Cole Design Studio, Inc.

25 Reviews

Architects & Building Designers

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About Us

12x Best of Houzz winner

3 years in business

Beaufort's Leading Architect & Design Firm Best of Houzz 2013-2018

Cole Design Studio is a full service residential design firm specializing in custom located in Beaufort, SC. We strive to "Combine Science & Design to Create Healthy & Beautiful homes" producing the best possible solution for each individual client at the highest level of service and quality." Cole Design Studio, LLC is an award winning residential design firm based in Beaufort, South Carolina. While Ninety percent of CDS’s business is residential design, it can handle small commercial project under 5000 sq. ft. Cole Design Studio, LLC was founded in 1991 by Paul R. Cole (current Eastern District Director of the AIBD). It has been in operation since and has designed custom homes throughout the low country in Hilton Head, Bluffton, Ridgeland, Port Royal and Beaufort. Recently the name was changed to Cole Design Studio (CDS) to better reflect the scope of work produced by the company. CDS provides comfortable, livable custom low country designed homes as well as well selling spec homes – for both homeowners and builders alike. CDS is a diverse company with residential designs from 800 sq. ft. – 8000 sq. ft. providing design services based on the need of the client, whether it be a small addition, complete home or commercial office space. Some builders just need a good set of working drawings for a spec. home. On the other hand certain custom designs are fully drawn and documented with constant input from the client. With today’s new codes you need someone who understands structure as well as design. CDS can help select it all – from structural alternatives through the last yard of drapery fabric. We will work closely and coordinate with the structural engineer and the interior designer to get the design you are after. We can help you with the bidding process and the selection of your contractor. We can also help you find and work with a landscape designer to make sure that your home becomes an integral part of the property and is harmonious with the property it sits on. Ask us to show you some examples of our successful design projects around town and on the islands. Talk to our past clients and let them tell you about their experiences and how easy it was to turn their dreams into reality. Let us design your dream home!

Services Provided

3D Rendering, Architectural Design, Architectural Drawings, Bathroom Design, Building Design, Energy-Efficient Homes, Floor Plans, Green Building, Historic Building Conservation, Home Additions, Home Extensions, House Plans, Project Management, Structural Engineering, Construction Drawings

Areas Served

Beaufort, Burton, Hilton Head Island, Ladys Island, Laurel Bay, Lobeco, Parris Island, Port Royal, Saint Helena Island, Sheldon, Bluffton

Awards

2008 American Residential Design Awards (ARDA): 1st & 2nd Place awards in Published plans under 3000 SF 2015 ARDA: Best in Model Home Category. 2015 Best of the Carolinas Design Competition: Gold award in Green Design.

13 Projects

Business Details

Business Name

Cole Design Studio, Inc.

Phone Number

+1 843-525-1727

Website

www.coledesignstudio.biz

Address

1011 Bay Street
Suite 311
Beaufort, SC 29902

Typical Job Cost

USD 5,000 - USD 15,000

Design Fees

Followers

298 Followers

Socials

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Credentials

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Featured Review

Jay & Denise Pittas

We have a waterfront lot and they created a truly unique design which maximizes the water views. Paul helped us all through the process, contractor bids - county & HOA approvals - even recommended high efficiency HVAC system for reduced energy costs.Read Full Review

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25 Reviews for Cole Design Studio, Inc.

Newest first

5.0|25 reviews

Work Quality

5.0

Communication

5.0

Value

5.0

113hkd

Search Houzz Sale & Sign In ¿ Join as a Pro Cole Design Studio, Inc. Mr. Cole designed my vacation house on the shore of the sea island of Harbor Island, SC. He is knowledgeable of local Beaufort County and State of SC building codes and environmental requirements. Additionally, he provided much appreciated recommendations regarding local business resources as well as a list of qualified general contractors. During the construction phase, he was proactive, accessible, and instrumental in the proper completion of my house by our general contractor. I consider Paul a friend of my family, and I highly recommend him. Lastly, I especially liked meeting his Golden Retriever "Bailey".

