Business Details
40 Years
experience
Custom Residential Architecture & Interior Design
Herlong Architects + Interiors is a full-service residential architecture and interior design firm based in Charleston, South Carolina, specializing in luxury coastal home design. With over 225 years of combined experience, our team of talented residential architects and interior designers collaborates creatively to achieve the singular goal of designing custom homes that truly belong. Each project is a unique design solution tailored to its specific site, seamlessly blending dramatic vistas and the sanctuary of nature with the home. The beauty of each custom home is crafted with our clients' valuable input, reflecting their unique character and style. From the Lowcountry of the South Carolina coast to the hillsides and beaches of the Caribbean, our homes harmonize with the surrounding coastal landscape.Our approach emphasizes a collaborative process between the owner, residential architect, and interior designer to achieve a seamless blend of form, function, and style. This creates a truly timeless home and makes the design and building process enjoyable. By offering residential architecture and interior design services under one roof, we provide the perfect opportunity to bring your vision to life. Our team is a diverse blend of talent, working together in a wildly creative process to bring your vision to life. We take our clients' hopes and dreams very seriously, creating homes that celebrate all the things and people important to them.
Services
Architecture Services
Interior Design
Site Analysis
Conceptual Design
Construction Documents
Builder Selection
Residential Renovations
Coastal Home Design
Interior Architecture
Owner Selections
Details
- Year established: 1986
Highlights and features
- We have over 225 years of combined experience in luxury coastal home design
- Our collaborative approach integrates architecture and interior design seamlessly
- Specialized expertise in Lowcountry and Caribbean coastal environments
- Award-winning designs recognized by AIA and national architecture organizations
- Client-focused process prioritizing personalized, site-specific solutions
What people say
Listened to our vision
Exceeded expectations
Award-winning designs
Seamless process
Timeless beauty
Services
Architecture Services
Our architecture services focus on creating custom coastal homes that harmonize with their natural surroundings. We conduct thorough site analyses to determine optimal home placement based on sun path, wind patterns, and views. Our team develops concept designs through detailed floor plans and 3D renderings, ensuring each home meets both aesthetic and functional requirements. With expertise in high-performance home design, we address challenges like coastal humidity and environmental regulations while maintaining timeless architectural beauty.
Interior Design
Our interior design team creates cohesive living spaces that complement architectural elements while reflecting client personalities. We provide comprehensive services from initial concept through final installation, including finish selections, furniture placement, and lighting design. Our approach emphasizes early collaboration with architects to ensure seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. We specialize in selecting durable, high-quality materials that withstand coastal environments while maintaining elegant aesthetics.
Site Analysis
We conduct detailed site evaluations to understand environmental factors that influence home design. Our analysis considers topography, vegetation, setback requirements, and local building codes to determine optimal home placement. This process includes studying sun exposure, wind patterns, and view corridors to maximize natural advantages. Our team addresses challenges like mature tree preservation and coastal regulatory requirements to create designs that work with the land rather than against it.
Construction Documents
We prepare comprehensive construction documentation that serves as the foundation for accurate cost estimation and permitting. Our detailed drawings include structural specifications, mechanical systems integration, and finish schedules to guide builders. We incorporate expertise in coastal construction techniques and FEMA regulations to ensure durability in challenging environments. These documents facilitate both budget pricing and competitive bidding processes while maintaining design integrity throughout construction.
Builder Selection
We assist clients in selecting qualified builders through either budget pricing processes or competitive bidding. Our team facilitates interviews with pre-vetted contractors and evaluates proposals based on experience with coastal construction. We administer construction contracts and act as client representatives during building, ensuring adherence to design specifications. Our oversight includes regular site visits to verify work quality and provide necessary design clarifications throughout the construction timeline.
People
Steve Herlong
Founder, Design Principal
With over 35 years of experience, Steve Herlong founded the firm in 1986 after studying at Clemson University. His design philosophy combines modern innovations with timeless architectural principles, focusing on coastal environments. He holds AIA membership and has served on multiple architectural review boards, bringing extensive expertise in historic preservation and residential design.
Jim Henshaw
Managing Principal, REALTOR
Jim Henshaw co-founded the firm's expanded services, combining architectural expertise with real estate knowledge. A licensed architect and real estate agent, he brings multidisciplinary perspective to residential projects. His background includes engineering studies and active participation in Charleston's architectural community, ensuring practical solutions for coastal construction challenges.
James Selvitelli
Principal
James Selvitelli contributes LEED-accredited expertise to sustainable residential design. With architectural credentials from Cornell University, he focuses on integrating environmentally responsible practices with luxury home design. His leadership in green building standards enhances the firm's coastal construction capabilities while maintaining aesthetic excellence.
Leah Thompson
Financial Manager, REALTOR
Leah Thompson combines financial expertise with real estate knowledge to support clients' property acquisition needs. As both financial manager and licensed real estate agent, she provides comprehensive guidance for clients seeking properties suitable for custom home construction in Charleston's coastal environment.
Cintra Sedalik
Interior Designer
Cintra Sedalik leads interior design selections that complement architectural elements while reflecting client personalities. Her expertise in color theory, material selection, and coastal-appropriate finishes ensures beautiful, functional spaces. She collaborates closely with architects to maintain design continuity from exterior to interior environments.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in coastal styles including Lowcountry, Shingle Style, and Caribbean-inspired designs tailored to site-specific conditions.
Do you work outside the Charleston area?
Yes, we design homes across the Carolinas, Caribbean, and accept select national projects based on site requirements.
How do you incorporate sustainability into designs?
We use energy-efficient materials, optimize natural ventilation, and follow FEMA coastal regulations for durable, environmentally-conscious construction.
What awards have you received?
Our firm has earned AIA SC Honor Awards, Carolopolis Preservation Awards, and multiple Best in American Living Awards (BALA).
Can you help with both architecture and interior design?
Yes, we offer full-service architecture and interior design under one roof for cohesive, integrated solutions.
