About Us
We are an architecture firm and a general contracting company. We are formally trained in architecture, fine art, music and building. We spend time in the details and understand the power of the handmade. Our work reflects being alive now, with a soft spot for mid century modern architecture. We believe in the power of beauty. We are respectful to nature and understand that we are part of a bigger whole. We help our clients create beautiful and reflective spaces.
Yumiko Foust Virant
Yumiko grew up in Winston Salem NC and spent summers in Japan with her grandparents. She earned a Bachelors of Architecture in 1997 from Virginia Tech and then studied printmaking at Cranbrook Academy of Art earning her Master of Fine Arts in 1999. She learned the craft of architecture working in a few fabulous architecture firms* in Chicago, Vermont, and Asheville before starting Virant Architecture Inc. in 2009. She has instructed the Home Design/Build class at Yestermorrow Design Build School in Vermont. Yumiko is a licensed architect in NC, NCARB certified, and LEED AP BD+C. She finds great joy in quiet, beautiful places. She loves making things, drinking tea and living in Asheville with Tom and their two sons.
*forever indebted, Doug & Todd, Bob, Mark & BK
Tom Virant
Tom grew up on a farm outside of St. Louis, MO and earned a Bachelors of Architecture from Virginia Tech in 1997. Early on he was drawn to the design/build process, and in the years following graduation he focused on experiences that would develop and strengthen his work as both a designer and a builder/craftsman. From working in architecture firms and in the building trades in Chicago, Vermont and Asheville, Tom has built a great depth of knowledge in both design and construction. He enjoys integrating the two whether working on architectural drawings, building furniture or swinging a hammer framing… Tom is a licensed general contractor in NC, instructor at Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Vermont and loves being outside designing, building, or being in nature.
Ben Conway
Ben Conway was raised in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Ben’s appreciation for the trades began in high school shop class with his favorite teacher, Mr. G. Ben attended North Carolina State University and graduated with a degree in Biology. After a few years of travel, Ben landed in Asheville just in time for the 200 year flood. He has lived here ever since, continuing to hone his craft.
Mentions
In Virginia, A House Built on Trust – The New York Times
Restorative Powers (pdf) – WNC Magazine
Virant Design: The Artist Studio – Sweet Peach
Virant Design: Remodeled Home – Modern Asheville
Tom Virant: Volunteer – Asheville DesignBuild
Tom Virant: Instructor – Yestermorrow Design Build School
Yumiko Foust Virant: Instructor – Yestermorrow Design Build School