---
title: "Calico Studio — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz"
canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/calico-studio-pfvwus-pf~914503940
markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~914503940.md
entity_type: LocalBusiness
business_name: "Calico Studio"
category: ["Architects"]
image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/9a83bd0e006da1fb_2171-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg
address: "1141 Smith Level Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States"
latitude: 35.9162
longitude: -79.0999
phone: "(919) 537-9659"
website: http://www.calico-studio.com
rating: 5
review_count: 10
best_of_houzz_awards: 9
followers: 270
last_updated: 2026-11-08
---

# Calico Studio

Original Houzz profile: [Calico Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/calico-studio-pfvwus-pf~914503940)

## Professional summary

- **Primary category:** Architects
- **Location:** Chapel Hill, NC
- **Serves:** Raleigh, Durham, Cary, Concord, Chapel Hill, Apex, Carrboro, Pittsboro, Fearrington, Bellevue, Boston, Greenboro, Redmond, Sammamish, Seattle
- **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (10 reviews)
- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

## About

### Houzz Badges

- Star Houzzer
- Houzz Influencer
- Recommended on Houzz
- 25,000 Ideabook Saves
- Houzz Research - Insider

Our studio enjoys working with clients that are appreciative of both the artistry of design and the process. We look for opportunities to push beyond the norm and investigate innovative materials, forms, and processes. We make a conscientious effort to be kind to the environment and look to mother nature as a resource of knowledge in our design work.

Most importantly, we are our client’s advocate, we listen to your needs and desires, we will help you come up with a plan that incorporates your goals, funds and timeline, and then we will help you execute the plan acting as your facilitator, designer, and/or architect.

### Services Provided

- Architectural Design
- Building Design
- Home Remodeling
- Architectural Drawings
- Custom Homes
- House Plans
- New Home Construction
- Home Additions
- Home Extensions
- Sustainable Design
- Energy-Efficient Homes
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Green Building
- Space Planning
- Guesthouse Design & Construction
- Universal Design
- Multigenerational Homes
- Basement Remodeling
- Barn Design & Construction
- Passive Solar Heating & Cooling
- Construction Drawings

### Areas Served

- Raleigh
- Durham
- Cary
- Concord
- Chapel Hill
- Apex
- Carrboro
- Pittsboro
- Fearrington
- Bellevue
- Boston
- Greenboro
- Redmond
- Sammamish
- Seattle

## Business Details

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Business Name | Calico Studio |
| Address | 1141 Smith Level Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516, United States |
| Phone | (919) 537-9659 |
| Website | http://www.calico-studio.com |
| Followers on Houzz | 270 |

**Social profiles:**
- Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/pages/Calico-Studio/473139116058822?sk=info
- X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/CalicoSisters
- Blog — http://www.calico-studio.com

## Contact

- **Houzz profile:** [Calico Studio](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/calico-studio-pfvwus-pf~914503940)
- **Website:** http://www.calico-studio.com
- **Phone:** (919) 537-9659

## Credentials

**Certifications & Awards**
- We are licensed to practice architecture in WA, CA, MA, and NCBest of Houzz 2015: Service

- **Best of Houzz:** 9 awards (2015–2022), for Design, Service.

## Reviews

**Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 10 reviews**

### All 10 reviews

**★★★★★ — Paula H, Oct. 2021**

> Heather, Raphael, and Sharece are a joy to work with. They listened and really heard what we wanted. Our house had many challenges and they transformed it into a much more useable space with an indoor/outdoor flow.
>
> They also stayed involved with the process until construction was done which was a lifesaver. most people view architects as draw the plans and done. Heather said I would need her and she was right. Plans have to be changed as obstacles are encountered. Also the county has never ending requests for plans which show different information. Having that support throughout the process made it so much easier.

**★★★★★ — Geraldine Smith, Dec. 2019**

> Heather Washburn is a talented architect who comes with strong ideas but knows how to listen. She designed for us a beautiful kitchen - sleek lines, upscale material - that is at the same time a great workspace for people cooking on a daily basis and a perfect social hub. All the Calico Team and the contractors they work with are reliable. We paid exactly what the estimate was.
> We were so pleased with the kitchen that we just asked Calico Studio to redesign our bathroom.

**★★★★★ — William POSSE, Nov. 2017**

> Calico Studio is a one stop shop for all your architectural/building needs.  The team is professional, friendly and highly energized.  The team took time to get to know my family our home along with our future plans, which all translated into a beautiful design.
>
> If you pass Calico Studio's up you're doing yourself a disservice
>
> Note:
> I am not a paid reviewer... just a very happy customer.
>
> Thanks Calico...

