Bio:

The Great designer, Alicia Hylton-Daniel was a commercial interior designer for 10 years when she decided to open her own design/build firm in 2018. She became a licensed general contractor following the purchase of an abandoned lot in Durham, NC. Alicia designed and built her first modern house (Modernist 1) in 2017 and would go on to design and build Modernist 2 and Modernist 3.As a design/builder she also takes on mid to large size client renovations ranging from historic to mid-century modern homes.

​

How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

I learned about design following a house fire to a new house I purchased with my husband in 2002. The process of dealing with the insurance company and assigned builder was infuriating and racist. I enrolled in Interior Design school a year later.

​

What do you do?

I am both the designer and licensed general contractor of my company. I do all the house designs and I then wear the hat of the general contractor where I manage (along with my husband) the day to day construction of my designs.

​

What excites you in the work you do?

Freedom is the main driver that excites me. The modern house design/build projects allow me to be my own client. I get to design it the way I see fit with no client input. I also enjoy space planning a lot. The ability to problem solve brings me joy.

​

Who or what inspires you professionally?

I am a very emotional designer so I am inspired by music, sound, forms found in nature and black modern art. I recently designed a 5 room hotel inspired by the art works of Amy Sherald.

​

What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

My feature in the February/March 2020 issue of Dwell magazine is an amazing achievement and one I worked so hard to get. However, the continued support of my husband/business partner is by far my greatest accomplishment.

​

Featured Project Name: 

Modernist 3

 

Featured Project Location: 

NC

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

July 2020

 

Role in Featured Project: 

Designer and builder

 

Featured Project Description:

One and a half story modern house located in the Walltown neighborhood of Durham, NC. House integrates the gable roofline of the existing houses in this neighborhood while introducing modern volumes and materials. Glazing was placed to enjoy views of the established trees. Cyress and metal siding promote texture and contrast against the off-white siding of the house exterior. Concrete panels, white oak flooring and cabinetry along with textured matte tile create a warm modern interior palette

​

Photography Credit:

Flyboy Photo & Media: Travis Jack, Photographer