The Architecture of American Cities: Charleston

From August 27th through September 30th, please join the American Center in Moscow for a new virtual event series exploring the rich architectural heritage of different American cities. Bringing together an expert roster of leading architects, historians, and urban planners, the series will highlight the iconic architecture of four major urban centers – New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Charleston. This series will take you on a journey through iconic places such as New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Charleston, each with its own distinct architectural and cultural heritage. Please see below for the schedule of events, along with details on each event and the guest speaker. Tuesday, September 23, 19:00 MSK: Charleston, South Carolina On Tuesday, September 23rd, 2025, at 19:00 MSK, please join the American Center in Moscow for a live presentation on the architecture of Charleston, South Carolina with Carri Schwab, owner and lead guide of Bricks and Brushes, Charleston’s only technical tour of classical architecture and the building arts. In this talk, Schwab will introduce you to over 350 years of American design, ingenuity, and craftsmanship; along with the historically tumultuous social, economic, and environmental challenges of building and preserving the precariously beautiful classical facade of The Holy City. Carri Schwab is the owner and lead guide of Bricks and Brushes, Charleston’s only specialty tour with a focus on history and culture through the lens of architecture and the building arts. She grew up in a rural town on the Appalachian Trail, in the Southeastern mountains of the United States. Carri went on to study Mechanical Engineering at Georgia Tech and then made a sharp turn North to attend the Juilliard School in Acting. She toured with theaters around the world, including Russia, and lived in Charleston, SC to use her engineering and construction skills to apply preservation and modern restoration techniques throughout historic residences, including her own. Now with Bricks and Brushes, she takes immense pleasure in engaging her guests and audiences with the same balance as her education: with a wide-eyed awe and appreciation for the technical and creative artisans of the past, present and, hopefully, an inspired future.