COASTAL HOMES
Custom beach and coastal homes from New Bern to the Crystal Coast and Topsail. Elevated, piling and flood zone designs by an AIA architect licensed in North Carolina.
Why a coastal home needs an architect
A beach house isn't an inland plan on stilts. Building at the coast brings rules and risks a stock plan won't handle, and mistakes cost money at permit time or after the first storm.
Flood zones: we design to your lot's flood zone and required elevation, so the plan is right before it reaches the permit office.
Pilings and elevated homes: parking, storage, stairs and outdoor showers under the house are planned from day one.
High winds: roof shape, window choices and connections are designed for coastal wind.
Your team: we work alongside your surveyor, structural engineer, builder and any CAMA permitting your lot requires.
Rental income: layouts that sleep well, clean easily and book often.
The view: rooms, porches and windows planned around it.
What our clients say
"Sarah at GO Architectural Design has now helped us with two projects involving historic homes, and she has been wonderful to work with. She has a great understanding of historic architecture..."
- Ian H., Google review
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"Sarah was outstanding to work with. She made the process as simple and seamless as possible. Her talent and communication while developing a house plan made the entire experience really enjoyable!"
- Kristin G., Google review
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"Sarah proved to be exceptional at understanding the design specifications that both New Bern and Beaufort Historic Preservation Committees ask for. We saved time and money..."
- Jason B., Google review
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"We engaged Sarah Afflerbach at GO Architecture to lead the architectural design for a major renovation of our family home. At the outset, we had no clear vision of what we wanted or what was possible..."
- Madge W., Google review
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"After our Carriage House in New Bern was significantly flooded during Hurricane Florence, Sarah was the only contractor brave enough to take on the challenge of helping us to raise and restore it. She designed and represented our project..."
- Constance L., Google review
Where we work and how it works
We design homes across coastal eastern North Carolina: New Bern, Trent Woods, Oriental and River Bend; the Crystal Coast from Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores and Emerald Isle to Morehead City, Beaufort and Cape Carteret; and Swansboro, North Topsail Beach, Surf City and Topsail Beach.
Building from out of state? We work remotely through every phase, with video meetings and digital plan reviews.
1. Free consultation: we talk through your lot, goals and budget.
2. Site and code review: survey, flood zone, setbacks and local rules.
3. Design: floor plans, elevations and 3D views, refined with you.
4. Construction drawings: a complete permit-ready set, coordinated with your engineer and builder.
Start with our free House Planning Guide, or call (252) 633-0322.