The eye to detail and thinking through on all aspects of the home design only comes from a gifted and very experienced architect. Skia followed up with support and practical advice throughout the process. **Comment from Skia Design LLC:** > Thanks for the kind words. One of my favorite things about the work I do is have my clients say something along the lines of what you said: I never would have thought of that, but I love it! **★★★★★ — baneill, April 2016** > We are grateful to Marc for the work he did on the addition to our home. He heard what we wanted, gave us options to consider, always quickly and patiently answered our questions in a manner we could understand, worked well with our contractor. The new two story addition blends beautifully with the original house--doesn't look like an addition at all, actually improved the look of the house. While Marc has designed more complicated and extensive home plans, no client would be more pleased than we are. We are truly enjoying our new space and confidently recommend Marc. **★★★★★ — christy\_mackie, April 2016** > I am a lucky neighbor and friend of Marc Manley's, owner of Skia Design, LLC. The instant I approached him with the beginnings of an idea for a carport/studio, Marc enthusiastically provided a rough sketch, which I immediately loved, and hired him then and there to finalize a design. I have been happily watching this creative, perfect-for-me structure rise up next to my house, and could not be more delighted with this project--I LOVE IT!!!! All fixtures are in place, and after some interior painting I will be ready to move in and make it my ideal art-making space, complete with its own angle-roofed carport (did I mention the clerestory windows?). am not able to attach a photo here, but Marc will include one soon... > Christy Mackie, a VERY happy customer **Comment from Skia Design LLC:** > I'm glad you love it! And I love doing little projects like this, for both challenges of providing just exactly what you need matching the budget you can afford. **★★★★★ — jtroisi, April 2015** > Mark Manley provided full architectural design services for our project. He worked very closely with us, the construction manager, and engineering team. He provided valueable input, listened carefully to our design concepts, visited the site regularly, and our former residence that provided an excellent result. **Comment from Skia Design LLC:** > Thanks for this review! Of course I should be giving you the 5-star review because of the art you brought to this home. It was collaboration through and through—my favorite kind of project. I enjoyed the 5-year process to see it all unfold, and I enjoy the occasional opportunity to visit. > > I tell my clients, as my website points out, that I used to be a licensed architect but let the license fade away. I can't help that my clients think of me that way! **★★★★★ — spj0718, Feb. 2015** > Mark was very engaged from the get go. He arrived on our land with his tools of the trade to scout out a good site for the house. He listened keenly to our ideas and followed a general plan my husband presented in terms of layout. As we wished to build a contemporary home, we would show Mark many pictures of various rooms, outside design, types of windows etc. to give him a sense of our aesthetic. He would make architectural designs based on these conversations and images and make changes too. His computer generated plans allowed us to clearly envision in 3-D the space he was designing. He was for us a perfect architect. He made suggestions to our ideas; one of our favorite features of our home was Mark’s idea. He listens carefully then astutely transposes our ideas into beautiful designs. He is attentive to detail as he wishes to create the space you wish to live in. Moreover his blueprints are exceedingly precise and helpful to the builder. All is spelled out. We had a tremendously positive experience working with Mark and his fees were so reasonable. Mark also had an excellent rapport with our builder which made the vision from paper to materials smooth and hassle free. We have already recommended to friends with great enthusiasm. **★★★★ — qaugusta, Feb. 2015** > We came to Marc with a number of specific design elements and budget requirements for our Victorian Farm style home. He took the time and energy to carefully incorporate each detail, including multiple levels and decks, placement of windows for optimum light and views and giving our home a unique, esthetically appealing look. He also made himself available to work with the builder on any questions that arose, particularly concerning the underground spring that became apparent on our lot. The end result was a beautiful, one-of-a-kind home that exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend Marc for his creativity, expertise and integrity. > > Frank and Laura Augusta **★★★★★ — swva, Feb. 2015** > SKIA helped us design an extension for our newly purchased 1950 workingman's house. We had a fairly clear vision of what we wanted but our initial ideas needed to be revised and