ABOUT
Meet us at the corner of preservation and design for the fourth annual Charleston by Design fundraiser.
Over four unforgettable days, we invite you to discover Charleston through a designer's eye. Explore the places, people, and ideas that have shaped this remarkable city, celerbating its extraordinary past while looking towrds an ever-evolving design future.
Whether you are a devoted design enthusiast, a passionate preservationist, or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful place and a good story, Charleston by Design is an insider’s invitation to the city’s heritage, character and style – all in support of Charleston's continued work to preserve and sustain the best of Charleston.
2027 BROCHURE
For Historic Charleston Foundation
Every ticket purchased, and every dollar raised through Charleston by Design directly supports Historic Charleston Foundation and its mission: to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community.
Established in 1947, Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) has been a national leader in historic preservation for nearly 80 years. In 1957, the Foundation created the nation’s first preservation Revolving Fund, a model since emulated across the country. Today, HCF stewards the c.1820 Aiken-Rhett House and the c.1808 Nathaniel Russell House as historic house museums open to the public, holds nearly 400 easements and covenants that protect historic properties in perpetuity, and advocates for Charleston’s future at every phase of its rapid growth and development.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation's fundraising programs are designed to do more than fund the mission. They are designed to build connections across the Charleston community and to make the case for the importance of historic preservation. Charleston by Design brings together architects, designers, makers, homeowners, craftsman, and patrons who understand that Charleston’s beauty and preservation is no accident. It has been protected, decision by decision, for generations.
Now in its fourth year, the Charleston by Design weekend explores how preservation continues to shape contemporary design and every gathering helps ensure the places behind that inspiration endure.
Clinton Smith: 2027 Honorary Chair
For two decades, Clinton Smith has been regarded as one of the design industry’s thought leaders and noted authorities on matters of taste and style. A respected editor and writer, he has written a myriad of books on an array of lifestyle matters, including elegant entertaining, decorating with color and outdoor design, in addition to his work on countless works for the design and architecture community.
Currently, Clinton is the Editor-in-Chief of Hamptons Cottages & Gardens and New York Cottages & Gardens magazines. He also served as Editor-in-Chief of Hearst’s Veranda magazine, and was a long-time contributor to Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles (Editor-in-Chief), and New England Home (EIC + Editor at Large).
In Dedication to Dave Dawson
“In the depths of a global pandemic and a summer marked by profound social unrest, my dear friend Dave Dawson and I began imagining something new. . . .”
Read the full dedication and personal tribute from Historic Charleston Foundation's President & CEO, Winslow Hastie.
