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News

2017 Charleston Greek Festival

Mez Joseph

The annual Charleston Greek Festival was held on May 12th, 13th & 14th. The festival hosts thousands of visitors each year who enjoy Greek food, wine, music, dancing and fun. The festival is held every Mother's Day weekend at The Greek Orthodox Church of the Holy Trinity on 30 Race Street in downtown Charleston. Principals Dinos Liollio & Tommy Schimpf volunteered to prepare and serve gyros at the gyro stand.

From Clemson to Cambridge: Two architecture undergrads head to Harvard

Mez Joseph

During his time at Clemson, Rayshad Dorsey interned for Radium Architecture, Paragon Construction and Liollio Architecture.

CLEMSON — Founder. Leader. Graduate. These are just a few of the words that describe two students who are receiving their diplomas Friday from Clemson University’s School of Architecture.

Rayshad Dorsey and Brayton Gregory made the most of their time at Clemson by getting involved and excelling in the classroom. This fall, the two will pursue their master’s degrees from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and both will be attending on full-ride scholarships. Harvard’s graduate program was recently ranked best in the country by DesignIntelligence.

A native of Georgetown, Dorsey grew up in a rural community where he and his mother lived in a mobile home. At age 4, she gave him a Lego set, and since then his interest in architecture continued to grow. With her continuous encouragement, Dorsey immersed himself in the world of design, and as a high school senior he had the opportunity to visit Clemson.

“I was exposed to the everyday life of an architecture student and fell in love with the program. I felt at home at Clemson,” Dorsey said.

During his time as an undergrad, Dorsey took advantage of the services that were offered to him, such as advising, academic success tutoring and the Writing Center.

“I never felt like I was lacking resources at Clemson. If I needed help with anything I could find it.”

And while the opportunities for academic success were readily available to him, Dorsey realized there was something missing from campus: an architecture organization for minorities. As a sophomore, he decided it was time to change that, and in the spring of 2014, he co-founded Clemson’s chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS).

Designed in collaboration with Clemson University NOMAS for the Barbara G. Laurie Student Design Competition, Fall 2016.

“NOMAS continued to open doors for me. I attended two national conferences and had the opportunity to be a project manager for the national Barbara G. Laurie design competition,” Dorsey said.

The two-time recipient of the American Institute of Architects Grand Strand Scholarship served on the Student Affairs Student Advisory Board and the School of Architecture’s Student/Faculty Advisory Board. He received the Ray Huff Award for Excellence, Clemson Architecture Center in Charleston’s highest recognition for achievement, and, most recently, the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities bestowed him the Blue Key Award, which is given annually to a student who has distinguished themselves in terms of academic scholarship and campus leadership.

Now, Dorsey prepares for his venture to Cambridge, Massachusetts, to continue his education.

“I have an opportunity that a few months ago I couldn’t even dream of having. Harvard is in one of the most intellectual places in the world and I can’t wait to take part in that atmosphere. While I am extremely nervous, I know that Clemson has prepared me well for what lies ahead and I am looking forward to the challenge.”

What will he remember most about Clemson?

“At Clemson, the professors really care. I felt like I could talk to all of my professors about anything. They were all so welcoming and really passionate about teaching. Lastly, of course, I’m going to remember being national champs in football my senior year!”

While Dorsey and Gregory are both accomplished Tigers who will be attending the same graduate school, their paths getting there were different.

A Greer native, Gregory grew up a Clemson fan.

“I knew that this is where I wanted to be even though it was not until later on in life that I found out Clemson was the only school in the state that offered architecture,” said Gregory. “The world of architecture has always been intriguing to me, from the multiple forms of design to the freedom of expression.”

“The Necessary Library” designed by Brayton Gregory during his studies in Genoa, Italy.

In 2013, Gregory had the opportunity to attend his first conference as an undergraduate in Chicago. It was there he was introduced to the American Institute of Architecture Students. Being able to create connections with architecture students from around the world, he began building a strong network and the organization became one he truly believed in. The following fall, Gregory decided to run for a position in the institute. He won, and as membership chair he was able to further advance his skills and connections with others on campus and beyond.

“The position sparked my love for leadership and pushed me to want to reach higher in the organization, which led me to run for president-elect in 2015.”

In 2016, Gregory assumed his position as president. Over the past year, his chapter was recognized as one of the largest and fastest-growing chapters in the South.

Gregory’s research has been presented at the National Conference for Beginning Design Students.

