“Tory’s imagination and flexibility were abundant during our planning and designing stages of our home.  He is the consummate professional – willing to share ideas and provide suggestions on how to improve flow, functionality and livability in a given framework (and budget).   He understood what we were trying to accomplish and delivered the product beautifully – as well as on time and at a great value”. 

 Juana & Al Quick

“We have worked with Tory Stephen on several remodel jobs on our home in Mars Hill, NC from tiling to plumbing to electrical - Tory's work is fast, clean and very professional.  He knows how to listen and can make helpful suggestions on how to make a job work better.  His work is always top notch!  We would recommend Tory Stephen for any job”! 

 Pamela Harper and Tony Viele

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the services The Stephen Group has rendered to America’s Home Place over the last 2 years.  Regardless of whether or not it is the million dollar home or a smaller two hundred thousand dollar home, Tory has consistently demonstrated an uncanny ability to hear what our customers want, assess their needs and then formalize it into a functional and exciting plan, . . .disregarding personal bias. 

I have worked with many designers and architects over the last 15 years in the construction industry, but I choose to work with The Stephen Group because my clients enjoy working with Tory.  They sense from him a sincere desire to understand and design the home of their dreams. 

Additionally, Tory always impressed me with his ability to take a napkin drawing and produce the design of a clients dream, in far less time than most designers and architects.  Ultimately, Tory’s extensive experience has provided our clients efficiency in the development of their plans that translates into actual $$savings in their time and resources.

Keep up the great work and as always, I look forward to the opportunity to work together again”!

Russell Miskin                        Division President America’s Home Place

“My wife and I were interested in starting a building program so we began the endless search for house plans.  We found some very nice plans but all of them seemed to lack something that would require us to alter the design.  That’s when we contacted Tory Stephen at The Stephen Group.  Tory carefully took into consideration our ideas, family size, land layout, and budget needs.  The final plans that Tory presented to us exceeded our expectations.  We highly recommend Tory Stephen for your architecture needs.  You won’t be disappointed”.

Mark & Sonya Debruhl

“The architectural plans and details produced by Tory Stephen, Architect are well thought out from both a design and construction perspective.  Having worked in commercial and residential construction over the last 15 years, …I have experienced the thoroughness and practical nature of the architectural work coming from Tory”.

 John M. Chase, Licensed GC

“Shirl and I had an excellent designing and building experience with Tory. It is not everyday one can find an architect who will work with your ideas and his. Tory's strongest point as an Architect is that he knows the building trade. Our addition to our Mars Hill home came out great, and how much pleasure we get by sitting on our new porch”.

 Jim And Shirl Parmentier

“Tory Stephen did four projects for our mountain top home… Tory is knowledgeable, easy to work with, attentive to details, and able to architect any design one needs to fit their home.  He doesn’t leave the construction site or your home in a mess while he is working.  We heartily recommend him for all your home projects--even the difficult ones”.

 Walt & Andrea Turner

“I am a builder of high end custom homes here in Western North Carolina.  I have most recently completed a beautiful  Art & Craft style home designed and drawn by Tory Stephen and had the opportunity to work closely with him on this project.

As a builder we are often challenged with technical issues during the course of a project.  The working drawings that Tory provided were extensively detailed, giving us the information that we needed, when it was needed.  He handled change orders, by the homeowner, quickly to minimize any on site interruption.

I found Tory to be very approachable and easy to work with.  His resourcefulness and willingness to help see the project through made him a team player.  I look forward to working Tory on future projects”.

  Ken Hilbert, Licensed GC

“I have know and worked with Tory for more than three years.  I have found him to be knowledgeable of both construction practices and Building Codes.  I have observed him working with the Owner to assist the Owner in developing project programs.  He is willing engage in discussions with the Engineer on how to incorporate plumbing, HVAC and electrical systems into the project areas. I have found Tory to be pleasant and enjoyable to work with.  His laugh is great”.

 B. Augustus Sims, P.E.