South Carolina, with its rich history, charming coastal towns, and vibrant cities, is a state that boasts a diverse architectural landscape. From the elegant antebellum homes of Charleston to the modern, original designs in Greenville, South Carolina, offers a blend of tradition and contemporary vision. Whether you’re looking to build a residential masterpiece, a commercial landmark, or a community space, finding the right architectural firm is crucial to bringing your vision to life.
The list below showcases the best architectural firms in South Carolina, carefully selected by our team based on their exceptional portfolios, expertise, industry recognition, and client satisfaction. These firms are known for their ability to create stunning designs that harmonize with the surrounding environment while meeting their clients’ unique needs and aspirations. From sustainable practices to cutting-edge technology, these firms prioritize creativity, functionality, and visual appeal.
McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture
127 Dunbar St., Spartanburg, SC 29306
Practicing since 1955, McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture (MPS) is a regional, studio-based architecture, advisory services and interior design firm, whose aim is to create lasting and meaningful impact for the benefit of all. In 2023, MPS joined the AIA 2030 Commitment, an actionable climate strategy that gives a set of standards and goals for reaching net zero emissions in the built environment. The firm practices in commercial, corporate, civic, cultural, education, industrial, and healthcare throughout the Southeast.
Since its founding, MPS has received various recognitions, including the 2022 Premier Award for Client Satisfaction presented by PSMJ Resources. The firm has earned over 100 AIA awards since 2000. MPS remains active in many local Chamber of Commerce, workforce and economic development organizations. Their employee wellness program was recognized by BD+C in 2023 as being an industry trendsetter. The firm runs a robust internship program that annually attracts top architectural students from all over the country.
McMillan Pazdan Smith has eight studios throughout the Carolinas and Georgia. To learn more visit: mcmillanpazdansmith.com.
S
LS3P
205 1/2 King St., Charleston, SC 29401
Established in 1963, LS3P is a multidisciplinary firm offering architecture, interiors, and planning services to a wide variety of clients nationwide. Central to all regions of the Southeast with offices in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, Asheville, Charlotte, Greensboro, Raleigh, Wilmington, Atlanta, Savannah, and Jacksonville, LS3P is committed to bringing state-of-the-art design, technology, and expertise of a strong regional firm closer to our clients on a local level. With a staff of over 470 employees, we have the resources to offer total design capabilities from site selection to occupancy, yet we are small enough to give personal attention to each client.
LS3P’s practice leaders serve a broad array of markets including healthcare, higher education, K-12 education, commercial, living, aviation and transportation, military and government, hospitality, historic preservation, and worship. The firm’s extensive design portfolio also includes specialized expertise in civic, parks and recreation, and other projects.
They are a design firm with regional roots and a national reach. LS3P is deeply invested in the communities it serves, and is uniquely poised to provide large-firm resources with small-firm relationships. The firm is proud of its 60 years of design excellence, with over 650 design awards across diverse practice areas. LS3P is honored to have been named Southeast Design Firm of the Year by Engineering News Record (ENR) in 2014.
MCA Architecture, Inc.
28 Agora Pl., Greenville, SC 29615
Formerly known as Marshall Clarke Architects, MCA Architecture, Inc. started as a small architectural practice and has grown into a multidisciplined company serving many nationwide clients. It helps in making decisions and executing plans into actions that significantly affect the way people use interior spaces, buildings, and even entire cities. The firm has worked on projects involving design-build, design-bid, and creative partnerships to develop the right solution for its clients.
MCA Architecture is led by its CEO and president, Channing L. Addis, who has been in the company since 1997 and eventually became its principal in 2017. He specializes in office sector and workplace design and has working experience in industrial, retail, educational, and religious sectors. Addis graduated from Clemson University with a degree in design and held a master’s in architecture from the same university.
Since its inception, various organizations have recognized the company because of its contribution to the industry. In 2019, it received the Historic Columbia Adaptive Use Award. It is also associated with the American Institute of Architects, the U.S. Green Building Council, and the Greenville Economic Development.
Goff D’Antonio Associates, Ltd.