**★★★★★ — Victoria, Dec. 2016**

> We needed an architect/designer to transform a 1950s unfinished basement with two crawlspaces, into a modern industrial styled comfortable living space, featuring metal works, stained concrete and interesting lighting. The end result is a beautiful space which has been highly praised by guests, friends and family members. The space is now the favored destination within the home.
>
> Calico listened carefully to our goals and preferences and then, created an even better design than we envisioned. Calico used detailed questions, 3D drawings and continuous communication throughout the design and decorating processes. We were given several different options from which to choose in all stages. Calico was terrific in providing estimates and staying within our desired pricing for each and every vendor, and all phases of the project including custom metal works, custom furniture made by a local artisan, climate control system, media/furniture selection and installation, special lighting.
>
> Calico used a monthly billing method which was transparent, detailed and fair. Calico communicated every step of the way, while also demonstrating excellent technical, management and design skills. Calico also was great about implementing our input along the way. It was the only time a remodel project was a pleasant experience - from start to finish.  We will use Calico again on future projects.

**★★★★★ — Audrey Pettifor, Sept. 2016**

> Heather is a wonderful architect! She is professional, detailed, experienced and her design sense is excellent. We have been working with Heather on a renovation of our home. We have a 1960s brick ranch home and wanted to put a master suite addition on our home. Heather spent a lot of time with us ensuring our vision and budget could be met. Her attention to detail is excellent-- she has worked with us to outline everything from the materials that the renovation will be done in and helped manage finding a contractor and organizing permits and contracts and even finding the fixtures for the bathroom etc. We are adding a master bedroom, bathroom, walk in closet and ensuring that fits smoothly with our existing home. She also has designed a new entryway to our home. We would highly recommend Heather if you are looking for a modern architect!!

**★★★★★ — User, Sept. 2016**

> I had the pleasure of photographing a bathroom renovation for Heather and Erin. Fluid communication and collaboration throughout the project and the renovation itself was very sharp, which always makes my job much easier. Looking forward to the next one!

**★★★★★ — jooahn, Dec. 2015**

> I have been wanting to renovate/remodel my master bathroom and the kids' Jack and Jill for a long time. I found Heather on Houzz and I am glad I did. She listens to your needs on a personal level and is has creative ideas to accommodate them. She is prompt in responding when you have questions and she will look into various ways to fit your budget. She is down to earth but professional and sophisticated at the same time and easy to work with. My project is on its way and I feel confident that it will come out better that I imagine with her design. I would highly recommend her!

**★★★★★ — bplottner, May 2014**

> Our project was to turn a bonus room into a custom craft room for sewing, scrapbooking, and computer tasks. We had a small budget and could not afford all custom cabinetry. Calico made a plan for using all Ikea elements to craft a beautiful craft room with lots of drawer and cabinet space, nice working height tables and desks, while keeping an open feel in the room. They made a list of all the pieces we would need and found a contractor to do the installation (some cabinets installed on the walls to create a surround for a TV, some custom desk top areas, etc.) The plan was flexible enough that when we moved later we were able to take all the cabinets and create a similar room in our new house. Calico listened to the (sometimes different) needs and desires of my husband and me and worked efficiently to meet our plans within our budget.

**★★★★★ — meishelleh, May 2014**

> Calico Studio is top notch.  The owner, Heather, studied how we live in our space, and asked many questions to discover how we wanted to live in it.  She then provided us with several creative designs, including one that was our perfect fit.  She worked with us during the construction to answer questions, make suggestions, and provide a sounding board for everything from materials to colors.  We remodeled our living room, kitchen, entry way, and dining room:  moving walls and exposing vaulted ceilings.  We now have an extremely functional, beautiful living space that is perfect for us, thanks to Calico Studio!

**★★★★★ — Bec Lewis, May 2014**

> Calico Studio was like working with old friends (they provided full design and construction document services for a ground up custom home)!  I had the real potential of being a "client-zilla" with an architectural degree of my own, a bit of an analytical nature, active in commercial RE & construction all of my career, and worst of all, no true idea of what I wanted besides the spaces and a rough floor plan sketch.  Just coming out of nearly 30 yrs where my ex defined and chose our style, I only had a swirl of thoughts (a big Houzz ideabook), and a jumble of images in my head.  Heather was the BEST at sorting through all of this - including my head!
>
> We are breaking ground soon on "my first and last HOME" thanks to Calico Studio!  It isn't what I imagined it would be, and it is more.  And Heather's little tweaks have been genius for the manner in which I live.  Based upon her Houzz presence, and the work shown on the independent Calico website, she was an easy choice over 4 other architects to help interpret my needs, wants and desires.  I didn't even check references - however, if anyone ever wants to speak with me directly about my experiences, I will be happy to be one for Calico, besides this writing.
>
> Heather is completely knowledgeable about the codes, environmental concerns, permitting, the political nature of dealing with municipalities, materials, new markets, work flow - you name it - and without vanity or ego.  She is a delight to work with, and I am very lucky I found the perfect architect for my dream home.