25 February 2024

Mark Ritter

With just a photo of a home we loved, the rooms we desired and our construction budget Cole Design Studio drew us a house that perfectly fits our lot, and looks like a classic low County home while being very unique. I would not hesitate to reccomend Paul and his firm. We truly enjoyed working with him and are looking forward to moving in soon.

14 March 2018

Jay & Denise Pittas

6 March 2018

Thomas Bisanz

Excellent job! Paul is an excellent listener. Very easy to work with! Very accessible. Very professional. Very talented. Truly an enjoyable experience.

28 February 2018

Alice Wasson

My husband and I worked with Paul on a total renovation of our Beaufort house in 2016. We could not be happier with the results. Paul used his creativity and knowledge to transform this fixer upper into a beautiful house. There were no surprises and a he was flexible with our requests. Would definitely refer Paul!

27 February 2018

Comment from Cole Design Studio, Inc.:

Thanks for the nice review. I must say that it has to be one of my all time favorite renovations or should I say transformation. I will have to add a couple of photos to show off.

Coastal Air Technologies, INC

I hired Paul to design a river house that my family could enjoy on the weekends. He went over and beyond what I could have expected from a designer. Even with me being in the Engineering field, he worked with me through my crazy ideas to bring this home to reality. My wife and I could not be happier. I would recommended Paul to anyone that has a project they would like to make a reality.

26 February 2018

Comment from Cole Design Studio, Inc.:

Thanks for the kind review. I really enjoyed working with you on your project and am glad you are enjoying it with your family.

Frank DuFour

Paul Cole designed our custom home and we could not be happier. Everyday brings wonderful new surprises as his amazing design nears completion. Simple and elegant, his design fits our property like a glove, taking advantage of the lot's shape and existing flora. He has created everything we wanted in a Southern home: wide spacious porches, open and flowing interior with cathedral ceilings in the living and dining rooms, and detached garage with plenty of storage space. We did not intend to build a model home, but that is what it has become. Paul is also a great person to work with. He expertly interfaces with our contractors and goes above and beyond in making sure the house is built exactly the way we want. I would recommend Paul in a heartbeat!

11 April 2017

Comment from Cole Design Studio, Inc.:

Thanks for the kind words. I can't wait to see the final product as we get closer to completion! I hope enjoy for the years to come.

Dave McFerren

I highly recommend Cole Design Studio to anyone needing a true professional to design their custom home! Working from plans Mr Cole provided me we were able to modify one of the plans to produce the perfect (in my opinion) low-country South Carolina home.

3 April 2017

Ray Cassino

Paul did a great job designing our house. Very easy to work with, uses the latest CAD tools that makes revisions fast and simple. I would highly recommend him for designing a home

2 April 2017

Wendy Hilty

Paul Cole had designed our house that was built by previous owners in 2010. We absolutely loved everything about the house and design, but since we entertain we wanted more space. Paul designed the most beautiful and seamless addition of two large rooms and a deck. People have told us that they cannot believe that the addition has not always been there. Paul listened to everything we said and the design was more than perfect. Exact spaces were configured for our furniture and entertainment area and everything came together beautifully. We could not be more pleased. We recommend Cole Design Studio for all of your architectural design needs. You will not be disappointed!

1 April 2017

John Gatch

Mr. is multi-skilled in several engineering disciplines which enabled him to complete the design of my house with very little assistance. His ability to deal with most aspects of the design result in favorable design cost.

1 April 2017

James Nottoli

Paul was great to work with. He never rushed us and changed anything that we wanted done. He is such a nice professional.

1 April 2017

kstenersen

Paul is great to work with, he has designed several projections for me. New design or simple renovation Paul has got you covered.

31 March 2017

Michael Wheeler

We bought our property in Dataw Island last year and begun our search for help in designing our house. Paul's name was almost always mentioned first. Working with Paul was a relaxing, professional experience. Paul was very accommodating with his time as we were out of town to begin this process. Paul listen to our ideas and provided exceptional guidance with reason in his suggestions for change in developing our design. It was apparent from the very first meeting that his relaxed attitude, knowledge and experience was going to be an enjoyable time. We now have a great house plan and will be breaking ground shortly. It is our pleasure to be able to recommend Paul Cole to any prospective person in need of a home design/plan. Paul has done a tremendous job for us and will do the same for you.

