THE LOWCOUNTRY’S NATURAL HABITAT IS BEAUTIFUL TO BEHOLD BUT CAN PRODUCE MANY HOME BUILDING CHALLENGES. COURT ATKINS GROUP HAS FOUND THE KEY TO SUCCESSFULLY OVERCOMING THESE CHALLENGES IS EXCEPTIONAL CLIENT SERVICE THAT BEGINS WITH GOOD COMMUNICATION.
Thirteen years of shaping Lowcountry communities may be a lucky milestone for Court Atkins Group. The firm has grown its business model to include both residential and commercial architecture as well as a branch of interior design, known as 501 South Studio. Last spring partners James Atkins and William Court added a Hilton Head Island studio, collaborating with mentor and seasoned island architect, Tom Crews. Recently at Palmetto Bluff, Court Atkins Group reached an all-time high in project volume, completing the design of more than 100 homes at the esteemed community and resort.
“At the time we didn’t realize we had entered into triple digits,” admitted William Court. “Our team is so focused on the specific details of our work. It’s like each project becomes a family member,” he added, “and we’re pleased the family is thriving.”
Since its incorporation in 2004, the firm has steered a total of more than 1200 projects in communities throughout the Lowcountry. Court and Atkins are repeatedly asked what anchors their business and bolsters its expansion. While they take pride in their authentic brand of architectural design, both agree it’s their approach to client service that has multiplied opportunities and secured lasting relationships.
“Every home we work on is tailored to reflect each client’s unique perspective and individual character,” Court explained. “To accomplish that, we focus on design, schedule, budget, and above all, maintaining open, responsive lines of communication.”
Court notes that some projects have required extraordinary communication and planning on behalf of the firm’s young, enthusiastic team of 30. He recalls a Palmetto Bluff residence that was expedited into the construction phase well ahead of schedule due to the discovery of a neighboring eagle’s nest. “We were working with a young family including four children whose home building plans were suddenly compromised by The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act,” he said.
Established in 1940, the Act prohibits disturbances, such as construction, within 660 feet of an eagle’s nest during the nesting period which typically spans October to March in South Carolina. Violation of the Eagle Protection Act is punishable with fines as high as $100,000.
According to the US Fish & Wildlife Federation bald eagles may respond in a variety ways when they are disturbed by human activities. “During the nest building period, eagles may inadequately construct or repair their nest, or may abandon the nest, both of which can lead to failed nesting attempts. During the incubation and hatching period, human activities may startle adults or cause them to flush from the nest,” officials cited.
Court Atkins Group accelerated the design process to allow the home builder to begin construction on the waterfront property in early summer and with the cooperation of mother nature and constant communication, the residence was ready for occupancy in October.
Home owners Blaine and Colby McClure were grateful for Court Atkins Group’s flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project. “William listened carefully and made our wishes happen, even on the modified schedule,” Blaine noted. “We actually named our guest house the ‘Eagle’s Nest’ in honor of the experience. Our kids had a lesson in wildlife and we all continued to witness the eagles’ interaction on a regular basis after we moved into our home,” he added.
Another home design project requiring meticulous architectural design and utmost client attention is the Sommers residence, located lakeside at Colleton River Plantation. Slated for construction on a home site featuring five enormous live oak trees, the structure arose under its own forest canopy. Protection of the live oaks wasn’t federally or state mandated, however owners Barbara and Patrick Sommers were adamant about preserving the trees despite the dimensions of their new country-french-inspired 8,000 square foot home featuring prominent gables.
“We worked closely with the builder, Reclamation By Design, and local naturalists to create a design that fit snuggly below the branches of the live oaks without threatening the trees or the structure in any way,” Atkins said. “The result was a visually dramatic entrance and ambitious open lowcountry floorplan, not to mention delighted home owners.”
Atkins pointed out that meeting the challenges posed by projects like the Sommers and McClures entails the constant collaboration of Court Atkins Groups project management teams, consisting of project leaders, managers and designers. Due to the amount of research, consulting and communication required by increasingly savvy clients, their design process has become strategically layered.
“We’ve developed a system within the firm that allows a checks-and-balances approach to projects,” he shared. “What’s critical is integrating the details of design with seamless project management and consistent client service. That’s when we get the best results.”
Atkins’ partner expands on the personal component of client service. “After 13 years of diverse projects, we’re empathetic toward our clients and their visions,” Court said. “We’ve become very good listeners. I think that’s why the team is receiving national recognition – and new opportunities.”
By Paula Magrini
Photos by John McManus