Throughout his undergraduate career, Gregory also served as an undergraduate research assistant and became an active volunteer through his involvement with Pi Kappa Phi.

“In 2014, I went through the process of becoming a re-founding father for Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. During this process, we established a well-rounded organization that is now nationally recognized.”

Gregory’s ambition and dedication to his craft and campus did not go unrecognized. He is the recipient of the Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit, which is given annually to an outstanding student with a 3.5 or higher grade-point average who has made noteworthy contributions to Clemson. He also won the Alpha Rho Chi Medal in Architecture for his professional merit, ability to lead and performing willing service to the school.

“During my time at Clemson, I had a lot of guidance from my peers and professors. The Clemson family is a real thing and one of the most inspiring things about this university. Being from Upstate South Carolina, the move up north will be a complete change in scenery, but I’m very excited about the opportunities that I’ll have at Harvard and believe it will open doors that I never expected.”

- Tara Romanella, Media Relations, Clemson University

Hardeeville Welcome Center Opening WTOC Coverage

Mez Joseph

Click image to watch WTOC coverage.

HARDEEVILLE, SC (WTOC) - It's been a little over one year since the South Carolina Department of Parks and Recreation broke ground on a new welcome center at the South Carolina-Georgia State line.  It's one of nine welcome centers in the state, and the second to go under total renovation. Each year, 2.2 million visitors stop in the welcome center, but the old building was more than 30-years-old and in need of some improvements.

The center is called the 'state's front porch,' and with tourism being an $18 billion industry, this welcome center is the first impression for millions of people traveling on I-95. The $4 million project features the latest technology to not only help visitors plan their stay in the Lowcountry, but to also learn more about the places they're stopping in. 

"Before we had the desktop computers, now we actually have handheld tablets that we can reach out and the guests as their needing additional information. We don't have to walk anywhere we have it with us at all time, plus we have tablets mounted on different pods that we have that we work with the guests as their coming into the center," said Gwendolyn Hendley, Manager, Hardeeville Welcome Center. 

This welcome center is directly responsible for more than 2,000 hotel bookings and 500 attraction tickets. It's located at the other end of I-95 in Dillon, SC.

Copyright 2017 WTOC. All rights reserved. 

Hardeeville Welcome Center Ribbon Cutting

Mez Joseph

The new SC Welcome Center located in Hardeeville opened on Tuesday, May 2nd. The new building is located on the north bound side of Interstate 95 just before Exit 5. It’s the first rest stop once you enter into South Carolina from Georgia. The new building replaces a 38-year-old facility. It has a digital guestbook and tablets with information for visitors. Monitors will display weather updates and road conditions.

“Any time you have tourists coming in from other states, you want to put a welcome mat out there for them. The visitor centers along the state entryways are vital for us,” said Robb Wells, Vice President of Tourism.

The Liollio team is proud to have worked with the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism and many others in bringing the new South Carolina Welcome Centers in Hardeeville and Fort Mill to fruition.

Florida Polytechnic Science, Innovation & Technology Campus Visit

Mez Joseph

During their stay in Orlando for the 2017 AIA National Conference, Principals Jay White and Jennifer Charzewski, accompanied by Allie Beck, visited the Florida Polytechnic Science, Innovation and Technology Campus by Calatrava. Visit the Florida Polytechnic Science, Innovation & Technology website at floridapoly.edu. #FLPoly

Dinos Liollio, FAIA Investiture Celebration

Mez Joseph

Images of Dinos & Cherie Liollio celebrating Dinos' FAIA honor with friends following the 2017 AIA National Investiture Ceremony in Orlando.

AARON BOWMAN DISCUSSES DISASTER PREPAREDNESS AT A'17

Mez Joseph

Aaron
Bowman

"What Architects
Need to Know
About Disasters
& Risk Reduction"

Why do buildings fail during natural disasters and what will the future of architecture look like in the face of increasing risk? After 10 years of disaster response and recovery nationwide, the AIA Disaster Assistance Program shared emerging research and personal lessons from the third edition of the AIA Handbook for Disaster Assistance.

This seminar focused on why buildings fail, how risk is increasing, the impacts of land use and building codes, and more. Stories from the field explored the impact of natural hazards and the pitfalls and opportunities in practice and community engagement.

Liollio's Aaron Bowman, AIA, (pictured above) was one of the speakers discussing Disaster Preparedness at the 2017 AIA National Convention last month in Orlando FL.