refined to make the plan more practical and affordable. Marc was responsive to our style, our love of windows, trim and whatever architectural detail could be added in keeping with the modest home we had purchased. It took several iterations to plan, but the construction process was greatly aided by the thoughtfulness of the plan. The end result was an extension that we love and have gotten many compliments on. In fact people walking or driving by regularly stopped after it was completed, to say how much they liked the extension and how well the whole layout of the house and garden had worked out. **★★★★★ — Larry Root, Feb. 2015** > We liked working with the company. They ensured what we wanted and came up with great ideas as well. We totally endorse SkiaDesign ## Selected projects - [Lake Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/lake-home-pj-vj~5835595) - Location: Radford, VA - Photos: 2 - [Modern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/modern-farmhouse-pj-vj~7484812) - Location: Blacksburg, VA - Photos: 1 - [Virginia Mountain Home—2024 Construction](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/virginia-mountain-home2024-construction-pj-vj~7408057) - Location: Radford, VA - Photos: 5 - [Contemporary in the Mountains](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/contemporary-in-the-mountains-pj-vj~5835634) - Location: Willis, VA - Photos: 10 - [Mountain Home with Observatory](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-home-with-observatory-pj-vj~7282667) - Location: Newport, VA - Photos: 7 - [Mountain Cottage](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-cottage-pj-vj~1747651) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Little Yellow Cottage Under Development](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/little-yellow-cottage-under-development-pj-vj~5836593) - Location: Blacksburg, VA - Photos: 1 - [A Wholesale Transformation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/a-wholesale-transformation-pj-vj~1719760) - Location: Blacksburg, VA - Photos: 3 - [Mountain Home Overlooking a Man-made Pond](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mountain-home-overlooking-a-man-made-pond-pj-vj~1606004) - Location: Christiansburg, VA - Photos: 1 - [Cliffside Lodge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cliffside-lodge-pj-vj~810868) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [North Carolina Coastal Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/north-carolina-coastal-home-pj-vj~810880) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 9 - [Log Home with a Twist](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/log-home-with-a-twist-pj-vj~810897) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 10 - [Euro Style ICF Home](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/euro-style-icf-home-pj-vj~1087269) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 12 - [Other Homes and Styles](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/other-homes-and-styles-pj-vj~810917) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 [See all 14 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/skia-design-llc-pfvwus-pf~789621848) ## Ideabooks - [Staircases](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/68723291/list/staircases) — 6 ideas - [Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/54286705/list/farmhouse) — 1 idea - [Awnings](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/47722985/list/awnings) — 1 idea - [Siding Colors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/46296385/list/siding-colors) — 4 ideas [See all 4 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/skiadesign) ## Community Q&A **Q: Review my floorplan - AGAIN!** *(in Building a Home)* Back again with yet another floor plan sketch. Looking for input and ideas. What have I forgotten? A few notes: We are planning to build in the next 5 years. We understand the need to hire an architect before finalizing a plan. Right now, just dreaming and drawing for fun. Looking for helpful tips and suggestions. Lot slopes from front to back. Lower level will have North side completely above grade. Lower level to include: 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, family room, laundry. Still working on the layout of that. A: I happened to see the link to this discussion while reading through a different discussion and out of curiosity I clicked, and here I am. I won't be offering a critique of your floor plan. I just wanted to add a slightly different perspective on comments suggesting you don't show the plans to whichever architect or designer you end up working with. I very much understand the sentiment expressed, and especially RappArchitecture's comment, "Then walk the site together before allowing the architect to provide a design which responds to your needs AND the site." Your final design really should in large part respond to the site. Another way to say this is to let the site inform the design such that the home and the land work together in unity. Good architects and designers