SCBIZ Recognizes Andy Clark in 2026 SCBIZ 500 Top Leaders List

Join us in celebrating Liollio Principal Andy Clark on being named to SCBIZ's second annual SCBIZ 500, a distinguished honor recognizing South Carolina's most influential and impactful leaders across business, nonprofits, government, and higher education. This recognition reflects Andy's exceptional leadership, professional achievements, and lasting contributions to communities throughout the Palmetto State.

Selected for his exceptional leadership, professional achievements, and impact on the architecture profession, Andy Clark is one of three principal architects leading Liollio’s third generation of leadership. This recognition reflects his lasting contributions to communities across South Carolina and his role in shaping the firm’s continued success. Congratulations Andy and all 2026 award recipients on this well-deserved honor. We are proud to celebrate your leadership and this distinguished achievement!

View Andy’s feature here.

“We believe one of the best ways to grow our studio for the future is to align it as closely as possible with academia, fostering creative energy, innovation and an innate desire to ask questions.”

— Andy Clark, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

Liollio Celebrates Three Projects Honored at the 2026 AIA South Atlantic Region Design Awards

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Liollio is honored to have three projects recognized at the 2026 AIA South Atlantic Region Design Awards. USC’s South Caroliniana Library received an Honor Award for Historic Preservation, City of Charleston’s Fire Station #11received a Citation Award for New Construction, and the National Park Service’s Virgin Islands Research, Management and Science Facility and Housing received an Honorable Mention. These awards celebrate the power of collaboration and the shared commitment to preserving our history, strengthening our communities, and creating impactful places that serve future generations. We extend our sincere congratulations and gratitude to the University of South Carolina, the City of Charleston and Charleston Fire Department, the National Park Service, and our consultants and collaborators, whose dedication and hard work made these achievements possible. Congratulations to all the 2026 AIA South Atlantic Region Design Awards recipients! 

Liollio’s Dan Corte Named a 2026 SCBIZ Emerging Leader Under 40

We are proud to celebrate Dan Corte, Associate, Project Manager, and Architect at Liollio Architecture, on being named one of SCBIZ’s 2026 Emerging Leaders Under 40.

This statewide recognition honors exceptional young professionals who are making significant contributions to their industries while creating meaningful impact in their communities. Dan embodies both. Through his work at Liollio, he champions architecture that strengthens communities, fosters connection, and creates places where people can thrive.

Dan’s leadership, dedication to design excellence, and commitment to serving others continue to make a lasting difference across South Carolina and beyond. We are honored to see his contributions recognized alongside an outstanding group of emerging leaders from across the state.

Congratulations, Dan, on this well-deserved achievement. We look forward to seeing your continued impact on the profession and the communities we serve.

AIA26 in San Diego Highlights a Profession Navigating Change

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The 2026 AIA Conference on Architecture & Design (AIA26), held last month at the San Diego Convention Center, brought together more than 5,000 architects, designers, engineers, firm leaders, and building industry professionals for what remains one of the architecture profession's most influential annual gatherings. Hosted by the American Institute of Architects, the event served as a national forum for examining the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of design, construction, and the built environment. Liollio Principal, Andy Clark, and Associate Principal, Elissa Morrison, both attended the event.

Elissa joined 3 other architects widely recognized for design excellence in leading an AIA26 panel, “Two Plus Two: Achieving Design Excellence,” one of the conference’s packed workshops. The session paired two AIA Young Architect Award recipients with two AIA Fellows to share their work and to explore unique perspectives on what defines design excellence. Elissa was awarded the prestigious Young Architect Award in 2024.The panel discussion brought together a distinguished group of architects and design leaders to examine the evolving challenges and opportunities shaping contemporary architectural practice. The conversation focused on how to advance design innovation and building and environmental performance; how to engage and further the interests of clients, occupants, and communities; how to elevate the human experience through thoughtful design excellence; how to positively address climate change through design excellence; and how to thrive and succeed as an architect.

AIA26 emphasized the expanding leadership role of architects in addressing climate resilience, housing affordability, urban revitalization, and technological change. The conference highlighted the growing impact of AI and digital tools while reinforcing the importance of human-centered design. Through more than 350 education sessions, keynote presentations, and architect-led tours across San Diego, attendees explored innovative approaches to sustainability, leadership, and community-centered design. The overarching message was clear: architects are uniquely positioned to lead the creation of resilient, sustainable, and equitable communities in an increasingly complex world.

SCBIZ Recognizes Andy Clark in Inaugural South Carolina 500 Top Business Leaders List

“We believe one of the best ways to grow our studio for the future is to align it as closely as possible with academia, fostering creative energy, innovation and an innate desire to ask questions.”

— Andy Clark, AiA, LEED AP, Principal

The South Carolina 500 is SCBIZ’ first-ever list of The Palmetto State’s most influential and impactful leaders in business, nonprofits, government and higher education. This annual feature aims to spotlight South Carolina’s most influential professionals, and the selections were based on career achievements, impact, and leadership. Andy is one of three principal architects leading the Liollio team and guiding the firm’s third generation of leadership. The entire Liollio team congratulates Andy on this recognition! View Andy’s feature here. Click here to view SCBIZ’s entire South Carolina 500 list.

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.

View our Portfolio // View our Team // 2025 Awards

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.

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!

