STEVEN P. BARTON

AIA, LEED AP – MANAGING PRINCIPAL

Steve graduated from Auburn University’s School of Architecture in 1993 with a Bachelor’s of Architecture degree. Since that time, he has spent his career designing buildings that meet his client’s needs while also creating spaces that are both inspirational and useful. Steve has been involved in the creation of numerous innovative housing and mixed-use developments that have had a significant impact on his community and many of these have been recognized by both the community as well as his profession for providing distinctive design.

While managing the day to day operations of the firm, Steve also stays strongly involved in the design, production, and project management of his projects. His commitment to each project stems from his belief that architecture can improve people’s daily lives and the design of housing allows him to do this on a very personal scale.

Steve is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and the United States Green Building Council and he holds architectural licenses in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky.

COLLEEN D. GARRETT

AIA, LEED AP – MANAGING PRINCIPAL

Colleen earned her Bachelors of Architecture degree from Auburn University’s School of Architecture and in her fifth-year her studies took her to Boston’s BAC (Boston Architectural College). It was there she developed a fascination with mixed-use and multi-family housing.  Colleen is a strong advocate for creating housing that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Her attention to detail drives her and the work of the firm. At the base of her work is an abiding curiosity to understand how people want to live and what will ensure their quality of life.

Colleen has been instrumental in the design, production, and project management of a wide range of mixed-use and multi-family projects in her career at Axiom and previously at David Furman Architecture. Her work has varied from 3-story wood frame to mid-rise multi-family structures and she also draws on her previous experience in retail store planning while working on numerous mixed-use residential/commercial projects.

Colleen is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and the United States Green Building Council and she holds architectural licenses in North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.

MATTHEW G. MAJORS

AIA, LEED AP – MANAGING PRINCIPAL

Matt has lived in Charlotte and practiced architecture since 1993. He has designed and managed a wide range of multi-family and mixed-use projects over the years. Matt’s passion for housing was sparked early on in his career while working for many years as a Senior Associate at David Furman Architecture.

Matt is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, the United States Green Building Council and is active with Charlotte’s chapter of the Urban Land Institute.

Matt earned his Bachelors of Architecture degree from Auburn University’s School of Architecture. He finds solace and inspiration in well-designed spaces, and combines his love of architecture with his love of music. His belief is that architecture and music share a kindred spirit, and in the perfect setting or moment, one can always inspire the other.

MATTHEW BROWN

AIA – PRINCIPAL

Matt was born and raised in the Charlotte area and he decided early on that he wanted to give back to his community. He earned his Bachelors of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University’s School of Architecture and began his architectural career working on a variety of commercial and municipal projects where he developed a strength for coordination, detailing and a drive to see projects through to completion. In 2013, he joined Axiom Architecture and has continued his professional development while working on various multifamily and mixed use projects in the area. Matt was named as an Associate to the firm in 2016 and became a partner in 2023.

Matt’s fun-loving personality and attention to detail allow him to generate strong working relationships with Clients, Consultants and Contractors. His energetic spirit shows through in his dedication to the quality of the project as well as in his interactions with colleagues to make each day not only productive but enjoyable.

Matt is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is active in the with the Charlotte Chapter of the AIA and their Young Architects Forum & Leadership Program.

ASHLEY SMITH

AIA, LEED AP BD+C – PRINCIPAL

Ashley grew up in Doylestown Pennsylvania, and after graduating from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a Bachelor of Architecture she decided to make Charlotte her home. She has enjoyed working on mixed-use, multi-family residential, and rehabilitation projects since 2011.  Ashley was promoted to partner in the firm in 2023.

Ashley loves working closely with her coworkers and appreciates an open office atmosphere where everyone is valued for their individual strengths and quirks. For her, how people experience and appreciate architecture differently is what makes it interesting, challenging, and stimulating.

During her down time, you’ll find Ashley browsing the internet for adoptable puppies, planning her next adventure abroad, or working on her long list of DIY projects with her husband.

Ashley is a member of the American Institute of Architects, the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and the United States Green Building Council. She holds an architectural license in North Carolina.

RYAN TRIMBLE

AIA, LEED AP BD+C – PRINCIPAL

Ryan graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2011 with a Bachelor of Architecture and received the AIA Henry Adams medal for his graduating class. He joined Axiom Architecture in October of that year and has since worked on a variety of projects, from concept through construction. Ryan was promoted to Associate in 2017 and became a partner in the firm in 2023.

Although Ryan grew up in a small town, he has come to love living in a city. If he isn’t walking a greenway or hanging out at a local brewery then he is probably cheering on one of his favorite sports teams. It’s this passion for an urban lifestyle that he brings to each project and client at Axiom. Unraveling the complexities of creating mixed-use and multi-family designs that contribute to a better urban fabric are what he looks forward to each day.

Ryan is a member of the American Institute of Architects, a LEED Accredited Professional, and an Eagle Scout. He holds an architectural license in North Carolina.