Forbes Best-In-State Residential Architects

We are honored to be recognized by Forbes Magazine as one of the Best-in-State Residential Architects for 2025. Selected from firms nationwide, this recognition reflects careful consideration of design quality, contextual sensitivity, material use, and the ability to create homes that are both beautiful and livable. Our work in modern residential architecture focuses on clarity, warmth, and thoughtful responsiveness to place. We are grateful to our clients, collaborators, and community for supporting our work and for the Forbes team and jury for the inclusion.

The List

“The team at Forbes engaged in 10 months of rigorous research to produce the following: our second national top-firms list, America’s Best-in-State Residential Architects, encompassing a total of 400 architecture practices from all 50 states plus the District of Columbia. An expansion of the research-and-evaluations processes created to produce Forbes’ Top Residential Architects 2025 list, our methodology for this list drilled even deeper into the unique circumstances—cultural, social, economic, political, lifestyle, and beyond—that shape the markets for the custom single-family house in each individual state. To that end, we also looked at state-specific architects’ licensure numbers, comparing those totals to that of the national total to determine the percentages that each state represents in the whole. This metric was used as a guide to determine state-by-state representation of the 400 firms in the custom single-family house segment. And the result follows, below: A collection of U.S. architects setting the high-bar mark of excellence—and the ones you can turn to for your residential design-and-construction needs, no matter where in the country you call home.

METHODOLOGY:

Tier 1: General Professional Evaluation: Integrity of online presence (quality of photography; professionalism of display; informational value; awards; publication history; etc.); Educational background of the firm’s principals; Work histories and mentorships

Tier 2: Evaluation of a single “Exemplary House”: The measuring of Stability; Utility; and Beauty

Tier 3: Evaluation Relative to Forbes Architecture’s Residential Guiding Principles & Best Practices, the seven categories of which are as follows:

1. Siting and Local Context: Respects and aims whenever possible to preserve natural landscape contours, while minimizing excavation overall; Respects the solar envelope over its own site and, consequently, over that of the neighboring houses; Strategic incorporation of existing land forms (berms, slopes, etc) and landscape to climatic advantage (for wind shielding, storm protection, etc.); Rooms planned according to the ideal solar orientation per function of the specific spaces; Adapted to sea-level-rise and flood-risk projections

2. Architectural Form and Detailing: Balanced expression of form and massing, conscious of climatic response in approach, while honoring the fundamentals of any origins that might be the basis of the design; Honors cultural and environmental contexts; Structural principles elegantly and honestly expressed

3. Building Materials and Craft: A curated approach to selection and application primarily guided by the impositions of the local climate zone and the cardinal directions; Meticulous attention to expression of architectural detailing—at the smallest levels, materials and geometry in alignment; thematic consistency, inclusive of variations; with emphasis on the relationship of parts to the whole; Use of indigenous and locally sourced, or repurposed, materials and employment of local artisans; Use of Forest Stewardship Council-Certified wood and wood products

4. Spatial Configuration: Entry is prioritized, treated as an experience; Adventurous, stimulating plan circulation, with movement decidedly choreographed, ideally with appropriate/effective moments of compression and expansion; Integrative of any outdoor rooms and garden spaces—programmatic relationships between indoors and exterior context; Strategic mechanical-, electrical- and plumbing-integration consideration; Accommodation for flexibility and change in use

5. HVAC and Tech: Electric radiant floors; Electric-dominant, remotely controllable whole-house systems; Use of architectural shading devices; Inclusive of “smart home” lighting automation systems; Thorough provisions for natural ventilation

6. Physical and Psychological Effects: Emphasis on space perception; Integration of sound-reduction strategies to control the interior environments; Immersive, transformative, soothing environments; Natural light harnessed as an instrument for mood creation

7. Environmental | Appropriateness to Region and Local Climate Zone: Material circularity factor; Green infrastructure; Meets or exceeds green residential-building codes; Raises bar of “responsibility” within its community for its example; Designed and built to withstand extreme climate conditions

Barkitecture 2025

It’s that time of year again when we get to mix some of our favorite things - architecture, product design, branding, and dogs - into a design competition entry. The annual Charleston Animal Society “Barkitecture” Doghouse Design Competition aims to blend innovation and design with the comfort and well-being of our furry friends, creating spaces that are both functional and stylish. The entries are currently up for auction and will be displayed at the “Emerald City Gala - Applause for Paws” fundraising event scheduled for Saturday 10/4 at the Gaillard Center in Charleston, SC.

