Tina Govan Architect is a small architecture firm based in Raleigh, NC. We consider each project unique, crafting custom design solutions to the particulars of a client's specific site and needs. 

Key to our design approach is the relationship of a building to its site. Through building, we work to bring a new  awareness and sense of belonging to the site, to gather  its essential properties  and bring them close.  Good buildings, we believe,  enhance our sensitivity to the dynamic nature of our surroundings,  the change of seasons or weather,  the passage of time, or life on the street, and more directly connect us to the specific place and larger environment in which we dwell. 

Equally important is the integration of building and environment in terms of energy usage  and sustainability. Listening carefully to the site, and just as importantly, to the client, gives form to our design solutions.

In uncovering the unique character of a place, we often find inspiration in the ordinary, in local vernacular structures that have evolved in a particular place over time. These indigenous buildings often have a modern simplicity and direct expression of structure and materials that we strive to achieve  in our own buildings.

Tina received her Bachelor degree from the North Carolina State University School of Design and her Masters of Architecture from the MIT School of Architecture and Planning.

PROJECTS

R E S I D E N T I A L   W O R K

Zapffel Farmhouse and Studio, Trenton, NC: selected for the 2008  "Home of the Month" series featured in the  Raleigh News & Observer and  Charlotte Observer.  

Goodall Addition, Raleigh, NC: featured in the August/September 2008, no.197 issue of  Fine Homebuilding magazine: see the audio slideshow "Making the Most of a Small Space," and in the Raleigh News & Observer and  Charlotte Observer  "Home of the Month" series for 2007, see the slideshow and hear the audio interview posted online by the News and Observer.

Martin Residence, Raleigh, NC: chosen from a nationwide search to be featured on Discovery's new network "Planet Green,"  in the TV show "Renovation Nation" with host Steve Thomas. Key ways in which the  design and construction address issues of sustainability are documented  in a series of 3 episodes,  as described in the News and Observer article "Raleigh Eco-home Shines on National Show."

Leinbach Residence, Durham, NC: featured in the  book Inside the Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka: www.notsobighouse.com,  the August/September 2003, no. 157 issue of  Fine Homebuilding magazine:   Finding Space in a Small House and Small Homes that Live Large ,  the News & Observer "Home of the Month" series for 2006, Architecture Week: Serenity on a Budget , and the PBS TV series "Simple Living." 

Eich Residence, Butler, TN

Jones Renovation, Raleigh, NC

Stein Residence, Lookout Mountain, TN: featured in Timber Frame magazine

Bright Renovation, Lookout Mountain, GA: featured in the April/May 2006, no. 178 issue of Fine Homebuilding magazine: Making a Better Ranch  

Barnes-Wheeler Renovation, Raleigh, NC: featured in the upcoming book Remodelling the Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka

Cross Residence, Lookout Mountain, GA

Johnston Addition, Chattanooga, TN

P U B L I C    W O R K

Daishoji City Park, Kaga City, Japan

Notomachi Public Bath, Noto Peninsula, Japan

Makioka Community Center, Makioka Cho, Japan

Rancho El Paso Sausage Factory, Apartment, and Beer Garden, Obihiro, Japan

Boston Higashi School Gym, Natick, Massachusetts

E mail
Tina Govan
tel:(919) 890-4124