There’s something powerful about walking into a church where everything sounds just right — where your mind is quiet enough to hear WHO and WHAT matters. Voices aren’t lost in echo, music fills the space with purpose, and the room itself invites you to be fully present.
In 2025, a new chapter for Seacoast is coming to life in a place where community, peace, and quiet reign.
A new house for miracles
Seacoast Church is one of the Lowcountry’s most impactful ministries, and this year, they are expanding their presence in South Carolina with a new campus on Johns Island, just off scenic Bohicket Rd. The project is currently under construction by Trident Construction.
The church selected Equip Studio to design the new space, which is being thoughtfully crafted with architectural and acoustical details chosen to enhance worship, conversation, and community — where every material and every hand involved truly matters.
Smart Choices, Lasting Impact
From the beginning, the architectural team dreamed big. Equip Studio originally proposed a premium linear perforated metal ceiling system: a beautiful solution that absorbs sound rather than reflecting it. It was elegant and functional, but like many premium finishes, it came with a price tag to match. (See example: Armstrong Metal Ceilings).
This is where Armstrong’s expertise was pivotal - and where Commercial Interiors stepped in as more than just installers, but true problem solvers
While Equip Studio initially specified a premium metal ceiling, Armstrong Ceilings later introduced Acoustibuilt™ as a more cost-effective alternative that didn’t compromise on design or acoustical performance. As subcontractors with decades of experience building everything from commercial spaces to churches, we always look to achieve common ground that benefits all parties involved. That means speaking up when we see a smarter solution for the owner and the general contractor.
After preliminary pricing, the project team concluded the design was over budget, which led them to explore a potential switch. Acoustibuilt™ delivers the clean, monolithic look of drywall while offering the high-performance sound control needed for worship, gatherings, weddings, and other large-scale community events. Our Vice President and most seasoned Project Manager, Doug Adkins, recognized the potential of this new system and helped support the final decision made by Seacoast Church, Armstrong World Industries, and Trident Construction — a win for aesthetics, acoustics, and cost.
Ceiling systems like this can range anywhere from $4 to $60 per square foot, depending on materials and scope. Thanks to Armstrong’s innovation and our team’s practical insight, Seacoast avoided unnecessary high-end costs while still achieving the right result for the space and the people it serves.
beams and belonging
The church, alongside Equip Studio, also incorporated Rulon™ veneer beams throughout the foyer and other interior spaces to bring warmth, texture, and a sense of home into the architecture. These design elements not only enhance the visual appeal but also help soften the scale of a large sanctuary — creating a space that feels more personal, welcoming, and naturally draws people closer together.
What It Means for the Community
Beyond cost savings, the ceilings chosen for Seacoast Johns Island offer real acoustic performance, with enhanced Noise Reduction Coefficients (NRC) once coated with a specialized spray finish. This means a quieter, more focused environment — ideal for ongoing private conversations in the foyer, immersive sermons, impactful worship, and meaningful gatherings.
That’s not just a win for the construction team or the church community — it’s a win for every single person who will walk through those doors.
Building With Purpose
From our estimators and project managers to the crew members, we’re honored and grateful to be part of this project. At Commercial Interiors, we were trusted with a significant part of this build, from the structural framing to the interior finishes, and we believe that great construction isn’t just about what’s built — it’s about the experience it creates for the people inside.
This new sanctuary will serve thousands. And we’re proud to help shape the way it looks, feels, and sounds for decades to come.
By Bettina Obst on June 25, 2025.