Best Dressed
In September, the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art recognized the best and brightest in design at the 16th annual Philip Trammell Shutze Awards
Highly competitive and one of the region’s most prestigious recognitions, a Philip T. Shutze Award is oftentimes considered the pinnacle of its receiver’s career. Named after Atlanta’s most famous architect, the award honors the brightest Southeastern talents and their commitment to upholding classical design practices. The submission process is not for the faint of heart and is as meticulous as the projects that win, with three industry peers—this year, interior designer Katie Ridder, architect Mac White and landscape architect Fernando Wong—blindly and thoroughly judging each entry. Upon completion, the season’s swankiest celebration follows with around 300 architects, designers, landscape architects and other industry members dressed in their black-tie best for the awards ceremony party at Atlanta’s Piedmont Driving Club.
Designer Madeline Stuart hosted the evening where winners were publicly recognized, architect Norman D. Askins was honored as the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, and excellence in classical, traditional design was celebrated throughout. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles was in attendance and is delighted to share the award-winning projects with you.
Residential Architecture over 7,500 Square Feet
Brandon Ingram, C. Brandon Ingram Design
South Georgia Quail Plantation, Quitman, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “This speaks to all the qualities looked at by the jury—proportion, scale, rhythm and symmetry. The detail is impeccable and carries through from space to space.”
Words from the Winner: “With this house being my first major commission, the honor of seeing it recognized with a Shutze Award is even more meaningful. It’s without a doubt one of the most special projects in my portfolio and one I’ll never forget. It’s a perfect example of what a trusting client and a well-orchestrated design team can create.”
Residential Interior Design Under 7,500 Square Feet
Caroline Gidiere, Caroline Gidiere Design
Georgian in Mountain Brook,Birmingham, Alabama
What the Jurors Say: “This project has a sophisticated palette and clear mastery of detail. The upholstery details are interesting and the fabric combinations are wonderful.”
Words from the Winner: “The aim of the interiors was to meet the exterior’s strictly classical architecture with traditional design, as well as balance that with the needs and preferences of a young and modern family. To accomplish that, we curated a mix of classic textiles and antiques that present a fresh feel with an eye to practicality.”
Residential Architecture Over 12,000 Square Feet
D. Stanley Dixon, D. Stanley Dixon Architect
Kiawah Island Beach House,Kiawah Island, South Carolina
What the Jurors Say: “This home walks the line between being very traditional, but also fresh and modern at the same time without feeling contrived at all. It feels very natural.”
Words from the Winner: “I am proud of our team for receiving a Philip Trammell Shutze Award for the inspired design of this house. It was a great exercise in blending Scottish and English architectural styles with local coastal design elements and materials. I am grateful to our clients for allowing our team to execute this special project; the result is an enduring house that suits its location.”
Residential Renovation under 7,500 Square Feet
D. Stanley Dixon, D. Stanley Dixon Architect
Lowcountry River Retreat, Wadmalaw Island, South Carolina
What the Jurors Say: “This is true American classic architecture. It’s appropriate to its location and takes what were the existing traditional building materials and uses them in an authentic and fresh way.”
Words from the Winner: “We were fortunate that the homeowners trusted us to respect the original charm and local character during the renovation of this historic house. The team conducted extensive research on local historic buildings to ensure that the renovation was appropriate for the house and region. I am honored that the ICAA and jury recognized our careful attention to vernacular details.”
Residential Architecture under 7,500 Square Feet
D. Stanley Dixon, D. Stanley Dixon Architect
A Sea Island Colonial, Sea Island, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “The project has incredible detail and the color is fantastic. It’s restrained and yet the details are just spot on.”
Words from the Winner: “I am thrilled for my team and homeowners to receive a Philip Trammell Shutze Award for this beautiful Caribbean-inspired home. Strategically nestled underneath several mature live oak trees, the collaboration between the entire design team resulted in a house with distinctly whimsical, yet timeless architectural elements.”
