It’s not every day you read a blog about an office building restroom, but…. 

A few months ago we asked ourselves ‘How could we make the experience of coming into our office even more enjoyable for our clients?’  Our office looks out onto the Intercoastal Waterway and we have design sessions in comfortable conference rooms that gaze onto this incredible landscape.  But when our clients ventured down the hall to the restrooms, they were treated to linoleum floors painted white sheetrock, and cheap plumbing and electrical fixtures. What a difference the transformation of this space into a beautiful room has been.  Employees love it, clients rave over it – we can’t get people out of there! 

Many thanks go out to Theresa and Sarah of Herlong & Associates, who selected the materials, finishes and fixtures, and coordinated the overall effort.  They always know how the individual parts will come together in the end and it turned out beautifully.

We also had many friends and vendors contribute materials and craftmanship to this effort including the following: 

Kellie Hall & Nancy Griffin from Artisan Clay Interiors & Painting added a beautiful blue clay to the walls above the wainscot and onto the ceiling. Chip Dukes & Will Albrecht from Southern Lumber were instrumental in the new wainscot on our walls. Ashley Hyer from Design on Tap deserves thanks for the elegant faucet, glass vessel sink and low flow toilet.  Tom Werner & Pat Devaney of Charleston One Source helped with the bleached oak floor.  Fisher Recycling owners Elizabeth & Chris Fisher created a beautiful recycled glass countertop with beautiful blues.  Butch, Phil & Sarah of William C. Pritchard Cabinetry made the painted sink base cabinet and helped with the hardware.  Christine Reilly owner of Foxworth Decorative Hardware contributed the doorknob & hardware.  Ali Sherrill and Bonnie from Charleston Lighting selected the sconce above the mirror.  Thomas Mallaga for the flat panel solid wood door (painted a brilliant blue!). 

And finally to Phillip Smith and Tony Reilly of Phillip W. Smith General Contractors, who coordinated the demolition and construction of the bathroom in a professional and methodical manner.   It was through Phillip’s office that – Michael Ruffano (trim), Ralph Bell (painting), Bill Sparks & Ralph Bennett (electrical and plumbing) – this amazing feat was accomplished.  They took steps to minimize the noise and disruption to our office, and went out of their way to make even this small bathroom transformation a place everyone could be proud of. 

Below is an image of the transformed space.  We don’t have a ‘before’ image, but just think linoleum floor, white walls and ceiling, melamine cabinets, etc. and you get the picture. 

Nice Work Everyone!!

The New Bathroom at Herlong & Associates

Designing custom homes is what we do and when we get to show them off we are so proud! Creative Spark’s annual Art on the Beach fundraiser has previously featured beautiful homes and dozens of artists on Sullivan’s Island, but this year they take it up a notch by adding local chefs in the kitchens. The house tour features historic and luxurious examples of unique Sullivan’s Island architecture and highlights seven homes and galleries, over thirty artists, musical entertainment and chef demonstrations and tastings. Chefs from Cypress, Red Drum, Old Post House, Everyday Gourmet and The Mustard Seed will be cooking in the kitchens of these fantastic homes. Also new this year is the option to attend just one home where dozens of artists will be displaying and selling their artwork. 

The homes on the tour include two of our favorite Herlong & Associates homes, Oceanfront Luxury and Harborfront Living as seen on our website. These two homes and many of the others have been featured in Charleston Magazine and other national publications. Funds from Art on the Beach help provide scholarships and subsidies for individuals and teachers to participate in Creative Spark programs.

Art On the Beach and Chefs in the Kitchen will be Sunday, Nov. 9 from 1 to 5 PM with a reception following at Station 22. Advance tickets are available by calling Creative Spark at 881-3780 or at Sandpiper Gallery on Sullivan’s Island both in advance and on the day of the event staring at 12 noon.

Art on the Beach 2008