Best of 2025: Year in Review

As we look back on an amazing year, we're reflecting on the incredible people and partnerships that define our work. For us, architecture is about more than just stunning structures; it's about solving challenges and bringing our clients' unique visions to life.

This past year, we worked alongside visionary clients and consultants who value innovation, sustainability, preservation, education, and resiliency to design long-lasting structures that foster unity and growth within our community and the Southeast Region. Clients come to us with a need for inviting, functional spaces, and through close collaboration and our integrated design process, we are able to create spaces that serve their missions for years to come. We are deeply grateful for the trust our clients place in us and for the opportunity to contribute to the built environment in meaningful ways.

Cheers to the Liollio team members who achieved architectural licensure, received recognition for their contribution to the community and the profession, those we welcomed to our studio, and those who were elevated within the firm! Thank you to our entire dedicated team and valued consultants for another year of shared creativity and impact. Here's to building a better future, together.

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Celebrating 2025 AIA Charleston Awards

As we reflect on another exciting year, we extend our sincere gratitude to the clients who place their trust in us to provide thoughtful architecture that strengthens and serves our communities. This year, AIA Charleston honored six projects with seven local awards! The College of Charleston’s Simons Center for the Arts and First Baptist Church Of Charleston’s Education Center received AIA Charleston Honor Awards, the highest level of distinction for exceptional design. The City of Charleston’s Carr-Richardson Park received an AIA Charleston Merit Award for distinguished achievement. The Old City Jail received an AIA Merit Award and Student Choice Award for Landmark Enterprises’ preservation and adaptive reuse of the historic building. National Park Service’s Lind Point Resource Management & Science Facility & Housing and Charlotte Mecklenburg’s South County Regional Library were honored with AIA Charleston Citation Awards.

We are honored to have collaborated with these amazing clients, partners, and project teams on these award-winning efforts. We congratulate all of the deserving recipients of the 2025 AIA Charleston Awards, recognized for their vision and commitment to design excellence! View all of this year’s award recipients here.

Liollio Celebrates 70 Years of Designing for Place

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As Liollio Architecture celebrates 70 years of designing for place, we honor our past and celebrate our future. We know that our longevity is a result of working with amazing clients, our collaborative process, our team culture, and our firm leadership. We also celebrate the career achievements and contributions of our second generation of leadership as they retire from architecture, C. Dinos Liollio, FAIA, LEED AP, and Rick L. Bousquet, AIA, LEED AP.

Celebrating 2025 AIA South Carolina Awards

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As we celebrate and reflect on 2025, we are grateful to our amazing clients who invest in thoughtful architecture to serve our communities! This year, AIA South Carolina recognized the National Park Service with an AIA South Carolina Framework for Design Excellence Award and an AIA South Carolina Merit Award for the design of NPS’s new USVI Lind Point Resource Management Science Facility and Housing. The College of Charleston was also recognized with an AIA South Carolina Honor Award for the renovation and expansion of the Simons Center for the Arts. We are honored to have collaborated with the National Park Service, The College of Charleston, and our project teams on these award-winning projects. Cheers to all who were recognized with AIA South Carolina Awards, acknowledging their vision and commitment to design excellence!

AIA SOUTH ATLANTIC REGION AWARDS REFLECTION: COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON SIMONS CENTER FOR THE ARTS

In this time of reflection, gratitude and celebration, Liollio is so grateful to our wonderful clients who invest in thoughtful buildings and spaces to serve our communities! This year, AIA South Atlantic Region recognized the College of Charleston with an AIA South Atlantic Region (SAR) ASPIRE Honor Award for the renovation and expansion of the Simons Center for the Arts. We are honored to have collaborated with the College, our friends at HGA, and our entire project team on this award-winning project. Exceptional projects are the result of collaboration with visionary clients!

Cheers to all who were recognized with 2025 AIA South Atlantic Region Awards, acknowledging their vision and commitment to design excellence. Liollio congratulates our colleagues, clients, and collaborators on these amazing accolades!

