Meet Ken
About Kenneth J. Wertheim, Architect
Ken is the principal of a small, personalized architectural practice in Asheville, NC specializing in fine custom designed mountain and resort homes, as well as custom coastal homes. His firm was founded in 1993 on a philosophy he refers to as "responsive architecture," with design principles that respond to client needs, goals and objectives. Ken is also an authorized independent representative for Timberpeg®, The Artisans of Post & Beam and has been designing custom homes for over 35 years, specializing in timber framing. He is a member of the Green Built Alliance and is nationally certified by NCARB. He lives in the mountains of Asheville, NC with his wife Debbie.
 |  |  |
|---|
Philosophy
Ken believes architecture should respond to client’s goals and objectives through what he calls the four cornerstones of responsive architecture ~ service excellence, design excellence, professional excellence and environmental responsibility; to provide clients with a high level of quality professional architectural services while remaining a small and personalized firm, offering designs that are modern interpretations inspired by the traditions and craftsmanship of the Adirondack Camps, National Park Lodges, Arts & Crafts Cottages, and mountain retreats, which result in unique homes that are both timeless and elegant; to use the beauty found in simplicity in the spirit of the "Not So Big House", while being environmentally sensitive, applying conservation and sustainable design principles, and being responsive to the land.
Mission
To design unique, distinctive homes for clients which reflect professional dedication and innovation that is creative and in harmony with nature while being responsive to individual lifestyle desires and needs; to offer cost effective, energy efficient solutions through continuing education, professional expertise, and applied skills and knowledge; to develop strong client relationships by gaining respect and building trust through professional integrity; to help transform visions into reality, and exceed client expectations.
"A house should be of the hill, not on it."
~ Frank Lloyd Wright
Vision
To take a leadership position by promoting the role architects play in protecting and preserving the environment through the impact of design decisions and a sustainable design focus; to promote 21st century architecture that is responsive to relationships between people and buildings with the environment and the earth, and to design and construct buildings that are energy efficient and environmentally sensitive; to remain committed to The Energy Star Challenge 2015 to improve building energy-efficiency and to the American Institute of Architects Global Challenge 2030 calling on architects to immediately reduce energy use of new building designs by 50% and to design carbon neutral buildings (using no fossil fuel energy) by 2030.
Licenses
State of Georgia Licensed Architect 2003
State of South Carolina Licensed Architect 2003
State of North Carolina Licensed Architect 1996
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, NCARB Certified 1995
Education
Jan 1985 State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Environmental Planning,
Master’s Degree in Architecture (M. Arch.)
Jun 1983 State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Environmental Planning,
Bachelor’s Degree of Professional Studies in Architecture (B.P.S.Arch)
Jun 1979 Westchester Community College, Valhalla, New York, Associate’s Degree of Applied Science
in Civil Engineering Technology (A.A.S. Civil)