Opening its first Charleston office, Vin-Yet Architecture is bridging the generational gap when it comes to the local architecture industry. Combining traditional hand-drawn sketches and the very latest in 3-D modeling, Vin-Yet is doing architecture differently.

Vin-Yet Architecture is a collaborative studio working on projects throughout the Carolinas. It has additional offices in Rock Hill, S.C., and Asheville, N.C.

Myles Alexander, principal with Vin-Yet, said the company has been getting more clients in Charleston and wanted to establish a physical presence here. James “Jamey” Arthur will serve as director of the Charleston studio. Arthur, who lives in Mount Pleasant, has a background both as an architect and a licensed builder with experience in historic restorations.

Vin-Yet is currently working on residential projects on Daniel Island as well as on Kiawah and Seabrook islands. The company plans to expand into commercial and municipal architecture in the Lowcountry.

The Vin-Yet team is also overseeing the upfit of its new office, which is located in the 19th-century Gadsden-Morris House at 329 East Bay St., first floor, in historic downtown Charleston.

Vin-Yet – named for the phonetic spelling of the word “vignette” – speaks to the company’s emphasis on hand drawing. Principal Justin Smith hand sketches drawings for clients until they are completely satisfied.

Hand-sketched drawings are becoming a lost art in the world of architecture as students mainly learn digital drawing and computer programs. Vin-Yet blends the hand drawings – which appeal to an older generation – with the computer models that speak to a tech-savvy new generation. Vin-Yet is one of a handful of Charleston area architectural firms using advanced 3-D software.

"We have design sensibility of old generation but we translate that to the tools of the modern generation,” Alexander said.

The company also takes its role as designer a step further, getting involved in the construction process and spending time on the construction site to assist with any issues or questions.

“Putting something on a piece of paper only makes you a designer,” Alexander said. “Getting it built the way you designed it makes you an architect.”

Vin-Yet will host an open house at its new office from 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 26 at 329 East Bay St. with beverages and passed hors d’oeuvres. The entire design team will be available for questions. For more information, call 843-619-7662 or email contact@vin-yet.com.