The Offices at Belle Hall

Commercial office design doesn’t often start with details; it begins with big picture math - proformas, core factors, totals of leasable space, parking calcs, etc. While all of these formulas came into play early and often during the design of this speculative office building, we were able to focus equally on the small design moments that seek to make a building and space unique.

Glass guardrail system with stainless steel hardware.

Warm walnut paneling contrasts the white terrazzo stair treads and tile flooring.

Tenant entrances each have frameless glass doors with walnut surrounds.

Exterior entrance introduces you to the wood and slat elements in conjunction with charcoal painted steel.

Metal wall panels and brick are the primary exterior materials - balancing a sense of permanence with a contemporary aesthetic.

Rainbow Row | 107 East Bay St. Renovation [Part 2]

The first part of this historic renovation story was published nearly three years ago during the early days of the design process. We had recently been hired to design some functional updates for the new owner and breathe life back into this former wharfside mercantile at the corner of East Bay and Elliot streets in downtown Charleston, SC. Design goals included undoing some less sensitive renovation remnants and creating a light-filled kitchen by enclosing an interior courtyard. This had to be carefully studied and planned as the historic district rules prohibit seeing any new fabric from the public right of way; see building section below confirming this. Read the previous blog here: Rainbow Row | 107 East Bay St. Renovation [Part 1]

Elliot Street elevation

Building section cutting through new kitchen confirming historic district site lines are preserved.

Since then, the Board of Architectural Review approvals were obtained, City of Charleston building permits were acquired, contractors carefully undid the non-historic fabric, restored and created a family home and the next chapter for this resilient structure. The homeowners’ passion for antiques, relics and collectibles, along with their sensitive design eye resulted in self-curated spaces that are both historic and current while capturing their personalities perfectly. Perhaps the most poetic aspect of this project for us is the continuation of this centuries-old structure evolving for yet another generation.

[Photography: Callie Cranford, Charleston Home + Design magazine]

[Photography: Callie Cranford, Charleston Home + Design magazine]

[Photography: Callie Cranford, Charleston Home + Design magazine]

General Contractor: C. B. Elrod Co.

Wood Flooring: Vintage Elements of Greenwood, SC

Lighting: Urban Electric, Circa Lighting and Restoration Hardware

Cabinets: Kris Katlawski, Eurocraft Inc.

Countertops: AGM Imports

Appliances: Plugs Appliance Center

Tile: Lowcountry Tile Contractors

Click here for Charleston Home + Design magazine article.

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.

Tradesman Brewing Company

We like beer. We also like kick-ass entrepreneurs who have a vision, pool their talents and work hard to make things happen. The folks behind Tradesman Brewing Company - Sara Gayle McConnell, Scott McConnell and Chris Winn - are not only clients but friends, which makes it even more fun to cheer them on. Easy to do with their brand new “Charleston Area Entrepreneur of the Year Award” and let’s face it, their Circuit Breaker IPA. The project was an adaptive reuse of an industrial building in what is now called Charleston’s Brewery District (Click here for some NY Times love on the subject). Riffing off of the “Tradesman” brand and their tag line “Well Built Beer”, the design elements are raw, functional and industrial: shipping containers (for signage, storage, and an outdoor bar) framed by exposed steel and concrete for the outdoor patio.

Other reasons we love these guys:

“BREWSTER”: Building Relationships Empowering Women Striving To Exist Responsibly. They donate proceeds every quarter to a local women’s charity.

UNION CLUB: Of course they have a “union” complete with dues and secret meetings.

GROWLER CLUB: Yes, growl as in dogs; a favorite of Mr. Tibbits.

Next time you are in Charleston or on the peninsula, stop in and give these guys a high five and enjoy a pint. Cheers to you Sara, Scott + Chris!

Coastal Fertility Specialists - Nexton

South Carolina’s premier fertility center, Coastal Fertility Specialists, is expanding to the Nexton neighborhood to better serve patients in the Summerville area. As experienced experts with high pregnancy rates and national patient satisfaction awards, Coastal Fertility Specialists wanted a forward-thinking, modern design. Due date: 2020

Brighton Park Blvd. Street Elevation

Entry Drive Elevation

Mount Pleasant Modern

“Modern architecture does not mean the use of immature new materials; the main thing is to refine materials in a more human direction.” Alvar Aalto

Design goals for this residence included simple lines, livable spaces and sustainability. Thoughtful and exacting decisions were made collectively with the client, architect and builder. Materials include warm woods, stucco and glass.

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. 

Daniel Island Recreation Center

The City of Charleston Capital Projects and Recreation Dept. staff has completed comprehensive outreach sessions the last few years to obtain citizen feedback that help form the programming.  The current design is approximately 20,000sf and includes a Gymnasium, Multi-Purpose Room, Fitness Room along with support spaces (offices, meeting room, storage, restrooms / showers). 

The inspiration for the design came directly from Daniel Island's agrarian history.  This agricultural context can be discovered at the existing concessions building at Governor’s Park. That history and context, plus understanding the fun and casual types of functions that are housed in this building really solidified this design direction. The building material choice and detailing are selected and will be designed to align with the quality level of Daniel Island and durability requirements of a public building. 

Rendering: Seamon Whiteside + Rush Dixon Architects