Business Details
28 Years
experience
Traditional Architecture & Urban Design Solutions
Brown Design Studio was founded with a clear mission: to advance traditional architecture and urbanism through thoughtful design rooted in local context. Our practice combines over 25 years of experience with a deep understanding of historic urbanism and walkable communities, enabling us to create sustainable, value-driven solutions for both public and private sector clients. We specialize in Traditional Urbanism and Architecture, with expertise spanning new construction, urban infill, and historic preservation. Our team's leadership in Smart Code calibration and infill design demonstrates our commitment to repairing sprawl and revitalizing communities. As nationally recognized designers, we bring award-winning expertise to projects ranging from town centers to small-scale residential infill.Our work reflects a philosophy that architecture should respond to climate, topography, and cultural context while prioritizing human experience and environmental responsibility. With a portfolio that includes published projects and national awards, we maintain active involvement in professional organizations that promote traditional design principles. Our Savannah-based studio serves clients nationwide, blending regional knowledge with scalable urban solutions. We believe that quality design strengthens community identity and enhances real estate value through walkable, contextually responsive environments.
Services
Architectural Design
Urban Planning
Historic Preservation
Smart Code Calibration
Community Land Planning
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- 25+ years of experience in traditional architecture and urbanism
- Award-winning designs published in national architectural publications
- Expertise in Smart Code/Form Based Code calibration
- Nationally recognized historic preservation specialists
- Congress of New Urbanism member since 1996
Services
Architectural Design
Our architectural design services create contextually responsive buildings that integrate climate, topography, and local building traditions. We specialize in traditional forms that enhance community character while meeting modern functional requirements. Our approach balances beauty, efficiency, and durability to deliver timeless structures that appreciate in value.
Urban Planning
Urban planning services focus on creating walkable, mixed-use communities following New Urbanism principles. We develop market-driven solutions that enhance public realms and increase real estate value through contextual design. Our expertise includes form-based coding, infill strategies, and town center development that balances growth with heritage preservation.
Historic Preservation
Historic preservation services protect architectural heritage while enabling adaptive reuse. With 27 years of experience, we've preserved numerous commercial and residential buildings using award-winning techniques that maintain historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs. Our work includes rehabilitation projects and compatible new construction within historic districts.
Smart Code Calibration
Smart Code calibration services optimize land development regulations to create walkable, sustainable communities. We analyze existing zoning frameworks and develop form-based codes that promote traditional neighborhood patterns. Our technical expertise ensures regulatory frameworks support mixed-use development and human-scaled urban environments.
Community Land Planning
Community land planning creates cohesive neighborhoods that balance density with quality of life. We develop master plans integrating residential, commercial, and public spaces with pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Our designs emphasize connectivity, sustainability, and implementation strategies that transform planning concepts into buildable, market-viable projects.
People
Eric S. Brown
Principal
Eric S. Brown, a Congress of New Urbanism member since 1996, leads Brown Design Studio with 25+ years of experience in traditional architecture. His award-winning work includes national publications and lectures on urban design principles. He specializes in merging historic preservation with modern development needs.
Questions
What architectural styles do you specialize in?
We specialize in traditional architecture rooted in local context, including classical, vernacular, and historic styles adapted for modern use.
Do you work on historic building renovations?
Yes, we've completed over 27 years of historic preservation projects, including commercial and residential buildings within protected districts.
Can you help with zoning regulations for urban projects?
Our Smart Code calibration services help clients navigate and optimize zoning regulations for walkable, mixed-use developments.
What geographic areas do you serve?
While based in Savannah, Georgia, we provide architectural and planning services for projects nationwide.
How do you approach sustainable design?
We prioritize passive design strategies, regional materials, and building longevity to create environmentally responsible architecture that reduces long-term resource consumption.