understand this and can help you along these lines. Now having said that... As a designer (former architect—I let the license go when I started my own business), I have absolutely no problem seeing whatever the homeowner wants to show me, for a few reasons. First, even if the drawings are horrible and the design is horrible, it still is an expression of the clients' wants and needs. Second, they are also an expression of the clients' own level of understanding of design concepts, which better informs how I might need to communicate with them. Third, I look at the drawings through the lens of an aphorism I learned in architecture school, to wit: "Problems are just an opportunity for good design." The clients' drawings are just as much a "problem" to be solved as anything else, so I don't find it inhibits creativity. There is one HUGE caveat to all of this, however. Using the analogy previously offered of the surgery, I'm not one to walk into elective surgery without having understood to some degree what the procedure is or should be. My elderly aunt died not long ago because she did not advocate for herself regarding an abdominal surgery, regarding the surgeon as a god who knew everything. And, owing to her circumstances, she had no one nearby with sufficient knowledge to advocate for her. There was no question laparoscopic surgery would have sufficed for her condition, but instead they cut her wide open, old school. And that was the beginning of the end. Point being, doctors and architects and other professionals are not gods, which is why they have malpractice insurance! They should be willing to listen to whatever the client has to say, and then educate them, and be willing to be educated as well. Many times a client has had a really cool idea which I had not thought of, and the design becomes better for it. But that's not the caveat. The caveat is this: your home will be much better in the long run if you are also willing to completely scrap whatever plans you bring to your architect or designer, if you are willing to consider the creative alternatives they will bring to bear in the design process. One of the favorite things I like to hear from a client after I present alternatives to or significant departures from the plans they give me is this: "Wow. I never would have thought of that, but I like it!" **Q: Does anyone know of online architects that can tweak an existing plan?** *(in Building a Home)* I have called everyone local and they are all months out… HOA calls for garage to be set back 10 feet and it’s just not a common layout. Thanks! A: If you haven't solved your dilemma feel free to contact me tomorrow, 9/18, after 9AM EDT. Many of the above answers are accurate but obviously didn't get you where you hope to be. While I also am not personally in a position to provide what you want when you want, I may be able to help. Sounds to me like there are some specific details to talk through, which when put together in a conversation may yield you the solution. I also have a contact who might be able to help. **Q: Kitchen layout for new build** *(in Building a Home)* I remodeled my current kitchen several years ago and this group was invaluable. Now we're building a new house and I need to decide on a kitchen layout. I love my remodeled kitchen and am using it as a starting point for the new one. We are working with an architect but he doesn't do the kitchen layout. I'm undecided on whether to hire a kitchen designer or do it myself with the help of folks here (and would welcome feedback on this decision.) We're a family of six. One is in college and another will likely be in college by the time we move. The younger two are 8 & 10 so we'll have them for a bit yet. Here's my current kitchen: Here's the space I currently have to work with for my new kitchen: "This document, and the ideas and design concepts incorporated herein, as an instrument of service, can not be copied or used, in whole or in part, without the written permission of Skia Design LLC.” Things I love about my current kitchen: The island Lower cabs almost exclusively drawers Open to LR/DR large single undermount sink (the sink in the floorplan is not correct) Lots of vertical storage for sheet pans/cooling racks/skillets/etc. Storage under the island (there are cabinets in front of the stools. A little awkward to get to but wonderful for storing infrequently used small appliances.) Problems with current kitchen: Not enough pantry space Corner cabinet is awkward Would prefer separate double wall ovens & cooktop to current range I'd like a prep sink in the island When the dishwasher is open it blocks the path Other notes: I've always cooked with gas and love it. I am trying to embrace induction (I have a single burner portable unit to try and adjust) but I'm not ready to move away from it entirely. I'd like to put in a four burner induction cooktop and a separate two burner gas cooktop. This would also solve another problem: I frequently have 3+ large pans on the stove and that doesn't fit on my current range. I'd also like cabinet