Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Morris. Them and their team share their story with us below:
As Morris Construction’s principal and a licensed builder and architect, Robert “Buz” Morris has been building new homes and renovating and restoring historic buildings since 1992. He approaches his profession with a passion for superior quality construction, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and flow. Buz knows from experience the tremendous value of having a committed architect manage the full scope of a construction project.
Growing up in a family of real estate developers and working for a builder in 1991, Buz had an early introduction to the construction industry. After winning an architecture contest at the University of North Carolina, he was offered an internship at Gwathmey Siegel, one of the most prestigious architecture firms in New York, NY. While working for Gwathmey Siegel, Buz had the opportunity to work on some of the most iconic buildings in New York City, including the Guggenheim Museum and the New York Public Library. He also worked on a slew of projects owned by celebrity clients such as Jerry Seinfeld’s pied-a-terre, David Geffen’s pied-a-terre, Michael Dell’s boathouse to mention a few. After years spent honing his skills and training directly under Charles Gwathmey, Buz was ready to return to his Southern roots in Charleston to work as an architect.
Many successful projects later, he decided to follow his heart and passion for the construction process and obtained his general contractor license in 2008. While architecture was a significant stepping-stone on which he built his residential and commercial construction company, Buz excels at managing the construction process by combining expert craftsmanship with efficiency and innovation. He is committed to providing superior quality work; while professionalism, innovation and integrity are the guiding principles of his company.
His knowledge of architecture gives him an absolute and unique edge. Even though he no longer wears the architect’s hat, he understands and respects the vision of the architects that he collaborates with. He has the sensibility to bring architectural plans to fruition exactly as the architect designed them. This is an added benefit for any client working with Buz.
Proud of his Southern heritage, his historic renovation and restoration projects are the highlight of his career as Morris Construction was the first and only construction company to raise a brick structure in downtown Charleston. Construction projects like this one are the driving force that helps him stay relevant and on the forefront of the construction industry in our city.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The word “architect” is derived from the ancient Greeks and Romans. Both civilizations called the person responsible for the entire building environment a “master builder.” In the past, a master builder was a person skilled in the art of building, one who planed and designed buildings and supervised their construction. A master builder was someone who blended theory with craftsmanship.
In the modern world, the role of an architect is separated from the role of a builder. I studied to become an architect and worked as an architect for years, even started my own architecture firm. However, I wanted to do more than just design a floorplan. I wanted to oversee the construction process as well. I wanted the hands-on experience that one can only achieve by being part of the building process. I believed that I could serve my clients better with my architecture degree and perform a better job if I became a builder and a general contractor. It was a major decision for me that changed the course of my business.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Morris Construction?
At Morris Construction, we specialize in historic preservation and historic home restoration services, new custom home construction as well as kitchen and bath remodels, and room additions. We also build commercial projects such as office buildings.
In 2022, Morris Construction (and our team of professional partners) was awarded the Pro Merito Carolopolis awards for One Water Street project by the Preservation Society of Charleston. Projects like One Water St are definitely close to Buz’s heart.
One Water Street house elevation is the first and only house lift of a historic all-brick structure in Charleston, South Carolina. This innovative flood adaptation required a highly skilled and technically complex process. First, the concrete floor under the house had to be removed, then a temporary foundation was installed around the original cypress raft foundation to support the hydraulic jacks and cribbing to raise the house up. The house was elevated by 8 feet and 8 inches from its original location. Once the house was elevated, Morris Construction installed 150 helical piers that go as deep as 80 feet into the ground. A concrete grade beam 2 to 3 feet wide was also installed to support the structure. To reinforce the old masonry, Robert “Buz” Morris of Morris Construction came up with a unique solution to “shotcrete” the space between the original walls and the new CMU block wall.
The house next door, Three Water Street, has also received protection from flooding that many structures in the historic downtown Charleston struggle with. Morris Construction worked with an Italian company that developed an aluminum wall system first introduced in Venice, Italy. 70 feet of new seawall were installed around the rear of the house. This temporary barrier can be used before a major storm and related flooding.
Morris Construction is well-known for elevating historic buildings as well as our superior quality in historic preservation. We have years of experience and unparalleled craftsmanship when restoring historic buildings. With contemporary sensibility blended with a strong appreciation for the existing environment, we build functional, beautiful homes that maintain the integrity of the surroundings.
Buz Morris is a general contractor, but also non-practicing, licensed architect. His knowledge of architecture gives him an absolute and unique edge. Even though he no longer wears the architect’s hat, he understands and respects the vision of the architects that he collaborates with. He has the sensibility to bring architectural plans to fruition exactly as the architect designed them. This is an added benefit for any client working with Buz.
Well-versed with the building department, Charleston Board of Architectural Review (BAR), private community and neighborhood architectural boards, zoning board, and city engineers, we handle all stages of plan approvals and permitting properly and efficiently, relieving our clients of responsibility and stress.
We have a reputation for maintaining excellent working relationships with clients and subcontractors, plus we manage projects effectively, ensuring all parties understand and share the same expectations for the final product.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My fondest memory I have of my childhood involves living in Italy from age 8 to 10. These two years of living in Italy as a child completely opened my eyes to new experiences, mostly involving architecture. I started living in a world that I have never seen before. It opened the door to learning about history, and my admiration and appreciation for historic buildings also started here. I knew from an early age that I wanted to build new buildings and more importantly, I wanted to preserve the historic ones.
Contact Info:
- Email: Buz@morris.construction
- Website: https://customhomebuilderscharleston.com/
- Instagram: @morrisconstruction_chs
- Facebook: @morrisconstructionchs
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/_C_Flkl-VGE
Image Credits
Morris Construction
