Singing in the Rain

When clients select a design/build or custom process with Structures, our job and joy is to cater to the needs and desires specific to their building process. We love taking care of all of the details and over the past 10 years of being in business, we have gained an impeccable reputation for building for the local and out-of-town clients. Our goal is to give each client a building experience where they can love and enjoy the process, and be led with their own on-staff, Design Manager, through the many details that make their home truly custom.

When Mr. and Mrs. Kemp arrived at the Charleston airport to visit their Daniel Island Park custom home, they were greeted with the downpours to our beautiful Charleston. No worries though, the rain wasn't going to rain on our parade... We simply gathered up the golf umbrellas and toured around inside their roofless home answering questions and making little changes to the plans... again, some of the benefits to the custom build process, if we're able to make something happen, we're happy to figure out a way to do it!

Throughout the next day we will enjoy catching up, (like a great family reunion) along with walking them through the custom process of picking out a handful of selections we'll need selected for the next phase of construction that will take place before they fly back down for their upcoming scheduled visit. Hoping the next visit will be just as great as this one, excluding the rain. . . :-)

Girls Gone Wild

Leave it to Angie Hranowsky, interior designer for the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage, to pack out Hot Wheels roller skating rink to rock out her 40th birthday!








Everyone came out to celebrate her life as well as accept the challenge of putting on roller skates to make it around the rink without breaking their neck! No one ended up in the emergency room, but there were plenty of ice packs handed out by the men working that night as mature women ended up on their duffs, knees and who knows what. :-) But that didn't keep them from going back out for another dose of skating, or for those who were too injured to skate, they took up sock dancing in the middle of the rink.


As I told Angie, I think some of these women literally drop their kids off at school and head to the roller skating rink on a weekly basis - some of them were waaaaaay too good for just slipping on those skates for the first time since childhood. Unlike me, my feet had not stepped foot in roller skates since I was probably 8 years old. . . I'll admit, I did play out the story I'd have to tell if I had broken a bone roller skating, would have been a memorable one to tell I'm sure. Much to my surprise but excitement, I made it out without a fall!













The fun skating party wouldn't have been complete without also enjoying one of Angie's favorite treats, an incredible birthday cake from the local downtown Charleston Sugar Bakeshop, on Cannon Street.

Glad someone thought to have a skate party in the double digits, though she DID put us all to to shame with her skating skills! :-) Happy Birthday Angie!

Hats Off to Our Brothers in Ohio!

Congratulations to Payne and Payne Builders, located in Ohio! They received the prestigious NAHB Builder of the Year award at this years Custom Builder Symposium! This award does not come without a tireless attention to details, craftsmanship and an incredible effort from each member of their team!

We've been a part of the same NAHB Builder 20 Group for many years and count it a privilege to give praise where it is due - All the best to all of our extended family at Payne and Payne!

Coastal Living Idea Cottage - Kitchen Video Tour & More. . .

Soak in the beautiful details that Lindsey Ellis Beatty, Coastal Living Market and Style Editor,will point out that went into this beautiful design. I remember when designer, Angie Hranowsky showed us the Ann Sacks designer tile for the kitchen wall - completely steals the show!



Check out other videos below that take you room by room through the Idea Cottage and a little tour of I'On Village where it's located! (videos are highlighted in red)

Enjoy the Overview of I'On Village to see the great landscape that surrounds the Jefferson Canal Courtyards where the 2009 Coastal Living Idea Cottage was the first among 10 that will
be built in the heart of I'On Village along the Jefferson Canal.

Come tour through the Exterior and Courtyard details that set this right-sized cottage apart. Many minds have been working tirelessly to figure out how we can make it a low maintenance home that will stand the test of time. From Hardi siding, AAC block, and countless other "green" features that save on energy, efficiency and the wallet! Forget a home that's just "green" but also one that lends itself to a relaxed, simplified and comfortable lifestyle too. A private courtyard for calm evenings or lively parties - yours to decide!

The Master Bedroom is a great getaway that overlooks the Jefferson Canal as well as the private courtyard!

You won't know where to look over dinner in the Dining Room. The bottle cap artwork by Molly B. Right, draws a crowd, as well as the peaceful courtyard with the soothing sound that flows from the fountain along the stucco wall.

