Art is art, no matter the form. It can be the colorful stroke of oil on canvas, guided by the painter’s steady hand. It can be the flawless form of a statue, revealed flake by flake under the sculptor’s chisel. And art can be a place. It can be the dramatic sight lines of an oceanfront’s home, subconsciously directing your gaze to the sea. It can be the stately façade of a commercial building, impressing with its stature even as it welcomes you within. Architecture is art, pure and simple. And on the following pages, you’ll meet some of the area’s most talented architects and learn what inspires them to create their four-walled masterpieces.
Michael Kronimus
AIA, NCARB I Executive Principal
KRA architecture + design
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
We have been in the Lowcountry over 30 years now and specialize equally in both residential and commercial projects.
What drew you to this line of work?
It was always interesting to me to see something that I designed or created on paper actually turn into reality. Hopefully, when I leave this earth, some of my projects will be around for future generations.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.
This has to be one of the many projects we have completed over the years for Disney. Being able to go behind the scenes, a place you idolized as a child, and now being able to help design projects in the theme parks and hotels was truly amazing. Millions of people a year are now enjoying some of the projects we worked on here as a team from around the world. The creativity aspect, the level of detail and craftsmanship is unlike any other client or company.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
Days off are hard to come by now, but when I do finally get time to relax, I like to spend it with family and friends on a boat or sandbar just kicking back.
Favorite room in a house?
Actually, my favorite room is not in the home, but outside the home. I love when clients give me the opportunity to design their outdoor living space, which would include bar and entertainment areas. Enjoying the spaces outside in this wonderful climate is amazing.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
Kitchen, hands down. Everybody gravitates to the kitchen in all the homes designed. This is the “wow” factor of every home and has to be both functional and beautiful.
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
Travel agent (if these still exist). Whenever I get free time, I love to travel the world to enjoy other cultures, cuisine and history. Planning these trips for my family or others for some reason gives me enjoyment.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Pizza! The most amazing creation on this earth that is probably the worst for you!
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Tom Parker, Jr.
AIA, NCARB, LEEDpa I Principle Architect
PDG|Architects
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
PDG is a multiple discipline architectural firm specializing in personal one-of-a-kind architectural design for our residential and commercial clients. Our portfolio is made up of generational family homes, churches, restaurants, private schools, golf facilities, and community parks.
What drew you to this line of work?
Growing up on a horse farm, I always loved planning out and building all kinds of structures ranging from a one-of-a-kind tack room to a log cabin (clubhouse for me and my friends) complete with a loft and a zip line that went down to the creek in the valley below. I spent the first 18 years of my life trying to qualify for the U.S. Olympic three-day equestrian team, and when that didn’t work out, I quit riding cold turkey, packed my car up and went to architecture school to pursue my love of reimagining everyday structures.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.
We won a competition for the architectural design of the Charleston Day Schools’ science and technology building on their historic site one block south of King street on Archdale. This project had everything an architect dreams of: an impossible building site, an unrealistic building program, and an unprecedented build schedule that had to happen over two years without closing the school one day. We moved and renovated an 1860s Charleston single house, creating four art studios; renovated a 1902 single house into their administration and reception building; and created a new three-story 15,000-square-foot building with a rooftop conference room, including floor to ceiling glass providing views across a roof top plaza of the entire Charleston city scape. The contractor was required to stop the entire job whenever a tour carriage came by and talked about the two historic churches across from the build site.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
On a day off, I usually have a long list of home renovation or “fix it” projects that come with living in classic 1965 Pete McGinty designed Sea Pines Home. But if I can get away with it, I love sailing, riding, or going to the beach with friends.
Favorite room in a house?
The unique personal space that is generated by the client’s specific “lifestyle” interests. Usually, a space they always dreamed of having and usually becomes the memorable element in the home.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
In the old days it was the kitchen, but lately it the outdoor entrainment spaces. These spaces take as much time and effort as any space as they have covered, semi open, and full sun areas with kitchens, bars, fire features, pools and water features that all need to work together and with the adjacent interior spaces.
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
If philanthropy was a career, I would want to do that for obvious reasons. But if I had to pick, it would be a teacher/coach. I received great satisfaction from giving riding lessons as a teenager, coaching my daughters in all their sports, and mentoring architectural interns over the years.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
One word: rom-coms.
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Amanda Lamb
Lamb & Gray Architects
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
Residential
What drew you to this line of work?
My two older brothers gave me a book of house plans and taught me how to draft when I was in the second grade. I was hooked and knew then that I was going to be an architect when I grew up.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.