WARING SENIOR CENTER SLAB POUR

Mez Joseph

Drone footage of the New Waring Senior Center site as workers perform a slab pour in Area A. This City of Charleston project is slated for completion in early 2018. The site is located next to Roper St. Francis Hospital, and Liollio is working with Howell & Howell Contractors, Roper St. Francis and the City of Charleston to bring this project to fruition. Video footage provided by Howell & Howell Contractors.

Drone footage of the New Waring Senior Center site as workers perform a slab pour in Area A. This City of Charleston project is slated for completion in early 2018. The site is located next to Roper St. Francis Hospital, and Liollio is working with Howell & Howell Contractors, Roper St. Francis and the City of Charleston to bring this project to fruition. Video footage provided by Howell & Howell Contractors.

AIA South Carolina Design Awards

Mez Joseph

The 2017 AIA South Carolina Design Awards were held Friday, April 21st at the Hyatt House Conference Center in downtown Charleston. Liollio was represented by a group of 15 including guests. This special event is held every year and is an opportunity to come together in fellowship to celebrate the great work of peers and colleagues in South Carolina. Liollio was pleased to receive the only honor award for design given this year - 2017 AIASC Honor Award for Brighton Park Swim Club at Nexton.

Serving as jurors were: 
Anne Marie Decker, FAIA, Jury Chair, Principal with her partner Roy Decker, Duvall Decker Architects PA, Jackson MS  – “A restrained form in its landscape with subtle departures from what is expected.”
Andrew Wells, FAIA, Principal, Dake Wells Architecture, Springfield MO– “The project’s strength is its simplicity and honesty. Its atypical finer details add a level of intrigue.”
Will Bruder, FAIA, President & Lead Design Architect, Will Bruder Architects, Phoenix, AZ– “A simple, fine grained form that carries through every scale.”

Urban Design Conference Presentations

Mez Joseph

Liollio Architecture Principals Rick Bousquet, AIA and Jennifer Charzewski, AIA presented at the 14th annual Urban Design Conference in Raleigh NC in March. Presented by the North Carolina State University College of Design in collaboration with the City of Raleigh Urban Design Center, the theme of the conference was “Designing Beyond Downtown: The Future of the Suburbs.” Rick presented a case study on an urban/suburban food desert. Jennifer’s case study presentation focused on placemaking and design in civic buildings, and shared Liollio’s work on the Richland Library St. Andrews Branch and City of Charleston Fire Station #11.

Liollio's Daniel Corte Achieves Architectural Licensure

Mez Joseph

Liollio Architecture is pleased to congratulate Daniel Corte, AIA, for earning his architectural licensure and becoming a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), a professional organization for architects in the United States. A registered architect must complete an internship and pass a rigorous series of examinations offered by official architectural registration boards in the United States and Canada.The Liollio team celebrates Dan and his achievement.

A native of Chicago, Dan completed his undergraduate education at Southern Illinois University and earned his Master of Architecture at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. During his Masters program, Dan was on the team for UNCC School of Architecture’s AIM House submission for the 2013 Solar Decathlon. His interest in sustainable design, research and parametric modeling adds depth to Liollio’s technological capabilities.

Dan’s project work at Liollio has ranged in size and scope, strengthening his design, attention to detail, communication and collaborative skills. His recent work includes South Carolina Hardeeville Welcome Center replacement, renovation work for National Park Service in the Florida Everglades, University of South Carolina Beaufort Hospitality Management Facility and addition/renovation work at Charleston International Airport.

BRIGHTON PARK AWARDED 2017 AIA SOUTH CAROLINA HONOR AWARD

Mez Joseph

We are excited and honored to announce that the 2017 American Institute of Architects South Carolina Design Awards jury has awarded Liollio Architecture an Honor Award in New Construction/Substantial Renovation for Brighton Park Swim Club. Brighton Park is located in the Nexton Community in Summerville SC. The jury was chaired by Anne Marie Decker, FAIA, Principal, Duvall Decker Architects in Jackson MS with Will Bruder, FAIA, President, Will Bruder Architects in Phoenix AZ and Andrew Wells, FAIA, LEED AP, SCUP, Principal, Dake Wells Architecture in Springfield MO. The award was presented at the AIASC Design Awards Dinner & Ceremony held last Friday, April 21st at Hyatt Place in Charleston during the AIASC Design Conference.

