Braverman Design: Residential Architecture and ADU Design Services
Braverman Design is a residential architecture and landscape design firm based in Durham, North Carolina. They specialize in creating beautiful, comfortable, and timeless spaces for families, with a philosophy centered around casually classic design. Their services span from initial site evaluation through to fully buildable permit drawings, making them a comprehensive resource for homeowners, developers, and contractors alike.
Among their core areas of expertise, Braverman Design offers services in:
- Residential new construction
- Renovations and additions
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Residential landscape design
- Aging-in-place design
As an accessory dwelling unit builder and design firm, Braverman Design brings a thoughtful and detail-oriented approach to every ADU project. They offer pre-designed plans for ADUs at a variety of square footages and price points, with modifications available for an additional fee. For clients in North Carolina, they also provide signed and sealed permit drawings for projects that require them.
Design Services Tailored to Every Client
Braverman Design structures their services to meet clients at every stage of the design and construction process. Their primary service offerings include:
- Schematic Design – This phase covers project goal-setting, budget discussions, site measurement, local ordinance research, and the creation of initial design options. Clients receive floor plans, elevations, and other visuals to help communicate design possibilities and assess project feasibility.
- Architectural Permit Drawings – For clients ready to move forward with permitting and construction, Braverman Design develops full architectural permit sets. These drawings allow contractors to accurately bid on a project and enable submission to the local jurisdiction for a building permit. Note that structural framing plans must be provided by a licensed engineer.
- Hourly Consultations – Ideal for homeowners exploring whether to renovate, add on, or sell their home, as well as developers researching property development options or clients wanting to better understand the design and construction process.
- Pre-Designed Stock Plans – Braverman Design offers several pre-designed plans for single-family homes and accessory dwelling units, available at various price points with optional modifications.
They are a developer-friendly firm, working to fit within each developer's design standards while maintaining quality architecture with a timeless feel. They also partner with contractors whose clients need custom design work — whether it's a screened porch, a kitchen layout, or a complete home design.
The Value of Working with a Registered Architect
Braverman Design is led by Jessica "Jessie" Braverman, a registered architect and award-winning designer licensed in the State of North Carolina. With a background in Anthropology and Art, and a Master's of Architecture from North Carolina State University's School of Design, Jessie brings a unique and human-centered perspective to every project. She is also a certified aging-in-place specialist, making Braverman Design a strong choice for clients planning for long-term accessibility in their homes.
Hiring an architect for a renovation, addition, or new construction project — including an ADU or casita — offers several key advantages:
- Architects bring years of education and on-the-job training, offering design expertise and creative solutions clients may not have considered.
- Because the client pays the architect directly, the architect works solely in the client's interest — not the contractor's.
- Clients have the freedom to choose who they work with, ensuring a comfortable and productive working relationship throughout the project.
From concept through permit-ready drawings, Braverman Design guides clients through each phase of the process with clarity and professionalism. Their structured approach — from pre-design programming and schematic design through to permit revisions and contractor coordination — ensures that every project is handled with care and precision.
