Period Style Architecture is a referent to a series of styles developed after the Renaissance, characterized by distinct building types, both public and private. After the 15th and 16th centuries, artisans in different countries (France, England, Italy, for instance) interpreted the original classical architectural styles of Greek and Roman building, embracing and rejecting certain elements to form their own individual styles. As each style developed in various regions, the German expression “form follows function” morphed and guided certain aspects of building methods prevalent in the styles we see in historical architecture leading to the early 1900's.

Period Architecture, in simplistic terms, inspire those who gaze upon such artistry. A builder has done his job when you cannot discern exactly when the house was built, whether it was yesterday, or 100 years ago. Even to the lay person, people notice authentic architecture, as is causes us to do a double-take, catching a glimpse of what appears to be out of place, mistaking a home that should be on some French countryside north of Paris, or a hacienda on the Tuscan coast.

Understand that Period Architecture is a relative term; in 400 years, they could very well reinterpret the transitional architecture we see today that is so prevalent in the North Carolina market. Our historical brethren of the building trades were also influenced by the past. And it seems, for the precious few today, a few builders look to the grandeur of the past in recreating important, unique trends of the future.

Why do most builders choose not to build Period Homes?

The old adage “if it were easy, everyone would be doing it” applies a universal theme throughout the building industry. If you're going to build period architecture, you need the proper infrastructure to do so, to lineate what everyone else is building from what you choose to create.

Building period homes requires a certain level of skill that most builders do not have, and do not have the time to develop. It takes years of study to understand different styles and interpretations of classical architecture. Frankly, you have to “feel” the architecture, much like the way Mozart would feel his music. You must live it, breathe it, study it, and understand it.

Period Style also requires a level of skill with artisans that a building team must develop over time. We've found in various markets that we can't locate good subcontractors without paying well over and above what is considered fair compensation, so we train our own employees to become artisans of the classical trades. From building structural walls, to Venetian plaster, to stone flooring, we spend a lot of time developing our own internal processes to recreate unique features of the past with today's materials.

When Mangum Design-Build began building homes, we did not have the level of skill it takes to build the kind of homes we build now. Our company president, Kevin Mangum, is a great builder with God-given talent, but could not do what we do alone. It just requires too much skill for one person or one small building company. What we do is the collaborative effort of different levels of personnel moving towards one goal of building homes that are a reflection of historical antiquity. A reflection of ideals. Of strength. Of longevity and balance. A time where people understood a difference between cost and value.