1 - Johns Island

5 - Midtown

7 - Carolina Ave

8 - Belle Point

Planning & Feasibility Services

“Planning & Feasibility Services” are an investigative process aimed at evaluating the potential of a site for a proposed project, helping to determine whether the project is feasible and sustainable. This phase generates early-stage ideas and concepts to assess whether a site can support the intended building size, use, and associated infrastructure. The key elements of this service include:

01. Site Evaluation

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Assessing site conditions (e.g., topography, soil quality, accessibility).

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Identifying the buildable area considering setbacks, buffers, and lot coverage.

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Evaluating the potential for stormwater management and environmental impact.

02. Conceptual Site Plans

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Developing conceptual layouts for road/street infrastructure, parking, and building footprints with civil engineer.

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Creating multiple configuration options to explore different design approaches with respect to site conditions (trees, grading, detention).

03. Building Planning

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Designing conceptual building plans to define the size, layout, and form.

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Creating 3D massing models to visualize the building’s mass, scale, and relationship with the site.

04. Regulatory Review

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Sharing early planning studies with local planning authorities to gather feedback on zoning ordinances, building codes, and other regulatory requirements that affect land use.

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Presenting the project vision to the local municipality to highlight how it will create new opportunities and enhance the local community through economic growth, social benefits, and long-term sustainability.

05. Cost Estimates

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Collaborating with a general contractor to provide early ballpark pricing, offering an estimate for site work and building construction.

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Providing a rough idea of the overall development costs, useful for project financing considerations.

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Ensuring the project aligns with local zoning laws and land-use restrictions.

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5 Planning & Feasibility Study

This is an example of an early conceptual planning and feasibility study by LFK Architects for a unique 5-acre site in the Lowcountry. The study explored various potential uses for the land, including professional office, medical office, retail, and warehouse flex spaces.

The process began with land planning studies to configure drive aisles and parking, determining the possible building square footage based on parking capacity for each version. From there, building footprints and 3D models were developed to visualize massing, the number of stories and possible architectural languages for each use.

The final phase involved using the site and building renderings to help the client test the local market and better identify potential users.

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16 Commercial Village for Medical and Retail Use – Johns Island, SC

LFK Architects designed six new buildings totaling 58,000 sf as part of a 12-acre planned development along Maybank Hwy, Johns Island, SC, focused primarily on medical office use with limited retail space. The design reflects the local Sea Island vernacular, blending modern functionality with regional architectural traditions.

Throughout the project, LFK Architects worked closely with the project team and a local general contractor to ensure the designs adhered to the owner’s budget. The firm also led the submission process for approval, working with the City of Charleston’s Planning & Zoning and Design Review Board.

The project includes new roadway infrastructure and is currently under construction. LFK Architects coordinated the engineering team to finalize construction documents and secure the necessary permits from the City of Charleston Building Department.

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9 Midtown Design Charrette – Mount Pleasant, SC

As part of a conceptual feasibility study, LFK Architects proposed two mixed-use buildings totaling 11,000 square feet at the intersection of Midtown Avenue and Hungry Neck Blvd in Mount Pleasant, SC. Designed as a gateway to the Midtown Development, the buildings feature a public pocket park at the intersection, retail storefronts to activate Midtown Avenue, and two courtyard spaces ideal for café and restaurant uses.

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12 Carolina Avenue Commercial Village – Goose Creek, SC

LFK Architects designed four new buildings totaling 42,000 sf for the Carolina Avenue Commercial Village, located along Hwy 52 and Carolina Avenue in Goose Creek, SC. This mixed-use development supports retail, office, medical office, and restaurant spaces, along with outdoor courtyard and plaza amenities. LFK Architects, in collaboration with the engineering team, successfully guided the project through full approvals with the City of Goose Creek’s Design Review Board and Building/Permit Department. Construction is currently underway.