Ray Huff Inaugural Lecture Series: Cristina Verissimo & Diogo Burnay

Don’t miss out on next week's Ray Huff Inaugural Lecture Series, honoring the legacy of Associate Professor Emeritus Ray Huff FAIA, NOMA. Liollio Architecture is honored to have established this endowed series dedicated to enriching the educational experience of Clemson School of Architecture students by hosting distinguished speakers who will explore topics in critical design and innovative architectural practices. The inaugural lecture will feature Cristina Verissimo and Diogo Burnay of CVDB arquitectos, a critically acclaimed practice based in Lisbon, Portugal, focusing on the social role of public architecture in small communities. Hope to see you there! Eventbrite link here.

Liollio Team Members Reflect on 2025 AIA National Conference on Architecture

Each month, our studio gathers to share meaningful engagements and experiences that team members are actively involved in. Last month, several staff members reflected on their time at the 2025 AIA National Conference in Boston, MA. Their insights were both inspiring and energizing to the entire studio.

Ri Glal and William Scott shared: "Over the course of three days, we had the opportunity to meet incredibly talented architects, engage in impactful conversations around topics like climate justice and advocacy through architecture, explore an expo with hundreds of vendors, and experience the energy and charm of Boston."

We were also proud to see Matthew Ngango and Jared Cook, recent additions to the Liollio team, present at the COTE Open Forum. They shared insights from their award-winning 2024 COTE Top Ten for Students project, Alamihi Village, developed during their time at Clemson University. The project addresses the complex challenge of rebuilding in Lahaina, Maui, following one of the most devastating wildfires in U.S. history in August 2023. Centered on a 9-acre site at the edge of the affected area, Alamihi Village explores opportunities for cultural conservation, ecological restoration, and economic development.

Matthew and Jared reflected: “We’re grateful for the representatives from Liollio Architecture who joined us at the forum. As our first AIA conference, the experience extended beyond the event itself, including visits around Boston, inspiring talks, and engaging Expo showcases.”

Thank you to all who shared their takeaways from the conference, we acknowledge the passion and curiosity that drives our team and are excited to see how these findings are implemented into our work!

2025 SC Historic Preservation Awards Honors Rehabilitation of Old City Jail

For 30 years, Preservation South Carolina, the SC Department of Archives and History, and the Office of the Governor have recognized exceptional accomplishments in the preservation, rehabilitation, and interpretation of architectural and cultural heritage with a series of statewide awards. We are honored to announce that the rehabilitation of Old City Jail was recently recognized with a 2025 SC Historic Preservation Honor Award.

Once neglected and at risk, this landmark has been carefully rehabilitated, balancing preservation and adaptive reuse. The restoration retained the Jail’s historic character while introducing thoughtful interventions, ensuring its continued use and stewardship.

Liollio would like to congratulate Landmark Enterprises, Charles Blanchard Construction, and our entire team on this amazing project that truly was a combination of head and heart.

For more information about Preservation South Carolina, visit www.preservesc.org.

The American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture (AIA25)

Recently, several Liollio team members attended The American Institute of Architects National Conference on Architecture in Boston (AIA25) where they were able to draw inspiration from keynote speakers, talented colleagues, catch up with friends, establish new connections, and discover and explore the city. Liollio’s Ri Glal had a great experience examining various components of architecture in a new lens; “For me, the conference emphasized that architecture is constantly evolving, and the identity of architecture is amplified by the past, present, and the future community of a given place.” It was an invigorating week, and those who attended are excited to share their experience and help implement insights into our current work.

Celebrating National Preservation Month 2025

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As our team celebrates National Preservation Month, we reflect on the significance of our nation’s historic places. Liollio has been honored with the preservation of many structures and sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Our clients have entrusted us with buildings both grand and modest, both museum-quality restorations and adaptive reuses, all in keeping with the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards.

Whether hiding fire protection systems or preserving a doorknob touched by five generations, we understand both the technical and the artistic. We embrace a collaborative, thoughtful, and sensitive approach to assessing and restoring historic structures. Historically and culturally sensitive projects, done well, are a balanced combination of head and heart. We look forward to the opportunity to continue preserving these historic places for the next generation.

