My interview with Michael Merschat and Brad Northcut is part of my series on AIA CRAN (Custom Residential Architects Network) Symposium 2023 Michael Merschat, AIA , of Open Corner Architecture a"Michael grew up on a farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains outside Asheville, NC. After graduating from the University of Tennessee College of Architecture and Design, he moved up to Washington, DC, to pursue his career in architecture. He currently serves as the AIA Potomac Valley Chairperson in the Capitol Area Custom Residential Architecture Network.After two decades of city life, Michael returned home and found renewed connection with the land and rural community of his youth.He believes that we have an opportunity to bring thoughtful design principles into every home, effortlessly blending the natural flow of the land with modern architecture.Michael enjoys spending time with his wife and two children exploring architectural and non-architectural interests away and at home "Michael Merschat, AIAPrincipal Open Corner, LLCStewardship + Modern ArchitectureAsheville, NC | Kensington, MDV 301-233-5260www.opencornerarch.com    Brad Northcut of Tinker Ma Brad was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN.  He attended the University of TN School of Architecture in 1996-2001 where he also played in the Pride of the Southland marching band, and was a member of the UT Men’s rowing and volleyball club teams.  During school and after he had first hand exposure to construction materials and methods while working in design-build, which heavily influenced his approach to Architecture and design, and he has restored two historic homes. He has been involved in a number of young professional organizations and neighborhood/community advocacy groups,In 2017 he returned to Chattanooga, and joined a newly formed architecture firm, Tinker Ma.   His current focus is on high-end single family homes, along with hospitality projects including boutique hotels, locally owned restaurants/bars, and golf course amenity buildings such as clubhouses and event spaces. He enjoys and spending time with his wife Anna and their two step-children, Bennett 8yo and Anna Blaire 12yo. finding memorable family adventure activities such as zip lining over gator ponds, scuba diving, indoor sky diving, and zorbing.   As well as playing competitive volleyball (both beach and indoors) fishing at every opportunity, golf, And more fishing. Brad Northcut,  AIA Assoc.Senior Project Manager                            tinker ma(423) 708-8736 office (general line)web  - FB  - IG - in The Blog is still being edited (the new format is causing some issues in the display of the text) but here are the other links to it.