A Special Relationship

While Ryley Monaghan spent years crafting dishes in some of Charleston’s most celebrated kitchens as an award-winning chef, his passion for the art of custom home building eventually wooed him from the fast pace of the kitchen to create a company that reflects his skill, attention to detail and the inherent beauty of the city he loves. “What initially drew me to Charleston was its vibrant culture, rich history and undeniable charm — qualities that not only inspired my culinary journey but also fueled my shift into custom home building,” said Florida-born Monaghan, who launched Oak Angel Builders, in 2019.

For Monaghan, the parallels between being a chef and a custom home builder are many: “Both require a keen eye for detail and a close collaboration with a talented team to ensure the final product exceeds expectations,” he explained. “Quality materials and quality ingredients are necessary to achieve an exceptional product, and in both, the goal is always the same: to deliver an extraordinary experience.”

Part of delivering that extraordinary experience is a design philosophy that begins with the natural landscape, incorporating Charleston's oak, cypress, cedar and other native trees into each home they build. “The exterior is just as important as the interior, and we place a strong emphasis on creating expansive outdoor living spaces that seamlessly blend with the environment,” said Monaghan. “Thoughtful placement is key, ensuring the home captures the natural breeze and maximizes the stunning views of both sunrise and sunset through large, plentiful windows. Inside, we focus on unique character, using custom wall coverings to elevate each space. Our partnership with Desert Poppy Paper Company brings beautifully crafted wallpaper into our homes, adding a layer of artistry and personality that’s evident in every design.

“We also prioritize sourcing materials made in the USA and believe in the importance of investing in our economy and supporting local craftsmanship,” he added. “We’re always on the lookout for treasures like reclaimed Charleston brick and local lumber, which we use for everything from interior trim to flooring and moldings. The name ‘Oak Angel’ reflects this commitment. Just as the iconic Angel Oak stands as a symbol of preservation, our mission is to protect and celebrate the natural elements of our surroundings.”

A prime example of their incredible craftmanship and design philosophy was a recently completed home on Kiawah Island. Inspired by their love of the Lowcountry, the homeowners wanted to incorporate local architectural features and believed that Oak Angel Builders could realize their vision for their home. “The remodel converted the existing house into a completely different home,” said Abel Rodriguez, who shares the home with his wife and envisioned a spacious house that would accommodate large family gatherings.

It was important to the homeowners for an open area to be created in the main family room, so the team at Oak Angel Builders removed a partial wall that divided the two. Eliminating the wall and remodeling the kitchen allowed the homeowners to better utilize the space, with a resulting openness that is airy, bright and allows a free-flowing ease of use between both spaces. The extensive project touched every surface and each corner of the home: All wall surfaces and window treatments were updated, all-new lighting and fixtures were carefully selected to enhance each space, the flooring throughout was replaced with hardwoods and a natural stone finish was incorporated into the fireplace. The five-bedroom home’s footprint was expanded to accommodate seven bedrooms, with each bathroom renovated and a half bathroom expanded into an additional full bathroom. The screened porch was converted to a climate-controlled, all-weather space, and the exterior was updated with paint, windows, landscape and other finishing details.

Among the homeowners’ favorite changes to the home is a second master bedroom suite in the crow’s nest, which was once a game room. “This bedroom has a tremendous view of the ocean,” said the homeowner.  

As for how they will now live in the space, Mr. and Mrs. Rodriguez said, “Before the remodel, we did not have enough space for the entire family. Now, we can host our three married children, their spouses and our six grandchildren.”     

“By the time the project was over, we had rebuilt the entire home,” spoke Monaghan of the extensive custom build, which took about nine months to complete. “What made this project so special was the relationship we developed with the homeowners. With each build, once the client and I have built trust in one another, we are able to start genuinely collaborating and produce excellent results.  A good, honest, and open relationship always produces the best results.” 

For more information, call 843-305-6167, or visit OakAngelbuilders.com.