Rural Witnesses Exhibition: Retracing & Reimagining Rural Architecture

Liollio is honored to have been selected as a contributor to the inspiring and powerful exhibition: Rural Witnesses: Retracing and Reimagining Rural Architecture presented by Clemson School of Architecture, Partners of Place, and 701 CCA (Center for Contemporary Art). Liollio team members had the pleasure of visiting the opening reception and a tour as part of the AIA South Carolina State Conference.

This exhibition celebrates rural spaces while exploring how past policies and power dynamics can inform more community-driven futures. Kudos to the curators for celebrating untold stories of our communities, and promoting innovative regionalism.

Don’t miss it - on view at the 701 Center for Contemporary Art in Columbia, SC through June 15! For more information visit here.

National Park Service & College of Charleston Recognized with 2025 AIA South Carolina Design Awards

Cheers to our colleagues and clients who were recognized in the 2025 AIA South Carolina Design Awards, recognizing those throughout the state who exemplify vision, creativity, and design innovation. We are honored to have collaborated on the following two American Institute of Architects South Carolina award-winning projects.

The National Park Service was honored with an AIA South Carolina Merit Award and Framework for Design Excellence Award for VIIS Resource Management and Science Facility and Housing. Designed for extreme resilience, this facility provides staff residences, areas to encourage community engagement and outreach, and space for research and storage, allowing the protection and study of the islands’ heritage for future generations. The F4DE award is intended to inspire progress toward a zero-carbon, equitable, resilient, and healthy built environment. 

College of Charleston was recognized with an AIA South Carolina Honor Award for the Simons Center for the Arts. The Simons Center for the Arts renovation aims to create a resilient urban response to showcasing the arts, signaling to the community the creativity within, moderating between history and progress, and enhancing connections to the historic campus. The interior approach transforms dim, uninviting spaces to foster collaboration across curricula, breathing new life into an integral community resource.

Exceptional projects are the result of collaboration with visionary clients. Liollio congratulates award recipients on this outstanding recognition!

Happy Earth Day 2025!

Liollio celebrates Earth Day 2025! As our recognition of Earth Day comes to a close, we turn the spotlight on the National Park Service U.S. Virgin Island’s Resource Management and Science Facility and Park Staff Housing in Lind Point. Designed for extreme resilience, this facility provides staff residences, areas to encourage community engagement and outreach, and space for research and storage, allowing the protection and study of the islands’ heritage for future generations. Parks are essential in caring for our country’s cultural treasures and recreational sites – and we encourage you to go and open the door - get outside and explore them!

Earth Day 2025: Visit Your State Parks!

Earth Day is just one week away! As we continue to highlight projects that celebrate the great outdoors, we turn to South Carolina’s Parks, Recreation & Tourism’s Charles Towne Landing. This 664-acre historic site features six miles of trails for walking, biking, and exploring, along with the Animal Forest natural habitat zoo, 80 acres of gardens, and versatile event spaces. Designed to be transparent, the surrounding landscape remains the visual focus. South Carolina’s State Parks offer spaces for the community to gather, learn, and explore – together!

Learn more about CharlesTowne Landing State Historic Site here.

Earth Day 2025: Visit Your Local Parks!

As Earth Day approaches, Liollio encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy their local parks! Check out Carr-Richardson Park - a hidden gem nestled in the historic Ashleyville/Maryville neighborhood of West Ashley in Charleston, S.C. Alongside the City of Charleston, Liollio prioritized sustainable and resilient design to allow this beautiful space to be enjoyed for generations to come. Local parks bring communities together, provide space for events, and offer opportunities to connect with the natural environment. The countdown to Earth Day is on!

