Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Trusted Architectural Design Partner in Upstate South Carolina
Design Elite has been redefining architectural excellence in Upstate South Carolina since 1991. Founded by Garry Price, a registered architect with the American Institute of Architects, our firm combines over three decades of experience with a passion for creating spaces that harmonize with their natural surroundings. We specialize in custom residential design, renovations, and design-build projects, serving clients in Greenville, The Cliffs, Western North Carolina, and Lake Keowee. Our approach prioritizes client collaboration, innovative design, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each project reflects the unique vision and lifestyle of its occupants.With a team of seasoned professionals, including Director of Operations Kelly LeHew and architectural designers Brandon Smith and Frankie Riley, we deliver timeless solutions that balance aesthetic appeal with functional practicality. Our commitment to low-maintenance, sustainable design ensures enduring value for homeowners seeking luxury and elegance in mountain, lake, and urban environments.
Services
Custom Residential Design
Mountain Home Architecture
Lakefront Property Design
Historic Renovations
Design-Build Projects
Interior Design Consultation
Architectural Planning
Luxury Home Additions
Sustainable Design
Client-Centered Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of architectural expertise in luxury residential design.
- Our client-centered methodology prioritizes personalized consultations and attention to detail.
- We provide integrated design-build services for seamless project execution.
- Our team includes award-winning designers with regional and national recognition.
- We specialize in creating low-maintenance, sustainable designs for modern living.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects (AIA)
What people say
Seamless collaboration
Innovative solutions
Attention to detail
Luxurious results
Personalized service
Services
Custom Residential Design
Design Elite creates bespoke residential spaces tailored to clients' lifestyles and natural surroundings. Our process combines innovative design with technical precision, ensuring each home balances aesthetic elegance and functional practicality. With expertise in mountain, lakefront, and urban environments, we deliver timeless solutions that enhance property value and occupant satisfaction.
Mountain Home Architecture
Specializing in mountain residential design, we craft homes that harmonize with rugged terrain and scenic vistas. Our approach maximizes natural light, integrates outdoor living spaces, and incorporates materials that complement alpine environments. Projects like The Cliffs at Glassy Mountain residence demonstrate our ability to blend rustic charm with modern luxury in elevated settings.
Lakefront Property Design
Our lakefront designs prioritize seamless indoor-outdoor transitions and water view optimization. By incorporating expansive windows, open floor plans, and durable materials, we create spaces that celebrate lakeside living while ensuring structural resilience. The Lake Keowee renovation exemplifies our expertise in transforming dated properties into modern waterfront retreats.
Historic Renovations
Design Elite revitalizes existing structures while preserving architectural integrity. Our renovation process addresses modernization needs without compromising historical character, as demonstrated in the Lake Keowee property transformation. We specialize in expanding functionality through open layouts, updated kitchens, and luxury amenities while maintaining original design elements.
Design-Build Projects
Our design-build methodology streamlines construction through unified project management. By coordinating design and execution phases under one team, we ensure consistency, cost efficiency, and timely delivery. This approach enables direct collaboration between architects and builders, reducing communication gaps and maintaining design vision throughout the construction process.
People
Garry Price
Founding Architect
Registered architect with AIA, founded Design Elite in 1991. Clemson University graduate with 30+ years of residential design experience. Specializes in historical architecture and modern luxury homes. Holds portfolio of 300+ designs.
Kelly LeHew
Director of Operations
Manages operations and client relations with 20+ years at Design Elite. Developed pre-designed plan book and advertising strategies. Former corporate professional who values small-team collaboration and client-focused solutions.
Brandon Smith
Architectural Designer
Specializes in custom residential design with 20+ years of experience. ASID and AIBD member whose work appears in national publications. Focuses on creating livable, elegant homes that become family legacy spaces.
Frankie Riley
Senior Architectural Designer
AIBD-certified designer with 20+ years at Design Elite. Directed project administration for complex builds like the 14,000 sq ft Glassy Mountain home. Combines technical expertise with creative problem-solving for large-scale residential projects.
Paulo Montenegro
Architectural Designer
Modern architecture specialist pursuing US licensing. Brings international perspective from Colombia. Expert in digital design tools and client-focused spatial planning. Committed to functional, aesthetically rich home environments.
Questions
What architectural styles does Design Elite specialize in?
We excel in modern luxury, rustic mountain, lakeside contemporary, and historic renovation projects while adapting to client preferences.
Do you work on both new constructions and renovations?
Yes, we offer full-service design for new builds and specialize in transforming existing structures with modern updates.
What areas do you serve?
Our primary service areas include Greenville, The Cliffs communities, Western North Carolina, and Lake Keowee regions.
How does your design process work?
We follow a three-phase approach: initial consultation and concept development, detailed planning and documentation, followed by construction execution and completion.
Can you accommodate custom design requests?
Absolutely. Our client-centered methodology ensures every project reflects the homeowner's unique vision and lifestyle requirements.
What sets Design Elite apart from other firms?
Our combination of 30+ years' experience, integrated design-build approach, and commitment to personalized service creates exceptional architectural outcomes.
