pod architecture + design PLLC

210 N,  Columbia Street,  Chapel Hill, NC 27514

doug@podand.com

+ 919 246 6466

About

When Doug Pierson and Youn Choi met in 1996 as designers working for different firms, they discovered that their ideologies and values concerning art, design, architecture, and nature were so complementary that it was almost startling. Doug's international education and work experience (from Europe to Australia), his dedication to the principles of modernist and sustainable architecture, his technical expertise, and his ability to translate complex ideas into clear, bold designs defined the Washington, D.C. native's work. Youn's design aspirations were informed by her intrinsic affinity for simplicity and minimalism, and her instinctive search for harmony between humans, nature, and built structures.

Despite their different backgrounds, educational focus, and professional disciplines, an irrepressible concept began to take shape in their minds:

If they coalesced their individual strengths, shared values, and knowledge gained from years of experience as working professionals, a distinctive design studio would emerge -- a multi-disciplinary studio of "whole building" ideas and innovations based on the belief that architecture is made better when different perspectives and skills are brought to the drawing board.... a studio capable of providing "whole-building" services to clients, resulting in architecture and design that makes a positive impact on people and communities.

In 2016 Doug and Youn gave their concept a name:

pod architecture + design

pod: an enclosure organic to its surroundings

architecture + design: see below

As Doug and Youn envisioned, pod a+d (for short) did become the multi-disciplinary design studio it is today, earning an award-winning reputation for holistic work encompassing and combining:

• modernist sustainable architecture and design (see Project Types for details)

• adaptive re-use, renovations, and contemporary retrofits of existing structures

• modern, high-performance distillery and craft brewery design

• project management and construction administration

• urban and rural infrastructure design

• transportation-related design

• rural and urban site analysis and master planning

• interior space planning and design

• exhibition design and installation

• experiential/environmental design, building signage, and wayfinding systems (non-residential) fully integrated with a project's architectural intent

• and, when necessary, feasibility studies or other support efforts to help their clients move projects from dreams to realities.

As if to underscore their original concept, pod a+d's work has been published and praised in professional journals and blogs, regional and city magazines, and international online media since its inception.

As design partners, Doug and Youn collaborate fully on all pod a+d work, from concept through completion. As studio leaders, they collaborate consistently with other team members, insisting that architecture is made better when different perspectives and skills are brought to the drawing board.

As life partners, Doug and Youn "collaborate" on their family, including parenting their two teenagers.

In late 2020, the family moved into the new, uber-modern house Doug and Youn designed on a site in an old, established neighborhood near downtown Carrboro. Most architects and builders considered the property too challenging, but Doug and Youn saw those challenges as inspirational. Their neighbors have warmly welcomed the unique house and its inhabitants to their community.

OUR VALUES

pod architecture + design exists to create modern, sustainable homes, buildings, and environments that enhance, inspire, and, therefore, improve the lives of those who live, work, play, or learn in them. To that end...

• We believe sustainable design and construction are moral imperatives and we advocate the adaptive reuse of existing structures as often as possible.

• We value clarity over clutter, light and texture over superficial decoration, and well-defined forms that support function over non-functional excess.

• We believe that every detail is important, and that even the smallest elements introduced by a variety of perspectives, diverse skillsets, and client involvement make the difference between mediocrity and architectural excellence.

• We believe built structures should conform to the land they will occupy rather than forcing the land to conform to the structures.

• We value robust collaboration with our clients and measure our success by their satisfaction in the results.

• We take pleasure in producing optimistic, uplifting, high-performance homes and buildings defined by function as well as form, beauty as inseparable from comfort, and a harmonious balance between people, structures, and nature.

Contact Us

pod architecture + design, PLLC, is a North Carolina-based design studio integrating architecture, interiors, master planning, and experiential graphics. The firm is based in the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill metropolitan area

Licensed in five states and staffed with LEED BD+C credentials, pod a+d provides full Architectural Services from Concept Design through Construction Administration. Our projects demonstrate our ability to work not only with our Clients, but also with Engineers, Artists, Civic Leaders, Environmental Designers, Municipalities, Landscape architects, Building Officials and General Contractors on a range of projects, large and small, private and public. 

If you would like to discuss your vision for an upcoming project with our team, please call us at the number above, drop us a message via the form on this page or simply stop by our studio (address above). We are inspired by the projects our clients bring to us.

Want to work at pod architecture + design?

We are always interested in talented people who would like to join our multi-disciplined team as we pursue a high standard of design excellence. Team members must be creative, enthusiastic professionals who would thrive on working within, and learning from, a cohesive group of designers with various areas of expertise. (The whole is greater than its parts.) To apply, e-mail us your resume at doug@podand.com