Fulton Residence: Unique Modern Living

The design of this residence began as a collaboration between Alka Construction and Rush Dixon Architects to continue the Fulton Neighborhood’s “unique modern living” approach to the built environment. We appreciate what Alka has created in this neighborhood and our collective goal was to create a “Lowcountry Modern” aesthetic that responds to the site. Prior to the commencement of construction the homeowners purchased the property; we were then able to customize the design to their passions and way of living.

The house was designed to have functional and easy spaces to live in, that can work equally well for entertaining, family time or solitude. A significant design moment is the custom wood scrim wall which not only separates the entry from the dining room, but displays artifacts from the homeowners’ many travels. We measured each of these special pieces and created several iterations of the wall detail until we landed on the best configuration.

The properties in Fulton are intentionally modest in size which creates a rich density similar to the courtyard living of neo-traditional neighborhoods like Rosemary Beach or Alys Beach. This creates a challenge when laying out the house and exterior living spaces as the goal is to create privacy and functionality. The site borders on beautiful wooded wetlands which we wanted to embrace as a natural backdrop and short view. The main entrance is centered on the dining room and living room which creates a view corridor through large full glass sliding doors to the woodlands. The master bedroom is another beneficiary of the wooded view.

Photo: Ebony Ellis

Photo: Ebony Ellis

Photo: Ebony Ellis

We were but a small part of bringing this design to reality. The homeowners and Alka took the lead on the interiors with help from Cabaret Cabinetry, Urban Electric, Inspired Closets and Tile and Stone Design Studio. Click here for more photos and drawings.

Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center

Often times architecture is more about how a person feels within the building than the individual building materials and details. When Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center, a local non-profit who provides services for children who have been abused, asked us to assist them with their building renovation, we knew that outcome was especially important. This is one of those organizations that you wish didn't have to exist but you are so glad they are part of the community to help children heal. 

The existing building, located in Mount Pleasant, was originally designed as a church and most recently functioned as a gym. The goal for the renovation was to spend the majority of the dollars focused on the client and staff experience. Therefore, the organization did not seek bold architectural changes to the exterior. They instead invested in new paint and welcoming gardens including a gate inspired by those one would find in historic Charleston gardens; we designed theirs with custom ironwork incorporating the DNCAC logo. 

The design process had a very high level of communication with Dr. Carole Swiecicki, the Executive Director and Beverly Hutchison, Director of Development, that allowed us to truly understand the priorities of the client need / experience, the individual roles of staff members and their built environment requirements. At every meeting and design discussion, we asked ourselves if the clients would feel welcome, safe and cared for. 

One of the DNCAC board members is the VP of Manufacturing and Materials at the Charleston Boeing plant and in turn implemented a ‘lean manufacturing’ study specific to efficient client and staff flow. One specific goal was to better the client experience and reduce the time it took for a client to move through the building on their first visit - a visit that involves initial intake, a forensic interview and a medical exam. That is a lot of unknowns -  different rooms and different staff interactions -  for a child who has recently experienced abuse. Through the design of the Main Lobby, close proximity of the Intake / Family Advocate offices and interview rooms, the creation of an second, quieter waiting area adjacent to the Medical suite, all with colorful and intuitive way-finding, we hope that the physical space makes this visit a little easier for these brave clients and their families. 

The most challenging aspect of the project was fitting the programmatic requirements of the staff into the building while keeping client experience paramount in a limited amount of space. This organization has so many amazing staff members - from the first person to smile at you when you come in, to the Family Advocates and Therapists to the Education, Development and Operation folks who keep the organization running behind the scenes. Every design meeting included a discussion about how to take care of the staff whether it was the size / type / location of their work space or the importance put on the Break Room and outdoor area for staff to decompress and socialize. There is even a Meditation Room for staff use. The staff does the hard work and makes the magics happen within these walls; hopefully this renovation has improved their daily experience as well. 

Custom art installation that acts as a client interaction opportunity.

