ASHLEY MERRITT | INTERIOR DESIGNER
As an Interior Designer at CRAFT, Ashley helps clients meet their desires throughout the design and construction process. She is the sounding board for the client between the architecture department and the project manager. Ashley
supports the team and clients with any questions or concerns from the initial inspiration to the final installation.
Ashley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Meredith College in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is also proudly an ASID National Chapter Member, a nonprofit organization based in the United States that promotes the profession of interior design. It has chapters throughout the United States and Canada.
In 2015, she started an internship at a kitchen and bath showroom, assisting the warehouse team, managing orders, and maintaining the space. Ashley slowly worked her way up to be the first in-house interior design consultant. Throughout this experience, she found her true passion is building connections with clients to curate the perfect design solution.
During Ashley's downtime, you can find her spending time with family and friends, volunteering for both the Roc Solid Foundation and Helene Foundation, and going on beach walks with her puppy, Tucker.
GREG DAVIS | 3D ARTIST
25 years ago, Greg decided to move to Wilmington from Fair Hill, Maryland because of the good surf and ideal weather. Since then, Greg opened his own successful architectural visualization and drafting firm. Specializing in 3D modeling and photo-realistic renderings of both residential and commercial exteriors and interiors, Greg loves to give clients the opportunity to see what hasn’t been built yet and consequently provide them with the confidence that they will love their new home! In Greg’s free time, he likes to spend time with his three daughters, cook, play guitar, scuba dive, and spearfish.
DENISE SMITH | INTERIOR DRAFTER
Denise joined CRAFT in the Spring of 2022 and brought her sixteen years of industry experience to the design team. We affectionately nicknamed her the "Cabinet Guru." She is our go-to when ensuring our custom cabinets use space and functionality best. She reconfigures spaces to the client's needs and wants on the remodel side, turning their house from ordinary to extraordinary. Denise finds inspiration in creating a design to fulfill every client's vision. She loves to see the client's eyes light up when she can make their wish list a reality.
Originally from Ohio and Hilton Head, SC, Denise made her way to Wilmington to be closer to her family. In her downtime, she enjoys swimming, spending time at the beach, reading, and the thing she loves most; Spending time with her three daughters and four grandchildren.
ANGELENA SMITH | INTERIOR DESIGNER
As a CRAFT interior designer, Angelena works closely with our clients and the architects to create a holistic approach to designing custom homes. She enjoys being involved from the beginning to capture all the design details and elements. From interior elevation drawings to tile and cabinetry, she enjoys having the opportunity to be creative and technical.
Growing up as a daughter of a successful architect with his own firm, she acknowledges that her father opened her eyes to the beauty of the built environment, attention to detail, and the desire to satisfy the client. She has grown to appreciate the art world through a sister who is an aspiring artist and musician in NYC. Being creative and recognizing the value of interior design inspires me to excel in this profession.
After working in small design firms, she has learned the essential aspects and values of running a business, the need for proper space planning, and the benefit of being versatile within your craft. Since moving to Wilmington several years ago, Angelena has worked on several residential projects, from small renovations to new builds. She has become familiar with designing for a coastal environment while getting to explore neighborhoods within the area. All of which she has gained pride and appreciation for in the city she and her husband now call home.
Angelena attended West Virginia University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, puppy, and family and going to the beach, taking Pilates classes, traveling, and volunteering at her church.
MOLLY MICHALSKI | INTERIOR DESIGNER
Molly joined the CRAFT interior design team as a designer in 2022. She is passionate about creating unique spaces for clients that truly represent their essence while pushing the design envelope. Her passion for interior design stems from her inner artist.
Before joining the CRAFT team, Molly earned her degree in Fine Arts, where she spent years studying sculpture, ceramics, metalsmithing, and blacksmithing. Working on large-scale art installations with architecture firms led her to achieve an Interior Architecture and Design degree. A few of her favorite professional milestones include; Molly leading a team at Form 4 Architecture in San Francisco on a Burning Man art installation.
