--- title: "Group3 — Architects & Building Designers | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/group3-pfvwus-pf~1921111490 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1921111490.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: Group3 category: ["Architects"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/8b03e8120efdd025_4821-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "1600 Main Street, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926, United States" latitude: 32.2077 longitude: -80.7476 phone: "(843) 689-9060" website: http://www.group3designs.net rating: 4.9 review_count: 13 best_of_houzz_awards: 7 followers: 896 last_updated: 2026-08-15 --- # Group3 Original Houzz profile: [Group3](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/group3-pfvwus-pf~1921111490) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Architects - **Location:** Hilton Head Island, SC - **Serves:** Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, Daufuskie Island, Okatie - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (13 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - 5 Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 100,000 Ideabook Saves Group 3 was founded in 1986 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, by Rick Clanton and Mike Ruegamer. Whether contemporary or traditional, formal or informal, the homes of Group 3 are known for their impeccable quality, genuine originality and serious architectural ambition. These traits have earned the firm numerous national awards as well as feature coverage in national, state and regional publications. Group 3 is nationally recognized for its award-winning design talent. Utilizing the best materials, practices and trade relationships, Group 3 provides discerning residential clients with world-class Architectural, Interior Design and Planning services that result in highly original, distinctive custom homes that reflect the unique personality and lifestyle of the owners. Designing a truly Great Home is an emotional journey, a functional and creative challenge, and an awesome responsibility requiring a rare breed of designer. Group 3 initiates all projects with the guiding principal of "quality design with quality materials". Our homes embody a total design to naturally use less energy and resources. This approach creates a healthier and more comfortable home. The staff and principals of Group 3 never forget that client needs come first. Irrespective of the modesty or grandeur of a project, Group 3 possesses the in-house expertise to assist its clients every step of the way - from site analysis and space planning to architecture and interior design to landscaping and final décor. ### Services Provided - Architectural Design - Building Design - Home Remodeling - Architectural Drawings - Custom Homes - House Plans - Home Additions - Home Extensions - Kitchen Design - Sustainable Design - Kitchen Remodeling - Floor Plans - Energy-Efficient Homes - 3D Rendering - Bathroom Design - Green Building - Space Planning - Universal Design - Drafting - Home Restoration - Historic Building Conservation - Project Management - Barn Design & Construction - Construction Drawings - Custom Walk-in Closets - Interior Design - Lighting Design ### Areas Served - Hilton Head Island - Bluffton - Beaufort - Daufuskie Island - Okatie ### Typical Job Cost $50,000 - 6 million ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Group3 | | Address | 1600 Main Street, Hilton Head Island, South Carolina 29926, United States | | Phone | (843) 689-9060 | | Website | http://www.group3designs.net | | Followers on Houzz | 896 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/Group3Design - X (Twitter) — www.twitter.com/group3\_hiltonhead - Blog — http://morethanarchitects.wordpress.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Group3](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/group3-pfvwus-pf~1921111490) - **Website:** http://www.group3designs.net - **Phone:** (843) 689-9060 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - With more than 20 awards since 1995 to include 2010 Builder's Choice Merit Award, 2010 Best in American Living Award-Best in Region, 2010 Best in American Living-Best Home under 4,000 sq. ft. and 2003 Best in American Living National Home of the Year. - **Best of Houzz:** 7 awards (2012–2022), for Design, Service. **Affiliations** - [The American Institute of Architects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/the-american-institute-of-architects-pfvwus-pf~1350720471) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 13 reviews** ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Tanya Clawson, Dec. 2017** > We hired Group 3 to transform our beach house and the results were beyond what we could have ever envisioned! Mike, Taylor and Ava altered our floor plan to make it so much more functional, and came up with ideas for uses of space that we could have never imagined. They also refreshed all rooms and redecorated. The results are fabulous. Family and friends have been amazed with the complete transformation. We are so glad that we decided to hire Group 3 to handle this project- once they were in charge it went from being overwhelming to fun! We couldn't be more pleased. **★★★★★ — joannholec, May 2016** > When we purchased our beach home on Hilton Head, we knew we loved the property, but the house needed updating. We chose Group 3 to help with this. We could not have made a better decision! From architecture to interior design and furnishing, Mike and his team did an exemplary job( and he's fun, too.) He created a MBR and bath, and a second floor bar and adult game room. Our house is now a home-beautiful, comfortable and feels perfect for us for years to come. Remodeling can be a nightmare, but we actually had fun! **★★★★★ — Denise Stringer Interior Design, Jan. 2015** > Over the years, I have enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with Rick Clanton of Group 3 on high end residential and commercial