20 June 2016

Comment from Cole Design Studio, Inc.:

Mr. Wheeler,
Thanks for the kind comments. I can't wait to see the project move forward in the build process to see your dreams turn into reality! Talk to you soon.

bills60

When we first bought property in the Low Country in 2006 we found Paul Cole to be on virtually everyone's requested recommendation list for architects/designers. Our interview/evaluation/comparison process confirmed Paul to provide the highest "value" (quality service vs competitive cost) and "comfort level" (easy communication/collaboration style supportive of our expressed needs/desires.) Our experience with Paul in helping us design and build our first house was invaluable and totally positive. His ability to create reality out of our thoughts and wants was amazing and his knowledge of local builders, subcontractors and suppliers was extremely helpful in guiding us through that part of the building process. We were delighted with the results of our first "build" and when we decided to downsize and move closer to town (Beaufort) and successfully sold our house last year, our decision to rehire Paul to "do it for us again" was a "no- brainer!" Our early current collaboration with Paul is proving to be a duplication of our initial experience and confirmation of the wisdom of our decision. -- Bill & Jan Smyth

28 March 2016

wrcci

Paul Cole with Cole Design Studio designed our house that we just finished. We worked on our house plan for 3 years before we started construction, adjusting and tweaking things along the way. (Paul is a VERY patient man!) We knew a few things that we wanted and a lot of things we didn't want. Fortunately for us, Paul has the very unique ability to take the sometimes vague descriptions we gave him and put them into the plan, while at the same time, make suggestions for details that he thought we would like after getting to know our style and tastes. In addition, he suggested a heating/AC system that dramatically lowered our utility bills. He also showed up at the job site more than once during construction to make sure the plans were being followed correctly and to answer any questions the builder might have. While we knew we would be pleased when the house was finally built, the final product was a thousand times better than we could ever have imagined! We have a front porch that catches everyone's eye as they slowly drive down the street, a jaw dropping kitchen with a soaring cathedral ceiling, and a stunning screened porch that manages to capitalize on every aspect of our view of the golf course. We love our new home and are very grateful to Paul for helping to make our dream home no longer a dream, but a reality.

19 January 2015

Insurance Agent

Paul Cole is the ultimate professional. He understands the client's needs and offers a variety of creative options. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Mr. Cole and highly recommend this business.

4 November 2014

Andy Banks

I have known and worked with Paul Cole of the Cole Design Studio, LLC for approximately 20 years. During that time I have built over 50 homes that were either stock plans, many with modifications, and or custom designs. Paul has consistently provided thoughtful designs with excellent floor plans, attention to detail, and still, cost effective to construct. I most recently engaged Paul Cole to design and draft a custom home on Dataw Island. We were on a very tight time line to submit to the ARB. Paul completed the plans on time and on budget. Our customer is thrilled with the design and we are under way on the construction. I would, and do, highly recommend Paul Cole and Cole Design Studio, LLC to anyone looking for stock plans, custom design work or remodeling and addition plans. Sincerely, Andy Banks Vice President of Construction CGBS Residential, LLC www.cgbsresidential.com

27 October 2014Last modified: 28 October 2014

casey43

Paul drew up specification for us to add a 250 sq. foot screened in porch. He was the original architech when the house was built six years ago. We had originally thought to only extend the porch about 100 square feet. Paul encouraged us to increase the square footage which allowed us to use the exsisting tabby deck and capture our stunning views of marsh sunsets. We also expanded the project to add an additional upper deck to the porch and access the area through french doors in adjacent jack and jill guest bedrooms. All the while Paul was available to patiently synthesize our ideas into the homes exsisting architecture. He was able to give us insight into the history of building the home as well as future color choices and aritectural enhancements. Through it all Paul was personable and efficient. Photos to follow.

16 August 2014

Comment from Cole Design Studio, Inc.:

Thanks for the kind words. I thought the exterior colors worked beautifully!

harryboody

As a Professional in the Building Sciences for the past 34 years, it is a pleasure to work with a person and company like Paul Cole of Cole Design Studio. His insight on creativity and attention to detail for his clients is not often seen in this industry. He is a pleasure to work with.