Our 2025 doghouse design, “Dot” is an edited, refined version of last year’s design, “The Dottie”.  This collection is intended to offer dual-function, furniture-quality designs to enhance and declutter your shared space.  With a quartz top and solid wood construction,  this piece can serve family pets and their loving families for generations. See the gallery below for renderings and production progress photos and note our amazing partners below that made it all happen:

Palmetto Surfacing

Robert Thomas Iron Design

Harbor Contracting

Lowcountry Case and Millwork

Rush David Dixon IV Photography

Dave Dixon: Millwork / Assembly

Mr. Tibbits the Whippet: Model + Muse

The auction for “Barkitecture” doghouses is now live with proceeds going to The Charleston Animal Society.  Click HERE to see all of the entries. Consider taking a look, bidding, or just donating if you can.

Camp Hall Ranked #1 Industrial Park + Maker Space

We’re thrilled to see Camp Hall named the #1 Industrial Park/Maker Space in the U.S. by Business Facilities—a recognition that affirms the bold, human-centered vision behind this transformative project. Since its inception, Camp Hall has redefined what an industrial park can be, blending advanced manufacturing potential with an unprecedented focus on quality of life, community, and natural preservation. At Rush Dixon Architects, we’re proud to have been part of Camp Hall’s journey from the very beginning. Since 2019, our team has collaborated on the master planning and conceptual architecture, shaping a place that is not only functional for global industry but also forward-thinking in its integration of people and place.

One of the most distinctive contributions we made was the “Nature + Machine” design concept for Avian Commons, Camp Hall’s central amenity village. This concept explores the dynamic tension between high-performance industry and the organic beauty of the Lowcountry landscape - of specific note is the function, lightness and feathering of a bird’s wings. Through materiality, form, and spatial organization, the architecture honors both the precision of manufacturing and the fluid, evolving patterns found in nature.

Avian Commons serves as a hub for daily life within the industrial park—offering dining, fitness, trails, and community gathering spaces. The “Nature + Machine” approach grounds these experiences in a language of contrast and balance: sleek steel forms set against organic wood textures, hard geometries softened by light, landscape, and movement. It’s a place where people can shift gears—from work to wellness, from efficiency to reflection. Unlike traditional industrial campuses, Camp Hall breaks the mold by integrating preserved natural areas, multi-use trails, and thoughtful amenities—deliberately designed to attract and retain talent by supporting both productivity and well-being.

Our architectural vision was guided by a deep respect for the land, a commitment to environmental stewardship, and a belief that great design can foster connection—even in an industrial context. We’re honored that our early conceptual work helped set the tone for what Camp Hall has become: an award-winning model for the future of industry and innovation.

Conceptual design for a training center at Avian Commons

Rush Dixon Architects provided the schematic design for Refuel, Avian Commons’ first building. [Architect of Record: RRMM]

Camp Hall Avian Pavilion

Santee Cooper’s Camp Hall is a next generation of commerce park where people, nature and productivity connect, juxtaposing state-of-the-art manufacturing in a setting of vast natural beauty. The design concept of “Nature + The Machine” permeates the built environment; like the vehicles and machines produced, the architecture is intended to embody precision, sleekness and innovation. The building forms are envisioned to be abstract interpretations of the patterns, colors, and figures found in native species. The first structure built acts as a civic-scaled front porch. It was created not only as the embodiment of the ‘Nature + Machine’ design concept but as a generous offering to the commerce park’s workforce. Inspired by a bird’s outstretched wings with feathered patterning, this pavilion is the front step of the development offering a place to gather, a classroom for environmental lessons, a perch to birdwatch, or a quiet place of respite. This public porch allows the workforce and community at large to engage with each other and nature, perhaps a reminder of what really matters.

Client: Santee Cooper / Camp Hall

Site Design: Seamon Whiteside

Architect: Rush Dixon Architects

Structural Engineer: ADC Engineering

Electrical Engineer: DWG Engineering

General Contractor: Choate Construction

Photo by @Rush Dixon IV Photography

Forbes List: America's Top 200 Residential Architects

Forbes Magazine just released their inaugural list of “America’s Top 200 Residential Architects” and we are beyond excited to share that Rush Dixon Architects is included this esteemed group of designers. As Forbes’ Senior Architecture Editor, Richard Olsen, describes “Our intention was to cultivate a list that extended far beyond just those who reside in the nation’s top markets. And to help ensure that geographic inclusiveness, as well as the most equitable process of evaluation possible, we assembled a regionally diverse advisory board of leading experts on the American house.”

SELECTION METHODOLOGY

We were first contacted in February 2024 to submit photos and design intent for our Stono River Residence located in Charleston, SC. “Out of the more than 18,000 firms evaluated for the list, more than 750 were invited to submit up to three houses, each completed in 2019 or later, for formal consideration. The submitted projects were then evaluated conditionally, and according to Tiers 2 and 3, respectively, with each house receiving a numerical score according to merit. The highest scoring projects were advanced to the semifinalist stage, before being evaluated again, by both the Forbes Architecture editorial team and the Forbes Architecture Advisory Board, using the same system. The final 200 projects were collectively deemed to most closely meet the evaluating criteria.”