Liollio’s Mary Tran Honored in CRBJ’s Forty Under 40 Awards

The Charleston Regional Business Journal recently hosted its annual Forty Under 40 event, celebrating this year’s outstanding honorees. We are thrilled to announce that Mary Tran, Associate AIA + IIDA, Project Designer, and Interior Designer was recognized as one of the award recipients!

Mary works with a diverse range of public and institutional clients, approaching each project as an opportunity to engage stakeholders and create spaces that are socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable. Congratulations to Mary and all the 2025 Forty Under 40 honorees from everyone at Liollio Architecture!

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.

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!

Celebrating Charleston County School District's An Evening with the Stars 2025 Gala

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Charleston County School District recently hosted its An Evening with the Stars Annual Gala and Silent Auction, an event that raises awareness of public education through community partnerships, honors the accomplishments of educators, and helps fund the annual Charleston Educator Symposium for principals and teachers.

We were honored to celebrate Early College High School Principal, Barrett Reese, as he was recognized as Star Principal. This achievement highlights seven outstanding leaders for the 2024-2025 year who have demonstrated dedication and creativity. A part of CCSD for 17 years, Mr. Reese joined Early College High School in 2019. Through his strong relationships with students, families, and community members, he has proven to be a trusted leader at ECHS.

Liollio would like to congratulate Principal Reese and all of this year's remarkable award recipients!

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!

AIA South Carolina Awards Reflection: Exceptional Projects & Visionary Clients

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In this time of reflection and celebration, Liollio is so grateful to our wonderful clients who invest in great buildings to serve their communities! Cheers to our colleagues and clients who were recognized in 2024 with AIA South Carolina Design Awards, recognizing this vision and commitment to design excellence. We are honored to have collaborated on these four American Institute of Architects South Carolina award-winning projects.

AIA South Carolina has recognized the City of Charleston with an AIA South Carolina Honor Award for Carr-Richardson Park, James Island Public Service District with an AIA South Carolina Merit Award for the new James Island PSD Fire Station 1 Headquarters, The University of South Carolina with an AIA South Carolina Citation Award for the preservation of the South Caroliniana Library, and Landmark Enterprises with an AIA South Carolina Merit Award for the rehabilitation of Old City Jail.

Exceptional projects are the result of collaboration with visionary clients. Liollio congratulates our clients and collaborators on these amazing accolades!

Liollio's Sarah Glass Honored with CRBJ's Forty Under 40 Award

The Charleston Regional Business Journal held it’s annual Forty Under 40 event last week at the Charleston Music Farm in downtown Charleston celebrating this year’s honorees. We are thrilled to share that Sarah Glass, AIA, Liollio Project Manager, Architect, & Associate, was honored as an award recipient. Honorees are chosen based on their career achievements and philanthropic efforts in the community. Liollio Architecture would like to congratulate Sarah and all of the 2024 Forty Under 40 honorees!

Old City Jail Awarded 2024 Whitelaw Founders Award

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The Old City Jail at 21 Magazine Street served as the county jail from its construction in 1802 until 1939 and was home to a variety of infamous inmates. Historic fabric and finishes were maintained wherever possible but there are challenges to retrofitting a jail for modern use. The new office suites have exposed brick walls, 14 to 16-foot ceilings, metal bars on the windows, and bars on some interior doors. Historic Charleston Foundation honored Old City Jail, LLC with a 2024 Whitelaw Founders Award for the rehabilitation and excellent stewardship of the Old City Jail. Liollio Architecture congratulates Old City Jail, LLC and our team on this amazing achievement. We’re honored to have been part of the team for the preservation and repurposing of this important and historic Charleston landmark. Congratulations to all of this year’s award recipients!

To learn more, visit: historiccharleston.org/blog/charter-day-2024-award-winners/

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Elissa Morrison honored with National AIA Award in Washington D.C.

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Liollio Firm Associate, Elissa Morrison, AIA, was recognized last week at the The American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Conference, as one of only 30 nationwide recipients of the 2024 AIA Young Architects Award. This prestigious award recognizes individuals for their exceptional leadership and significant contributions to the architecture profession and their communities.

Always seeking to elevate the quality of life for the communities she serves, Elissa has distinguished herself as an unparalleled leader and award-winning architect. Liollio would like to congratulate Elissa and all of this year’s award winners!

First Baptist Church of Charleston Education Building Honored with 2 AIA Awards

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Congratulations to First Baptist Church of Charleston SC for being honored with two AIA Awards - an AIA South Atlantic Region 2023 Merit Award & an AIA South Carolina 2023Merit Award - for the new Education Building! This new structure on the campus of First Baptist Church and School in Charleston replaced a non-historic existing building located approximately mid-block between Meeting and Church streets. The building includes offices, classrooms, and a Fellowship Hall with a commercial kitchen, all of which are shared by the Church and School. The building is simply built of economical materials: brick veneer over metal studs and a structural steel frame with storefront and curtainwall glazing. The massing of the building is broken down into two wings to reduce the overall scale of the building in relation to the existing historic context. The design includes a reduced footprint compared to the existing building and utilizes a 12’-8” floor to floor height to better integrate the building into its context. The new education building works with the c.1822 Robert Mills-designed sanctuary to frame an active courtyard. Together, the new building, the courtyard, and the sanctuary represent the three pillars of Baptist faith: Education, Fellowship, and Worship. It also creates connections between three communities: the religious community of the church, the educational community of the school, and the historic community of Charleston’s South of Broad neighborhood.