One of our favorite aspects of the design is how the initial client visit starts. The child is given the opportunity to select a bird (reminiscent of the DNCAC logo) and attach it to the custom wall art installation which depicts a tree (symbolizing support, growth and strength). At a minimum this is an ice-breaker and a way for the DNCAC staff to interact right away with the child. At most it becomes symbolic once the child sees all of the other birds on the wall, hence realizing that they are not alone. Additionally, for any visitor to the building or staff member viewing the mural, it becomes a visual document of just how many children the Dee Norton Child Advocacy Center is helping. This idea was a collective effort among the leadership staff and designers. It is so poignant - every time we would present this, everyone got chills. 

Grand Opening and Open House is open to all. [Friday, August 24 at 11am 677 Long Point Road, Mount Pleasant, SC.]

Click here for the full Post and Courier article. 

We've Moved!

Rush Dixon Architects is now located at 875 Coleman Blvd. in Mount Pleasant, SC. This simple, mid-century building is a perfect space for our studio. Stop in to see us!

Simmons Street Residence

This casual home in Mount Pleasant was designed to capture the ease of the Lowcountry, the simple details of the past and the modern living elements of today's families.  With metal roof panels, white on white siding, a variety of textures and generous spaces, we hope to have created a place to enjoy the little things in life in this great Southern town. 

"Architecture is basically a container of something. I hope they will enjoy not so much the teacup, but the tea."

Yoshio Taniguchi

Builder: The Biggers Company

Designing for a Dentist

One of the projects we are delighted to be working on is Dr. Randall Pagenkopf's new facility, which will be located on Wando Park Blvd. in Mount Pleasant.  "Dr. Randy" as he is known to his pediatric patients, and his business partner / wife, Cullan, envisioned their new building to be rooted in the coastal vernacular while providing a professional image with quality, durable materials. The design needed to be a place that would make families feel welcome and comfortable as well as house the technology and equipment necessary for this vibrant dental practice to continue to provide exceptional dental care. 

Rush Dixon Architects' rendering of the new facility for Dr. Randy

At a time when the medical and dental community is changing at lightning speed, it is inspiring to know there are physicians such as Dr. Randall Pagenkopf, who are successful by being true to their passion and values.  Dr. Randy and Cullan have built a vibrant practice in Mount Pleasant with an approach to practicing dentistry that strikes a chord with both patients and their parents - to garner confidence by providing exceptional care and preventative education, delivered by a solid team of familiar, smiling faces.   

Dr. Randy graduated from The Medical University of South Carolina in 1996, and then completed his pediatric dental training in 1998 at Children's Hospital Medical Center. He has treated more than 10,000 patients in his career thus far, and enjoys participating in medical missions trip to Honduras. His practice focuses exclusively on children and he, Cullan, along with their entire staff are advocates for their patient's parents. “People underestimate the importance of good dental care. It is so directly related to one’s overall health.” The Dr. Randy team helps them develop good oral health habits for life. In many cases, restorative treatment is done via water laser, which minimizes tooth loss and can sometimes be done with no or very little anesthesia. Dr. Randy is very proud to offer zirconia (tooth colored) crowns for primary teeth; the only option until very recently was a silver filling which is not a very popular option for parents or children. This speaks to his eye for relevant technology and forward thinking practices.

Beyond seeing patients throughout the week, Cullan and Dr. Randy lead their team by supporting the community in meaningful ways.  Every February, during Children’s Dental Health month, they visit local elementary schools to educate children and spread dental health awareness. Education is a big passion as evidenced by their blog: www.smilesbydrrandy.com. Content includes medical studies, best dental practices, and nutritional advice to fully support their patients.  And every Halloween, Cullan organizes “Operation: Candy Buyback” where patients can bring their treats to the office and trade it for money.  Once all of the candy has been collected, it is packaged up and sent to troops serving in the U.S. Military.

Yes, we keep good company and are lucky to spend time helping to create a new facility for them to work their magic.  Look for construction activity to begin prior to the end of the year, and if you have a little one that needs a dentist, by all means call Dr. Randy at 843-971-6221.

Rush Dixon Architects is a small part of this endeavor. Meet the rest of the project team:

General Contractor | Harbor Contracting

Civil Engineering / Landscape Architecture | Seamon Whiteside

Structural Engineering | ADC Engineering

Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing Engineering | Charleston Engineering

Dental Design Consultant | Unthank Design Group