I have been blessed to be a part of so many great projects. I could never narrow it down to one or two because what makes them so special to me is the team behind the work. Our clients share so much of their lives with us and a bond is formed—it’s my favorite part of the job. Collaborating with them and all the talented builders, interior designers, landscape architects and specialists to create a home designed custom for them and how they live their lives creates a unique story for each and every one of our designs.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
Definitely on the water with my family.
Favorite room in a house?
It’s a tie between the foyer and the owner’s entry. Both spaces are the first areas of a home to greet you and your guests. The foyer sets the tone for the rest of the house and usually offers the first reveal to the outdoors beyond. The owner’s entry needs to be welcoming yet functional—it’s an important aspect to the flow of the home.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
The kitchen—from appliances, sink locations, and views to the number of barstools desired, there is a lot to cover in this room.
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
I can’t imagine a career in anything other than architecture. I truly love what I do!
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Napping.
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Court Atkins Group
William Court
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
Our group specializes in both, as well as interior design, but I tend to stay focused on residential projects.
What drew you to this line of work?
I’ve always loved the creative process. It doesn’t matter whether it’s architecture, theater, music, cooking, or events. I just like the energy it brings.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.
It’s hard to pick a favorite child. At least that’s what I tell my kids. In reality, one of my recent favorite projects is an unbuilt modern Palmetto Bluff home. But since they are all my kids, I’ll keep the identity a secret.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
Most everyone knows I am terrible at unplugging and taking time off (full disclosure, I am writing this on vacation). When I do, I need to be far away, with no internet and several books.
Favorite room in a house?
The kitchen, by far.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
The third guest room (I’m kidding, it’s the kitchen, even if they don’t cook).
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
A chef or a food critic.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Wine collecting and watching college football with my son.
James Atkins
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
Both, as well as interior design. My current focus is primarily commercial design.
What drew you to this line of work?
Creative business that also requires a technical knowledge appeals to me. I enjoy crafting spaces that people enjoy and relate to, and the ability to shape community is fulfilling.
Tell us about your favorite project and why it was unforgettable.
Too many to list, but one of my favorites is Bluffton Township Fire District Station #30 as it was the initial prototype for the fire district. The structure was specifically designed to blend into the timeless neighborhood of old town Bluffton, provide an educational opportunity for students across the street at MC Riley, and provide a functional, beautiful building to serve the district for many years to come.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
I enjoy traveling with family or sharing a bourbon with good friends.
Favorite room in a house?
The family room.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
The kitchen.
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
A master distiller, because what could be more fun than crafting and blending spirits every day.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Collecting dusty/vintage bourbon.
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Neil Gordon
Neil Gordon, Architect, P.A
Do you specialize in commercial or residential projects?
We specialize in residential design. It is the most rewarding design work—designing a home for a family to enjoy for many years.
What drew you to this line of work?
I always enjoyed architecture from a kid with Legos. I grew up in England and Scotland. I lived in a seventeenth century castle mill house. The stone walls were over two feet thick. I enjoyed sitting in the two feet deep windowsills of the house. Most of my designs have bay windows with window seats. My uncle had a sixteenth century Cotswold stone house. He was always hitting his head on the doorways, which were less than six feet tall. It had a stone spiral stairway to the second floor, which was not more than 18 inches wide. No furniture could go up that stair. It all had to be hoisted up and in through the windows.
Tell us about your favorite project, and why it was unforgettable.
I enjoy variety of design, therefore, no one project, but several stand out: The King’s Nantucket style home on Gull Island in Sea Pines with its bell-domed widow’s watch crowning the design; John Mellencamp’s home on Daufuskie with a simple symmetry of design in a fairly unique style, which I coined Lowcountry gothic because of the gothic arch predominant in the design; the Sydow’s residence on a 90-foot wide almost 300-foot-deep piece of property. It has a wonderful two-story stone walled entry gallery over 80 feet long, with two glass rail bridges crossing above with light wells, bringing in the light and a grand stair set for a quartet to play on the landing.
How do you prefer to spend a day off?
Sundays are my days off: church early in the day, afternoons on a sailboat or any boat, or a nice walk on the beach when not so hot.
Favorite room in a house?
An open design kitchen. It must have good natural light, views outside, views to dining areas and living areas.
What room in a house do you typically spend the most time talking about with your clients?
The kitchen areas and the client’s vision of what they would like to see. The kitchen today is the social hub of the home. Butler’s pantry and back pantries are where some of the kitchen’s necessary clutter can hide.
If you could choose another career today, what would it be and why?
I love what I do. I have my dream job. I would probably be a pen-and-ink illustrator. I still enjoy doing rendering drawings of my designs.
Favorite guilty pleasure?
Sneaking off on a trip to Scotland, hiking through a glen or along a loch; or to Saint Barth, hiking one of the goat trails, all with incredible views to take in.