projects in the LowCountry. Working alongside Rick, I've witnessed first hand his profound creativity and his incredible attention to even the smallest details which have made his Architectural creations award-winning! The energy and insight that Rick brings to the table makes the Architectural design process exciting and ensues that his distinguished designs will be memorable. I look forward to future design projects with Rick and recommend him highly to those who are searching for an architect who doesn't leave a stone unturned. > > Denise Stringer > DeniseStringerInteriorDesign.com **★★★★★ — nelsonf, Jan. 2015** > We hired Group 3 to design our dream beach house in Hilton Head from start to finish. After listening to what we wanted in our house, Mike put out plans that were beyond our expectations. Every piece of trim and finish details were specified, so that nothing was left to chance. Mike and Tara worked with us at every step in picking out every piece of tile, flooring, furniture, colors, accessories, etc. making sure that all of our choices fit into the cohesive look and feel of our house and were in line with the vision we had created. They also provided full supervision of the construction process which was critical for us as we were building from a distance. I highly recommend Group 3. They were amazing to work with in all aspects of the design process. My house came out better than I could have ever imagined. **★★★★★ — Maddy Claire Designs, Aug. 2014** > Both Rick Clanton and Mike Ruegamer are an absolute DREAM to work with -- and I've worked for and with them for over a decade. No matter what the economy is doing, no matter what might be going on with me or with them and their (very demanding) international clientele, they always, ALWAYS gave me as much time and attention as I requested of them. As a full-time, career professional who has been president of several architectural-marketing companies over the years, I can honestly say, with great pride and affection, that Group 3 holds a special place in my heart. With a client list spanning more than 13 states and three countries, my agency unequivocally would recommend Rick Clanton and Mike Ruegamer above ALL OTHER ARCHITECTS and INTERIOR DESIGNERS in the Western hemisphere. If this sounds like some attempt to sound effusive or superlative in the extreme, then you would be correct! If you want the very, very, VERY best architects, interior designers, construction managers and administration-support team in the business, HIRE THEM IMMEDIATELY. They are in demand for a very good reason. Trust me -- or call me -- if you are serious about finding the Perfect “Interior + Exterior + Land/Site + High-Tech + Full-Service” design-plan team for your next residential (or commercial) project. I'll gladly speak with you and share all that I know about Rick and Mike -- and I've interviewed DOZENS of their clients, business partners, vendors and builder-partners during the course of my doing business with them. My number is (480) 652-0070, and my email is madison@maddyclaire.com. I don't know how else to say it. These guys and their AMAZING TEAM are the very best I've ever seen, worked with or heard about. Thank you, Rick and Mike, for an amazing (nearly) 15-year relationship that has made me prouder than I could have ever imagined. Bless you both, and also thank you also for all the wonderful charity work you and your firm do on behalf of all those in need. You guys are the best, you honestly care about your work and your clients, and it will be my great pleasure and privelidge to continue to count you as my No.1 go-to team for ANYTHING related to residential or commercial architecture, interior design, land-planning/landscape architecture and construction-management team. **★★★★★ — mcoxe, April 2014** > Rick Clanton took us to see several of his projects and showed us examples of the advantage of having an experienced architect( for example: he showed us flaws that could occur when changes were made by someone other than the architect -- design and material). Our house was being built using old lumber and bricks from family houses and barns; his patience in listening to us has made this house a place that is warm and welcoming( that is according to people who have visited!). We spent about a year with the architect before beginning construction; the house was completed 2 1/2 years after that so Group 3 was part of our lives for 3 1/2 years. **★★★★★ — candyandivy, April 2014** > We asked Group3 to completely remodel our three bedroom home, while we added two bedrooms and two baths. We were very pleased with their design concepts and made very few changes to their original ideas. From a few pre-design discussions, Group3 understood exactly what we wanted. They took advantage of the rear view of our home and increased the efficiency of our existing space. Upon conclusion of our reconstruction, we used Group3 for our finished interior decoration and, again, we were very pleased with the extra touches they incorporated. We would use Group3 again for any architectural and/or interior design work. **★★★★★ — John McManus Photographer, April 2014** > I have had the privilege of working with Group 3 for almost 20 years as an Architectural/Interior photographer. Their great work inspires me be at my best when they call on me. Not only are they extremely talented Architects, but they are an absolute pleasure to work with. > > John McManus > John McManus Photographer > Savannah, Georgia **★★★★ — zangen, March 2014** > Grp 3 is a very honest, creative, professional organization. > They do their work as promised, on time, and on budget. > They are a pleasure to work with. > Recommend them highly. **★★★★★ — User, March 2014** > DeSantana Stone Company has enjoyed being part of some of the most beautiful homes in the Hilton Head area designed by Group 3. Rick Clanton is a consummate professional: a truly genuine person with a talent for creating teams who produce timeless and valuable custom homes. Attention