Our “Johns Island Plantation” project is just south of the historic town of Charleston, South Carolina.  The client was searching for a large parcel of land on Johns Island along the Kiawah River.   Our original agreement was for consulting services to find and hire the architect, interior designer, structural engineer and select a contractor.  The next phase of this project was acting as the Owner’s Representative on behalf of the client for: design solutions with the project team selected, cost review and pay application review.

The initial process to select the architect of record, spread across several states and locally in Charleston, SC.  Five architects and three interior design firms were selected to design the new custom estate home, which we interviewed personally based upon their portfolio and fee proposals.   Two architects were then contracted for a schematic design charrette for the property as the last interview process.  A final negotiated contract was awarded to Stan Dixon Architects.

The interior design process is very personal and intimate, as this client unfolds their personal requests of how they live their lives and what fits their family needs. It may be one of the harder selections to hire. As the Owner’s Representative, it is important to understand your client’s style.

We found three local contractors that made the shortlist for what the client and architect were expecting.  We conducted direct interviews with each contractor and then a personal meeting with the lead superintendent due to the size of the project. The site visit with the superintendent allowed myself and the client to understand the range and depth of projects that were built; it was a personal approach to finding the right chemistry for construction and making sure the contractor was qualified to take on such a sizeable project.

The current project team selected by the client and myself is:  Stan Dixon Architects, Tammy Connor Interior Design, Sheppard Construction, Tobias West Engineers, Glen Gardner Landscape Architect and Travis Hayes Folk.  

It is my role as a Client Advocate to make sure the project is completed on time and client is satisfied with the product and cost.  As a team, we embarked on the old classical architectural styles of Charleston within new construction ideas. It’s creating a Low Country feel for a young and modern client.  It showcases a two story vaulted kids playroom with attached bedrooms, which is the heart of the house.  Secondly, it’s a cross between the kitchen living area with outdoor porch that has a direct view of the boat dock and impoundment pond. It’s a great design process when you know the two most important parts of the house.  It’s also the reason why I love to consult the clients as much as to build for the clients.