About the Owner
Dustin Cogswell is native to, and a lover of all things, Asheville. Beginning his carpentry career at the age of 15, and working largely in Montford and on downtown building renovations, he developed a love for local history and architecture – as well as gaining invaluable experience in historic restoration techniques. Dustin started his first carpentry subcontracting business in 2006 and became licensed as a general contractor in 2008. In the years he worked as a carpentry subcontractor he quickly became known for his ability as a specialty framer and for having the capacity to manage the construction of large high-end homes, primarily in local gated communities. During this time he developed a love for timber framing, which led to opportunities as a specialist consultant in that field.
Though inspired by the amazing homes he was constructing at the time, he was also stunned at the inadequacies he often found in the design documents used for construction. This led Dustin to an interest in design. Beginning in 2012, Dustin moved into the design/build realm. Self-taught, but armed with years of experience, a natural inclination toward construction and engineering, and a plethora of mentors, peers and consultants, he has spent the last 12+ years mastering this new trade. Drawing from his work in historic restoration, timber framing, steel erection and the construction of numerous fine custom homes Dustin brings a well rounded and real-world experience backed approach to design. He designs from the perspective of the tradesmen who will ultimately construct the project. His passion and his talent for design is evident in every project he executes, as is his love for and comfort with variety. A look at his portfolio will immediately convey his natural design sense, as well as his ability to bring those designs to life.
Client Testimonials
"I've used DC Design Build Associates for years and am thrilled with their professionalism, attention to detail, and workmanship! They have become my "go-to" provider for all renovations and new construction. As a business owner, I also have used DC Design for my commercial needs. Mr. Cogswell and his team are money well spent!"
G. Ibrahim
"DC Design Build Associates walked us through every aspect of the renovation and took time to explain, in detail, every aspect of the work. We were convinced they truly cared for the home and the renovation. We feel Dustin has an uncanny eye for design, detail and, in our home, used innovative engineering. We highly recommend Dustin Cogswell and DC Design Build Associates. He is a true professional, an excellent craftsman and an honest businessman."
G. Hadley & S. Yohe
The project turned out wonderfully thanks to the attention to both the detail and complex engineering solutions that Dustin brought to the project. We have continued to work exclusively with Dustin and his team on a number of improvement and upgrade projects over the last 11 years. Each project has added significant value to our home. His attention to detail is truly a gift. If I had to describe Dustin’s greatest talents, I would say he approaches all of his projects from a vast wealth of experience blended with a very high level of engineering expertise. He is very talented and has an interesting and engaging imagination. He is very dependable and gets every aspect of the project done right!"
D. & M. Horner
"Dustin and his team were incredible to work with! Dustin is the perfect blend of designer and builder and has an uncanny ability to paint a picture of what the end result will be -- and he always delivers. I've had the pleasure of working with Dustin on a number of different projects now and I've never seen someone more detail-oriented, which is exactly what you want, whether it's building your dream home or a renovation. I can't recommend him and his team enough."
K. & B. Wright