As architects, planners and place-makers, Historical Concepts’ mission is

to enrich the built environment with the time honored principles of tra-

ditional architecture and planning. Our design philosophy embraces classical

scale and proportion, vernacular ideology and historical precedent. Our core

values foster excellence, teamwork, professionalism and continued self-growth.

Founded by James L. Strickland in 1982, Historical Concepts has a diverse

body of work spanning a wide range of styles and regions. Strickland con-

tinues to guide the firm as its President and Senior Principal. Partners Terry

Pylant, Aaron Daily, Andrew Cogar and Kevin Clark lead design teams hand-

picked from the nation’s top traditional architecture programs, while Man-

aging Partner, Todd Strickland, oversees the firm’s operations and finances.

The name “Historical Concepts” symbolizes our design philosophy, but equally

embodies our desire to create a firm where the body of work takes precedent over

the name of any individual. Established just a quarter century ago, it is our goal

that Historical Concepts continues to grow as an enduring institution. While our

members will inevitably change with the generations, the design philosophy and

culture of excellence will remain constant.

We like to think that our design philosophy, attention to detail and generalist

approach to place-making set us apart. However, it is the talent and character

of our people that makes us truly unique. The firm employs a controlled growth

philosophy and looks at every team member as a long term commitment. Thus,

we have very little staff turnover and promote from within. The end result of this

philosophy is a family-like atmosphere that allows us to provide our clients with

the highest levels of design and service.

The Historical Concepts Team

O U R F I R M

H I S T O R I C A L C O N C E P T S

Historical Concepts specializes in providing custom residen-

tial clients with a comprehensive range of architectural services

that guide the project from design to construction to certificate

of occupancy. Our design philosophy embraces classical scale

and proportion, vernacular ideology and historical precedent,

which allows us to create traditional homes in a wide variety

of styles and locations. Our traditional architecture and place-

making approach is complemented by an uncommon attention

to detail during both the design and construction phases. Our

goal is to create homes of exceptional quality that are treasured

for generations.

R E S I D E N T I A L S E RV I C E S

Featured Projects

The Big House at Hampton Plantation Riceboro, Georgia

The design process for Hampton Plantation began when the client, who had heard of Historical Concepts’ work, wrote an eloquent letter to the firm outlining his visions and

dreams for what the 1,200 acre property could become. From there, the ideas started flowing as to what an antebellum plantation might have consisted of. The river and marsh view was of great influence to the design, as was the high flood plane and low site elevation, requiring the buildings to be raised 10 feet above grade.

Through this challenge evolved the design of the Big House, a Greek-revival home of deceiving proportion that pays homage to old-world architecture and craftsmanship. Generous porches grace the nearly identical front and rear elevations, with double-hung, floor to ceiling windows. Inside, ten foot ceilings, detailed trim work, reclaimed wide-plank floors and antique lighting combine for a sense of age and permanence, while modern amenities and systems are discretely concealed to maintain the period aesthetic.

The Big House at

HAMPTON PLANTATION

The Oyster House at Hampton Plantation Riceboro, Georgia

he Hampton Plantation compound also includes an array of ancillary buildings. The Oyster House is located on the North Newpoint River just south of The Big House and

was designed to accommodate a large number of guests. Resembling an old oyster factory, the entire ground floor is an open entertaining veranda that harvests prevailing breezes to cool the home. Inside the timber framed structure, six bunk rooms rest on landings above the open great room. Each bunk still bears its bunker label from the old ship from which it was salvaged. Back on the main level, three master suites provide more private sleeping quarters.

The Summer House (above left) is a gathering and entertaining area comprised of a spacious screened-in living/dining room with both indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a full kitchen, a stepped outdoor deck, and a dock which houses the Pilar (above center), a thirty-eight foot mahogany sports fisherman boat. Christened in 1928, the Pilar is now permanently moored and retrofitted to provide unique guest quarters. The Caretaker’s Cottage (above right) is a charming low-country home gracing the entry to the property. Here, you’ll find those who care for the island and its guests.

T

Anci l lar y Bui ld ings a t

HAMPTON PLANTATION

The Boathouse at Derry Plantation Ridgeland, South Carolina

istorical Concepts was given the unique task of creating a cohesive “sense of place” for this 1,000+ acre hunting preserve, which began as a blank canvas. The firm’s vision

for the property was expressed through the siting and layout of buildings that would have historically been found on an old farm or plantation. While the structures that emerged were reflective of the post-Reconstruction South, they took on new functions to meet the entertaining and sporting needs of the client. Central to the overall design concept is the Boathouse, which serves

as a private retreat for visiting sportsmen. Created to resemble an old barn or cotton warehouse, the Boathouse features a sweeping porch that literally hangs over the lake. A bedroom suite and a private porch are set off to the side of the house, appearing as ancillary structures which have been attached to the barn mass. To give the home a sense of age, the design team choose rich paint colors and distressed the siding to achieve a worn-over-time look. Situated nearby are a sugar cane mill and a series of one bedroom cabins, or “bunkies”, to accommodate additional guests.

