April Dispatches in Design

Hot happenings and big announcements hitting the Southeastern design industry

 

Winners Announced for ADAC’s 2026 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards

Presented by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center in collaboration with Veranda, the Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards gala took place last night, April 23, at the Atlanta History Center. From a roster of 17 finalists, three winners, one in each category of architecture, contract design, and residential design were selected. The winning firms from each category are as follows: Architect, D. Stanley Dixon Architect; Contract Design, The Design Atelier; Residential Design, Melanie Turner Interiors. With more than 120 entries, this year’s distinguished finalists and winners were selected by a team of top industry professionals. Congratulations! adacatlanta.com

 

Square Feet Studio’s Vivian Bencich Is Stepping Out on Her Own

Just in time for her 60th birthday, Vivian Bencich recently announced the launch of Vivian Bencich Interiors, residential interior design practice based in Atlanta, serving local and regional clients. With over 25 years of design experience on her resume, Bencich is more than equipped for this new chapter. Following her time at Square Feet Studio, Bencich’s studio will be under her own name and be returning to the work she loves best: residential design. vivianbencich.com

New Luxury Apartments at Star Metals District Wow

The latest addition to the Star Metals District, Stella, is now leasing. The new luxury apartment building is designed by Arcturis | square feet studio and pairs striking contextual architecture with layered, hospitality-forward interiors. Dotted with custom artwork and furnishings, the interiors feel warm and welcoming while remaining stylish and midcentury modern. The project’s exterior design, led by Oppenheim Architecture, features a curved copper-toned facade that intentionally references the area’s former life as a metalworks site. Echoing the building’s undulating architectural motifs and biophilic green roof terraces, the amenities feature curved seating and layered eclectic planters. A fully custom steel spiral staircase fabricated by Atlanta artisan Mill & Forge connects the multi-level ground floor amenities, rising between fluted plaster columns with perforated blackened steel railings and integrated lighting. squarefeetstudio.com; stellaatstarmetals.com

 

The Atlanta Design Community Welcomes New ADAC Additions

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center recently gained two new tenants: Holland & Sherry’s dedicated showroom and the arrival of Michele Gratch Interiors to the Design Studios. Holland & Sherry’s new 5,513 square-foot showroom at ADAC marks an exciting evolution of the brand’s presence in Atlanta. Previously presented within the R HUGHES showroom, the move into its own space allows for a more expansive and immersive presentation of the collection. After eight years on Miami Circle, Michele Gratch Interiors has opened a new 560-square-foot Design Studio at ADAC, marking an exciting next chapter for the firm. hollandandsherry.com; michelegratchinteriors.com