Tier 1: General Professional Evaluation:

• Integrity of online presence (quality of photography; professionalism of display; informational value; awards; publication history; etc.)

• Educational background of the firm’s principals

• Work histories and mentorships

Tier 2: Evaluation of a single “Exemplary House” [Stability, Utility, and Beauty]

Tier 3: Evaluation Relative to Forbes Architecture’s Residential Guiding Principles & Best Practices

• Siting and Local Context

• Architectural Form and Detailing

• Building Materials and Craft

• Spatial Configuration

• HVAC and Tech

• Physical and Psychological Effects

• Environmental | Appropriateness to Region and Local Climate Zone

ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS

• Georgia Bizios

• Ken Breisch

• Danelle Briscoe

• Virginia Cartwright

• Timothy Gray

• Carlos Jimenez

• Joanna Lombard

• William Morgan

• Kevin D. Murphy

• Lisa D. Schrenk

• David Sellers

• Ekaterini (Kat) Vlahos

A sincere thank you to our wonderful client, Forbes Magazine, Richard Olsen and the editing team and the Advisory Members for considering and including our firm on this special list. Click here for the full article published on October 30, 2024 including expanded methodology and Advisory Board members’ backgrounds.

East Cooper Community Outreach Expansion + Renovation

“Neighbors helping neighbors” is a core mission of one of Mount Pleasant’s oldest non-profit organizations. During the start of the pandemic, we had the privilege of assisting East Cooper Community Outreach reorganize their Wellness Pantry to create a safer environment and more efficient layout to better serve the growing client base. This was our first behind-the-scenes glimpse of the work ECCO provides for our East Cooper neighbors. Since then we have been able to learn how each of ECCO’s departments support the core mission and were selected to design the expansion and renovation of their existing facility in Mount Pleasant. Founded as an emergency relief effort in 1989 after Hurricane Hugo’s devastation, East Cooper Community Outreach (ECCO) now functions as a permanent resource for the community through their food pantry, dental, medical, housing and financial assistance services. An over-arching goal of the building improvements was to locate all of the organization’s services under one roof; thus a space needs programming effort was critical to exploring how best to redesign the existing building and add on. The final design provides a total of 16,200sf and a new porte cochere. The existing ‘Lowcountry vernacular’ architectural aesthetic of the existing building was continued in the renovations but with a fresh color scheme to mark this new chapter for ECCO. Click here for an interview with ECCO’s Executive Director, Stephanie Kelley.

A new porte cochere or covered drive will allow clients, volunteers and donors to be protected during daily interactions.

Discussions with staff members resulted in the consolidation of the medical and dental departments to create a single “Health Services” wing (in purple) as well as the importance of consolidating the multiple entrances into a single main entry door where every client is received and personally assisted with their needs.

The existing facility, shown above, was built in 2002 and expanded in 2008.

A Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on April 10, 2024.

General Contractor: Harbor Contracting

Civil Engineering: Seabrook Engineering

Landscape Architecture: The Tomblin Company

Architecture: Rush Dixon Architects

Structural Engineering: ADC Engineering

MPE Engineering: Charleston Engineering

Interior Design: Form + Function

ServisFirst Bank - Summerville

One of the projects we have the good fortune to be a part of is the adaptive reuse of a mid-century retail building into Servis 1st Bank’s latest branch location. Servis 1st happens to be our own bank which brings a rare and welcomed full circle moment to providing architectural services. Some of our other favorite aspects of this downtown Summerville project include:

• Servis 1st’s reinvestment in the Town of Summerville’s historic downtown fabric by giving a vacant corner building a new activated chapter.

• Leveraging the existing road and utility infrastructure.

• Reuse of an existing building thus preventing demolition and sending building materials to landfills.

• Receiving support from the Town of Summerville’s Design Review Board on the proposed design improvements.

The existing building at the corner of North Cedar and W. 3rd North Street in downtown Summerville was previously used as a multi-tenant retail building primarily addressing North Cedar street. To increase the visibility and welcome customers, a corner porch element was added along with additional windows to provide natural light and align with the programmatic use. Aesthetically, the exterior improvements take cues from the building’s mid-century vintage. Vertical slat installations for sun screening and a fresh coat of paint round out the exterior changes.

General Contractor: Harbor Contracting

Site Planning: Bowman Engineering

Structural Engineering: ADC Engineering

MPE Engineering: Charleston Engineering

Architecture + Interiors: Rush Dixon Architects

'Sunsets on the Stono'

Our design for a modern home on the Stono River was featured in the October issue of Charleston Magazine. Thank you to Jennifer Pattison Touhy for the unique storytelling.

“A minimalist, modern home on the banks of the Stono River marries the beauty of the Lowcountry with stylish practicality for one couple’s golden years.” Jennifer Pattison Touhy, Charleston Magazine

Click here for the full article.