Our architecture firm collaborated with the University of North Carolina at Asheville to design and fit out the STEAM Studio at the RAMP (River Arts Makers Place)—an innovative facility that supports interdisciplinary learning in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). Located adjacent to UNC Asheville’s main campus, this 11,575-square-foot adaptive reuse project transforms a former industrial building into a cutting-edge educational and fabrication space.
The STEAM Studio is a cornerstone of UNC Asheville’s commitment to hands-on, experiential learning. Our design was tailored to accommodate advanced fabrication technologies and flexible working environments for both students and faculty. The facility includes dedicated areas for water jet cutting, laser cutting, CNC plasma cutting, woodworking, and 3D printing/modeling—all essential for supporting the university’s engineering and fine arts programs.
One of the core design challenges was integrating these heavy-use, high-tech tools into an existing structure while maintaining safety, functionality, and spatial efficiency. The building was outfitted with enhanced power systems, specialized ventilation, and acoustic treatments to support industrial-grade equipment without compromising comfort or usability.
The layout emphasizes transparency and collaboration, with open studio areas, shared workspaces, and large windows that connect the interior with the surrounding River Arts District. Materials were selected for durability and sustainability, with exposed structural elements, polished concrete floors, and industrial finishes that reflect the building’s maker-focused identity.
This project showcases our firm’s expertise in educational architecture, maker space and fabrication lab design, and adaptive reuse for higher education. The STEAM Studio at the RAMP provides UNC Asheville with a dynamic, future-ready space that encourages innovation, creativity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
