Charleston-Area Architecture Firm SMHa Welcomes Two New Employees

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Mount Pleasant, SC – Charleston-area architecture firm SMHa is expanding with the addition of two new employees.

Industry veteran Ricky Jones joins SMHa as their Construction Administrator. A Charleston native with 42 years of local construction experience, Ricky is a South Carolina licensed General Contractor and has managed numerous construction projects across the Tri-County, including SMHa’s office, built over 20 years ago.

Brenda McLaughlin is serving as SMHa’s Director of Business Development. With over 20 years experience in real estate and commercial development, Brenda brings a wealth of knowledge and understanding of business growth strategies in the A/E/C industry. Having lived and worked across the country, Brenda and her family recently relocated to the Charleston area and quickly fell in love with calling the Lowcountry home.

SMHa principals Margie Longshore, AIA; Chris Altman, AIA; Billy Connell, AIA; and Jeff Johnston, AIA expressed excitement with the firm’s recent expansion. “We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to our firm. Both bring a passion for our community, diverse and extensive experience, and fully embrace our firm’s commitment to client service and a team approach to the design and construction process,” said SMHa president Margie Longshore, AIA.

About SMHa: Founded in 1990 after Hurricane Hugo’s destruction to the South Carolina Lowcountry, Sidney Stubbs, FAIA; Charles Muldrow, AIA; and Sam Herin, AIA came together with the intent of using sustainable and resilient design to aid in the rebuilding of our historic and natural setting. In 2019, long-time SMHa architects Margie Longshore, AIA; Chris Altman, AIA; Billy Connell, AIA; and Jeff Johnston, AIA purchased SMHa, which is now recognized by the City of Charleston as a certified small woman-owned business (SWBE). Specializing in commercial and municipal architecture, planning, and interiors, predominantly along the coastal region of South Carolina, SMHa operates using the core principles upon which the original firm was founded: Architecture for its place, impeccable customer service, and commitment to community. To learn more about SMHa, visit smha.com.