Liollio Architecture is a long-standing, award-winning architectural firm known for sustainable, context-driven designs, historic preservation, and a community-focused approach, serving public, cultural, and educational clients. The firm was founded in 1956 by Demetrios “Jimmy” Constantine Liollio, offering architectural and interior design, planning, engineering, and cost estimating. Throughout 70 years of designing for place, Liollio’s services have evolved, while emphasizing subtle and restrained design that honors the spirit of place and close collaboration with communities. 

The firm’s founder, Jimmy Liollio, was born on the beautiful Greek Island of Skopelos in 1922. He immigrated to the United States at the age of 16, after completing high school in Greece. In 1942, with the onset of World War II, he joined the Army Air Force where he served as a turret gunner and navigator on the Attack Bombers A-20 and A-26. He was awarded numerous ribbons and honors and was Honorably Discharged in 1945. In 1947, he married the love of his life, Miss Caliope Moraitakis of Atlanta, Georgia, and they had two children, Mache and Dinos.

Jimmy was a 1950 graduate from the School of Architecture at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, earning a Bachelor of Architecture with an emphasis in Structures. In 1952, Jimmy and Cally moved to Charleston, South Carolina. In August 1956, he opened the doors to his own Charleston-based architectural practice, which still thrives today as Liollio Architecture. Notable projects for which Jimmy was involved include the Blessed Sacrament Church, Bank in the Oaks on James Island, and the Folly Beach Ocean Plaza. Jimmy was inspired by the many clients and colleagues he enjoyed and mentored through the years. In 2006, he retired after 50 years, paving the way for the second generation of firm leadership.

Jimmy and Cally’s son, Dinos Liollio, joined the firm in 1975. An Auburn University graduate who earned the Alpha Rho Chi Medal of Honor, Dinos later served as Managing Principal of Liollio Architecture. Under his leadership, in 2016 Liollio became the ninth South Carolina firm to be honored as an American Institute of Architects South Carolina Firm Award Recipient, one of only 10 such awards issued in the last 50 years. In 2017, Dinos was elected to the College of Fellows in the American Institute of Architects, a distinction held by only 3% of membership. After 50 years of design leadership and fostering growth, Dinos retired in 2025.

Dinos’ wife, Cherie Liollio, joined Liollio Architecture in 1976 upon graduation from Auburn University. Her enthusiasm and drive propelled the firm into the technology age. As a Principal of Liollio, Cherie’s efforts for engaging the design of sustainability produced the firm’s first LEED Certified structure in South Carolina, the Edisto Environmental Learning Center. Tommy Schimpf joined the Liollio team in 1994, and his rare combination of architectural and construction expertise, depth of knowledge, and meticulous commitment to quality, were integral to the firm’s success. His mentorship as Contract Administration Principal allowed Liollio to build a studio filled with talented, technically proficient design professionals. Cherie and Tommy both retired in 2022. In 1997, Rick Bousquet, a U.S. Navy Veteran and architect for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, joined the Liollio team. As a Principal at Liollio, he worked extensively with federal, community, and preservation clients, especially the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. General Services Administration, and the US Fish & Wildlife Services. Rick retired in 2025, and his commitment and contributions to Liollio leaves a lasting legacy.

Together, we shape not only the spaces we design, but the future we continue to imagine. Rooted in collaboration and looking ahead, we design with curiosity, purpose, and possibility.

©2026 Liollio Architecture, PC