Sticks&Stones Design Studio
I
N
C
ABOUT US THE TEAM
Welcome to Sticks&Stones, inc.; a multi-discipline design firm who's central goal is to provide our clients a level of personal attention that will guarantee their vision is not merely met, but exceeded.
An invaluable step in our design process is getting to know our clients. The more open and expressive they are with us, the better we can custom tailor our design work to fit their exacting needs. It is no coincidence that over the past 20 years, our best work has come out of close, trusting relationships with our clients, contractors and suppliers.
Residential Design/Build
The inspiration for all of our projects comes from our distinctive merging of our client's needs with the unique nature of their home's location. The history of the region; the architecture, art, culture and pace of life are all indicators of what guided our client to the place they want to call home.
Through integrating our design skills with quality craftsmanship and the best in materials and construction methods; we produce homes that delight our clients, honor the location and stand the test of time.
During our 20 years in business we have worked on projects ranging from room remodels all the way up to a 7,800 s.f. resort home; with budgets from $5,000 to $2,500,000.
To insure the quality and vision of our design is adheared to throughout construction, we made the decision to combine our design talents with an in-house construction management option. So, in 2005 Sticks&Stones acquired it's Virginia Class A Contractor's License (#2705114672) to offer our clients a true design/build experience. This integrated approach allows us to quickly and efficiently adapt to changes in design, develop and construct custom features and personally select the craftsman who will work alongside us to complete our client's dream home.
Product Design
Our product design studio came about from our continuing design and construction of custom features for our residential projects. We received such a positive response from so many that we decided to offer our services to to the world. From hand selecting the raw materials to shaping them into one-of-a-kind, special features, we focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to details to create these finishing touches for our clients.
Graphic Design
Understand the client's needs. Learn all you can about their business and it's closest competitors. Find that emotional link between the business and it's customer base. Develop a design that speaks to that. Presto... another happy client. Simple? It is if you know the right questions to ask, the right places to look and you have the creativity, years of experience and technical skills necessary to deliver the product your client is searching for. Lucky for you, we do.
Ted Knotts
Designer/Project Manager
Virginia Tech CAUS, 1992
"Great design should complement the story of your life."
I believe every creative person has an 'ah-ha' moment they can recount when asked how they came to do what they do. Mine happened on a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water, one of the most iconic architectural designs of the 20th century. I was awe struck and humbled by Wright's masterful understanding of his client, the site and the process. In this structure I found a man in complete control of his craft. AH-HA!!!
I discovered this same collaborative approach to design at Virginia Tech's College of Architecture. With the faculty's talent and experience at my disposal, I absorbed every bit of knowledge I could. Their Master/Apprentice approach offered me guidance when needed along with the freedom necessary to develop my own distinct design voice.
In the years since graduating, I have learned that I will never stop learning - there will always be new materials, products and techniques for me to adopt into my practice for the benefit of my clients.
Education, knowledge and skill - that is why you hire us. That and 20+ years of experience in transforming our client's dreams into spactacular realities.
Laura Knotts
Office Manager
Virginia Tech, 1992
"I manage the project's dollars so Ted is free to focus on it's design sense."
I may be a little biased, but I know that when it comes to developing unique design solutions taylored to the client's lifestyle, there is no surer hands to put your project in than my husband's.
By managing the day-to-day opperations of the studio, I can free Ted to focus on what he is most talented at - design, researching materials and selecting unique products for each project he takes on. I work side-by-side with Ted to insure our clients are presented with creative solutions that always keep an eye on budget and timeframe.