H

The Boathouse at

DERRY PLANTATION

The Langford House at Derry Plantation Ridgeland, South Carolina

“Before”

Situated across the lake from Derry Plantation’s Boathouse is the Langford House. A long forgotten farmhouse was moved to the site, where it underwent a dramatic

transformation to serve as the estate’s Main House. Historical Concepts was tasked with restoring and adding to the original structure without compromising its vintage charm. The design team’s

solution was to craft a “porch addition” wrapping around the entire perimeter of the home. While the front portion of the addition was left to function as a porch, maintaining the welcoming character of an old farmhouse, the rear portions were encased with windows to expand the main living space. The resulting home is one that has true history at its core, brought back to life in the 21st century.

The Langford House at

DERRY PLANTATION

TOWN & COUNTRY SHOW HOUSE

Designed in collaboration with Town & Country magazine, this residence at The Ford Plantation is a tasteful combination of various bits of classical vocabulary, such as

columned porches, breezeways and a pedimented Georgian façade. The symmetrically-oriented interior is equally formal with a central entry hall and a dual cantilevered stairway. Juxtaposed against the traditional backdrop, contemporary kitchen cabinetry and abstract artwork are subtle nods to the modern era. Intended to look like later additions to a home of an earlier vintage, breezeways extend from the two-story, neo-Georgian main mass to flanking single-story wings. This “generational” approach

to architecture is often used by Historical Concepts to imbue new construction with an instant implication of history. In this case, the design team was inspired by a self-created storyline in which the “19th-century” core of the building was relocated to the site in the 1930s, at which time the porches, kitchen and breezeways were “tacked on”. The Generational Architecture technique also extends to the interior, where it is most evident in the kitchen. Here, clapboard walls and a paneled ceiling provide the illusion that the space was originally a porch that was later enclosed to move the ancillary cookhouse into the antebellum home.

Town & Country House Richmond Hill, Georgia

TOWN & COUNTRY SHOW HOUSE

Designed in collaboration with Town & Country magazine, this residence at The Ford Plantation is a tasteful combination of various bits of classical vocabulary, such as

columned porches, breezeways and a pedimented Georgian façade. The symmetrically-oriented interior is equally formal with a central entry hall and a dual cantilevered stairway. Juxtaposed against the traditional backdrop, contemporary kitchen cabinetry and abstract artwork are subtle nods to the modern era. Intended to look like later additions to a home of an earlier vintage, breezeways extend from the two-story, neo-Georgian main mass to flanking single-story wings. This “generational” approach

to architecture is often used by Historical Concepts to imbue new construction with an instant implication of history. In this case, the design team was inspired by a self-created storyline in which the “19th-century” core of the building was relocated to the site in the 1930s, at which time the porches, kitchen and breezeways were “tacked on”. The Generational Architecture technique also extends to the interior, where it is most evident in the kitchen. Here, clapboard walls and a paneled ceiling provide the illusion that the space was originally a porch that was later enclosed to move the ancillary cookhouse into the antebellum home.

Town & Country House Richmond Hill, Georgia

Cottage Living Idea House Bridgehampton, New York

L ocated on the eastern tip of Long Island in the village of Bridgehampton, this 3,000 square foot home was designed for Cottage Living as the magazine’s first Idea House.

Inspired by quaint architecture of nearby fishing villages such as Sag Harbor, this home is tucked down a rural lane suggesting to passers-by that it is a historical, old cottage. Yet, the interior of the home reflects a contemporary lifestyle with a casual and open floor plan.

Classical details surround the entry and lattice-covered columns support native climbing vines. A soft and indigenous palette of materials, including cedar shingle siding, generously proportioned windows and local stone, reflect the seaside setting and add texture to the cottage. This classic 4-bay home has smaller masses added to suggest additions and growth through generations, unfolding across the landscape as a rambling, yet comfortable weekend retreat.

COTTAGE LIVING IDEA HOUSE

Cottage Living Idea House Bridgehampton, New York

L ocated on the eastern tip of Long Island in the village of Bridgehampton, this 3,000 square foot home was designed for Cottage Living as the magazine’s first Idea House.

Inspired by quaint architecture of nearby fishing villages such as Sag Harbor, this home is tucked down a rural lane suggesting to passers-by that it is a historical, old cottage. Yet, the interior of the home reflects a contemporary lifestyle with a casual and open floor plan.

Classical details surround the entry and lattice-covered columns support native climbing vines. A soft and indigenous palette of materials, including cedar shingle siding, generously proportioned windows and local stone, reflect the seaside setting and add texture to the cottage. This classic 4-bay home has smaller masses added to suggest additions and growth through generations, unfolding across the landscape as a rambling, yet comfortable weekend retreat.

COTTAGE LIVING IDEA HOUSE

Hockaday Residence Richmond Hill, Georgia

This residence, located at The Ford Plantation, was inspired by traditional Greek Revival architecture, but was reinterpreted within the Lowcountry setting. The result is

this wood and masonry version of the Greek temple form. To create a sense of permanence, Historical Concepts approached the design of this home from a “generational” standpoint, considering how it may have evolved through time. While the main mass represents a

more formal, period home, the addition of two wings “unbundles” the home into a more comfortable scale. Each wing is connected to the main mass via a glassed-in breezeway, as if they may have been former outbuildings later incorporated into the home. The use of natural materials and a soft palette creates an air of elegance both on the exterior and interior, suggestive of old world craftsmanship and construction.

