Full Service architecture for charleston's historic homes
I offer a complete range of architectural design services for historic homes in Charleston, SC. From renovations to infill construction designed to meet the Charleston Board of Architectural Review’s standards, I walk you through the process so you can enjoy seeing the home you’ve dreamed about come to life. Check out my workRestoring, renovating or building a home does not have to be scary and stressful!
When most people think of restoring, renovating, or building, they imagine the disruption and challenges. I’m a firm believer that designing a home can be a fun process. That’s why I’m here to guide you, from the first sketch through design and details to the reality of construction and moving into your home.
I’ll take the lead, carefully listening to your goals, implementing them into the design, and communicating them clearly to the craftsmen through detailed drawings and collaborative construction oversight.
PreDesign
Site Analysis for New Construction or Additions
I’ll analyze your property to determine the project’s feasibility of building or adding on to an existing home. This includes flood zone study, setbacks from property lines, height restrictions, and existing protected trees. When I’m finished, you’ll have a complete view of the available buildable footprint for your project.
Field Measurements & Property Documentation
For renovations and additions, I’ll start by surveying your existing site conditions. I’ll collect measurements for current structures and features on the site. The 3-D drawings will include a site plan, floor plans, and elevations of the structure(s). Each piece is critical for design and construction.
design & draw
Schematic Design and Design Development
Now, we’re getting to the fun part! During this phase, I’ll create several design solutions for your project. I often start with hand sketches before moving on to digital drawings and three-dimensional models to help you visualize what’s possible.
After an initial review, we’ll work through revisions until we’ve landed on the right design. When this stage wraps up, we will have a basic site plan, floor plans, and elevations of the house, and will be well-positioned to pursue any necessary approvals from the local design review boards.
Review Boards Preparation,Submittal & Presentation
In most cases, a municipal organization (like the Charleston Board of Architectural Review) will have jurisdiction over your project. This may be a neighborhood or city design review board or the city zoning board. I handle preparation for these design reviews, including early research, coordinating the application, soliciting support from neighbors, and formally presenting the project at the design review board meeting. Experience and preparation are key to moving through the design review board process efficiently, which saves you time and money.
Interior Architecture
A house works best when the exterior and interior are designed together. I’ll fully design and detail your project’s interior, from your hall half bath to the cook’s kitchen. I love the challenge of small-space design and the creativity it takes to make each area in the house functional and beautiful. I can provide options and guidance for finish selections and fixtures and work them into the design. Interior elevations are drawings of interior walls that show tile patterns, cabinet layouts, and trim.
Tax Credit for Historic Preservation
For those restoring homes, tax incentives are often available to support their projects. I can guide you through this process to determine if federal historic state credits or state incentives will work well for what you’re doing. I can provide the necessary documentation of the existing house and proposed restorations, including submitting the applications to the South Carolina State Historic Preservation Office.
Permit and Construction Drawings
By this time, we’ll have architectural drawings completed, at a minimum, to the level required for a contractor to bid on the project and obtain a construction permit. The set of construction drawings typically includes a site plan, floor plans, exterior elevations, wall sections, window and door schedules and details, interior elevations, electrical drawings, and structural drawings.
Build
Fixture, Finish, & Material Selection
Selecting the right fixtures, finishes, and materials can be a lot on top of all the other decisions you’re making. I’ll be right with you through the daunting process of selecting all materials for your project, from exterior siding and windows to tile and flooring to cabinets and appliances. I collaborate with you and local vendors to select the right finishes for your house and coordinate all the details: sizes, colors, model numbers, and even pricing. All of this information is compiled in a binder for you and the contractor to ensure construction goes smoothly.
Contractor Selection and Bid Analysis
Selecting a contractor is one of the most important decisions for your project and I can help you find the right one. I’ll support you by reviewing the contractors’ qualifications, preparing and distributing construction drawings to bidders, coordinating a pre-bid “walk-through” meeting, answering bidders’ questions, and help you evaluate the contractors’ qualifications and/or bids. In some cases, it’s best to select a contractor based on qualifications instead of waiting for the bid process.
Cost Estimating
At any phase of the design, we can work with consultant contractors to provide an approximate cost estimate. The accuracy of the estimate is directly correlated with the level of detail and completeness of the construction drawings at that point.
Construction Oversight
Since construction is the implementation of the design, it’s critical to have your architect involved during construction. At this point, you’ve invested a lot of time and money in the design. So, you’ll want to make sure it’s implemented correctly. I collaborate with the contractor and craftsmen to ensure the design is implemented correctly, providing clarifications as needed. I attend regular project coordination meetings with you and the contractor, and visit the site often to ensure the quality of the work. Detailed meeting notes and site photos keep you informed every step of the way.
Why choose LFA
Building on the Past, Shaping the Future
I run a full-service residential architectural design firm. That means I offer services tailored to your project, from the initial concept to move-in day and beyond. More importantly, I’m here with you for the full breadth of your design project, whether a renovation, addition, infill construction, or historic restoration.
Let’s Build Something
We’re here to serve you fully as you undertake your design project, whether a renovation, addition, new custom home, or historic restoration.
laura@lfa-architecture.com
843.901.8485