Asa Wells

Asa Wells (1804-1885) was an American architect primarily known for his work in the Carpenter Gothic style in the northeastern United States, particularly in New York. Born in Southold, New York, Wells, along with his brother, Henry Wells, operated a successful architectural and building firm. While specific documentation detailing the exact division of labor between the brothers can be scarce, they are credited with designing and constructing numerous churches, homes, and other structures throughout the 19th century. Key characteristics of their work include the use of board-and-batten siding, pointed arches, steeply pitched roofs, and decorative bargeboards, all hallmarks of the Carpenter Gothic aesthetic. Their designs often incorporated elements of the Picturesque movement, emphasizing asymmetry and blending with the surrounding landscape. Examples of their work can be found in various towns across New York's Long Island and beyond, though some have been lost to time or altered. The Wells brothers' contribution is significant in representing the adaptation of Gothic architectural principles to vernacular building practices and materials, reflecting the growing American identity in architectural design.