Charles Beck
Founder and President
Charles grew up in Freehold, New Jersey, a wonderful traditional American small town. As a child, he spent his days walking to school, exploring downtown, and playing at his friends’ houses, right around the corner. Later, he would study architecture and urban design at the University of Notre Dame where he learned why he loved his hometown so much - it embodied principles of traditional design like walkability, human scale, and a having a diversity of uses. A highlight of his time at Notre Dame was studying for a year in Rome, Italy, seeing first-hand works of the great Renaissance architects and exploring the beautiful cities of Rome, Florence, Assisi, and many others. Post-university, Charles spent five years as an Officer in the United States Navy, traveling the world and keeping our country safe. On his several overseas deployments, Charles saw how diverse cultures historically tended to live in traditional neighborhoods with town squares and pedestrian-oriented streets. After the military, Charles attended the University of Pennsylvania, earning a Master’s degree in traditional Urban Design, including coursework in development at the Wharton Business School. He is grateful for his many early life blessings that caused him to delight in traditional design.
After graduation, Charles began his professional career with Torti Gallas & Partners, a New Urbanist firm in Washington DC, where he helped design mixed-use, commercial, and residential buildings. He then worked for Duncan Stroik in the Mid-West, helping design churches and schools. Going deeper into his faith, Charles took a break from architecture and lived in a Catholic monastery. For several years he served as a brother, engaged in prayer, teaching, and music ministry. Then he returned to the world after an enriching time of personal growth.
In the ensuing chapter of Charles’ professional life, he worked for some of the best classical and traditional offices in the world, mostly in New York City, including the esteemed Ferguson & Shamamian. Most recently, Charles worked in Celebration, Florida as Project Manager with Geoffrey Mouen, Architect, developing urban design and architecture projects from concept to permit. With over twelve years of experience, including several working on his own, Charles is a highly-skilled and passionate traditional architect, offering clients the best solutions in architectural and urban design.
Charles holds a professional license in Florida and is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, facilitating license reciprocity among different states. He is the winner of various professional awards and his work has been exhibited internationally.
Charles is happily married and lives with his wife, Ligia, in Dade City, Florida. He plays piano and sings in his local Catholic church and is enjoying renovating his 1959 Florida farmhouse.
Our company is rooted in the values of