34 Radcliffe St., Charleston, SC 29403
Goff D’Antonio Associates, Ltd. was established in 1991 and offers architecture, interior architecture, and planning services. Based in South Carolina, the company focuses on local and regional development. It was created to continue the tradition of providing excellent service, emphasizing high-quality design and sustainability, to create timeless and lasting products for its clients and society.
Goff D’Antonio Associates Ltd. is ably led by its principal and president, R. Garey Goff, a licensed architect and a graduate of the University of Florida with a degree in architecture. He is involved in overall firm management and project design on each project, vision, and business development. Under his watch, GoffD’Antonio Associates Ltd. was hailed as a finalist in the Boutique Design Gold Key Award. The company is also affiliated with the American Society of Architects and the Council for Educational Facility Planners.
Pearce Scott Architects
6 State of Mind St., Suite 200, Bluffton, SC 29910
Since its inception in 2013, Pearce Scott Architects has offered various services, including building design, architectural design, new home constructions, house plans, and project management. The company helps its clients deliver an experience customized to their needs and visions. It works collaboratively with each client, from the concept of the project to its completion, bringing their dreams into reality.
With 25 years of experience in the industry, H. Pearce Scott, the company’s principal and owner, oversees its daily operation. He started his architectural career in high school, working for several architects in Wilmington, North Carolina, then attended North Carolina State University, earning a degree in architecture. Scott also has a master’s in architecture from the University of Illinois.
Pearce Scott Architects has amassed various accomplishments and recognition since its founding. In 2022, it was awarded the Merit Award for Unbuilt Projects presented by the American Institute of Architects. It has also been presented with the Best Architectural Design Award by the Hilton Head Area Home Builders Association. The firm is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Homebuilders.
Frederick + Frederick Architects
38 Meridian Rd., Beaufort, SC 29907
Since 1989, Frederick + Frederick Architects has led contemporary southern architecture. The company strives to create houses that are integrated into the environment. The design aesthetic of the studio depends on the humid South’s historic architecture, with a fresh take on the traditional.
Frederick + Frederick runs under the leadership of partners Jane Frederick and Michael Frederick. Both have deep roots in the south but chose to locate their company in Beaufort, South Carolina. The two also have 40 years of experience in the industry and graduated from Auburn University with a degree in architecture.
Frederick + Frederick has accrued various accomplishments since it joined the business. In 2022, it was awarded the Merit Award by the American Institute of Architects. The firm is also affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and Custom Residential Architect Network.
Vinyet Architecture
312 Pendleton St., Rock Hill, SC 29730
Founded in 2009, Vinyet Architecture is a collaborative studio specializing in residential and commercial architecture servicing the Carolinas. The company is uniquely equipped to go beyond the parameters of original design solutions. With its diverse background in design, art, and construction, the firm caters to its clients’ various visions and needs. In all of its work, it strives to create architectural design that is both fiscally and environmentally responsible.
Vinyet Architecture is led by its principal, Myles Alexander, who graduated from Clemson University with a degree in design. He also holds a master’s in architecture from the same university. With 18 years of experience and expertise in the industry, he leads a team of creative and hardworking professionals in ensuring that the best quality of service is provided for its diverse clients.
With exceptional cratfsmanship and teamwork,the company was given the Historic Roch Hill Preservation Award in 2019. It also holds affiliations with the American Institute of Architects, the Custom Residential Architects Network of Charleston, and Rock Hill Economic Development.
SLC Architect, LLC
1640 Meeting Street Rd., Suite 205, Charleston, SC 29405
Established in 2013, SLC Architect, LLC is a small firm specializing in custom residential architecture servicing Charleston County and surrounding barrier islands. It offers various services, including architectural design, bespoke homes, building design, space planning, and floor plans. SLC Architect, LLC strives to exceed the expectations of its clients by providing the highest quality of products and services while establishing long-lasting relationships with them.
SLC Architect, LLC is led by its principal, Sabrina Vogel, who grew up in a family in the construction industry. Before joining the company in 2013, her working experience included drawing, designing, and managing high-end residential projects for Herlong & Associates. She graduated from Virginia Tech with a degree in architecture. Along with the entire team, Vogel puts her heart into designing homes for clients to ensure they are proud to own them and happy to live in them. SLC Architect, LLC is affiliated with the American Institute of Architects and Charleston’s Custom Residential Architects Network.
