End of Year Reflections

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Reflections of Past, Present & Future

As the year comes to a close, moments of reflection bring fond memories and excitement to set my sights on the future.

Yet, I would be remiss to overlook the growth that defined 2024. We forged meaningful relationships with new clients, celebrated the completion of new homes, expanded projects to new states, commemorated our studio’s new location, and welcomed three new team members. What a year!

The pace of swift momentum reminds you how enthralling it is to feel the wind in your hair, but there is always a chance you outrun your ability to remain anchored in the present.

In this line of work, change is constant and presence is a requirement. Fortunately for me, these dynamics create a recipe for a meaningful life. I am grateful to feel grounded by the work that I do, as design occurs at the intersection of past, present, and future, especially in a place like Charleston.

For example:

- Do we preserve, restore, or take this thing down to the studs because what in the world was that electrician thinking?

- We design, render, select, and design again because today’s decisions inevitably evolve based on supply & demand, style narratives, and ideas about what the future may hold.

- Regardless of era, every space is designed to tell stories of what has been, what is, and what is yet to come. These stories endure for generations and ultimately shape our understanding of what it means to call a place "home.”

Reflecting on this theme, I’ve observed its subtle yet steady presence in our Studio the past few months.

‍PWD Updates

Projects of PWD Past

‍‍In late 2022, we completed a commercial renovation of the Juliska Flagship at 268 King Street.

The project included adding plumbing, relocating the staircase, restoring and replicating original wood shelving, sourcing luxurious high-traffic finishes, custom fabrication, and transforming the second floor—once used as storage—into an open-concept entertaining space.

After completion, we learned a bit about the building's history. Initially built in the mid-1800s as a single-story seed shop, the building received a stone façade and a partial second story in 1894. By 1914, the second floor was fully developed and final design details were added, such as tin ceilings and pressed glass transom windows that adorn the facade.

Just recently, the building’s current owner graciously shared these remarkable photos with us, offering a glimpse into the building’s evolution and life on historic King Street.

Projects of PWD Present

‍I am thrilled and humbled to start work on an 18th-century plantation cottage just outside of Charleston. Sitting on hundreds of acres of native oaks, pines, and palms, the interiors of this cottage will be thoughtfully designed to evoke a traditional countryside retreat.

Projects of PWD Future

‍We've started volunteering with Star Gospel Mission, Charleston’s oldest independent, faith-based charity that provides job readiness, life skills, and transitional housing to men experiencing hardships and homelessness.Star Gospel Mission recently created a program called Morning Light, which is focused on supporting women & children in need of transitional housing and enrichment opportunities in Charleston. A volunteer-based support organization called Friends of Morning Light was created to complement these initiatives and enhance awareness. We are excited to join our community members in the Friends of Morning Light support group, and be an integral part of bringing these ideas to life.

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PWD Reads

Guarantee Future Success with Thoughtfulness

Will Guidara, former co-owner and general manager of Eleven Madison Park, argues in his book Unreasonable Hospitality that thoughtful, grand gestures can be a cornerstone of lasting business success.

But how is this done effectively? By being fully present with others, you uncover what truly matters to them. Tailored experiences and meaningful acts of service that align with their priorities often have a greater impact than any disruptive strategy.

The key takeaway: people will always remember how you make them feel.

PWD Travels

Destinations on the Horizon

‍Paris-based trade shows, Paris Déco Off and Maison & Objet, begin in January. I'll spend a week winding through arrondissements in search of antiques, ateliers, and art galleries, bringing an air of old-world style to new projects.