The Guest Suite is a hidden haven above the attached garage. Angie Hranowsky did an amazing job creating a soothing environment through the comfortable furnishings and colors that makes you want to sit down and stay for awhile.

Overlooking the Jefferson Canal Courtyard is the cozy Den. Grab the book you've been meaning to finish or curl up and watch a little T.V. in a space that can be closed off with pocket doors. Designed to be a "flex space", the den can also be turned into a 3rd bedroom option as it has direct access to a full bath. If you don't just love the novel idea of a fun sleeping nook, no worries, it can be turned into a walk-in closet, small office or wet bar.

Decorating Small Spaces? This cottage is chocked full of creative ideas in architecture and decorating details that are Caribbean/Island inspired. A beautiful mix of neutral and bold colors, vintage and modern - a new little twist to our beautiful Low Country!

If you missed an opportunity to tour through the home, please call us to schedule a private tour - we'd love the privilege of showing you around! 843.856.6901

The Moods of the Color Pink

They say that different colors create a different mood, Red = Excited, Blue = Calm, Orange = Daring, Gray = Bored. This past Saturday, Pink was the color that painted the streets of Daniel Island and in many cases Pink reflected many moods and feelings that were felt by all - Hope, Fear,Victory, Sadness, Courage, Love.

For the 8th year in a row, Daniel Island residents and businesses hosted the annual Susan G. Komen, Race For the Cure to show their support for those who have been personally touched or know someone dear to them who has been touched by breast cancer.

For me, the names that come to my mind as an inspiration have deeply touched me, directly or indirectly with their battle, they have left their mark on me. I have seen them run with courage, their family and friends battling beside them and they have inspired me to cherish each day I've been blessed with on this earth.

In celebration of Donna's life, many poor families in a remote village in India have been and continue to be touched by her beautiful life as a foundation was set up in honor of her name - her legacy lives on. In my dear friend Sara's life, who carried out her dream of starting her own sewing business, because of the love for sewing and the talent that her amazing mother passed along to her - her mother's legacy lives on. Sandy, a family friend and mother of four who battled and is reminded daily of this disease by the scars she carries on her body - her hope lives on.

Check out the local Post and Courier newspaper article highlighting some of the amazing lives - Proof of a miracle: Racing for a cure.

Getting the Most Square Footage for Your Money?

When considering building a custom home, it is common for clients to ask the question, "How much is it a square foot?" Seems like a great question to ask, but if they stop with just hearing that number, it also leaves the client lacking important information to help understand how great or poor of an investment they are considering. What if we purchased a car based off that question? You might just end up purchasing...

instead of. . .

You'd have room galore, but could be very unhappy with the end result. A few things that square footage doesn't measure.

1. Durability - What building methods, seen and unseen, will be used to build your home? How do the they protect your investment? Do they prevent moisture problems behind the walls? Often, client's focus on the interior trim, cabinetry and cabinets, all of which are important, but can mask issues elsewhere.
   
2. Electric and Water Bills - What will the average monthly utility bills be after you move in? Clients are often shocked to learn that proper building methods can reduce utility bills by more than $100 each month!
3. Fine Craftsmanship - Does the home reflect the design quality and timeless details that our designers can help you craft? Will you be proud to show off your new home to your friends and family?
4. Indoor Air Quality - What methods are used to improve the quality of the air you and your family breath?
5. Customer Service - When building/buying a home, you are buying a product, process and a promise. Make sure there's a great connection and chemistry with the company you choose to help you select your "haven". Also make sure their reputation reveals that their investment in their clients extends past closing.

Island Living on Daniel Island

Terry Haas of HGTV's Designed to Sell is a resident of beautiful Daniel Island as well as a much loved Structures Building Company client. We've had the privilege of knowing Tim and Terry for over the past 2 years as they found their place to call home on Daniel Island, what a privilege it is to also have them as part of our family.

Take a tour through the island with Terry, she is able to share from personal experience about the "Island Life" that she and her husband have claimed for their family.



For more information about how you can enjoy the Island Living for yourself, contact the great team of Daniel Island agents who would love to help meet your buying needs!