Taylor House | University of South Carolina

The rehabilitation of the Taylor House honors the architectural legacy of one of Columbia’s last remaining grand homes from the early 1900s. Over the years, the building saw multiple uses from a private residence to the Columbia Museum of Art to university police - each leaving behind non-historic additions and modifications that compromised its integrity. We led a multi-phase effort to remove those alterations, restore defining features, and adapt the space for modern institutional use.

Rehabilitation began with the removal of art museum wings and continued with the reimagination of original porches as light-filled seminar spaces. Historic research confirmed the original terra-cotta roof. The new roof was installed to match the original profiles. The brick and copper details were faithfully restored. Interior modifications balanced preservation with upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and life safety systems, designed to integrate seamlessly while renewing the historic finishes. An elevator and accessible restrooms were placed in the former service wing to preserve the main house’s original layout. Historic lighting fixtures, woodwork, wallpaper, and built-ins were restored or replicated using archival photographs, interviews with the family, and original documents.

A part of the School of Law campus, also designed by our team, the Taylor House is now home to the admissions offices, conference rooms, and event spaces.