About 

Craven Gardner  |  Designer & Builder

Designer/Builder/Remodeler Profile

Craven Gardner has been designing, building and remodeling high quality homes for over 25 years. Craven has proven experience in a variety of architectural styles and genuinely enjoys diversity in both exterior and interior design.

Craven believes that quality is in the details and begins with the initial consultation meeting. With a perceptive ear, Craven listens to his clients, formulates solutions and shares ideas and insight from his many years of experience.

Everything revolves around the client and their expectations. Craven and his associates work hard to earn the confidence of their clients often leading to lasting friendships.

Craven Gardner Design & Build currently caters to people planning to build or remodel in the Morehead City, Atlantic Beach, Emerald Isle, Pine Knoll Shores, Newport, Beaufort and “down east” areas of Carteret County. Our clients hail from many different places. We take pride in working with local clients and those from nearby and distant cities and towns.

“Craven is a professional and extremely knowledgeable about the entire process. You will notice this immediately after speaking with him. We would recommend Craven to anyone interested in the design and build of a high quality custom home.”
- Erika, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina


Our Process


Design / Build

Design-build is unique…a builder and designer collaborate at some level. Working with Craven is especially unique because your builder and designer are one in the same resulting in a process that is exceedingly consistent and constant. Whether your design is created by Craven or you already have a set of plans, Craven Gardner can continue the process with the design‑build approach.

A custom designed home built by Craven Gardner
Have a consultation with Craven over a cup of coffee

Consultation

Craven Gardner will meet with you at his studio or your home to get to know you. While informative, meetings with Craven are always casual and unassuming. It’s during this time that initial goals are set…general rooms layout, architectural style, budget, etc. You may know exactly what you want but most only have vague ideas. Craven will help you sort things out by closely listening to you, asking the right questions and sharing ideas of his own.

“From our first meeting, we knew we had made the right choice. We had so many ideas and Craven listened intently to all of them. He asked excellent questions that helped him fully understand our lifestyle and needs. And the end result is that our house is perfectly suited to us. In fact, it is better than we ever imagined.”  
- Jane, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina

Preliminary Design & Budget Analysis

The design is developed in phases. Thoughtful design ideas are proposed along with cost benefit analysis. We will establish the home plan that is uniquely yours and a budget that fits your finances.

“I am a builder/developer so I am used to working with Architects. When I decided to remodel my house in Pine Knoll Shores, I wanted to find an Architect who understood my vision. I wanted someone who understood the many phases of construction and how it all comes together. I didn’t want someone who could just provide a set of plans. And, I wanted someone who understood the meaning of “Staying in Budget.” I found all of this and more in Craven Gardner and his firm. Craven remodeled and added an addition to my house and stayed within budget. He made suggestions that saved me time and money. I just cannot say enough good things about Craven and his work ethic.”
- Greg, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina
Craven Gardner designing a custom home in North Carolina
Architectural sketch

Site Design

An exceptional home is designed to suit the property in the best possible way… so site conditions are evaluated in the beginning. Views, topography, lot size restrictions, local rules and regulations and privacy are among priorities. Site design and architectural design are developed simultaneously.

“Craven demonstrates extensive knowledge of architecture and the build process. He made several suggestions during the design and build process that helped us to take advantage of the view, lower maintenance, setbacks, restrictions and other details. When our home was completed, it was the best design for our family and the setting.”
- Kris, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina

Architectural Design

We are passionate about architecture. While space planning and functionality are first and foremost we also place high priority on architectural style. Some architectural styles are simple, some are more ornate, but all are identified by certain eye catching design details. So, which style? ...We believe that your home should reflect your personal tastes. Together we’ll discover the perfect fit for you and your family.

“We utilized Craven Gardner in designing plans and supervising construction of our new home in Emerald Isle, North Carolina… My wife and I found Craven to be very sensitive to our thoughts and our desires and our ideas… Craven takes tremendous pride in his work and is very proud, as we are, of the outcome.”
- Bob, Emerald Isle, North Carolina
Craven gardner drawing custom home design
Budgets and contracts

Detailed Line Item Specification

Competitive bidding is ongoing to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Comprehensive material lists are created to be quoted by multiple vendors. Subcontractors bid on the work based on detailed drawings and work descriptions.

The fully transparent Line-Item Specification serves as a guide for both design-builder and client. You get to choose what you want and adjust the scope of work as you see fit during construction.

Construction

Quality expectations are high. Craven personally oversees all phases of construction. Constant communication is provided assisting in selections, implementation of design features, keeping on schedule, and staying within budget. If you have questions, Craven and staff are available to answer them.

“Craven’s attention to details is so incredible. Nothing escapes his eye. At every opportunity, he enhanced every aspect of our dream home. He far exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend him to anyone.”
- Clyde, Atlantic Beach, North Carolina
Construction of custom home in Atlantic Beach
Living room designed by Craven Gardner

Interior Design

Interior design is the art of planning and supervising the design and execution of architectural interiors and furnishings. When interior design is considered during the overall design-build process, extraordinary spaces are created. Some interior design elements can only be achieved if planned during the initial design phases.

“I have worked with several builders and one thing I really like about Craven is he will tackle any idea you come up with. We are enjoying our beach house and everyone loves it!!!! Thanks Craven”
- Jewel, Newport, North Carolina

Lifetime Partnership

You can count on us to be there for you long after your home is completed.

“We hired Craven Gardner to design and build our home in 2011. Over the past six years, Craven has always been available to answer and provide guidance when needed.”
- Kris, Pine Knoll Shores, North Carolina
Hand shake

Are you ready to design and build your dream home?

Get Started Get Started