Designing a home to meet your specialty needs can be a gruesome task, especially if you are not certain what you, and your family desire in a custom home. When the Teel Family decided to build a custom home in the coastal areas of South Carolina, “We drove around the Isle of Palms and Sullivan’s Island, looking at houses we liked. It seemed every house we loved was designed by Stephen Herlong & Associates, Architects.”
After their first meeting with Steve, the Teel family decided, “His personality and style of architecture best fit the needs of the family. We wanted to incorporate the functionality needed for living ‘day-to-day’ with a home that meets the codes and other requirements a coastal home demands,” said Joanie Teel. “We compiled a ‘wish list’ for the new house, describing how we wanted the look of a beach house, with porches and windows, but we also wanted the house to have a ‘Charleston style.’ We told Steve we love the outdoors and wanted to maximize the use of the lot.”
Daniel Island Classic. Architecture by Herlong & Associates. Photo credit Herlong & Associates
Steve Herlong & Associates, Inc. Architects has a reputation as a full service firm. Their main office is on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Herlong & Associates specializes in ‘coastal home designs.’ “Coastal home design involves designing a home built on property along the coast,” said Stephen Herlong. “This gives our clients a range of ocean, river and marsh views. We specialize in tailoring a home to its particular site. This design process involves designing the home under the strictest building codes to insure that our clients enjoy their custom home for many years.”
Herlong & Associates meets with clients to discuss their individual needs so both the architect and client can share ideas, lifestyle, reference materials, personality and other key information beneficial for the designing phase of the project. “Virtually every project we undertake has special requirements,” said Herlong. “Property with wetlands and strict zoning ordinances can be tricky. Selecting professionals who are experienced can eliminate the chance for mistakes.”
Herlong & Associates architectural designs are a unique blend of ‘client’s personalities.’ “Every home we design is an exclusive design,” Herlong said. “Our goal is to fulfill our client’s aesthetic wishes. Doing this requires researching and staying current on the best techniques and materials available.”
TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS
- Deciding on a budget is another key factor when building a custom home. “We help our clients to develop a realistic budget for their particular project. The most important factor is for the client to be informed, and in control of the direction of the budget.”
- When looking at an unfinished piece, use your imagination and visualize the jewel that lies beneath the old paint and varnish.
- Develop a good working relationship with the best builder for the job. “Working with the best builder does add quality to the home. Communication between the architect, client and the builder is vital to the success of any project.”
- When making the decision to hire an architect, be certain to do a thorough investigation of the location. Take pictures. Make a wish list of what you want your custom home to look like. Ask questions. Get referrals from friends. Interview several architects until you find the one who relates to you and communicates what you and your family desire in a custom home.
Marais at Seaside Farms, Mount Pleasant