my home, my architect

Welcome to All in the Detail... I am so glad you are here! 

I have the distinct honor of living in a James L. Strickland home.  His architectural offices are located right here in my hometown, but his work is known throughout the Southeast. He is a native of Atlanta and the president and founder of Historical Concepts. He received his Masters Degree in Architecture from Yale University in 1972 and shortly after graduation, he started his own design-build firm and subsequently built over 300 homes in the metro-Atlanta region.

In the early 1980s, however, Mr. Strickland began to focus his energies on design, specializing in traditional and vernacular architecture, and Historical Concepts was born. Since that time, Historical Concepts has evolved into a multi-discipline, place-making firm offering residential architecture, commercial architecture and land planning services. Through varied and award-winning projects, Historical Concepts has demonstrated the benefits of utilizing traditional principles of planning and design in new construction.

Now that I am an avid ‘design magazine reader-holic", 9 times out of 10... when I pick one of my favorite homes in a magazine – cut to the credits: Architect: Jim Strickland. Seriously Freaky, huh?

Want to see a few of his masterpieces? 

WARNING: Viewing these images may cause a love for Historical Concepts.

Historical Concepts designed this 5,561-sq.ft. residence in Spring Island, SC. When approached from the front elevation, the house presents a typical Greek Revival symmetry, but there are also subtle vernacular touches that introduce the region’s Low Country style – a hand-crimped cooper roof, operable louvered shutters and a pier foundation – which accommodate the shift to a predominantly Low Country appearance at the rear. Photo: courtesy of Historical Concepts

 The grand entrance is a study in two-tiered Greek Revival grandeur

The rear of the house looks out onto the water, with informal spaces that belie the formality of the front elevation. Large porches are in-filled with screens or windows, serving as informal spaces: dining area, office and sleeping porch

A true Palladium window floods the grand stair hall with light, further expressing the formality and symmetry of the Greek Revival style. Photo: courtesy of Historical Concepts

 

The main level consists mostly of communal spaces, such as the entry gallery, a large living and dining room and a kitchen and keeping room. Note that porches make up about a third of the first floor. Floor plan: courtesy of Historical Concepts

This small foyer space with its deep elliptical casing provides a frame for the impressive stairway. At left and right are detailed panels that conceal an elevator and a coat closet

The office, located at the rear of the home, also serves as a guest bedroom. Its interior bespeaks the casualness of Low Country design, here trimmed in wormy chestnut and with windows in place of an expanse of wall

This screened-porch area, which features a working chimney as well as overhead fans, is a casual space of relaxation for all seasons.

Want some more? Ok, how about this one?

Can you handle one more? OK… and this one is my all time favorite, Sea Island, Habersham South Carolina. (Click on the link to view the complete article of this amazing home) Three bedrooms, four baths, Heated Area: 2738 sq ft.  Porches: 1097 sq ft. Ceiling Heights: First Floor 10 ft. Second Floor 9ft.  This is going to be my second home one day!