SMHa Completes Architectural Renovations at 125 Pitt Street in Mount Pleasant’s Old Village

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Charleston-based architecture firm SMHa recently completed renovations at 125 Pitt Street in the heart of Mount Pleasant’s historic Old Village neighborhood. The crisp, white building is now home to Kate Miles Design, an interior design firm and home accessories store.

The former brick building was in need of extensive rehabilitation, with the renovation aiming to restore the existing historic structure and correct non-historic and poorly constructed additions while maintaining the historic fabric and aesthetic of the Old Village. With the help of David Moffly and his team at Moffly Construction, meticulous care was taken to catalog original materials for restore and re-use with repair materials milled to match original profiles. The later-added brick facade was removed and replaced with a more historically-accurate wide-plank wood siding, reflective of the building’s original facade. Large windows and the addition of a front porch with new entry create a more residential feel reflective of the Old Village’s small-town character. Inside, large exposed trusses, custom cabinetry, and an expansive, bright kitchen invite patrons into the light-filled space.

With the desire to create a welcoming gathering space, owner Kate Miles’ goal was for the exterior and interior to feel as though guests are stepping into her home. “SMHa listened intently, designing a space that feels warm and hospitable, reflective of our brand and our design services and aesthetic,” said Miles.

“Central to all design decisions was the customer-service amenity, comfort, and accessibility Kate’s clients have come to know. Also, as being long-time residents of the Old Village ourselves, we want to maintain the integrity of this neighborhood, honoring its history and traditions. We feel we have accomplished this goal and, in addition to Kate’s interiors and accessories, clients will feel welcome the moment they arrive,” said SMHa vice president Chris Altman, AIA, who led SMHa’s design team.

About SMHa: Founded in 1990 after Hurricane Hugo’s destruction to the South Carolina Lowcountry, Sidney Stubbs, FAIA; Charles Muldrow, AIA; and Sam Herin, AIA came together with the intent of using sustainable and resilient design to aid in the rebuilding of our historic and natural setting. In 2019, long-time SMHa architects Margie Longshore, AIA; Chris Altman, AIA; Billy Connell, AIA; and Jeff Johnston, AIA purchased SMHa, which is now recognized by the City of Charleston as a certified small woman-owned business (SWBE). Specializing in commercial and municipal architecture, planning, and interiors, predominantly along the coastal region of South Carolina, SMHa operates using the core principles upon which the original firm was founded: Architecture for its place, impeccable customer service, and commitment to community. To learn more about SMHa, visit smha.com.