Caplea Coe Architects

A proud moment for our founder, Jeffrey Rosenblum, who was recently awarded the AIA South Carolina 25-Year Design Award for one of Charleston’s most distinctive buildings: Bankers Trust Branch Bank.

Designed in the early 1970s, Jeffrey’s solution to an extremely constrained downtown site was both inventive and unconventional. By lifting the main floor on a concrete core and extending steel-and-glass wings outward, he created space for a full-service bank, parking, and an automated teller, all within a footprint that seemed to defy the program.

More than fifty years later, the building remains largely unchanged, a testament to the strength and clarity of the original design. While the project has long sparked discussion and differing opinions, its influence on Charleston’s architectural evolution is undeniable, helping open the door for contemporary architecture within one of the country’s most historically preserved cities.

The jury described it as a “small, but powerful modern building that sits unapologetically in its colonial setting.”

Congratulations to Jeffrey on this well-deserved recognition and lasting contribution to Charleston’s architectural legacy!

A meaningful day for Charleston County and the Edisto community.

We’re proud to have designed the new Charleston County Edisto EMS Station #8, a 5,200-square-foot facility built to support a growing demand for emergency services, with two pull-through apparatus bays and improved operational efficiency and reliability for public safety personnel.

The station was officially named in honor of Charleston County Councilwoman Anna B. Johnson—recognizing her impact and ongoing dedication to the community.

Thank you to Charleston County Government, our team of consulting engineers: RMF Engineering, HUSSEY GAY BELL, MMSA, Inc., and Hill Construction for their partnership in delivering this important project!