Emanuel AME Art Exhibit & Tribute Opens to the Public

Mez Joseph

The Charleston International Airport tribute to the victims and survivors of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shootings opened April 15, 2017 in the airport's Central Hall. The tribute space and art installation is a place for reflection and contemplation and is meant to show millions of visitors to Charleston the remarkable community response that followed the tragic events of June 17, 2015.

Emanuel AME art exhibit and tribute opens to the public - The Charleston International Airport tribute to the victims and survivors of the Mother Emanuel AME Church shootings opened April 15, 2017 in the airport’s Central Hall. The tribute space and art installation is a place for reflection and contemplation and is meant to show millions of visitors to Charleston the remarkable community response that followed the tragic events of June 17, 2015. For more information visit the Newsroom at www.iflyCHS.com.

Liollio Associate Michael Edwards & Wife Attend Charleston Youth Company Black & White Ball

Mez Joseph

Liollio Associate Michael Edwards & wife Tyler attended the Charleston Youth Company Black & White Ball and Auction on Saturday March 18 at the Elks Club of Charleston. Michael & Tyler, Co-President of the Parent Advisory Board, spend many hours volunteering with the non-profit performing arts company to support and educate young people in musical theater. Two of their three children are in their fourth year with the troupe and will perform an Original Musical Get Your Kicks on Route 66 on April 28 & 29 at the Sottile Theater. Tickets on sale soon.For information on the performance, visit
charlestonyouthcompany.com.

WARING SENIOR CENTER SITE DRONE FOOTAGE

Mez Joseph

Great drone flyover footage of the New Waring Senior Center site and the surrounding area in West Ashley. This City of Charleston project is slated for completion in early 2018. The site is located next to Roper St. Francis Hospital, and Liollio is working with Howell & Howell Contractors, Roper St. Francis and the City of Charleston to bring this project to fruition. Video footage provided by Howell & Howell Contractors.

LIOLLIO ELEVATES ANGIE BROSE TO ASSOCIATE

Mez Joseph

Angie Brose, AIA, LEED AP, Associate

Liollio Architecture is pleased to announce the elevation of Angie Brose, AIA, LEED AP, to Associate. Angie received her Master’s Degree in Architecture at Ball State University and her Bachelor Degree from Technische Universitat in Berlin. She has 18 years of professional architectural experience. Her work is diverse, spanning a variety of projects from education and agency to community design. Most recently, Angie has been heavily involved with the design of Richland Library’s St. Andrews, Ballentine, Blythewood and Wheatley Branches. She contributes to a project’s design from start to finish.

“Collaboration with clients and working as a team to create good design is what inspires me most and fuels my passion for this profession. I love working with communities to create spaces that are specifically designed for their needs, vernacular and cultural identity. It’s most important to me that clients and end users of a space feel ownership and passion for the space we have created together. This is when I feel a project is most successful. The finished project belongs to the client, though we, as architects, also take great pride in its creation.”

Angie is also active in the community, volunteering, mentoring and caring for the environment. “I am passionate about giving back to the community. I love volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, Adopt a Highway and various community projects through my church.
 

Spotlight On: Andy Clark, Associate Principal

Mez Joseph

A native of Louisiana and a Liollio team member for five years, Associate Principal, Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, has 18 years of professional architectural experience. A graduate of Clemson University, Andy’s work is diverse, spanning a variety of projects in education, agency, municipal and healthcare design. He contributes to a building’s design from start to finish. We recently sat down for a little Q&A with Andy, our March Spotlight On feature.

How long have you lived in Charleston?
I moved to Charleston in 1998.

Where did you grow up?
My parents tell me I spent 6 months in Ithaca NY and a year in Raleigh NC before moving to Baton Rouge LA when I was one, where I spent the rest of my childhood.

Are you married? Do you have children?
I’ve been married 17 years and Allison and I have two amazing girls, Anson, 13, & Ella, 8.

What is your favorite thing in your house?
I guess I would have to say the piano. Listening to the kids practice isn’t always the best but hearing them play their recital pieces always amazes me.

What do you like to do when you have free time?
Free time? I try to go see live music as much as I can. I enjoy sketching, going camping with the kids, hitting golf balls into water hazards, and Clemson football.

Do you have any pets? If so, tell us a bit about them.
We have a 3-year-old yellow lab named Duke. We adopted him from a couple that had downsized into an apartment and he had WAY too much energy for them. He’s not a very good attack dog but he is always happy, except when he hears loud noises.