HOCKADAY RESIDENCE

Tew Barn Spring Island, South Carolina

T

TEW BARN

he design concept for this small house evolved from the client, who grew up on a farm and wanted a home reflective of his roots. The barn, with entertaining space on the main

level and living quarters upstairs, is constructed entirely of reclaimed lumber down to the boot-worn stair treads which recall an earlier life. At just 900 square feet and sleeping eight comfortably, every inch of the space is fully utilized. Reinventing the use of an “old barn”, the upper level consists of one main room, encompassing a compact kitchen, dining area and seating. Two bunk rooms are separated from the main room by sliding barn doors, as if these areas were once used as compartments for storing grain or hay. Rabbit wire was used in the framed openings

between the sleeping and living areas to maintain natural ventilation and to provide for shared light. A loft offers additional sleeping space and a birds eye view of the room. A space-saving, vertical ladder adjacent to the kitchen wall provides access to the loft, sliding out on an angle when needed. Picturesque views to the Colleton River’s distant marshes expand the visual plane. The barn aesthetic continues on the exterior. Under the wide overhangs of a galvanized metal roof, a track system with counterweights and pulleys allows the shutters in the main gable to slide down and out, clearing the overhangs. Not only do the overhangs provide cooling shade, but, in conjunction with the shutters, they also provide protection from coastal storms.

Tew Barn Spring Island, South Carolina

T

TEW BARN

he design concept for this small house evolved from the client, who grew up on a farm and wanted a home reflective of his roots. The barn, with entertaining space on the main

level and living quarters upstairs, is constructed entirely of reclaimed lumber down to the boot-worn stair treads which recall an earlier life. At just 900 square feet and sleeping eight comfortably, every inch of the space is fully utilized. Reinventing the use of an “old barn”, the upper level consists of one main room, encompassing a compact kitchen, dining area and seating. Two bunk rooms are separated from the main room by sliding barn doors, as if these areas were once used as compartments for storing grain or hay. Rabbit wire was used in the framed openings

between the sleeping and living areas to maintain natural ventilation and to provide for shared light. A loft offers additional sleeping space and a birds eye view of the room. A space-saving, vertical ladder adjacent to the kitchen wall provides access to the loft, sliding out on an angle when needed. Picturesque views to the Colleton River’s distant marshes expand the visual plane. The barn aesthetic continues on the exterior. Under the wide overhangs of a galvanized metal roof, a track system with counterweights and pulleys allows the shutters in the main gable to slide down and out, clearing the overhangs. Not only do the overhangs provide cooling shade, but, in conjunction with the shutters, they also provide protection from coastal storms.

Neilson Guest Cottage Spring Island, South Carolina

NEILSON GUEST COTTAGE

This guest cottage, part of a larger family compound, is a seamless extension of Spring Island’s unspoiled and wooded landscape. A truly collaborative process between

the design team and the owners, this small guest house responds to the natural features of the site, resulting in an organic structure that is literally woven within the existing tree canopy. Two majestic live oaks, laden with Spanish Moss, sat directly on the proposed site for the guest house, so the Design Team created an H-shaped floorplan that would wrap around the oaks. Breaking down the mass of the structure in this manner also helped create the illusion that the guest

house evolved over time. With clapboard siding and a metal roof, the cottage is reflective of the south’s architectural heritage and the historic Lowcountry vernacular style. Each “bunkie” houses a private bedroom suite with a warmth that is derived from the natural materials, such as antique heart pine floors, beadboard ceilings and horizontal cypress wall paneling. A narrow morning kitchen serves as a charming yet functional connector between the two “bunkies” and a tastefully appointed sitting room and screen porch allow guests private space to experience Spring Island’s unspoiled habitat.

Neilson Guest Cottage Spring Island, South Carolina

NEILSON GUEST COTTAGE

This guest cottage, part of a larger family compound, is a seamless extension of Spring Island’s unspoiled and wooded landscape. A truly collaborative process between

the design team and the owners, this small guest house responds to the natural features of the site, resulting in an organic structure that is literally woven within the existing tree canopy. Two majestic live oaks, laden with Spanish Moss, sat directly on the proposed site for the guest house, so the Design Team created an H-shaped floorplan that would wrap around the oaks. Breaking down the mass of the structure in this manner also helped create the illusion that the guest

house evolved over time. With clapboard siding and a metal roof, the cottage is reflective of the south’s architectural heritage and the historic Lowcountry vernacular style. Each “bunkie” houses a private bedroom suite with a warmth that is derived from the natural materials, such as antique heart pine floors, beadboard ceilings and horizontal cypress wall paneling. A narrow morning kitchen serves as a charming yet functional connector between the two “bunkies” and a tastefully appointed sitting room and screen porch allow guests private space to experience Spring Island’s unspoiled habitat.