When you design with intention—listening to the client and the surrounding context—good things follow. For us, one of those proud moments came not just once, but three times, with multiple Best in American Living Awards (BALA), the nation’s premier residential design honor.
2006: Best Single Family Detached Home, 2401–3000 Sq. Ft.
Award-Winning Project: Seagrove (The Finley Plan)
Location: Carolina Beach, North Carolina
Builder: Whitney Blair, Sunset Beach, NC
Interior Design: Southern Studio Interior Design, Apex, NC
Developer: Tri-Coast Properties, Wilmington, NC
In 2006, we were honored with a Best in American Living Award for Best Single Family Detached Home in the 2401 to 3000 square foot category. The project—Seagrove, based on our Finley plan—showcased a refined balance of Lowcountry character and coastal comfort. Designed in partnership with a skilled team of collaborators, this home brought timeless design to life in a way that felt grounded, gracious, and effortlessly livable.
With inviting porches, open interior spaces, and regional architectural detailing, Seagrove stood out as a home designed to welcome—from the street to the shoreline.
2007: Best Single Family Detached, 3001–4000 Sq. Ft.
Award-Winning Project: The Mathes
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Builder: Whitney Blair, Sunset Beach, NC
Interior Design: Southern Studio Interior Design, Apex, NC
Developer: Tri-Coast Properties, Wilmington, NC
In 2007, we were proud to win again—this time for The Mathes, in the next square footage category. Like Seagrove, this home was the result of a thoughtful collaboration with the same experienced team. With classic lines, elegant proportions, and an interior layout built for modern living, The Mathes embodied the enduring charm we aim to bring to every project.
2009: Best Community, 151 Homes & Larger
Project: Saluda River Club
Location: Lexington, South Carolina
Land Planner: Allison Ramsey Architects, Beaufort, SC
Developer: Lifestone Communities, Lexington, SC
Builders:
Blythe Building Company, Capital Construction, Carolina Custom Homes, Chickawa Ventures, Donna Gardner Builders, Dunbar Builders, Edge City Homes, Lady Street Builders, Laughridge Wilson Construction, McGuinn Homes, Paradime Construction, Saluda River Club Realty, Vesta Builders, Zeigler Home Builders
Interior Design (Village Clubhouse): InHaus Studio, Beaufort, SC
In 2009, we were proud to be recognized not just for an individual home, but for our land planning work within the award-winning Saluda River Club. This forward-thinking community offered a new model for neighborhood design—bringing together homes of varying scales and styles with shared amenities, walkable streets, and a strong architectural identity. The result was a place that felt cohesive, connected, and completely livable.
Why These Awards Still Matter
These honors weren’t about chasing trends. They were about recognizing homes that reflect a deep respect for place, proportion, and the people who live in them. We believe good design is about more than aesthetics—it’s about creating homes that feel as if they’ve always belonged.
Winning multiple Best in American Living Awards confirmed that belief and continues to inspire us today. We’re proud of these milestones—and even more proud of the clients and communities who brought them to life.
