Most people would probably say it’s the attention to detail that sets apart the homes and communities designed by Stephen Fuller.

The award-winning residential designer creates a unique style that features traditional architecture on the outside combined with open floor plans inside to satisfy the needs of modern home buyers.

Fuller’s style is all about character. “People want the care and quality of the elements that were displayed in classic homes, an elusive element in today’s market,” said Fuller.

For instance, he prefers the use of authentic materials. “We shy away from pre-fab or false man-made materials that are poor interpretations of the original building products. If we have the choice, we want it to be authentic. It gives it character.”

Fuller may be best known for his featured floor plans in Southern Living Magazine, including the design of seven of their Idea Homes. For the past 10 years, he has taken his talents to a whole new realm – creating master planned communities throughout the country that convey his signature commitment to details.

“We take inspiration from older neighborhoods scattered across the United States, built in the 1920 and ‘30s.” said Fuller. “The early suburban communities are laid out beautifully. We bring a lot of the same principles and concepts. That’s what makes our neighborhoods feel very classic.”

You might say design is in Fuller’s blood. “I always liked to draw and illustrate, even when I was really young” he said. “It was pretty much a straight path to design.” While growing up in suburban Atlanta, he couldn’t help but notice the rapid growth of the residential building industry. An innate passion for residential design influenced him to pursue his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Georgia Tech.

In 1984, he founded Stephen Fuller Inc., in Atlanta, which has grown into one of the largest residential architectural firms in the U.S. The firm is staffed with architects, designers, landscape professionals, graphics experts, and interior designers. The company designs a wide variety of custom homes and portfolio plans ranging from 1,600 to 50,000 square feet.

With 13 collections of residential designs and hundreds more floor plans on line, Fuller now thrives on creating communities.

“If you want to create a really nurturing environment that aesthetically enhances your life, it’s not just your home that makes a difference in your quality of life, it’s your community.”

Fuller has created over 50 community designs throughout the country – in various stages of completion. Ashville Park will be the first large-scale Fuller community in Virginia, but others are in the works, including one in Smithfield and one in Gloucester County.

Veteran Homerama Builder Chip Iuliano joined other custom builders who visited the Fuller-designed community of Heydon Hall in Charlotte, NC. “When we looked at it, our jaws just dropped open,” said Iuliano. “There are so many details that come together to make it truly awesome. Everything from the elaborate landscaping to the brickwork to the sidewalks.”

Fuller uses layers of landscaping to create a lush and scenic environment. “Landscaping is designed to create the perfect setting for these classic homes,” said Fuller.

Porches and pocket parks encourage social activity and a sense of community. Cul-de-sacs are noticeably absent from his plans, and garages are tucked away beside or behind the homes.

Whether it’s an intricate brick pattern on a home’s exterior or carefully chosen landscape plants, Fuller takes pride in all of the little things that go into creating a grand vision. 

“People are drawn to the quality of our designs by the nature of their appearance and they appreciate our attention to small details. That’s why they come to us.”

Seven Fuller designs will be on display at Homearama 2008, Oct. 3 - 19 at Ashville Park in Virginia Beach. The event is open from noon until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Admission is $10 for adults and free for children 12 and under. More information and a discount coupon is available at www.homearama.tv, or call 757-420-2434.