Universal Designers Near Hickory

“In 2013, we decided it was time to downsize. After building a large house in 1999 with three levels, six bedrooms, and four and a half baths, we realized we no longer needed such a sprawling space after our three sons moved out. Having lived in southeast Charlotte, NC, for over 24 years, we were committed to staying in the area but wanted a smaller home that suited our lifestyle. We focused on higher-end, custom-built houses or townhomes in the +/- 3,000 square-foot range. Eventually, we found an ideal home in a beautiful townhome community in southeast Charlotte. Built around 2007-2008, these homes feature high ceilings, crown molding, and upscale touches. We settled on an end-unit townhouse with an elevator, which made the three-level layout functional despite not having a primary bedroom on the main floor. While we loved the house, we recognized a few areas that needed improvement, particularly the kitchen layout, which didn’t maximize the available space, and the awkwardly placed powder room. Additionally, the main floor’s lofty ceilings were paired with standard-height doors instead of full-height ones, which felt like a missed opportunity. Fast forward to April 2024, we decided to bring our renovation ideas to life. Finding the right partner was crucial, and after interviewing several designers, we knew Christopher “Chris” Ely was the perfect choice. With years of experience as a general contractor and custom home builder, Chris brought unparalleled knowledge to the project. Having transitioned his focus solely to design, Chris now helps homeowners navigate major renovations like kitchens and baths. When facing a renovation involving structural changes and relocating utilities, you need a trusted partner, and Chris was, and is, that person. In May, Chris helped us reimagine our space. What began as an 800-square-foot combination of dining room, hallway, kitchen, and powder room became a stunning, functional design. Key features include a butler’s pantry, a full walk-in pantry, an extended hallway to obscure the powder room, a defined dining room, and a 9’ by 4’+ center island with seating for four. The kitchen also now includes a coffee bar and a cozy banquette area for six. Chris guided us through every step, introducing us to trusted suppliers for cabinets, countertops, tile, and appliances. Over five months, we finalized the layout and selections through four iterations. The final design included photo-realistic renderings and a 20-page “design book” detailing every aspect of the project. This book has served as the blueprint for the general contractor and trades since demolition began in mid-September. He also recommended a reliable general contractor, ensuring the project was executed to perfection. As of this review, we’re in the final stages and excited to move into our beautifully reimagined space in January. His expertise and dedication have exceeded our expectations, and we look forward to working with him on future renovations.”

“This was the single best renovation or construction experience and I’ve ever had! The designer, Jeremy, helped me transform a small galley kitchen in my condo. They have me an estimated price and and schedule and stuck to it. And the construction crew was terrific. Very pleasant , prompt and showed up everyday keeping us on schedule. Very reliable and quality conscious and cleaned updater themselves everyday. Protected my home and floor and worked well in an awkward condo setting. Jake,Seth and all their crew worked hard to be sure I was pleased. I highly recommend them and they will be getting other projects here in our condo building because they were so pleasant to all the neighbors and careful about moving things and equipment in and out. I would not hesitate to use them again Kathy Ridge”

“As a contractor, it is important to me to work with a designer who thinks about things that I don't. Steve is this kind of designer. He is a great team player, creative, and knowledgeable. He listens carefully to my customers and brainstorms ideas such that we eventually land on a great design that my customers love and that I can build. Steve has a great balance between right brained and left brained thinking which I appreciate. I highly recommend him!”