## Selected projects

- [Silver Hill Residence](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/silver-hill-residence-pj-vj~171525)
  - Location: Concord, MA
  - Photos: 31
  - Description: Surrounded by wetlands and bordered by a bend in the Concord River in Eastern Massachusetts, the Silver Hill residence is defined by its site in both form and concept. The potential environmental impact of demolishing and rebuilding the house inspired the design team to implement a construction waste plan. Many items were reused, recycled or donated. The landscape architect was a critical component of the design team, which generated an integrated design of building and site. In response to the…
- [Flip, Flop, Extension](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flip-flop-extension-pj-vj~665534)
  - Location: Not specified
  - Photos: 9
  - Description: Encountering unsettling changes to mobility, eyesight, and memory can be a scary prospect. An increasingly common question we are challenged with is how our clients can age gracefully and in the comfort of their own home. Evelyn and Leroy, already grandparents, have a classic seventies home, with crowded, dimly lit, and poorly accessible spaces, that needed adjustments to help them seamlessly transition into the years ahead. We discussed with our clients the reasons to stay put like the familiar…
- [Kaleidoscope](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/kaleidoscope-pj-vj~690750)
  - Location: Redmond, WA
  - Photos: 11
  - Description: Most households are chaotic with a unique movement of life throughout the spaces of the house. The key to success in this renovation was organizing the spaces to make them flexible so they could provide a warm social community as well as seclusion when needed. The social area of our client’s house had many obstructions preventing them from easily enjoying each other’s company without being cumbersome. Their favorite spot in the house is in front of the fireplace in the living room. Unfortunately…
- [Industrial Deco Lounge](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/industrial-deco-lounge-pj-vj~2240906)
  - Location: Chapel Hill, NC
  - Photos: 6
  - Description: Resurrecting a space to become an entertainment center? Our Chapel Hill clients had the idea of changing their nice size basement into a “cool” lounge, where the guys could gather and watch sport games. The space has a nice separation from the rest of the house, except for an essential connection to the kitchen and bathroom at the top of the stairs. Members of the family could be loud and rowdy while watching an intense game or could use the space as a quiet cozy get away. We took cues from look…
- [Fourth Street Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fourth-street-renovation-pj-vj~171830)
  - Location: Kirkland, WA
  - Photos: 8
  - Description: Our clients enjoy the threshold between inside and out, and with their passion for gardening have worked hard to cultivate their front and back yard, even keeping chickens along the back fence. They wanted their house to reflect their passion for the outdoors. We began by evaluating existing areas that had potential for bringing in natural light and figuratively extending the living spaces into the landscape. Without adding any square footage, we cut into the back walls of the den and dining roo…
- [Ames Lake Studio](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/ames-lake-studio-pj-vj~104432)
  - Location: Redmond, WA
  - Photos: 20
  - Description: Most artists if pressed could produce their work in a bathroom, adapting to their means. Our client wanted a space that would call her to create, while providing a connection to her family that could easily be broken and reestablished. We found inspiration in the spirals of the nautilus, sweeping from the main house we tucked the studio in between existing site constraints. Our building provides a calm space for reflection and work but with possibilities for spontaneity. Outside, where the shape…
- [Colorful Pops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colorful-pops-pj-vj~1965267)
  - Location: Chapel Hill, NC
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Fashion, Color and Light...in a Master Bath! Finding balance between couple's personalities and taste can make for exciting design opportunities. Our clients have a mix of fun bright fashion sense and sophisticated business sense. In this Master En Suite we found harmony in using bright pops of color and pattern tempered with neutrals and subdued versions of the brighter colors. We found harmony by blending the bright pops lime and peacock blue accents in the cabinetry fronts with high gloss whi…
- [Mondrian Modern Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mondrian-modern-kitchen-pj-vj~6015609)
  - Location: Chapel Hill, NC
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: As writers, it is important for our clients to find the perfect balance of words to fully describe their thoughts. They wanted a kitchen that echoed the same notion of balance between beauty and function. They wanted a design that was purposeful with subtle elegance. We worked with them to understand their routines and specific needs creating a plan that would bring ease to prepping, cooking, entertaining and overall use. We introduced modern, clean lines by using flat panel cabinets paired with…
- [Social Hub](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/social-hub-pj-vj~5245879)
  - Location: Cary, NC
  - Photos: 5
  - Description: Vibrant young couple, young children, unfinished basement equals family style speakeasy…right? Well in this southern suburb it does. We started with a wish list and quickly found most activities were about gathering, sharing and playing; sometimes exercising. By defining and designating areas in the basement we created a succession of rooms that opened to each other while accommodating their specific purpose. In the most open area we broke up the space with well-placed columns and tray ceilings…
- [Hill House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/hill-house-pj-vj~6021486)
  - Location: Hillsborough, NC
  - Photos: 12
  - Description: Our clients have strong feelings for order balanced with the fervor for entertaining. Referring back to the classic architecture of the Greeks and Romans, we created a framework of quiet and active bars that capture the views, as well as, organize the program along the broad crest of their prominent hill. We accentuated the natural drama by playing off the shape of the hill by inverting the trusses in the active bar to open up the views to the west and east. Architect: Heather R.B. Washburn, AIA…
- [Suite Oasis](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/suite-oasis-pj-vj~5416634)
  - Location: Chapel Hill, NC
  - Photos: 4
  - Description: Imagine you have been coding a new application and you have logged so many hours you’re your brain hurts. How about you are a doctor and to do your research you must travel extensively, which over time becomes exhaustive. In both cases, the work can be exhilarating, but your body eventually is in need of a place of refuge. You need a pleasant change where you can rest and rejuvenate. Our clients needed a space which connects to nature but maintains privacy, even from room to room. They wanted th…

