Remaking History - Reshaping the Future:

The images of the past frame the picture for life as we know it in the Charleston area. Most of our points of reference begin with places like the Battery - Market St - Shem Creek - Old Village with gas lanterns flickering in the night, the grand church structures where the great hymns are still heard, and memories of a rich culture and past. But if these buildings are to be more than museums, if they can come to life again and provide not only the picture of the past but are also viable for the present we preserve the future.

The Challenge:

1. To preserve the historic integrity of the structure.
2. To make the structure functional in today's world
3. to use modern mechanical systems that are both efficient and effective.
4. To enhance not alter the original intent of the structure. How did the wonderful architecture and character of the historic homes of the Charleston are become abandoned and replaced with brick ranch homes in the 50's, 60's, and 70's. Primarily because they were cold in the winter, hot in the summer, difficult to maintain, and had expensive utility costs.

The Solution:

To take today's technology and integrate that technology and innovation into the buildings of the past. To rethink the spaces and layout of the structure, to enhance the livability and convenience of the building. To incorporate design and function in such a way as to not just preserve but give the building back it's grandeur. It can be done but it takes creativity, knowledge of today's building innovations and techniques, a respect for the original architecture and character of the home, experience, and a lot of hard work. That's out business - RA Smith Construction.

Robert A. Smith Sr.

There is no substitute for experience and 30 years in the construction industry has equipped the R A Smith Construction team for the challenge of today’s market. Bob started his career in the field becoming a licensed contractor and holding a journeymen’s card in Illinois’s carpenter union. In the early 80's he moved to East Lansing Michigan to run a general contracting company. It was there that the opportunity to work in the product and technical support end of the business started.
Beginning with Managing window distribution. Then serving as architectural reps for such prominent companies as Pella Windows and Marvin Windows Bob worked in the Northern Illinois and Wisconsin area as an advisor to the construction industry. Holding the first historic preservation conference in Milwaukee, Bob headed early efforts to make the building industry understand the importance of preserving our building treasures.

The late nineties and the beginning of this century Bob would move to Charlotte then to Charleston as Sales Manager for two of the largest custom stair companies in the Southeast where he worked extensively in custom millwork and design. In 2006 Bob started his journey back to contracting and his first love as a design build contractor. R A Smith Construction has since produced award winning renovations and emerged in the Charleston  market as a prominent source for the renovation needs of the area.