Residential Renovation over 12,000 Square Feet
Christian Sottile, Sottile & Sottile Civic Architecture
The Armstrong-Kessler Mansion, Savannah, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “Very beautifully designed and appropriately detailed, this project upholds one of the core values of the ICAA—to preserve classical language and craftsmanship.”
Words from the Winner: “We are so appreciative of the ICAA for helping to commemorate this journey of 100 years. Adaptive reuse often takes a building and finds new uses that will retain its viability. In the case of this project, it’s the rare example of a building returning to its original purpose. We’ve witnessed the magic of this building becoming young again!”
Interior Design Over 7,500 Square Feet
Tammy Connor, Tammy Connor Interior Design
Atlanta Estate, Atlanta, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “Being a Shutze-designed house, the design could have easily tried to determine a period. This feels like a good mix that is graphic and fresh, yet still nods to the history of the house.”
Words from the Winner: “It is an incredible honor to receive two awards from the ICAA—an organization dedicated to the work and people I respect so greatly. And to win for these specific projects is especially meaningful, since both of these homes were created for special, longtime clients in two cities that are near and dear to me—Atlanta and Charleston.”
Interior Design over 12,000 Square Feet
Tammy Connor, Tammy Connor Interior Design
Lowcountry Retreat, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
What the Jurors Say: “This project has a well-edited palette, drawing your attention to the beautiful landscape outside. The overall design is calm and suits the location very well.”
Words from the Winner: “It’s often said that a designer is only as good as her clients. We have been fortunate to work with gracious, well-traveled and stylish homeowners who trust our vision for their homes and lives. We also couldn’t do what we do without our talented collaborators—the architects, landscape designers and craftspeople who help make our creative imaginings possible.”
Photo by Neil Landino
Landscape Estate Over One Acre
Stephen W. Hackney, Stephen W. Hackney Landscape Architecture
Boxwoods, Knoxville, Tennessee
What the Jurors Say: “The break at the Lutyens-inspired stair between the manicured garden and then the more natural landscape feels so nice and lush. Several of the photographs are truly seductive and pull you in.”
Words from the Winner: “We are honored to have received this award, but more so humbled to have been selected for it by our peers. In doing the work we love, we strive to breathe life into our clients’ vision and provide them with bespoke settings to call home. We are ecstatic to now have a presence in Atlanta and look forward to continued collaborations.”
Photo by Chris Luker
Architecture | Commercial
Nequette Architecture & Design
Zuma Wellness Center, Alys Beach, Florida
What the Jurors Say: “This project fits the Alys Beach aesthetic while standing apart on its own. The integration of the interior spaces with the courtyard creates an inward focus and speaks to the high-level of Alys Beach craftsmanship.”
Words from the Winner: “As a major community amenity, Zuma provides a critical function for the residents and resort guests of Alys Beach, giving them both a luxurious and practical space to unwind, relax, rejuvenate and maintain a healthy lifestyle.”
Excellence in the Classical Tradition
TIM ADAMS, T.S. ADAMS STUDIO, ARCHITECTS
Historic Neel Reid Restoration, Atlanta, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “This project is a true restoration. The design team had the presence of mind to add back the significant architectural features that were stripped away and had extreme sensitivity in the addition as well.”
Words from the Winner: “What made this honor all the more special was that Philip Shutze himself served as a draftsman on the original design of this Neel Reid home, and many of the details found throughout are attributable directly to him. To have this once-in-a-lifetime project recognized by our peers was deeply humbling and we are incredibly grateful.”
Photo by Emily Followill
Artisan/Craftsmanship
Willard Pitt, Willard Pitt Curtain Makers
Master Curtain Maker, Atlanta, Georgia
What the Jurors Say: “It’s clear this artisan is more than capable of working in any style with a wide range of different techniques. The details stand out most and tell us they are a true craftsman.”
Words from the Winner: “From as early as the 17th century, curtain making has been the bedrock of interior fashionable designs. A lost art, this work illustrates the skill of knowing how to cut, seam and manipulate fabric, while also incorporating the fashions of modern times.”