About Us
We Build Like We Live, With Integrity and Intention.
Every project reflects our belief that quality and honesty aren’t optional, they’re the foundation.
Thompson
Design & Build
Thompson Design & Build is a full-service residential design and construction studio rooted in craftsmanship, creativity, and care. With deep North Carolina ties and a hands-on approach, we specialize in custom homes that reflect each client’s vision, executed with precision from concept to completion.
Our process blends architectural insight with construction expertise, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully designed and built to last. Whether it’s a coastal retreat or a modern farmhouse, we take pride in turning ideas into enduring spaces that feel personal, purposeful, and beautifully made.
Cory Thompson
Company Owner / Builder / Designer
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Cory Thompson is the founder and principal of Thompson Design Build, where he leads clients through the complete process of designing and building luxury custom homes. With a background in architecture and more than a decade of experience uniting design and construction, Cory brings both creative vision and hands-on expertise to every project.
Based in Wilmington, NC, Cory and his team craft luxury custom and legacy residences known for their thoughtful design, enduring quality, and effortless livability. Each home begins with listening—understanding how clients want to live, what inspires them, and what “home” truly means to them.
Cory is deeply committed to building trust through clear communication and a transparent, collaborative process. By uniting the roles of designer and builder, he simplifies every stage of the journey, creating a stress-free experience where clients feel confident, informed, and inspired from start to finish.
His architectural background allows him to blend artistry with structure, while his construction expertise ensures each design is beautifully built to last. From elegant coastal retreats to innovative modern residences, his work reflects a deep respect for craftsmanship, collaboration, and timeless design.
Cory’s goal is simple: to create homes that inspire, nurture, and stand as a lasting expression of the families who call them home.
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Outside the office and job sites, Cory enjoys spending time with his family, including his wife Kristen and daughter Fara. He also enjoys visiting art exhibits and boating on the Intracoastal Waterway with their rescue dog, Penny.
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Member, Wilmington Cape Fear Home Builders Association; http://business.wcfhba.com
North Carolina Modernist, https://www.ncmodernist.org
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Wrightsville Beach Magazine, Published October 27, 2021; https://wrightsvillebeachmagazine.com
Robert Kearns
Project Management
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Robert, a native of Charlotte NC enjoys the challenges and results of custom home building. His interest and passion for using his hands led him to change his initial career path from School Counselor in Flagstaff AZ to moving back to his home state to pursue his current career in construction management and hands on carpentry work.
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You can find Robert kayaking the waters of the Cape Fear Region in his free time.
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Masters of Arts, School Counseling, Gardner-Web University
Associate Degree Construction Technology, Coconino Community College in Flagstaff, Arizona
OSHA Safety Card Certified
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q. How does your pricing work?
A. We start with a Pre-construction Services agreement which outlines all services we provide in the pre-construction and design phases. The deposit associated with this phase is typically a small percentage of the projected overall budget and is credited toward the construction budget and contract after the design phase is complete and permitting starts.
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Q. How long does it take to build a custom home?
A. The first phase includes design, budgeting, and permitting. We typically allow 1 month to 1 year depending on complexity. During this phase, we are designing and sending drawings to vendors and suppliers to quote for accurate pricing data. Since all our homes are unique, no two budgets are alike which makes this process critical to spending the appropriate time setting accurate expectations for the budget.
The construction schedule can vary depending on the type of construction. More complex design-build projects can take up to 1 to 2 years but most of our projects fall in an 8 to 12 month schedule expectation.
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Guaranteeing our work is important for our client’s peace of mind and our reputation as a custom home builder. Our additional warranty program offers support for our clients after moving into their new homes for one year and longer contracts if desired. Contact us for more details.