Meet Bret Horton
Bret Horton Architect, PLLC specializes in the design of additions and renovations to houses and worship spaces as well as the design of small commercial spaces. As the owner of the practice, I seek out clients who care about where they live, work, or worship and who are interested in making a sound, long-lasting investment in the property they own.
My work on a project begins and ends with listening. It is my practice to take on only a small number of projects at a time, which allows for a very collaborative process between each client and me. This process results in a final product tailored to fit a client’s needs and one that maximizes efficiency and minimizes construction cost. I’m a detail-oriented person and strive to design well-detailed projects built of materials that will endure. As a LEED (Leadership in Environmental Design) accredited professional, I have the experience and credentials to do work that is respectful of our environment as well as being healthful to inhabit.
l earned my Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Virginia. After graduation and a half of a year living and working in Italy, I moved to New York City where I worked for the 220-person firm of Robert A.M. Stern Architects. There, I was exposed to a diverse range of projects and was made the youngest project architect in Stern’s office. I earned my Master of Architecture degree at Columbia University. I then worked at the firm of Gerald Allen Architect, where I designed additions and renovations to historic churches. In 2003, I settled in the triangle area of North Carolina. I worked at Dixon Weinstein Architects (now Weinstein Friedlein Architects) in Chapel Hill and at the Freelon Group (now Perkins+Will) in Research Triangle Park. At Dixon Weinstein, I honed my skills in residential design, and at the Freelon Group, I developed my technical design skills, working on a number of large public buildings that incorporated innovative building technologies. Sustainable design was integral to my work at the Freelon Group, and I served as the LEED project team coordinator on several LEED certified projects, one of which, Durham’s South Branch Library, was awarded LEED Gold.
My firm is licensed to practice architecture in the state of North Carolina. I am individually licensed in both North Carolina and South Carolina. I serve on the board of Preservation Durham, My wife, Rachel, is an epidemiologist affiliated with UNC. We have a seven-year-old daughter, a five-year-old son, and a two-year-old son.
What My Clients Say
[Bret] has been the architect on the renovation and addition of my home in an historic neighborhood. He has done a superior job communicating with me, the city planner, and the contractor. He is easy to talk to and very responsive. He is trustworthy and responsible.
– Susan Orovitz, Customer
“To say that Bret was helpful would be a gross understatement. Bret graciously suggested and implemented revisions to my layout, drew plans, and worked with me throughout the construction process. He was very insightful, had good, practical ideas, and was very responsive and professional. I learned first hand the value a good architect adds.”
– Bill Avery, Customer
“I could not be more happy with Bret‘s work and his professionalism. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him. He has the ability to provide clear direction with his designs and ideas while remaining attentive to my preferences and desires for the project. Every chance I get I recommend Bret to those looking for an architect.”
– Will Spokes, Customer