About SDM Design

I believe that good design is a culmination of several factors. These include the fundamental needs of my clients, their budget, the site and a sensitivity to the natural environment. I am a proponent of sustainable and energy efficient design, not only because it’s the right thing to do, but also because it’s an opportunity to make richer, more persuasive living environments. Intuition is as important as intellect and the challenge is always the same for each project: to succeed in sensing what is unique and appropriate to each client and place, and to understand how my clients will live there. I then try to realize those needs in a way that fascinates, inspires, and works. I believe that less is more when it comes to good architecture. We should not squander our money and natural resources on things we don’t need but instead focus our attention on the merit, details and integrity of what we develop in our man-made world. These principles are what inspire me to do the best I can in creating buildings and living spaces that are both nourishing for my clients as well as sensitive to the environment.

Stephen DerMargosian,
President, SDMdesign, Inc.

Stephen DerMargosian earned a BS degree in Business Administration from Central Connecticut State University and pursued his postgraduate education in architecture from The Boston Architectural College. Since 1979, his career has included the design and project management of new corporate headquarters buildings for Fidelity Investments, Bank of Boston and Digital Equipment, and a host of residential projects. He has held senior positions with the architectural firms Kallmann, McKinnell & Wood and Margulies & Associates. Stephen is currently the president of SDMdesign in Asheville, NC – a design firm which specializes in renovations and new construction of residential architecture. He lives in Asheville with his partner and their dog Ethel.