After graduating from Clemson University in 1979 with his Bachelor of Arts in Design, Steve Herlong embarked on his career by joining an award winning commercial architecture firm and then serving as president of a successful design-build firm focusing on custom homes. 13 years later, looking for something more, Steve and his wife Susan boarded ’Rise’, their 37-foot cutter-rigged sailboat, for a three-year sailing adventure throughout Europe and the Mediterranean. The experience left Steve rich with inspiration and an intense understanding of just how profoundly a connection to nature impacts the quality of life. With this rejuvenated passion Steve founded Herlong & Associates, a firm that would take that connection to nature and make it a founding principle of its design. With our offices nestled on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Intra-coastal Waterway, a reminder of this principle is framed in every window.

Steve has been a registered architect in South Carolina since 1984, and has designed award-winning homes throughout the Charleston area, the barrier islands of South Carolina, and other coastal regions. He serves on the board of AIA Charleston and is the vice chairman of the Sullivan’s Island Design Review Board. A resident of Sullivan’s Island for over 15 years, Steve’s commitment to his community is evident in the role he has played shaping the architecture of this historic seaside community. He is an active member of the Congress Of Residential Architects (CORA) and the Custom Residential Architect’s Network (CRAN). Steve lives on the water with his wife Susan and daughters Gracie and Stephanie.

An avid musician, Jim has a keen understanding of balance and rhythm, both vital requirements for an architect, especially when managing the operations and business aspects of the company. As a Principal in the firm, Jim provides a grounding counter-balance assuring that our staffs’ sometimes whimsical and always creative ideas become realized. A 1991 graduate of Virginia Tech with his Bachelor of Architecture, Jim has been with Herlong & Associates since 2000. Strengthened by the MBA program at the University of South Carolina, Jim leads the company with a focus on quality control, contracts, finance, and the overall direction of our project management.

Jim is a registered Architect in the state of South Carolina, a member of the American Institute of Architects, and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Review Boards. He is also an active member of CORA and CRAN. After a brief hiatus for Jim and his wife Mitney to start their family, Jim’s acoustic group, the Saluda River Band, is planning their reunion tour.

Rodd has been with the firm since 1999, and has over 35 years experience in residential architecture. As a licensed architect in Vermont and New York, Rodd has designed homes in New England as well as the Island of St. Croix. He is a graduate of the University of Idaho where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree, and also received a B.Sc. in Marketing from Florida State University. Rodd is as likely to use that education to solve a complex structural issue as he is to create an elaborate practical joke to ’nudge’ a co-worker. His demeanor and shoulder-shrugging laugh keep the office and his clients smiling. Rodd lives ’scooter distance’ from the office with his wife Chris (also an architect) and son Luke.

Affectionately known as ’Beana’, Sabrina’s caring nature is a reminder to us all that when you work with clients, lead with the heart. A graduate of Virginia Tech with her Bachelor of Architecture, Sabrina joined the firm in 2003. As an Architect and Project Manager, she shepherds her clients with a steady hand whether detailing an historic renovation or a high-end custom home. Outside the office, Sabrina enjoys wakeboarding in the summer months, or snowboarding during the winter. Despite her sweet nature, don’t get between Sabrina and a piece of chocolate cake!

Layne has been an integral member of Herlong & Associates since 1998. An Art major from the College of Charleston, Layne brings creative solutions into our office and filters them into every aspect of our business. Whether navigating complex legal zoning issues regarding a historic renovation or editing a plan to add a skillful curved offset to relieve the symmetry of a living space, Layne’s creative energy can be found in every home we design. Layne is the director of our interiors studio, assuring that we achieve a harmonious balance between architecture, interior architecture and interior design. By ’singing like no one can hear her’, Layne approaches her work with a refreshing optimism that translates to all of our Clients. She cherishes life, the sun and water, and most of all her family.

Theresa joined Herlong & Associates in 2003 to assist clients with the interior design and decoration of their custom homes. Theresa has designed residential interiors throughout the United States, including several residences in Manhattan, Long Island, Chicago and Cincinnati. She specializes in creating comfortable spaces that reflect her clients’ tastes and lifestyle. Theresa’s creativity allows her to develop innovative and unique concepts, or give a personal touch to traditional detailing. Her long established connections with suppliers and vendors prove invaluable to our clients. When not creating beautiful spaces, you can find her on a yoga mat, on the beach, or creating a gourmet meal in her spacious kitchen. Theresa and her husband live on the Isle of Palms with their very friendly cat, Boogie.

Eli is an important part of our Interiors Department. With a degree in Interior Design from Kansas State, and a background in Interior Architecture, she makes herself invaluable designing and detailing the interior spaces. In her spare time, she enjoys kickball and was recently married in November.

As a graduate of Winthrop University, Heather joined Herlong in late 2008 as our office manager and quickly transitioned into our interior design department. For the past eight years, she has worked for multiple interior designers throughout the Charleston area and knows how to juggle any task thrown her way. Growing up in the design business she has been able to experience every aspect of residential design and enjoys the challenge of designing any space from an entire house to a small bathroom renovation. After renovating many houses herself over the years she's also pretty good at swinging a hammer.