The Power of Place: How Local Architecture Shapes Identity

In a generation of ever-changing design trends and rapid growth and development, there is something special about architecture that honors its heritage. At Brown Design Studio, we believe that buildings should do more than exist; they should create a sense of place. The work we’ve done here in Savannah, Georgia, is a prime example of why it's essential to prioritize a place's architectural history. Local traditions, climate, and materials provide a solid foundation for design. People from all over the world come to Savannah to see a city with a deep history of architectural heritage. The iconic squares and cobblestone streets, along with the ironwork, are what define its historic charm. Being surrounded by thoughtful architecture provides an amazing source to gather precedents from. Rather than imitate this history, we use it as inspiration for our work, using it as a framework to design spaces that feel timeless yet respond to current societal needs.

By prioritizing the use of traditional materials in our projects, whether it’s Savannah Grey brick, tabby concrete, or hardy lap siding, each material tells a story of place. These elements help our designs age timelessly and resonate with the architecture surrounding them. The climate of Savannah, with its humid summers, requires thoughtful responses from raised foundations to operable shutters, large windows, and deep porches, all of which are important to the aesthetic and functionality of Savannah homes. Back when Savannah was founded they didn’t have the luxury of air conditioning like we do today, therefore design strategies that would allow air circulation in homes was a major necessity. All of the examples listed above aren’t just nods to tradition; they are context-driven design choices. 

Every project we take on is rooted in a desire to strengthen local identity as well as how people will interact within the spaces we create. This connects to the ideas we explored in our blog post on civic architecture, where we discussed how civic structures can bring people together. Whether it's residential, commercial, or public space, each project contributes to a broader goal: fostering communities through thoughtful architecture. Something as simple as porches can help connect neighbors to one another. By making even the smallest design change, you can alter how people live and gather in a space. 

Architecture has the ability to tell a story, not just of the buildings but of the people and the place. By designing with a framework that focuses on materials, climate, and architectural traditions, you are able to create meaningful designs that contribute to a sense of place and reflect the character of the community. It is the type of architecture people are proud to be connected to.