20 April 2014

T D Commercial Builders

As a builder I find Cole Design Studio-Paul- to be very professional, and competent. His ideas are great, his vision is extremely on point. He listen to what I want and he puts it on paper. He stands behind his plans and is always around during construction to lend support. I have done small fireplace additions with Paul, as well as a $800,000.00 complete house and his plans are clear and easy to follow, and I feel he cares about the small jobs just as much as he does the big ones. I will and do recommend Paul Cole to any and all of my clients. You can't go wrong with a man who listens to what you say and does it. That's Paul Cole.

13 July 2013

Kitchen Design Center

We at Kitchen Design Center in Beaufort rely on Paul Cole's expertise when our clients require structural changes included their remodeling plans. We have worked with Paul for several years on many projects, and consider him part of the Kitchen Design Center team through our professional partnership. If you are in need of structural design, use who the professional home builders prefer ~ use Paul Cole!

21 September 2012Last modified: 21 September 2012

cphillips556

People step into our home and ask who did the renovation and addition to the back. The answer isn't who did the work, but rather who designed it. And that's Paul Cole of Cole Design Studio. Paul designed a ~400 sf addition to the rear of our 1986 ranch home and gutted and redid the kitchen. He turned a tiny dark kitchen into an open space worthy of a magazine photo, and created a new sunroom with wall-to-wall windows to bring the outside in (we live on a 70 acre lake, so it's quite a nice view). Paul's attention to detail allowed the kitchen to go from its previous 8 ft height to a soaring 14 ft vault. And he specified perfect locations for electrical and lighting throughout the new spaces. He also created a 12x40 ft deck behind the new sunroom. Please know that although the entire construction job exceeded $100,000, Paul's services were quite reasonable and worth every penny. We had interviewed several architects/designers and chose the right one. We would use Paul Cole again any time!

10 July 2012Last modified: 29 September 2012

drandall1

Paul has been super professional through out the process. He has offered many great ideas and has always followed through with what he says he will do. His business relationship with the builder has been a true asset. We would definitely use his service again

20 June 2012

rbgibb

Paul Cole of Cole Design Studio was a referral which we are very pleased to have checked into. We met Paul at his home office along with his welcoming committee, Charlie and Bella, two extremely lovable dogs. We got right down to business discussing the construction of a home on land we purchased some time ago and what our budget would allow. Paul's portfolio of completed designs, plus our own thoughts were put to paper in a very professional and expeditious manner. Paul worked with us, making suggestions when we were unsure of our design and gave us ideas we hadn't thought of. The final plan is one we cannot wait to have built. In the interim, we asked Paul to design a two and a half car garage with an apartment above to be constructed adjacent to the home Paul was designing. The plan was exactly what we had in mind and Paul was able to maximize limited space to create a very comfortable living area. Construction of the garage/apartment is almost completed. If you choose Cole Design Studio you will have the pleasure of working with someone who is extremely knowledgeable, professional and personable. Your Paul Cole designed home will be lovely to look at and extremely well structured. It will be a home you and future generations will enjoy. Betty & Richard Gibbons

14 June 2012Last modified: 14 June 2012

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61 Comments

Commented: What is the paint color of the siding and trim?I am sorry I don't have that information. Thanks for the question though.

20 October 2021

Commented: Beautiful RoomI am sorry I don't have that information. While we designed the house I was not part of the interior design and color selection.

3 December 2019

Commented: what is the wall color?I am sorry that the project was a collaboration with an interior designer who picked out the colors. I have reached out, but no luck yet getting that information.

3 April 2017

Commented: Are there screens on each sides of the door?Yes, There are screens. It is a very nice option for a front door!

28 January 2017

Commented: What is the linear lighting over the dining table?It was purchased at Pace Lighting, Savannah, GA. I want to say it was by Troy Lighting. Hope that helps.

31 August 2016

Commented: what is the color of the green? love itI believe it was a sage green

19 August 2016

Cole Design Studio, Inc.