FAQ's

No. The Violet Aster is a residential design studio and does not offer engineering or licensed architectural services. TVA designs and styles residential buildings and their interiors—single-family homes, residential workshops, garages, pool houses, sheds, and other residential structures. We do not design commercial buildings of any kind. For projects requiring structural engineering or other specialty consultants, we consult with trusted, independent professionals. Structural drawings are prepared and stamped by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) when required for permitting. This collaborative approach ensures each project meets applicable codes and structural requirements.

Residential designers specialize in planning and design of single-family homes, including custom residences, renovations, and accessory structures like garages or pool houses. They are experienced in space planning, building codes, and preparing construction documentation for bidding and permitting. Licensed architects are credentialed to design a broad range of building types, including public facilities. The scope of their licensure extends beyond residential work; in fact, most architects focus primarily on commercial, institutional, or public buildings. Across the United States, the majority of single-family homes are designed by residential designers, builders, or homeowners themselves, depending on state regulations.

Because licensed architects are qualified to design a broad range of building types, they often structure their firms to support commercial, institutional, and large-budget residential projects. As a result, their services and fee structures may reflect the complexity and overhead associated with those project types. The Violet Aster operates as a streamlined, principal-led studio. Our design process allows us to deliver meticulous and comprehensive services—often at a lower overall investment than traditional architectural firms. For homeowners seeking thoughtful design guidance within a practical construction budget, TVA offers a refined and highly personalized residential design experience.

Small renovations which do not alter the structure of a home or involve upgrade of utility systems generally do not require drawings. Major renovations, including changes to load-bearing members, additions to an existing building, or alterations to the home's utility systems will typically trigger a residential permit requirement. In this case, a designer or architect can help you with planning, design and construction documentation. Check with your municipality for details. Construction drawings are not only essential for acquiring building permits, but for contractors to accurately meet both client expectations and engineering requirements. Drawings are treated as a legal document in your construction contract, ensuring your home is built in accordance with designed specifications.

Most of our clients are located in the Charlotte metropolitan area, although we also occasionally work with remote clients throughout the Southeast. Residential design is an industry regulated at the state level. Therefore, for a custom home, we generally recommend working with a local architect or designer. However, pre-designed home plans are available online for purchase in any state. If you are able to build a home in your state without architect-sealed plans, we can work with you on a custom design. For the structural drawings, which include the foundation and framing plans, we recommend you hire a local engineer to design and seal the required documents needed for permitting and construction, in accordance with local regulations. Structural engineers must be licensed to practice in the state where construction will take place.

No. We design residences and produce their associated construction documents, which may be used by contractors for bidding, permitting, and building purposes. We do not build homes or other structures.