What building have you visited that most impressed you?
The Pantheon in Rome was an experience. I could have stayed there for days and watched the way it impacted the occupants. An amazing balance of art and science. Trying to imagine how they accomplished that almost 2,000 years ago is mind boggling, but Castelvecchio was actually more impactful.

What architect or architecture firm most influenced you as a student?
Carlo Scarpa really changed my perspective on architecture during grad school while I was studying abroad in Italy. We visited Brion cemetery, Banco Populare, Castelvecchio, and the venice Querini Stampalia Foundation. Every material was carefully selected and every minor detail was thoughtful. A complex simplicity that is nearly impossible to achieve. I also did an independent study of Gigon Guyer’s museum liner in Switzerland and their work gave me a new perspective on how modern design can draw inspiration from traditional context in abstract ways.

What is your favorite country you have traveled to and why?
Italy, because my wife was with me.

What is your favorite thing about working at Liollio?
The inspiration that comes from the culture the firm has created that design matters. I really enjoy the collaborative environment, but mostly being around fun and talented people.

What style of architecture most impresses you or is your favorite?
I’ve always been somewhat agnostic to style. Good design is not limited to style. I like designs that are simple, well-proportioned and with a good balance of materials, textures and colors.

What is your favorite book?
One with pictures

What is your favorite restaurant?
So many great options. I’ll go with Leon’s today. The environment reminds me of home, especially with the char-grilled oysters.

What is your favorite food?
A crawfish boil is the one thing I miss the most from Louisiana.

What is your least favorite food?
Is blue cheese a food?

If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
A liger. It’s pretty much my favorite animal. It's bred for it's skills in magic.

Do you play any instruments?
I played piano in elementary school until it wasn’t cool, then I started trumpet in middle school and played in my high school jazz band. I taught myself guitar in college and still like to play when I feel like hurting my fingers, although I’m not very good.

What song is at the top of your most played list?
Currently The Great Salt Lake by Band of Horses

Who is your favorite musical artist?
It changes over the years, but currently I would say Radiohead.

Who is your favorite artist?
Mondrian would be too obvious, so I’ll go with Paul Yanko.

Favorite television show?
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown

Who would play you in a movie about your life?
The original yellow shirt guy from The Wiggles.

What’s your astrological sign?
Libra

Last movie you watched?
Star Wars: Rogue One, with the kids.

Guilty pleasure?
White chocolate macadamia cookies

What does true leadership mean to you? 
There are many types of leaders, but all in some way inspire others around them to be better than they thought they could be.

If you could do another job for just one day, what would it be?
When I was younger, my Mom said I wanted to design my own jazz lounge, be the chef for dinner service and then play in the band at night. It would probably only last one day anyway.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.
In high school I was on a soccer team that took an exhibition trip through the South Pacific including Hawaii, Fiji, New Zealand & Australia. I had to get stitches from a missionary doctor in Fiji after cracking my shin against volcanic rock while climbing up to go cliff diving into a river during a rafting trip. I didn’t get to jump...

LIOLLIO ELEVATES ANDY CLARK TO ASSOCIATE PRINCIPAL

Mez Joseph

Liollio Architecture is pleased to announce the elevation of Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, to Associate Principal. A graduate of Clemson University, where he was the recipient of the AIA Henry Adams Award, Andy has 18 years of professional architectural experience. His work is diverse, spanning a variety of projects in education, agency, municipal and healthcare design. He contributes to a building’s design from start to finish.

“Liollio has helped our clients realize their mission through innovation, which is only possible through listening & actively engaging the client in a collaborative design process.” A few of Andy’s most current projects include the University of South Carolina Beaufort-Hilton Head Island Campus’ New Hospitality Management Facility, The Citadel’s New School of Business, College of Charleston’s Simons Center for the Arts and the new Dunston Elementary School for Charleston County School District.

Andy is also active in the community, mentoring students, volunteering and serving on local and regional design and construction boards. “I strive to give back to our community and profession, currently serving as President-Elect for the South Carolina Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Clemson Architectural Foundation Board of Trustees & as past President of AIA Charleston, where I co-founded a free public lecture series to elevate the design dialogue in our community."

USCB Hilton Head Hospitality Management Facility Groundbreaking

Mez Joseph

A few more images from the USCB Hilton Head Hospitality Management Facility Groundbreaking that took place February 10. Principal Jay White & Associate Principal Andy Clark were in attendance.