In my 1988 founding of Studio A, “studio” was considered a laboratory for making architecture that exploring the intersection of place, community, and the art of construction. The first project, replacing a home destroyed by 1989's Hurricane Hugo, established my partner and me as two of the 40 Under 40 most influential US architects selected NYC's Municipal Art Society and the editors of Progressive Architecture. A great deal can be learned from being nimble rather than formulaic. I seek this experience by working on a wide range of projects: single-family homes, historic preservation, affordable housing, commercial/multi-use urban buildings & interiors, as well as an occasional industrial building. I find a common thread in the connection between building, landscape, and the people who live, work or play within them. This "spirit of place" is rooted in my creative process: distilling a client's needs & desires; analyzing site, environment & culture; and exploring innovative solutions using authentic materials, natural energies and emerging technologies. While the majority of my work is newly made, historic preservation plays a critical role as well. Its detective-like investigation inspires a sensitivity to craft and practical solutions - both characteristics found in my work. Creativity, inclusion, and collaboration - the hallmarks of my architectural education - have also made me an advocate of community and civic engagement. I've served on boards for Charleston and area communities along with that of the South Carolina Community Loan Fund. I am currently on the board of Charleston Moves and am a Trustee of the Belle Baruch Foundation.I founded Edwink, LLC, in 2013, to focus on using technology to prompt civic engagement and community advocacy. Edwink’s flagship product is IfYouWereMayor.com. Its 2014 launch for Charleston aims to make city's more livable for all of its citizens by engaging leadership, citizens, and organizations.