suggestions. My builder has suggested Kraftmaid. A: @rebunky I personally don't have any major objection to rotating the island, and actually thinks it works quite well to do so, at least from an efficiency POV. cevamal of course needs to be comfortable with it. cevamal mentioned above reconsidering that possibility. The minor objection I have is based in a preference to have those seated at the bar also enjoy direct views to the exterior (rather than having to turn heads 90°). There's also the piano-to-bar visual connection previously mentioned. With these two thoughts in mind I hedge towards not rotating the island, but we shall see what cevamal thinks. I also am now thinking about reworking the island a bit which may answer all the issues. The starting point was that cevamal loves the existing home's island, but I think cevamal is open to exploring an improvement in this new home's context. Also, with my comment about "other possible tweaks" at the entry/kitchen opening what you sketched was close to one specific thought I had in mind, so thanks for sketching that out for me (us!) With regard to fridge/oven position, my reasons for keeping positions as shown are, first, unless a client wants to spring for a true cabinet depth $4K or more fridge I will as often as possible create a wall pocket to get a standard fridge set back; exterior walls are more problematic in this regard (unless of course it was double-stud framing for the exterior envelope) Neither applies in cevamal's case and cevamal has the same strong feeling about creating a pocket to push a standard, much-less-expensive fridge back into line with the counter edge . Second, I like to see the fridge more directly connected to the dining and living areas because often the traffic to the fridge is directly between these. Third, when unloading from a grocery trip, the flow works better from garage past pantry to dropping bags on island to load in fridge, pantry, and cabinets. @lharpie No doubt a number of my clients share your opinion about resale value and if that is their motivation then I add that to my list of design parameters. No problem whatsoever! I simply express my own opinion that when it comes to a truly custom home, with a client who plans to live in it for many years to come, limiting the design decisions to that kind of base financial consideration often results in dull, drab, boring architecture. I contend that a home which works, and I mean by this to include the functions, the spatial relationships, the natural light, and the views, among other aspects, then a potential buyer is going to easily understand these, and will understand that the colors, materials, finishes, etc. are only secondary and easily changed. No, we never know what life may have in store for us. I could die tomorrow and so would much rather live in—and more immensely enjoy—an environment of my choosing, rather than in what the herd would dictate. **Q: Is a hip roof the preferred roof in coastal areas with high winds?** *(in Photo Questions)* I am planning a home on the Potomac River near the Chesapeake Bay and am looking at a shed roof, but I am not sure if that is practical. I see a lot of hip roofing in coastal areas and this area gets hurricane force winds at times. A: While it is true that a hip roof by its shape reduces the total applied force from wind on the structure, any roof adequately designed/engineered to meet the forces applied will do fine. The International Residential Code prescribes structures to be designed to meet the expected loads, whether, snow, seismic, or wind, among others. The code has maps showing the various loads based on region, and your local building inspector will be able to tell you what the minimum forces are in your area which the structure must resist. There is a well known—at least by architects—example of a community in a wind-swept area of coastal California in which most of the structures were designed with shed roofs (Sea Ranch). Those structures, you should know, had no eaves/overhangs, true to modernist sensibilities. Thus there was less to actually "catch" the wind. Nonetheless, eaves and overhangs properly designed/engineered and built would be fine. Incidentally, this NC home of mine has hips roofs solely because of the aesthetic the client liked. There are a good number of homes in that community with all sorts of different roof shapes. **Q: Pretty siding! Can you share the brand and color?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: You're very welcome! **Q: Where can I find aluminum windows? I don't like the plastic ones** *(in Design Dilemma)* I want to replace the windows on my home. The originals were made with aluminum trim and I'm having trouble finding a company who can put aluminum ones in. A: Same question as BeverlyFLADeziner. And she's right about all aluminum, except... there is the rare company which manufacturers thermally broken aluminum windows suitable for residential applications in cold climates, such as West Window in Martinsville, VA. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*