Inspired by the architectural tradition of downtown Charleston and the warm landscape of the South Carolina Lowcounty, Allen Design’s goal is to create quality works of built art, sustainable in design and function. 

Elizabeth Allen, born and raised in downtown Charleston, began her architectural journey at the age of sixteen when she acted as a liaison to the Board of Architectural Review.  Growing up downtown, among the historic buildings of Charleston, and spending her summers in Awendaw enjoying large porches, relaxed architecture, and breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway sparked a love for architecture and building. This love was furthered at Clemson University where Elizabeth completed her architectural studies, graduating in 1998 with a Master of Architecture degree.  After pursuing a job opportunity in Key West and working for a firm for four years, she returned to her roots in Charleston to raise her family and open her own firm.  Her Key West experience further instilled the importance of historical tradition married with sustainable design.

Through an open rapport, Elizabeth transforms the needs, wants and desires of her clients into a home steeped in the rich tradition of the Lowcountry.  Elizabeth prides herself on delivering the highest level of customer satisfaction by developing long term, personal relationships with her clients.  This enables her to create a home that is unmatched in aesthetic appeal, quality, detail and function.  The end result is a home that spans generations and contributes to the architectural heritage of the area.

As a LEED AP, the concept of enduring architecture is at the root of what sustainability really means for her.  Elizabeth is intrigued by the duality of identity that the architecture of the Lowcountry possesses.  There are the historic houses of Charleston that have withstood time and turmoil and gained an identity by becoming landmarks, while the houses of the waterways and barrier islands have gained their identity by the families that live there and turn them into homes.

Elizabeth brings to her clients a love for her hometown, a passion for architecture, a wealth of experience, a vast knowledge of building materials and methods, and a skill for integrating all of this into a unique, cohesive design.  From new construction on the islands to updating a treasured heirloom residence, Allen Design stands poised to guide you every step of the way.