NOTCH DESIGN is a full service architecture and design firm based in the Triangle area of North Carolina. We design new construction and renovations of residential and commercial buildings at a variety of scales for a diverse range of clients.

OUR NAME comes from saddle-notched log construction, a technique used in 17th century North Carolina, in which felled trees were notched at the ends to lock together, forming corners. (More info: “North Carolina Architecture” by Catherine W. Bishir.) We think this technique is a beautiful metaphor for our design process: The humble notch transforms raw materials into building components. We strive to apply a spirit of simple, strong strategies to our design work at a wide range of scales, from objects and furniture to the planning of our rapidly growing human community.

WHO WE ARE:

José R. Noya, AIA
Principal
José was born in Santiago de Compostela (Spain) and moved from Granada to the US in 2012. He earned an MArch from the UDC and an MS in Preservation from the UGR in Spain. He is a Licensed Architect both in North Carolina and Spain. José’s masters thesis on historic wood structures was graded with Honors. He worked for Abalo Alonso Arquitectos and Pedro Salmeron Arquitecto in Spain, Szostak Design in Chapel Hill, and Blackline Studio in Indianapolis. He has participated in projects recognized with state and national awards in Europe and the US. José is experienced in a wide range of project types, with an emphasis on single and multi-family residential, university projects and architecture competitions. He has a particular interest in how architecture connects with human emotions, and the tangencies between architecture and other arts like cinema or sculpture.
José lives in Carrboro with his wife Tam and his two fluffy dogs Mia and Poi. He likes hiking, learning about local musicians, watching films and soccer, and spending time with friends.

Mike Dickson-Mills, AIA
Principal
Mike is passionate about design as a means to improve the lives of all people within our shared built environment. He is a licensed architect in North Carolina, and is an adjunct professor of architecture at the College of Design at NC State University. He earned an MArch from the Yale School of Architecture, an MFA in painting from Parsons School of Design, and a BA in English and visual art from Wesleyan University.
Mike is experienced in multiple building types, including single family homes, university buildings, and mixed use developments.
Prior to Notch, Mike worked at Szostak Design and Lord, Aeck Sargent Architects. He worked as a visual artist, graphic designer, and commercial photographer in New York City before devoting himself to architecture.
Mike lives in Chapel Hill with his wife Jennie and their son Lionel. He enjoys getting outdoors for hiking, swimming in cold water, and throwing frisbees.

Our Architecture Practice Reflects our Core Values:

Process:

Our design process starts with careful listening and goal-definition with our clients. Design is by nature a highly collaborative process, with the client an active and informed participant at all stages. When design is complete, we are the owner’s advocate throughout construction, working closely with the builder to ensure the project design is manifested faithfully.

Design:
We employ modern design strategies that are driven by performance rather than style. We strive for bold, thoughtful design solutions specific to each project’s function and context. Our designs are personal and reflect our clients’ desires and personalities.

Context:
Our projects are deeply influenced by their context and the natural world. We find inspiration in traditional local architecture and historic precedents. We are committed to designing energy efficient and nature-sensitive buildings that enrich our communities.

Equity:
We want our work to be accessible to people and institutions regardless of their financial status, especially in under-served communities where the need for design is highest. To achieve this goal, we incorporate reduced and waived fee projects into our schedule as much as our resources allow.

Efficiency:
We design buildings that function. We measure success on how well our client’s dreams and goals are achieved. We are diligent about budget and schedule and are committed to maximizing design quality within the constraints of each project.