Explore LSMeet John Williams, Architect: A Legacy of Design

Luxury Simplified has built our brand on the promise that “We do things differently. ”  As a leader in historic renovation, construction and real estate around the downtown Charleston, SC peninsula we are committed to offering integrated services to our clients with our “all under one roof ” vision.  As our service offerings continue to expand to include landscape design and interior design, we have recently joined forces with renowned local architect John Howard Williams.

With a strong interest in the built environment, John Howard Williams has pursued a career that embodies all facets, from architecture through to construction. His initial interest in Civil Engineering was not satisfying his creative instincts, which resulted in the decision to pursue the study of architecture at Princeton University. There he was able to study under the mentorship of some of the world’s leading architects, such as Michael Graves, Richard Meier, and Peter Eisenman. John’s design skills were developed during these six years of study.

 An interest in architectural design technology resulted in an assignment with the U.S. Navy, where he led an effort to develop software for computer aided ship design, the forerunner of AutoCAD. He then made a strong commitment to Architecture, working for leading firms in Philadelphia and Boston exposing him to the architecture of New England, notably the Shingle style. This experience enabled him to become licensed as an NCARB certified architect, allowing him to design buildings in Maine, South Carolina, and New Jersey.

 John then pursued the other side of his interest in the built environment, construction, with a lengthy career working for two of the leading US general contractors in the area of business development. His ability to understand how buildings were designed and built resulted in contracts to build all types of structures, from hospitals, schools, to high rise office buildings. The area covered in his search for new business took him to the many parts of the U.S. and the Far East. One contract was for the world’s tallest building, in Malaysia. He also managed several design/build projects, including a major expansion of the Warner Lambert HQ.

 During this time, he has maintained a residence in Charleston for over 23 years. In Charleston, he has designed a variety of buildings from new homes, to additions in the historic district, as well as the design of one of the city’s leading art galleries. John is completely familiar with the requirements of designing and building in this historic city.

His activities and experience in Charleston have involved:

• American College of Building Arts; served on the Board of Trustees for nine years as Vice Chairman.
• Consulting on business development and marketing for several local Architects and General Contractors.
• Architectural Design – Historic district, renovations and additions to historic buildings
• Design an art gallery on Broad Street.

We are excited to add John’s talent and his wealth of experience to our team.  With this addition to our core service offerings Luxury Simplified continues to expand upon its reputation as the top real estate services company in Charleston.  Check out our “Guide to Charleston’s Architecture ” to learn more about Charleston’s diverse architecture styles.