SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN RALEIGH
PHOTOS BY PAUL POTERA
Creating with Connection
Architect Dawn Christine creates connection by engaging the senses and elevating the everyday A s a pioneer in experiential architecture, Dawn Christine’s mission is to not just build forms but to build experiences. “By connecting deeper with clients, spaces, and environments, I create designs that make mundane moments significant,” says Dawn, principal and CEO of Dawn Christine, Architect PLLC. “It’s about bringing light and joy into the soul, not just the building.” For her custom home designs—which run the gamut of style, always integrating the client’s taste—Dawn views every nook as an opportunity to engage. “I think about how we can layer architectural geometry with spatial moments of sight, sound, and smell to create an experience,” she says. For a modern-meets-French country design in Governors Club, Dawn created a “revealing” experience for the low-set home—from the entrance to every bend and transition in the interior. From the road, the home initially seems small, tucked into the landscape. However, upon arrival, the dramatic stair tower draws attention, and a gentle curve invites visitors and residents inside.
PHOTO BY DEZARAE CHRISTINE
“Designing these experiences is like building a musical crescendo,” she says. “Every moment is an opportunity for a fully immersive connection.” This is seen in the sculptural staircase, which artistically choreographs the transitions between floors. The space is where abundant natural light pours in from the two-story windows and becomes the cascading backdrop for sunlight, sky, and shadow. The vertical rhythm of the handrail creates a serene conversation between interior and exterior, inviting dwellers to pause, look, and listen. With myriad accolades to her name, including inclusion on the Luxury Lifestyle Awards’ 2024 TOP 100 Luxury Architects of the World list, Dawn seeks to embrace more waterfront projects in the future—those with multisensory settings and unique landscapes to delight and surprise.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: The home’s stair tower, complete with two-story window walls, features prominently from the exterior of the home. A variety of entertaining spaces, including an outdoor kitchen and in-ground pool, create the perfect backyard oasis. Just off the pool area and next to the gym is a spa bath containing a custom sauna. The kitchen’s light wood tones and natural lighting contribute to the home’s airy atmosphere. Soon, she’s also launching a sister company, Cross Pacific Design Group, in which American clients can coordinate new builds in New Zealand with comprehensive teams in place abroad to execute projects with seamless ease. “If clients are beyond happy, I’ve done my job,” she concludes.
FROM TOP: The focal point of the home is the sculptural main staircase. At the top of the staircase is a hand-painted mural that mirrors the nature just beyond.
Visit Dawn’s new YouTube channel, @DesignTalkDCA, for New Zealand-based travel and design inspiration.
919-377-1227 | dawnchristine.net | crosspacificdesigngroup.com
PHOTO BY DAWN CHRISTINE
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