She also worked with Stellantis while pursuing her Interior Design degree at the Academy of Art University. There, she designed a community space called Gaia, one of her biggest accomplishments because it pushed Molly to hone her skills as a sustainable designer, 3D modeler, & presenter.
Molly was born in Sumter, South Carolina, raised in Raleigh, then moved to Wilmington, NC, after high school. She lived in Wilmington for seven years before moving to San Francisco to attend the Academy of Art University.
During Molly's spare time, she enjoys kayaking, hanging out with her dog, and making as much pottery and jewelry as possible.
KAYSEY RAPER | ARCHITECTURAL DRAFTER
Kaysey joined the CRAFT team in 2022 as our Architectural Drafter. She holds a Master's degree in Architecture from the University of North Carolina Charlotte; after graduating, she knew she was destined to put down roots in a beach town, similar to where she grew up in Emerald Isle. Before joining our team, she was in Wilmington's commercial architecture industry. While she enjoyed the experience and the disciplines she learned, Kaysey knew her calling was residential, so CRAFT was a no-brainer.
Now, Kaysey works hand-in-hand with our in-house Architects to create unique and memorable residential projects from concept sketches through construction and making the client's dream a reality. Each project inspires her to think outside the box to create a home that is not only visually unique but unique to each client's specific needs. During her downtime, she's with her beloved dog Rambo and enjoys all that Wilmington offers with family and friends.
AARON TRUDO | SENIOR ASSOCIATE
Hailing from Raleigh, North Carolina, Aaron specializes in innovative and creative design solutions for residential projects. He earned his Master of Architecture degree from the North Carolina State University College of Design and has an extensive background in residential design. He is also a licensed general contractor with years of experience in construction management.
With a multi- faceted background in architecture, art, design, craft and construction, he is uniquely equipped to think outside the parameters of his discipline allowing for diverse and innovative design solutions. Aaron’s expertise in residential design is not limited to a particular style, but rather he seeks to collaboratively work with our clients to understand their needs and design in a manner that is reflective of the type of project they desire.
Aaron’s process is driven not by style, but by an early analysis and interpretation of our client’s needs through careful consideration of the site and program, exploration of space, materials and creative ways to meet the budget. He searches to develop clear, distinguished work informed by the craft of construction, sustainability, culture and technology.
It is Aaron’s belief that every project is unique, thus each design response should be diverse, and a reflection of the clients involved. In his free time outside the office, Aaron enjoys traveling, hiking, researching motorcycles and spending time at the beach.
MATT PETR, AIA / FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
Matt believes thoughtful design and innovative place-making elevate the human condition. Every site and every client presents a unique opportunity to create an authentic design. For ten years, while studying under the mentorship of Turan Duda and Jeffrey Paine of Duda|Paine Architects, Matt honed a craft-focused skillset on clarity of concept, strength of execution, and diligence in detail.
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is the embodiment of these values. Applying a "Studio Architecture" approach to practice, CRAFT creates custom design solutions for each project; no two are the same.
He believes that whether large or small, the things we make find their way into the lives of those around us and, in doing so, must make those lives better.
MARK BATSON | FOUNDING PRINCIPAL
Mark's family has been living in the Wilmington area for hundreds of years, passing down local knowledge. His background has been tied to the sea, from his days as a child working with his dad on fishing boats, to living on the water for years. When you think about how a home will live, especially on the water, nothing can replace someone's direct, immediate, everyday life experiences. Mark brings a wealth of knowledge to CRAFT’s clientele from being a prominent figure in the the real estate and design + build industries as the owner & CEO of Tongue & Groove Design + Build and as a licensed Broker with Sotheby’s International Realty.
The essential advantage for clients working with Mark is that he lives the life they're looking for every day. His house has docks, swimming pools, and pilings. He knows what works and doesn't work. He knows what will not only look awesome but function beautifully. He has the direct, functional experience that can't be taught; it must be lived to be understood.
