Business Details
40 Years
experience
Award-Winning Coastal Home Architects in Charleston
At Herlong Architects + Interiors, we specialize in crafting custom residential architecture and interior design solutions that harmonize with coastal landscapes. With over 225 years of combined experience, our team of architects and designers collaborates closely with clients to create homes that reflect their unique lifestyles and aesthetic preferences. Our approach integrates site-specific considerations, from dramatic vistas to natural surroundings, ensuring each project achieves a seamless blend of form, function, and environmental context.Based in Charleston, South Carolina, we serve clients from the Lowcountry to the Caribbean, delivering timeless designs that prioritize durability and elegance in challenging coastal environments. Our commitment to excellence is evidenced by our numerous awards and longstanding reputation as a leader in luxury coastal home design.
Services
Residential Architecture
Interior Design
Site Analysis
Conceptual Design
3D Modeling
Construction Documents
Builder Selection
Design Management
Interior Architecture
Owner Selections
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We offer over 225 years of combined experience in luxury coastal home design.
- Our collaborative approach ensures seamless integration of architecture and interior design.
- We specialize in solving complex challenges in high-humidity coastal environments.
- Our team includes AIA-certified architects with decades of regional expertise.
- We have won multiple national and regional awards for design excellence.
Associations and certifications
- American Institute of Architects
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Timeless beauty
Creative genius
Impeccable attention to detail
Highly recommend
Services
Residential Architecture
Our residential architecture services focus on creating custom coastal homes that harmonize with their natural surroundings. We prioritize site-specific design elements, from dramatic vistas to environmental sustainability, ensuring each home reflects the client's lifestyle. With expertise in high-performance coastal construction, we deliver durable, award-winning designs that withstand challenging environments while maintaining aesthetic elegance.
Interior Design
Our interior design team enhances architectural elements through thoughtful material selection and spatial planning. We specialize in creating cohesive transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces, using durable, high-quality finishes suited for coastal climates. By collaborating closely with architects from project inception, we ensure seamless integration of functional design elements with personalized aesthetic preferences for every home.
Site Analysis
We conduct comprehensive site analyses to optimize home placement and design. Our process considers sun path, wind patterns, view corridors, and environmental constraints to create homes that maximize natural advantages. This includes addressing zoning requirements, historic context, and ecological preservation to ensure designs complement both the landscape and local regulations while maintaining architectural integrity.
Construction Documents
Our detailed construction documents include precise specifications for high-performance coastal homes. We incorporate advanced building envelope systems, humidity control measures, and FEMA-compliant construction techniques to ensure durability. These documents facilitate accurate cost estimation, permit acquisition, and construction execution while maintaining design intent through close collaboration with structural engineers and building enclosure experts.
3D Modeling
We utilize advanced 3D modeling and rendering tools to visualize design concepts and optimize spatial relationships. These digital models help clients understand view potential, massing, and material choices before construction begins. Our photo-realistic renderings and animations support architectural review board approvals and enable clients to make informed decisions about their custom home's final appearance and functionality.
People
Steve Herlong
Founder, Design Principal
With over 35 years of experience, Steve Herlong founded the firm in 1986 after studying at Clemson University. His design philosophy combines modern innovations with timeless architectural principles, focusing on coastal environments. He has served on multiple architectural review boards and received numerous industry accolades for his work in residential architecture.
Jim Henshaw
Managing Principal, REALTOR
Jim Henshaw co-founded the firm's expanded services, bringing expertise in architecture and real estate. With a background from Virginia Tech and multiple professional certifications, he focuses on integrating creative design with practical construction solutions. He serves on various architectural review boards and maintains active real estate licenses across multiple states.
James Selvitelli
Principal
James Selvitelli leads complex design projects with a focus on innovative solutions. A Cornell University graduate and LEED-accredited professional, he specializes in creating functional spaces that balance aesthetic appeal with environmental considerations. His leadership ensures consistent quality across all firm projects while maintaining a collaborative design process.
Cintra Sedalik
Interior Designer
Cintra Sedalik brings extensive experience in interior design, specializing in coastal environments. Her work focuses on enhancing architectural elements through thoughtful material selection and spatial planning. She collaborates closely with architects to ensure seamless integration of interior and exterior design elements while maintaining functional living spaces tailored to client preferences.
Leah Thompson
Financial Manager, REALTOR
Leah Thompson oversees financial operations while contributing real estate expertise to client projects. Her dual perspective ensures cost-effective solutions without compromising design quality. With experience in both financial management and real estate transactions, she provides valuable insights during the planning and execution phases of residential projects.
Questions
What areas do Herlong Architects serve?
We primarily serve Charleston, Sullivan's Island, Daniel Island, Kiawah, Pawleys Island, and Isle of Palms in South Carolina, with projects extending to the Caribbean region.
What makes Herlong's coastal home designs unique?
Our designs integrate site-specific elements like sun path, wind patterns, and natural surroundings to create homes that harmonize with coastal environments while maintaining durability against harsh conditions.
How does the design process work?
We begin with site analysis, followed by conceptual design, 3D modeling, construction documents, and builder selection. Our team manages the process from initial concept through final construction oversight.
Are your architects certified professionals?
Yes, our team includes American Institute of Architects (AIA) members with decades of combined experience in residential architecture and coastal construction challenges.
What awards has Herlong Architects won?
We've received multiple awards including the AIA SC Honor Award, Carolopolis Award for Historic Preservation, and multiple Best in American Living Awards (BALA) for custom home design.
