HVAC question for the pros

[Jeffrey Stasz]

Hey all. 

I am getting ready to do a new construction project in downtown Charleston SC. My architect suggested taking a look at concealed mini-splits rather than a traditional HVAC system. The systems are a bit more expensive but the savings on duct work labor and materials make it a pretty good deal. Wondering if any of the pros out there have been putting these systems into their new construction. Any advice would be super helpful. 

[J Scott]

Have you priced it out both ways?  Seems surprising to me that the cost of installation for a traditional system in a new construction project would outweigh the extra cost of the mini-splits -- not to mention that the aesthetics of mini-splits are much worse (in my opinion) than a traditional system.