Allen Design is a small firm, located in Mt. Pleasant , South Carolina , specializing in the creation of Custom residential projects. I am Elizabeth Allen, the founder and owner of Allen Design.

Since the inception of my firm, I have been striving to build a business based on hard work and client satisfaction. I pride myself in creating, with my clients, a professional relationship based on personal attention. I believe that this is the only way to foster an open avenue of communication and creativity, and to deliver a final product that is mindful of place and purpose and respectful to form and function.

Elizabeth S. Allen, Biography

I am Elizabeth Allen, founder and owner of Allen Design. As a Charleston Native, I grew up in historic downtown surrounded by great examples of enduring design. I spent my childhood and adolescence growing and playing in the Lowcountry, between summers on the beach with my grandparents to weekends in the boat in the waterways with my parents and sisters.

I attended Ashley Hall School for twelve years, graduating in 1992 before going on to Clemson University School of Architecture. During high school, I was active in local organizations that helped me explore Architecture in Charleston . As a liaison to the Board of Architecture Review, and was able to observe and learn about design and architectural criticism.

While at Clemson, I took the opportunity to spend a semester of my Senior year at the Center in Charleston . The experience reacquainted me with the architecture of my youth, and gave me a new appreciation for the place where I was raised. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Design, I immediately pursued my Master of Architecture degree, and chose for Charleston and the ruins of the old Museum on Rutledge Avenue to be the site for my thesis work.

Upon graduation, I returned to Charleston to begin my professional career. After working for Rosenblum & Associates for about eight months, my husband Greg and I relocated to the Florida Keys where we spend the next four years. During that time, I worked for Gonzalez Architects in Key West . At this small firm, with a full client roster, I was fortunate enough to be exposed to all areas of design and building. I worked on everything from small residential renovations, to a twenty two unit waterfront condominium unit at Oceanside Marina and to the new Police Station for the City of Key West . I completed my National Internship requirements and became a Registered Architect in the State of Florida .

As I grew professionally, the home office of the firm was relocated to Savannah , Georgia , and I took over operations of the Key West office. During this time, Greg and I welcomed our first child, Thomas, to our family. As business flourished in Savannah , I was presented with the opportunity to relocate back to the Lowcountry. So Greg and Thomas and I returned to Charleston where I practiced for several months under Gonzalez Architects. As my reputation began to grow, I formed my own company, Allen Design, in April of 2003.

From that time to the present, I have continued to work and grow personally and professionally. In February of 2002, Greg, Thomas, and I welcomed Sarah to our family.  My dedication and commitment to my family carries over into my professional life.  It translates into hard work and into going above and beyond to give my dlients what they desire and deserve in the design of their custom home.