architects & archetypes
get to know... Trevor McNeil Draper
Principal Architect & Owner of TMD Architects A proud graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Trevor McNeil Draper (AIA, NCARB, LEED) completed a five-year professional degree within the university’s School of Architecture. His training included a year of comprehensive study in Italy and extensive travel throughout Europe. Trevor’s architectural career initially took him to Bethesda, MD, where he specialized in high-end construction and renovation projects throughout the metro Washington, DC area. Less than a year after being married at St. Johannes Lutheran Church in downtown Charleston, Trevor and his wife, Megan Theiling Draper, found their way back to the Holy City. Upon their return, they established TMD Architects to combine Trevor’s experience, knowledge, and passion for architecture with a client focused design process.
BLUEPRINT
In Trevor’s words… Favorite example of architecture in Charleston: One of my favorite places to visit in Charleston is Drayton Hall (see page 112), where the preservation of history and architecture is exemplified. The only original plantation house on the west bank of the Ashley
River, the main house is a great example of several European influences melded together in the beginnings of a truly American style of architecture. Greatest professional inspiration: The works of Filippo Brunelleschi, an Italian architect in the 15th century, reveal that he possessed inventiveness as both an engineer and as an architect. Through his works he was able to fulfill the ‘Master Builder’ role that an architect was required to be. His professional dedication and perseverance, along with the beauty and endurance of his works, are an inspiration. Best advice you’ve ever been given: The best advice I’ve been given is to ‘listen to your clients.’ Even beyond social mannerisms and being polite, listening is an essential component of providing the best possible service. I believe that the client is best served when the architect wants to work with them to create a beautiful and unique solution.
To speak with Trevor, call (843) 754-1400 or visit tmdarchitects.com.
Architects, send us your news! Drop Editor Julie Sprankles a line at jsprankles@ newhomecharleston.com with details of newsworthy events at your firm.
A&A Bulletin Board • Charlotte-based architecture firm WGM Design Inc. has opened a branch at 1127 Queensborough Boulevard in Mt. Pleasant with hopes of boosting its Lowcountry work portfolio.
• Fort Dorchester Elementary School's design works so well for faculty and students that Dorchester District 2 leaders will use a slightly modified version of the original LS3P & Associates design for a new school in the Oakbrook area.
44 • CHARLESTON HOME + DESIGN • FALL 2009
• In an effort to make his high-end brand of architecture more accessible to people of all income levels, Architect Steve Herlong, with the help of his team of designers at Herlong & Associates, has launched a sister company that will sell house plans. The new company, Flatfish Island Designs, currently offers 18 home designs in a wide range of styles and sizes—all of which cater to waterfront and coastal homes, Herlong’s area of expertise. Customers can review the plans at flatfishislanddesigns.com and then contact the company to place an order.