When it comes to building a custom home in Raleigh, choosing the right architect can make all the difference. In our latest Best of Raleigh podcast episode, host Gretchen Coley sits down with one of the area’s most talented residential architects, Abbie Lee Roehm, founder of Paces & Roehm Architecture.

With nearly 20 years of experience and a career spanning New York City, Atlanta, Geneva, and Paris, Abbie Lee has contributed to iconic projects including U.S. embassies, the 9/11 Memorial Museum, and breathtaking custom residences. Today, she leads a Raleigh-based firm known for one thing above all: listening.

And as Gretchen shares, she saw that firsthand.

From Fashion to Floorplans: How Abbie Lee Found Architecture

Abbie Lee always knew she belonged in a creative field. From fashion to art to design, she imagined a future where creativity and logic blended. Architecture quickly became the perfect fit.

“I’m very left-brained and right-brained. Architecture lets me use both design and function.”

She spent the early part of her career at major global firms, where mentors encouraged her to take on a wide range of project types. That broad foundation eventually led her back to her true passion: custom residential design.

The Paces & Roehm Philosophy: They Listen First

Every custom home begins the same way, with the client’s vision. Whether it’s a Pinterest board, magazine clippings, or texts full of inspiration photos, Abbie Lee believes in starting exactly where the client is.

She and her team dive deeply into each client's lifestyle:

• How do they cook?
• Do they entertain?
• Do they want indoor–outdoor flow?Are they dreaming of a 13-foot island or a cozy breakfast nook?

This personal approach shapes everything from room placement to window orientation.

“Everyone has a vision of their dream home. Our job is to take that vision and make it reality.”

Thinking in 3D: How an Architect Sees a Home Before It Exists

To many homeowners, watching an architect sketch looks like magic. Lines on a page suddenly become a complete home. To Abbie Lee, though, it’s simply second nature.

     “Even when I’m sketching a flat floorplan, I’m thinking in 3D.”

Before drawing a single line, she visits the lot to study the topography, sun angles, surrounding structures, and the way the home will sit on the land. It’s a meticulous approach that results in homes that feel effortless, natural, and deeply livable.

And yes, she loves big spans of glass and abundant natural light. But not just because it looks beautiful.

Natural light improves mood, enhances connection to nature, and supports the growing popularity of biophilic design. As Gretchen notes, walk through one of Abbie Lee’s homes mid construction, even without electricity, and the light tells the whole story.

A Peek Inside Her Current Projects

One of her most exciting projects right now? A modern Mediterranean beach house in Wrightsville Beach.

The home spans two lots, balances height restrictions with creativity, and reflects the fun, vibrant energy of the family who will live there. It’s exactly the kind of project that lights her up.

Across the Triangle, she’s designing custom homes in Chapel Hill, Cary, and even leading some of the area’s first major teardowns in Preston.

From the 9/11 Memorial Museum to North Carolina

Of all the projects throughout her career, her time on the 9/11 Memorial Museum stands out. It was emotional, collaborative, and massively complex, a 20 person team, countless stakeholders, and some of the most meaningful design work of her life.

When she moved to North Carolina nearly 20 years ago, Raleigh immediately felt like home. She fell in love with the greenery, the growth, the universities, and the people, and she knew it was time to build something of her own.

Building a Business, Building a Family

As a mother of twins and a business owner, Abbie Lee understands balance, even if it doesn’t always look perfect.

Her family is her greatest support system and one of her biggest motivators.

     “People who say you can’t do it all — you can. You just need help. My family is my team.”

Gretchen shared the same sentiment, that showing her children what hard work, resilience, and passion look like is one of the most rewarding parts of entrepreneurship.

Why Her Work Resonates

Whether it’s a starter project or a multimillion-dollar dream home, Abbie Lee approaches every design with the same commitment to excellence. Her clients feel it. Gretchen sees it. And the results speak for themselves.

One recent project, the home of Raphael, a beloved past client, is a perfect example. Light-filled, functional, beautifully personal, and exactly what he envisioned. That’s the Paces & Roehm standard.

Thinking About Building a Custom Home?

If you're just starting your custom home journey, whether you have a lot already or you’re dreaming from Pinterest boards, Abbie Lee Roehm is a name you need to know.

You can find her here:

Website: Paces & Roehm Architecture
Instagram: @pacesandroehm
Phone: Listed on her website

Watch or Listen to the Full Episode

You can catch the full conversation on:

Apple Podcasts
Spotify

A new Best of Raleigh episode drops every Friday, bringing you closer to the people, places, and businesses that make our city so special.