Herlong Architects

In recent weeks we’ve been hearing from clients who want to make the move to a better property and build, but are hesitant to take the next step. Because our company does mostly high-end, custom projects, our clients can afford to build, but they feel guilty about spending any money when so many people are struggling.

But now is the best time to build. Lot values have hit levels we haven’t seen since 2003. Building costs – both labor and materials – are the lowest they’ve been in a decade. Costs are down about 30 percent, letting you take advantage of significant savings.

With less work on the horizon, materials and subcontractor labor costs are dropping as they compete for what work is out there. In fact, prices are becoming as competitive as they should have been in recent years.

Homeowners are at a distinct advantage. You can build the home you’ve always wanted for less money, which means you can add that swimming pool, sunroom or spa-like bathroom because you’re spending less money on the entire project.

We also stress to clients who can afford to build that they are in fact stimulating the economy. Don’t feel guilty about building a new house; instead, see it as an opportunity to employ your neighbors. Hire an architect, a contractor, painters, interior designers and cabinet makers. They’ll be grateful and happy to have the business.

People may be tempted to put their lives on hold because of an uncertain economy, but there’s never been a better time to build. And, predictions are the economy will improve next year, so if you don’t start the design and building process now, you’ll miss out on the lower costs.

Consider building your new home today – there’s no time like the present.

Steve Herlong, Jim Henshaw and Layne Nelson of Herlong & Associates were selected, along with approximately 20 other residential architects and designers from across the country, to provide design assistance at the International Builders Show held last week in Las Vegas.  Over the course of three days, the American Institute of Architects Plan Review Workshop gave builders and homeowners from all over the United States a chance to have their plans reviewed free of charge in 30 minute sessions, in an effort to increase the livability, style, or resale of the home.  Here is a sampling of how some of the conversations started:

Email Laura Anne Moore at laura_anne@herlongarchitects.com to set up an appointment, call (843) 886-9199 or simply comment on this blog to let us know if you would like to take part in this workshop.  We hope to see you here!

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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

Herlong & Associates just celebrated two milestones: entering our second decade of business and obtaining our first EarthCraft certified green house. 

Over the years, people are drawn to our homes for the design, and how beautifully the house takes advantage of the views and the sun orientation.  But as a company we are known for designing beautiful custom homes not necessarily ‘green’ homes. We know that our homes are extremely energy efficient, as we design a tight building envelope, we use high performing low-e double glazed windows, and spray insulation. We take care installing the windows and doors so that they are flashed properly, and do not have any air leakage around the edges. We install multiple mechanical systems, one for each separate zone in the house and specify energy efficient 15 seer dual speed HVAC units. But we did not have a test case to prove that our typical house was in fact a ‘green’ house. High performance yes, but actually certified, no.

The Silverman’s new home on Daniel Island changed all that.  At just under 4,300 square feet, the Silvermans wanted to build a sensible but comfortable home, one that would fit the Earthcraft model. The mechanical system used was no different than one we would typically place in a house. They did not limit their selections based on the newest green hype (concrete countertops, bamboo or cork floors); they chose what they liked and what suited their needs. In fact, we did not add any green products just to make the house ‘green’. What we did do is follow the model we have set in place for each home we design – create a high performance, healthy and comfortable home that reduces energy bills and protects the environment, all part of the EarthCraft guidelines. We accomplished this by obtaining the EarthCraft certification for the house and creating a special place for a special client.  

In the end all we can say is, ‘Welcome home Silvermans, welcome home’.

EarthCraft home designed by Herlong & Associates

White Elephant, Chinese Gift Exchange, Secret Santa…these are all gift exchanges commonly participated in at the annual “Office Christmas Party,” but this year Herlong & Associates wanted to do something different.  While brainstorming in an office meeting, Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” was suggested and immediately decided upon as a charitable organization we would support this year. Everyone in the office was truly excited to be giving gifts to children around the world instead of the usual co-worker gag gift at the office party.  While these typically do present a good laugh, we knew we would all get a lot more out of helping others in need, and so it began.  Herlong & Associates chose to make three boxes for children ranging from 2-14 years old and each person in our office contribute gifts as they were able.  It turns out we have so many gifts, the boxes are over-flowing and we are able to create another box for another child!  Once we have wrapped the full Christmas boxes, Laura Anne will be dropping them off to the Samaritan’s Purse organization for them to distribute to children around the world.  For more information on this wonderful Christmas “operation”, you can visit http://www.samaritanspurse.org/index.php/OCC/

Laura Anne & Sabrina packing Christmas boxes

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

As we prepare to host an oyster roast to celebrate our company and our clients, I can’t help but look back and appreciate the work we’ve done over the past decade.

We live and work in a remarkable setting that can be at once casual and elegant. The towns and islands surrounding Charleston are full of history, and yet are progressive and youthful. Daily Herlong & Associates strives to design spaces that reflect the comfort of this lifestyle, and assist our clients in the realization of their dreams. Over the past ten years, we have worked with our clients to create homes that are a source of pleasure and pride, and that are a lasting investment in many ways. The addition of both interior architecture and interior design departments has enabled us to create some of the most beautifully integrated homes in the country.

For those of you who don’t know us, our office looks out onto both the Atlantic Ocean and the Intracoastal Waterway, and is situated on Breach Inlet between Sullivan’s Island and the Isle of Palms. In the middle of the summer we experienced some terrific spring and neap tides that presented a great opportunity for us all to wade out to the sand bar in the middle of the waterway for an office picture. What a great place to work!

Doghouse designed by Herlong & Associates

For the past three years Daniel Island Park Day has been a tradition in Charleston, SC raising money for local non-profit organizations throughout the area. With entertainment, events, food and live music, it is a wonderful event for the entire family. This year Herlong & Associates is participating in the Doghouse & Playhouse Raffle with Structures Building Company. Our design was created by Layne Nelson of Herlong & Associates and with the help of a wonderful team at Structures Building Company Snoopy’s Shack is coming to life. Come out to the event October 11, 2008, buy a raffle ticket and maybe you will walk away with a fantastic doghouse built for a king or a queen, maybe your husband?