Custom Home Design Across North Georgia’s Counties
Driven by purpose, we specialize in residential architecture for Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, and Towns Counties.
Native to the terrain
Building in North Georgia requires more than just a set of plans; it requires a deep understanding of the land. From the rolling hills of Cherokee to the steep, granite-laden slopes of Towns and Union, we design homes that don't just sit on the mountain—they work with it. We specialize in navigating the unique challenges of our region, including steep lots, riverbank living, and maximizing the stunning views of the Blue Ridge.
Distinctive Home Design for North Georgia Counties.
At Round Table Design Studio, we believe that great architecture is born from the landscape it sits on. While our work spans across Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, and North Carolina, we have developed a specialized focus on the unique terrain of the North Georgia Mountains.
Whether navigating a steep cliffside lot or a rolling pasture, we design homes that reflect your vision and the character of the land. Our portfolio covers a diverse range of styles, including modern mountain homes, mid-century modern retreats, bespoke A-frames and cabins, and timeless farmhouse or craftsman-styled estates.
The list below highlights the primary counties where we focus our work in this region. However, this is not an exhaustive list—wherever your land is, we are ready to help you build.
Mountain retreat Design in Pickens County
The Marble Capital & Gateway to the Mountains Home to the famous Georgia marble quarries, Pickens County is where the terrain begins to truly rise. Whether it’s a cliffside retreat in Talking Rock or a renovation in Jasper, building here requires a respect for steep gradients and rocky foundations. We specialize in engineering cantilevered designs that embrace these dramatic slopes rather than fighting them, turning challenging topography into your home's greatest asset.
featured Design in Pickens County - Twisted Oak
Situated in the forested hills of Talking Rock, this modern residence stretches across three distinct levels. Large expanses of glass and strategic elevation allow the home to capture majestic rear views, turning the dense tree line into a daily backdrop.
Family Home Design in Cherokee County
Where Metro Convenience Meets Mountain Living As the gateway to North Georgia, Cherokee County offers a unique blend of rolling foothills and estate-style living. From the vibrant energy of Woodstock and Canton to the quiet, pastoral landscapes of Ball Ground, this region demands architecture that bridges the gap between suburban refinement and rural character. We design homes here that maximize sprawling lots—balancing accessibility with the privacy of the encroaching mountains.
featured Design in Cherokee County - hemlock cove
A custom craftsman "forever home" in Ball Ground that centers on family life. This design features a sprawling open-plan kitchen and living area that anchors four bedrooms across two levels, perfectly tailored for its foothill setting.
Mountain cabins in Fannin County
Upscale Living in the Trout Capital Anchored by the bustling mountain town of Blue Ridge, Fannin County is where rustic charm meets luxury. This is a destination for high-end second homes and lucrative vacation rentals. We understand the specific zoning and aesthetic requirements of building near Lake Blue Ridge and the Toccoa River. Our goal is to create spaces that capture the "Blue Ridge" feeling—grand glass walls for view-seeking and expansive decks for entertaining.
Lake Homes in Union County
Highest Peaks & Lakeside Retreats Home to Brasstown Bald, the highest point in Georgia, Union County offers some of the most dramatic elevation changes in the state. Centered around Blairsville, this area is defined by the pristine waters of Lake Nottely and the surrounding national forest. Our architectural focus here is on durability and elevation—designing homes that can withstand the mountain elements while offering panoramic views of the Appalachian ridges.
featured Design in Fannin County - Cold Lake
A set of "twin treehouses" nestled deep in the mountains. Each 1,200-square-foot structure is designed for pure relaxation, utilizing compact footprints and large windows to immerse guests in the surrounding forest canopy.
featured Design in Union County - Smith Cooke
A stunning transformation on the banks of Lake Nottely. We stripped this home back to its foundations to rebuild a modern farmhouse that maximizes the lakefront lifestyle, blending rugged durability with elegant lakeside living.
Mountain Home Design in Gilmer County
The Apple Capital of Georgia Famous for its autumn harvest and the rivers that cut through its valleys, Gilmer County is the heart of cabin culture. In Ellijay and Cherry Log, the lifestyle revolves around the outdoors—tubing the Cartecay River or mountain biking the trails. Our designs for this region focus on "modern cabinology," utilizing natural materials like timber and stone to create retreats that feel native to the apple orchards and riverbanks.
featured Design in Gilmer County - River top
An ambitious build that defies the mountainside, this home cantilevers out over the trees to hover above the river below. With 2,500 square feet of space connected by three levels of decks, it is the ultimate example of integrating architecture with the water.
Farmhouse Design in Towns County
The Heart of the Blue Ridge With Hiawassee as its county seat, Towns County is a playground for water and mountain lovers alike. Dominated by Lake Chatuge and the shadow of Bell Mountain, the terrain here is breathtakingly steep and incredibly rewarding. We specialize in "lake-and-mountain" architecture—homes designed to be accessible from the road above but open and airy toward the water below.
featured Design in Towns County - Hooper
A picturesque modern farmhouse designed for a gentle valley lot. Anchored by dual grey stone chimneys and a steep roofline to handle mountain weather, the home features a deep, welcoming front porch. It is the perfect setting for watching the sunset over the ridges, blending traditional craftsmanship with the peace of a lakeside retreat.
Why choose a home designer familiar with these Counties
Permitting Confidence
Every county in North Georgia operates differently. What works in Cherokee might not pass inspection in Fannin. We are familiar with the specific requirements of towns like Blue Ridge, Blairsville, and Ellijay—including strict watershed protections, ridge-line height restrictions, and septic setbacks. We prepare our construction documents with these local rules in mind, helping you navigate the permitting process faster so you can break ground sooner.
Building in North Georgia presents a set of challenges you simply don’t find in the suburbs of Atlanta or on the flat coast of Florida. The soil is different, the slopes are steeper, and the regulations change from one ridge to the next.
Hiring an Custom Home Designer who understands this specific region means avoiding costly surprises during construction. We don't just design a house and hope it fits; we design specifically for the topography, the local climate, and the specific zoning codes of your county. Here is how that local expertise benefits your project:
Contractor Network
A great set of plans is only as good as the builder who executes them. Over the years, we have built strong relationships with reliable contractors and craftsmen throughout the mountains. We know who has the equipment to handle rocky excavations and who delivers the level of finish our clients expect. We design with their capabilities in mind, ensuring a smoother collaboration from the first pour of concrete to the final walk-through.
Topography Mastery
Any designer can draw a house on a flat piece of paper, but it takes experience to place a home on a 30% gradient. We don't see steep slopes as a problem; we see them as an opportunity. By using cantilevered decks, walk-out basements, and stepped foundations, we can minimize expensive grading work and turn difficult terrain into your home’s most stunning feature. We know how to manage erosion and runoff, ensuring your home remains secure on the mountainside for decades to come.
Ready to Build Your custom home in the Mountains?
Bringing a vision to life in the North Georgia counties requires a partner who understands the land as well as the architecture. At Round Table Design Studio, we bridge the gap between visionary custom home design and the practical realities of North Georgia construction.
Whether you are navigating the permit process for a steep lot in Gilmer or planning a lakeside estate in Towns, we are here to guide you from the first sketch to the final build. Let’s discuss how we can turn your ideas into a home that stands the test of time.
Serving Cherokee, Pickens, Gilmer, Fannin, Union, Lumpkin, Towns, and the greater Southeast.