Mark studied at UNCW. He earned his BA in History, which is the study of the past and how it relates to people. Relating to people is what the business of custom home building is all about. Mark applies lessons from his past experiences, and intuitively guides his clients through the design/build process to create something unique. He sees his purpose is to help families imagine how their lives could be, actualized into real environments, improving their lives through better living. Winner of multiple awards and recognition, including the 2020 NAHB Custom Home Builder of the Year Award recipient, Mark has found that cultivating long-term relationships with clients and colleagues is the real reward.
As a leader, Mark's role is to instill a sensibility about how things should be done. He believes in having a warrior's spirit, a servant's heart, and a fun-loving atmosphere.
His promise to the client is never to compromise quality or coolness. Mark lives in Wrightsville Beach with his family of five, where his young children keep him busy. Occasionally, he'll get opportunities for fun, like flying, surfing, spearfishing, and other water sports. Overall, he wants to leave a legacy that positively impacts himself, his family, and his community.
ARCHITECTURE INTERN
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is looking for an enthusiastic, motivated, and collaborative intern with a drive to learn. This person will work under the direction of an assigned mentor to develop and implement project deliverables. Project sizes will vary, and will consist primarily of residential projects including both existing building renovations/retrofits and new construction.
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is a group of architects and designers focused on understanding the relationship between people and the built environment in order to construct spaces that promote wellness, function and beauty. Based in Wilmington, NC the firm's expertise spans commercial and residential architecture and interior design projects.
JOB TYPE: Flexible Internship Hours
EDUCATION: Pursuit of Bachelor’s Degree (Architecture preferred)
EXPERIENCE: AUTOCAD, REVIT, MICROSOFT OFFICE
RESPONSABILITIES
QUALIFICATIONS
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT MANAGER
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is seeking a passionate Interior Design Project Manager to join our integrated team of architects and interior designers. As a participant in our uniquely collaborative design process, you will work hand in hand with colleagues across disciplines on a wide variety of innovative commercial andresidential projects.
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is a group of architects and designers focused on understanding the relationship between people and the built environment in order to construct spaces that promote wellness, function and beauty. Based in Wilmington, NC the firm's expertise spans commercial and residential architecture and interior design projects.
The Project Manager will work in unison with Design Director, Project Designers and Design Coordinators to lead the project design. Prepare schedules, budgets and work plan documents during all phases of the design process. Review research for product and construction methods related to projects. Process contractual and financial construction administration documents. Mentor-ship form Studio Directors,
Managing Directors, Design Directors, and Principals
JOB TYPE: FULL TIME
SCHEDULE: MONDAY TO FRIDAY
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s and/or Master’s Degree in Interior Design and/or Architecture required
EXPERIENCE: REVIT, AUTOCAD, SKETCHUP, ADOBE CREATIVE SUITE
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
BENEFITS
JUNIOR ARCHITECT
At CRAFT Architecture + Interiors our strength is based upon team collaboration to utilize the passion and skills that each colleague brings to the project and to each client. The ideal candidate will be motivated and capable of independent work with a desire to learn and grow within a collaborative team environment. There will be an opportunity to work on a wide variety of project types in various stages of the design process. Strong technical skills required.
We are a growing firm with opportunities for individuals who wish to make a difference in people’s lives through the built environment.
CRAFT Architecture + Interiors is a group of architects and designers focused on understanding the relationship between people and the built environment in order to construct spaces that promote wellness, function and beauty. Based in Wilmington, NC the firm's expertise spans commercial and residential architecture and interior design projects.
JOB TYPE: FULL TIME
SCHEDULE: MONDAY TO FRIDAY
EDUCATION: BACHERLOR’S (PREFERRED)
EXPERIENCE: REVIT (2 YEARS PREFERRED), AUTOCAD (2 YEARS PREFERRED)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
BENEFITS
