what we do
what we do
Beautiful, Functional and Sustainable Spaces
Thrive is a Charlottesville, Virginia-based architecture firm focused on design for sustainability and wellness, across numerous project types. We offer an exceptional level of service to our clients. And we nurture relationships with clients and project partners alike that enrich the buildings and spaces we create together.
Our work is diverse--intentionally so—and reflects the great breadth of our interest, passion, and experience. You’ll find common themes in our approach to design—open and interconnected spaces, a fresh and modern expression, authentic materials, and crisp detailing—collectively reflecting a unique sense of place. At the same time, we never losing sight of our customers’ needs and wishes, and endeavor to make the design experience as rewarding as the building project itself.
Integrated and High-Performance Design
With our partner consulting firms, we offer a full range of engineering and allied design services, providing coordinated, sole-source design solutions for your entire building project.
Our Services
Site Planning and Masterplanning
Interiors
Construction Administration
3D Visualization
Feasibility Analysis
Building Programming
Space planning
Brand Integration
Sustainable Design Consulting
Low-Energy Design
Green Building Certification
Post-Occupancy Evaluation
Thrive is a Small and Micro Business certified by the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity. We’re also a member of the United States Green Building Council.
how we work
how we work
With you every step of the way
Your building project is unique. And it represents a significant investment of your time and financial resources. As your design leader and trusted advisor, we help shepherd your project from start to finish, transforming your vision to reality. Whether it’s your first project, or twenty-first, a small addition or an expansive new facility, you can count on the Thrive team to craft a project approach that gives you peace of mind knowing that we genuinely value the unique aspects of your need.
Let’s discuss how to best approach your project.
sustainability
sustainability
At Thrive, Sustainability Is Not Just A Talking Point
If you’ve read this far, you know we’re pretty serious about our commitment to sustainable design. But don’t worry if you feel less passionate about green building than we do—we work with our clients to help understand impacts and consequences continually throughout the design process.
Rest assured, we understand that every client has a budget, and we help you make informed and smart decisions that integrate first- and life-cycle costs into the decision-making process. Our goal is always a healthful, high-performing and beautiful building that elegantly meets your needs and doesn’t break the bank.
““The human race is challenged more than ever before to demonstrate our mastery, not over nature but of ourselves.” ”
people
people
Stephen B. Davis
Founder and Principal
Thrive founder Steve Davis is a nationally recognized leader in sustainable design and construction with over twenty years’ experience designing award-winning projects for residential, commercial, government, and institutional clients.
Steve has long been deeply involved in advancing the building community’s understanding of stewardship, conservation, health, and wellness. For his efforts, he was awarded the distinction of LEED Fellow, by the United States Green Building Council in 2015. Recently, he has been active working with doctors and public health researchers to integrate evidence-based health strategies into the built environment.
With Thrive, Steve has created a values-based and performance-driven sustainable design studio that creates healthy spaces for living, learning, working, and playing.
Steve resides in Charlottesville with his wife, three daughters, and a flock of backyard chickens. When he’s not coaching, watching, or driving to youth soccer events, he enjoys reading American history and exploring the forests and waterways of his native Virginia piedmont.
Education
Master of Architecture, Harvard University, 1999
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Virginia, 1992
Current Professional Registrations
Registered Architect, Massachusetts
Registered Architect, Virginia
Professional Affiliations
LEED® Fellow
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Association for Learning Environments (A4LE)
Greater Virginia Green Building Council (GVGBC)
what people are saying
what people are saying
Passion. Commitment. Vision. And Patience.
Clients and colleagues alike testify to Thrive founder Steve Davis’ twenty-plus years of experience designing inspired places from Thomassin, Haiti to Bar Harbor, Maine. Here’s what they say!
“Steve has an uncanny ability to hear and define the needs of his clients—even when the clients themselves are unable to perfectly articulate their vision. Every project we’ve done with Steve has been collaborative from start to finish and the end-product has always been elegant, practical, and in-line with the needs and values of the partner organization. Having seen his generosity and personal drive on pro bono international development work, I recommend his firm without hesitation.”
“Steve continues to be a source of inspiration. His passion and talent for inspiring and motivating others continues to have a positive impact on our schools, our students and our planet. From low-energy design to healthy foodscapes, his areas of expertise continue to evolve and grow.”
“Steve’s work include[s] an unwavering commitment to place, site ecology, [and] healthy occupants.”
“Steve … has been a continuous advocate for performance-based design and data-driven decision-making. As a result of Steve’s hands-on approach to each project, the energy performance of our collaborative work has steadily improved while the water impacts on the environment have consistently declined.”
“I believe that Steve’s vision, tenacity, and energy were fundamental to the success of the project and the transformation of the school and community culture….In all that he does, Steve earns the utmost respect from clients and project partners alike. ”
core values
core values
Thrive’s Roadmap
Thrive is a small but growing company, and we’re committed to a foundational set of values that guide our business decisions and our professional relationships. Our core values are an important part of who we are and where we are going. Take a look and tell us what you think!
Core Values
We embrace and advance our belief that design matters—that the built environment can lift the human spirit and nurture positive behavioral change
We employ our gifts, with intention, to optimize human health and to restore the health (and beauty) of all natural systems
We celebrate contemporary culture and seek thoughtful responses that are both timeless and meaningful to the constituencies with which we work
We rely on measurable, and measured, performance to drive continual advancement
We strive, every day, for personal and professional excellence
We nourish a culture that respects deeply the unique character and contributions of each employee and collaborator
We aspire to an authenticity in our relationships and in our work that affirms and enables life well-lived