to detail abounds throughout the designs of Group 3 as can be seen consistently on each project. > > We are proud to provide architectural limestone for Group 3’s exceptional homes, and would highly recommend their architectural services. We look forward to more jobs together! **★★★★★ — cindylind, March 2014** > Group 3 was our architect in renovating a 30+ year old second home. They did an excellent job in updating the home and meeting our objectives. We added windows to enhance the view and add light, walls were removed and the kitchen and four bathrooms were redone. The deck was reconfigured and a screened porch and powder room were added. They also recommended an excellent contractor and were very helpful in assisting with our finishes. We highly recommend this architect. **★★★★★ — Savannah Surfaces, Inc., Feb. 2014** > Our projects can be very difficult and longwinded, so its good to know that we have Group3 to help ease the process. Group 3 always gives very concise and accurate plans, with no wait time between us requesting the plans and us actually getting them. Their efficiency is superlative, and they know the area very well. We trust Group 3 and will continue to work with them for many years to come ## Selected projects - [Dune Lane](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/dune-lane-pj-vj~5681046) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 26 - [Spanish Wells](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/spanish-wells-pj-vj~2728036) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 21 - [Sea Pines Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-pines-renovation-pj-vj~2732116) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 6 - [Mackays Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mackays-point-pj-vj~2588169) - Location: Bluffton, SC - Photos: 7 - [Wexford](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wexford-pj-vj~2586178) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 34 - [English Country Waterfront](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-country-waterfront-pj-vj~35729) - Location: Bluffton, SC - Photos: 12 - [Mediterranean Style](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/mediterranean-style-pj-vj~27046) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 27 - [English Manor House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-manor-house-pj-vj~665754) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 21 - [South Port Royal Drive](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/south-port-royal-drive-pj-vj~1775690) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 12 - [Haig Point](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/haig-point-pj-vj~2571618) - Location: Daufuskie Island, SC - Photos: 12 - [Colleton River](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/colleton-river-pj-vj~2569300) - Location: Bluffton, SC - Photos: 24 - [English Country](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/english-country-pj-vj~26917) - Location: Bluffton, SC - Photos: 9 - [Vintage Daufuskie Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vintage-daufuskie-island-pj-vj~26090) - Location: Daufuskie Island, SC - Photos: 11 - [Real Southern Farmhouse](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/real-southern-farmhouse-pj-vj~26824) - Location: Darlington, SC - Photos: 18 - [Sea Pines](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/sea-pines-pj-vj~2533994) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 20 - [Palmetto Dunes Renovation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/palmetto-dunes-renovation-pj-vj~2536735) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 12 - [Eastwind](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/eastwind-pj-vj~2544742) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 34 - [Calibogue Cay](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/calibogue-cay-pj-vj~2040189) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 17 - [Beach Front Escape](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/beach-front-escape-pj-vj~49501) - Location: Hilton Head, SC - Photos: 9 - [Long Cove Dr](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/long-cove-dr-pj-vj~1718173) - Location: Hilton Head Island, SC - Photos: 9 [See all 33 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/architects-and-building-designers/group3-pfvwus-pf~1921111490) ## Community Q&A **Q: Love the dining chairs! Where can I buy them?** *(in Photo Questions)* We had a dining table made and I'm having a very difficult time finding chairs that look great and are still practical - I have grandchildren! These look great and would match my decor! Please help. Thank you in advance! A: Debbie, They are Furniture Classics, Serrano side chairs with a custom recovered leather seat. **Q: where can I find the green chairs?** *(in Photo Questions)* Green chairs A: I will have to check for you. This may have been an outside decorator. **Q: Is that a pool to the left? In the bricked in area? Thanks!!** *(in Photo Questions)* A: Yes, it really works nicely there... it's dropped about 4 feet from the front yard. Now that's it's a settled in the landscape (I was there this weekend) it's essentially invisible. **Q: Window casement** *(in Photo Questions)* Stewart Brannen Millwork Can you do a casement in three section with measurement 84 inch in width and 64 inches in height A: Contact Brannen Millworks at their Houzz site, but they can certainly manage that size. **Q: retractable screens?** *(in Photo Questions)* Are these retractable motorized screens in the photo? If so, would you mind telling me from which company you found them? A: We specified Phantom Screens... I'm pretty sure that was what the builder ultimately installed. **Q: What is the roofing material on the main house? Porch looks metal.** *(in Photo Questions)* A: The porch is zinc and the main roof is slate. Nothing makes a house look better than a premium roof! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-15.*