Michael Frederick, AIA, LEED AP
Design Principal
Michael brings a deep love for the Lowcountry and an instinct for how a home should belong to the land. With a sharp eye and decades of experience, he has a gift for siting houses exactly where they should be, capturing the prevailing breeze, framing long marsh views, and placing each room in harmony with the natural world.
What sets Michael apart is his extraordinary sense of place. He sees not just the land, but how a house can live with it; how the light shifts, where the wind moves, how a porch can catch the sunset just right.
He’s put that skill into practice on every project we’ve taken on. Whether on a wooded lot or along the edge of a tidal creek, Michael walks the land early and often, sketching ideas by hand, reading the site before drawing a single line. His ability to choreograph views, shade, breezes, and orientation transforms ordinary lots into extraordinary homes.
The difference? Clients often say they feel the house before they even step inside. The approach, the way the rooms unfold, the rhythm of sun and shadow, it all just makes sense. These are homes that look right and live even better.
Michael is especially passionate about helping people feel deeply connected to the place they’ve chosen to live. He believes a well-designed home should invite you to engage with nature, to notice the shifting tides, hear the rustle of live oaks, and watch the sky change color across the marsh. Every decision he makes is in service of that quiet relationship between house, land, and the people who call it home.
Sustainability is also at the core of Michael’s work. He designs homes that tread lightly on the land and stand strong in the face of a changing climate, reducing energy use by specifying durable materials and anticipating future needs without compromising style.
Early in his career, Michael worked with renowned landscape architect Robert Marvin, whose influence can still be felt in his deep respect for context and connection to the environment. That legacy lives on in every home he designs.
Michael holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and is both a LEED and Living Future Accredited Professional. Around the office, Michael is known for his quiet wisdom, deep focus, and ability to see the bigger picture, often before anyone else. More than anything, he believes a home should feel like it belongs to you and the land.