[See all 11 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/calico-studio-pfvwus-pf~914503940)

## Ideabooks

- [Wish List](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/108702643/list/wish-list) — 22 ideas
- [Acorn acres landscape](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/118746643/list/acorn-acres-landscape) — 16 ideas
- [Acorn Acres interiors](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/119097577/list/acorn-acres-interiors) — 7 ideas
- [lighting ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/122187384/list/lighting-ideas) — 5 ideas
- [rain chains](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/121558029/list/rain-chains) — 2 ideas
- [sharpe-powley](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/112300219/list/sharpe-powley) — 25 ideas
- [cloudbees](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/114511604/list/cloudbees) — 8 ideas
- [Uchida Basement](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/106155251/list/uchida-basement) — 20 ideas
- [Lights](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/89055900/list/lights) — 1 idea
- [hwcalico's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/4681972/list/hwcalico-s-ideas) — 14 ideas
- [tables](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/20039434/list/tables) — 1 idea

[See all 11 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/hwcalico)

## Community Q&A

**Q: Light & Bright Basement!** *(in Photo Questions)*

Was the ceiling painted before or after the drywall?

What is the color of the ceiling & wall paint & brand?

A: Hi, Thank you for your question. The ceiling is a standard black out paint that is used for commercial projects to just black out the ceiling. The wall is Sherwin Williams Rainwashed.

**Q: Is that a concrete stain on the floor?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Its very cool looking, if you could share any details?

A: Thank you for your question. It is a micro-topping (a concrete slurry) over the existing concrete floor. We decided to use a topping rather stain because of pock holes and to even out the existing floor. The color is in the micro-topping.

**Q: Lighting** *(in Photo Questions)*

Where are the ceiling fixtures from?

A: Thanks for your questions. The ceiling lights are a custom designed by me and made by a local artisan, Matt McConnell.

**Q: Beautiful! Is the gutter finish galvanized or something else?** *(in Photo Questions)*

Looking For gutters for a rustic garage with vertical eyes cedar siding -

A: Hi, Thanks for your question. Yes the half round gutters are galvanized. Good luck with your project!

**Q: Flush mount lights** *(in Photo Questions)*

Can you tell me the source for the flush mount lights with the cage? I love them!

A: Thank you for your question. These lights were custom designed by our studio so that we could max out the headroom in the basement. They were fabricated by McConnell Studios in Raleigh, NC. Let me know if we can help further.

**Q: where can you get modern water butts like this in the UK?** *(in Photo Questions)*

love this modern water butt but where can you get ones like this in the Uk?

A: Hi, Thanks for your question...I'm not sure where you would order one in the UK but to find this one we looked first at companies that made tanks locally for farmers and found the company that made ours in California. On another project we used a round concrete culvert section and then had a local machinist fabricate the cone top. Please let us know if you have any further questions, and good luck on your hunt.

---

*Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-11-08.*