As the year draws to a close, we’re reflecting on the house plans that captured hearts and sparked imaginations on social media in 2024. From cozy retreats to timeless treasures, here are the top three most-loved designs of the year:…
As we head into 2025, home design is taking a refreshing turn. People are moving away from the overly modern, minimalist look that’s dominated in recent years and leaning into something warmer and more personal. This year is all about…
The homebuyer narrative is undergoing a profound shift, and at the forefront are millennials. This generation is redefining the concept of homeownership, showing a clear disinterest in the conventional ‘starter home.’ They have been looking for a ‘forever home’ from…
Building a home is one of life’s biggest and most personal experiences. It’s more than just choosing finishes or finalizing plans – it’s about creating a space that reflects your story, values, and dreams. But let’s be real: building a…
The housing crisis we face is not a logistical one—it is a cultural problem. How can we build homes that are affordable and functional while also contributing positively to our neighborhoods? The answer often lies in Missing Middle housing, a…
The holiday season is just around the corner, and with it comes the excitement—and sometimes the challenge—of hosting gatherings with family and friends. From planning menus to setting the scene, a lot goes into making those holiday moments feel special.…
There’s something truly special about a Southern Colonial home. With its classic proportions, graceful details, and inviting warmth, this architectural style beautifully blends history with a feeling of comfort and place. But what exactly makes this style so enduring, and…
When you picture the perfect cabin, you’re probably thinking of a warm, inviting spot that feels like an escape from everyday life. Creating that kind of cozy, welcoming vibe in your cabin is all about the design choices you make. …
If you’ve recently come across the term “bunkie,” you’re not alone. These compact outbuildings are gaining popularity—and for good reason. Whether you’re considering a cozy guesthouse for family visits or a stylish rental property, “bunkies” offer a flexible solution that…
As a developer or builder, creating neighborhoods that stand the test of time isn’t always easy. How do you go beyond just constructing homes? How do you build a place where people genuinely want to live, work, and connect with…
If you’ve ever hosted friends or family, you know how important it is to offer a space that’s comfortable and welcoming. But let’s be honest—having guests stay in your main home can sometimes feel a bit cramped, especially when there’s…
Have you ever taken a stroll through a neighborhood and felt like each home had its own unique personality? A big part of that charm comes from the house colors — every shade says something about the people who live…
As the heat of summer fades and the air turns crisp, there’s no better time to give your home a little makeover — and boost its curb appeal! We’re sharing our favorite fall curb appeal tips to help you…
Contextual design is often misunderstood. Many believe it means creating a carbon copy of existing buildings to blend seamlessly with the surroundings. But this approach often leads to “cookie-cutter” structures that lack personality or fail to address a neighborhood’s evolving…
Imagine walking through a peaceful, lakeside community where every detail is designed to enhance your quality of life. Carlton Landing, envisioned by renowned planner Andres Duany in 2008, is a perfect example of New Urbanism—a movement focused on creating and…
When you’re designing a custom home, every decision—from the layout to the finishes—reflects your style and lifestyle needs. It’s an exciting process. However, one often overlooked, or rather a last-minute thought, is where to put your garage. While there are…
In the world of neighborhood development, every project is an opportunity to shape a community’s future. That’s where a charrette comes in—a collaborative, intensive planning session where citizens and stakeholders work with developers and designers. It’s not just another step…
Welcome to the world of Caribbean-inspired living, where your slice of paradise can be anywhere you want it to be. At Allison Ramsey Architects, we’ve carefully created our Caribbean Collection to bring the essence of island living to life, no…
In 2022, a transformation took place. In the heart of West Columbia, SC, a patch of underused land was transformed into St. Ann’s Alley – a vibrant community of 34 homes, complete with a mixed-use building and a neighborhood park.…
Imagine yourself on a wide, shady veranda with a gentle breeze carrying the scent of magnolias as you sip sweet tea from a rocking chair. This isn’t just a scene from a Southern novel; it’s the everyday reality of Lowcountry…
One of the most beloved aspects of Southern living is the porch—a space that epitomizes relaxation, socialization, and the enjoyment of nature. Whether you envision sipping sweet tea in the afternoons, hosting lively gatherings, or simply unwinding with a good…
It’s time to have a heart-to-heart about the challenges you’re facing as a small-scale developer. It can feel like you’re David going up against Goliath when you look at those big companies with their deep pockets and wide reach. But…
Step onto a wide, inviting porch. Feel the gentle breeze as you sink into a rocking chair. Admire the symmetrical facade and towering columns that speak of grace and history. This is the essence of Southern architecture – a style…
As your family grows and your children enter their teenage years, your home needs to evolve. Building a custom home that caters to everyone’s needs while planning for the future can be exciting yet challenging. At Allison Ramsey Architects, we…
Study Set – The study set is a reduced size (11” x 17”) pdf file of the floor plans and elevations from the construction documents. and is very helpful to understand and see the basic design of the project. It is a useful tool to develop an initial budget with a builder. It is not a License to Build. Upon request, we will credit the purchase price back against the final purchase of the License to Build. The pdf file will typically be emailed to you on the following business day.
3D Model – The 3d model is a Sketchup model of the exterior shell of the project based on the design. The 3D model is not a license to build. It is a tool used to better understand what the exterior of the house and it’s details will look like. It is also quite useful to do color and material studies for the project. The Sketchup file and use agreement will typically be emailed to you on the following business day.
Bidding & Pricing Set – The bidding and pricing set is a pdf of the actual construction documents stamped “not for construction, for bidding purposes only”. They can be used to determine your actual cost with your builder. If after determining cost you decide to move forward, we will credit the cost of the bidding and pricing set against the final purchase of the license to build. The pdf file will typically be emailed within 3 to 5 business days.
One Time License to Build – This License/Fee entitles you to build the proposed design one time. It includes a pdf file of the construction documents for the project along with the license to build. The pdf files will typically be emailed within 3 to 5 business days.
2 year Unlimited Build License – This license fee entitles the purchaser to build as many structures as desired from the plans provided during a 2 year period from the date of purchase. After expiration, any structures built will require an additional license fee.