CCPL's Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan's Island Library Ribbon-Cutting & Grand Reopening

Congratulations to Charleston County Public Library on the grand reopening of Edgar Allan Poe/Sullivan's Island Library! Our team had the pleasure of attending the ribbon-cutting celebration Tuesday morning, where we heard from local leaders, connected with community members, and spent some time with Owlbert, CCPL’s mascot. The library is located in the renovated Battery Gadsden, a former Spanish-American War battery built to protect the South Carolina coastline. Angela Craig, Executive Director of Charleston County Public Library, shared an impactful message: “For nearly 50 years, the Edgar Allen Poe/Sullivan’s Island Library has been more than just a place for books – it’s been a gathering space for the community and, quite literally, a repurposed stronghold!” We are honored to have been a part of this meaningful renovation and look forward to seeing the continued positive impact this library will have on its visitors!

“While the history of this building may linger in its walls, the true magic happens in the connections made between neighbors, friends, and readers of all ages.” – Angela Craig, Executive Director, CCPL

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Happy Women’s History Month 2025!

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As we look back on Women’s History Month, Sarah Glass reflects on her experience at last year’s AIA Women's Leadership Summit. This inspiring event brings together the industry’s largest network of women for impactful programming, leadership seminars, expert insights, and networking. We are proud to be a part of an organization that empowers women to break down barriers to become leaders in the industry. Mark your calendar for the 2025 Women’s Leadership Summit happening November 3-5 in Atlanta! For more info click here.

Association for Learning Environments SC Conference 2025

Last week Andy Clark and Sarah Glass led a session at the Association for Learning Environments SC Conference in Hilton Head, SC. Alongside Charleston County School District’s Executive Director of Capital Programs, Jasmeen Shaw, and Brownstone Construction’s Senior Project Manager, Bobby Teachey, they presented the story of Early College High School on Wilmot J. Fraser Campus. The session highlighted how one school district’s willingness to listen and learn from the community led to the creation of a state-of-the-art educational facility focused on future opportunities. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this important story. Thank you to the A4LE organization for this experience!

Old City Jail Honored with Preservation Award at 71st Carolopolis Awards Ceremony

The Preservation Society of Charleston (PSC) handed out more awards last Friday evening than they have in 30 years at the 71st Carolopolis Awards, showcasing outstanding achievement in historical preservation and restoration throughout the Charleston area. The PSC recognized Landmark Enterprises with a Carolopolis Award for the Exterior Preservation of the Old City Jail — a project we were honored to contribute to.

Once neglected and at risk, this landmark has been carefully rehabilitated, balancing preservation and adaptive reuse. The restoration retained the Jail’s historic character while introducing thoughtful interventions, ensuring its continued use and stewardship.

Twenty-seven awards were handed out in total — the most since 1995. Liollio would like to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients!

Celebrating Black History Month 2025: Reflecting on Wilmot J. Fraser Elementary

This Black History Month, we honor Wilmot J. Fraser Elementary and its namesake. Originally built in 1957 as Columbus Street Elementary, the school was part of South Carolina’s Equalization Program, built for African American students. The school became a vital hub for the Eastside community, a gathering place during pivotal historical moments, including the aftermath of Hurricane Hugo, Civil Rights rallies and the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as recounted by the Eastside Community Development Corporation board.

The Columbus Street school was later renamed in honor of Wilmot J. Fraser, a dedicated African American educator, and continued to shape young minds and benefit the community. Fraser served not only as Principal of Columbus Street Elementary, but also East Bay Elementary, and the Archer School among others. He went on to act as the supervisor for all African American schools in Charleston and later assistant director of elementary schools for the entire county.

Throughout his career, Fraser was committed to uplifting students and ensuring that schools served as centers for both education and community support. As one of the initial organizers, president, and board member of the Elementary Principal Association within the South Carolina Palmetto Education Association (PEA), he worked to strengthen teacher development and mentor the next generation of educators. His efforts laid the groundwork for lasting change in Charleston’s education system.

Now, through community engagement sessions, the next chapter of this historic site is being written. Early College High School will preserve the stories of the past while creating future opportunities for students in one of South Carolina’s most historically significant neighborhoods. 

By weaving together history, resilience, education and community, this project ensures that Wilmot J. Fraser’s legacy continues—providing a stable foundation for the future to take root.