Frequently Asked Questions

Charleston by Design is a four-day celebration of preservation-inspired design in Charleston, South Carolina. Talks, tours, workshops, and gatherings take place in the city's historic houses, churches, gardens, and design showrooms, bringing leading voices in interiors, architecture, and craft into conversation with the places that inspired them. Charleston by Design is a fundraiser for Historic Charleston Foundation, and every ticket supports the Foundation's  work in preservation, advocacy, and museum stewardship. Clinton Smith of Cottages & Gardens serves as the 2027 Honorary Chair.

Historic Charleston Foundation (HCF) is a nonprofit preservation organization founded in 1947. Its mission is to advocate for a future for Charleston that honors and protects its people, places, culture, and community. HCF established the nation's first preservation Revolving Fund in 1947, rehabilitating the Ansonborough neighborhood which guests will visit during this year's Home & Design Tour.  The Foundation stewards two house museums, the Aiken-Rhett House and the Nathaniel Russell House. Additionally, HCF has expanded their concept of preservation beyond just the built environment to include its ability to ensure vibrant communities for its people and culture. HCF tackles issues of resiliency, sustainability, and affordability, while advocating for thoughtful, smart growth that reflects the highest principles of urban design, architecture, and community values. Successful recent innovative programs include Common Cause and the Saving Grace Initiative. Read more at HistoricCharleston.org.

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Choose the events you'd like to attend from the schedule and buy tickets for each one, or get the Insider’s Pass for the full experience. All tickets are paperless and processed online. Guests will receive an email confirmation and names will be at each event for check-in.

Every ticket supports Historic Charleston Foundation and its work to preserve the places, stories and character that make Charleston so extraordinary.

Yes. Every event is ticketed individually so you can choose a single lecture, a walking tour, a workshop, or an evening celebration. For guests who want the full weekend, the Insider's Pass offers access to the signature events with one purchase.

The Insider's Pass is the most complete way to experience Charleston by Design. Passes are limited and priced at $1,500. Along with a custom-designed Charleston by Design gift bag, the pass gives access for one individual to:

• Design, Craft & Style: The Next Generation Panel (Wednesday, March 10)
• The Opening Night Party at the Aiken-Rhett House Museum (Thursday, March 11)
• All four Design in Mind lectures (Friday, March 12, and Saturday, March 13)
• The Home & Design Tour (Friday, March 12)
• The Insider's Cocktail Reception at a private residence (Friday, March 12)
• The Insider's Pass Luncheon (Saturday, March 13)
• The purchase of an Insider’s Pass includes a $150 donation to support Historic Charleston Foundation and their mission to preserve and sustain the best of Charleston. Each buyer will receive a formal acknowledgement of this gift from HCF’s Philanthropy department that may be used for tax purposes.  

Charleston by Design is one of Historic Charleston Foundation's signature fundraisers. Proceeds support the Foundation's mission to preserve and sustain the best of Charleston, including the care of its two house museums, its preservation programs, and its advocacy for the city's neighborhoods and communities. As a patron, you are investing directly in  the mission to protect one of our nation’s most treasured historic cities.

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All ticket sales are final. Because Charleston by Design is a fundraiser and every purchase directly supports Historic Charleston Foundation, tickets are non-refundable.

Several events take place in private homes. To respect the owners' privacy, ticket holders receive a map of the Home & Design Tour sites and the location of the Insider's Cocktail Reception by email before the event.

Charleston by Design is designed for an adult audience. Teens are welcome at our talks, tours, and workshops when accompanied by a supervising adult and have their own ticket. Please note:

• There is no child or teen pricing; every guest requires a full-price ticket.
• Children under 4 are not permitted.
• Strollers are not permitted.
• Individuals under the age of 21 are not permitted at the Opening Night Party or the Finale Dinner.

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The downtown historic district is best explored on foot, and the free DASH (Downtown Area Shuttle) stops across the peninsula. CARTA, Charleston's public transit system, also operates fixed bus routes throughout the region, including North Charleston. Visit ridecarta.com for maps and schedules or download the Transit app to track buses in real time.

Other recommended modes of travel include ride-sharing or bike taxis. Charleston Bike Taxi (843) 532-8663

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Explore Charleston recommends parking at the official Charleston Area Visitor Center at 375 Meeting Street and riding the free DASH shuttle to your destination. A few things to know before you go:

• Parking garages: The City of Charleston owns 12 parking garages with nearly 6,700 public spaces. Privately owned garages and lots are also found throughout the city, with varying daily, hourly, evening, and weekend rates. Garages are the best choice for lectures and events lasting longer than 2 hours.
  
  • For the Opening Night Party or Design in Mind Lectures at Second Presbyterian Church, the closest garage is located at the Visitor's Center, 63 Mary Street, Charleston, SC
• Street meters: Meters require payment Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., excluding Sundays and official city holidays. The rate is $2 per hour with a 2-hour limit. Meters accept Visa, Mastercard, City of Charleston SmartCards, and coins.
• City surface lots: Payment is required Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., at $2 per hour with a 2-hour limit.
• For full details, visit Explore Charleston's parking guide. A list of city garages and current rates is available from the City of Charleston.

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Parking is available for guests, free of charge, across the street from the event 2154 Noisette Boulevard.

Each Historic District Walking Tour lasts about one hour and is led by a licensed guide from Walk & Talk Charleston. The Church Street and Paint Colors tours begin at the Capt. James Missroon House, 40 East Bay Street, Historic Charleston Foundation’s headquarters. The Preservation & Parks tour begins at Second Presbyterian Church, 342 Meeting Street. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the starting time for a prompt departure.

All tickets are virtual. Ticket purchase confirmations are sent via email and at each event, guests will be admitted by name at the entrance.

Out of respect for our homeowners, please no photography inside the private homes on tour.

Events are held in two areas, so please plan travel times accordingly.

• Downtown Charleston (the peninsula):
  
  • Charleston Library Society (164 King Street)
  • the Capt. James Missroon House (40 East Bay Street)
  • the Aiken-Rhett House Museum (48 Elizabeth Street)
  • Second Presbyterian Church (342 Meeting Street)
  • the American College of the Building Arts (649 Meeting Street)
  • Visual Comfort (532 King Street)
  • and private homes in the Ansonborough neighborhood.
• The historic Navy Yard in North Charleston:
  
  • the Charleston Design District (2154 Noisette Boulevard)
  • The Urban Electric Co. (2120 Noisette Boulevard)
  • the Fritz Porter showroom (2060 North Hobson Avenue, Building 44, 2nd floor)

Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels, from event and activation sponsorships to branded gift contributions. Visit historiccharleston.org/sponsorships or email [email protected] to learn more.

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Yes. The Charleston Festival, HCF's annual spring fundraiser, takes place April 1 to 24, 2027, with house and garden tours, lectures, concerts, workshops, and events. Event details can be found here: https://www.historiccharleston.org/charleston-festival

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