Blackburn Architects PC

For over three decades, Blackburn Architects has been leading the world in the design of equestrian facilities that are both beautiful and innovative. Our designers use principles of natural ventilation to create buildings that "breathe" with air and with light, dissipating heat and moisture. We start by placing buildings within the landscape to take best advantage of a site's natural features. Then, by venting through the roof, we create "chimneys" encouraging heat to rise. Reduced pressure on the leeward side of a roof, similar to the low pressure created by the shape of an airplane wing, suctions air out of our barns through openings in the roof or vented skylights. We are proud that our firm is credited with raising the bar on barn design through the use of aerodynamic principles.

Our goal for decades has been to ensure the health and safety of horses through design and to do our part to protect the planet one manure composting system at a time. We offer a range of services including architecture for residences, guest accommodations, horse barns, riding arenas, and supporting structures. We also specialize in barn conversions, converting historic barns into homes, guest accommodations, party or event spaces. Additionally, we provide master planning for equestrian sites and conceptual design.

Services

Our services include architecture for various structures such as residences, guest accommodations, horse barns, riding arenas, and supporting structures. We also offer barn conversions, converting historic barns into homes, guest accommodations, party or event spaces. Furthermore, we provide master planning for equestrian sites and conceptual design. Our focus on sustainable design integrates renewable energy systems, sustainably harvested building materials, CO2 systems, composting, clean water protection, and more into our state-of-the-art projects.

Our History

After graduating from Clemson and working for the US Army Corps of Engineers, John Blackburn attended Washington University, earning a Master's Degree in Urban Design. In 1983, he and a former partner created the precursor to Blackburn Architects, Smith Blackburn Architects. Their early focus was on the adaptive reuse of older structures, the residential market, and equestrian design. The firm still practices in these three niches. Our special focus in equestrian projects came about by happy accident, starting with the successful project, Heronwood Farm, which seeded the firm's fortunes and led to hundreds more horse farms over the past 39 years.

Mission

Our mission is to ensure the health and safety of horses through design and to do our part to protect the planet. We strive to create innovative and sustainable equestrian facilities that not only meet but exceed the needs of our clients and the environment.