Futures & Legends

Rooted in history yet unafraid of change, Atlanta has long been the creative heartbeat of the South. Our design community is a thoughtful blend of tradition and innovation, where timeless, classical style meets a bold, forward-thinking vision. The result is interiors that read as works of art, and it’s the industry professionals—designers, architects, builders, and craftspeople—who hold the paintbrush.

This month, we honor 12 legacy authorities ( “Legends”) who, through decades of work, have shattered barriers, started trends that became classics, and defined the scale of excellence our industry continues to follow today. These celebrated community members are woven into the fabric of our city and their influence is felt in nearly every corner of Atlanta.

We also debut 12 design trailblazers (“Futures”) having their big moment in the spotlight—whether they’ve been a part of the community for two years or two decades. These creators are making their presence known through work that is fearless, refined, and unapologetically their own, signaling the next era of Atlanta design.

With each issue for the next 12 months, AH&L will dive deeper into the personal stories of the individuals on the following pages, revealing pivotal moments and driving forces that have solidified their place among the industry’s top talents. Together, they represent the many forces who have built—and upheld—Atlanta’s reputation as the design mecca of the South.

Legends

Jim Strickland
Few firms embody classical design quite like Atlanta- and New York-based architecture and planning firm Historical Concepts (HC). Yale alumnus and ICAA Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Jim Strickland founded HC in 1982, and his leadership has grown the company into an award-winning firm with recognition in top publications across the country. Among their list of accomplishments, the firm authored two Rizzoli-published books: Coming Home and Visions of Home.

John Howard
Manicured lawns, blooming gardens, and perfectly trimmed boxwoods set scenic stages for the grandiose homes of Atlanta, and oftentimes, it’s those imagined by landscape architect John Howard that have passersby especially “oohing” and “ahhing.” With more than 20 years at the helm of Howard Design Studio, plus an array of accomplishments and accolades that include multiple Philip Trammell Shutze Awards, Howard’s structured style continues to leave lasting impact.

Suzanne Kasler
A cornerstone of the Atlanta design community, Suzanne Kasler is an inspiration to designers near and far, her passion for creating timeless interiors leading her firm to new heights of success since the beginning. The design superstar’s list of publications and awards is bountiful, and her style—accessible to many thanks to her four books and signature collections with brands like Hickory Chair, Visual Comfort, Ballard Designs, and more—is ever-enchanting.

Ann Huff & Meg Harrington
A meal between two acquaintances at Buckhead’s Anis restaurant was the beginning of a domino effect for Ann Huff and Meg Harrington, co-owners of beloved Huff Harrington Home, Huff Harrington Fine Art, Huff Harrington Design, and—as of 2021—Huff Harrington Paris. Since 2006, the dedicated Francophiles have mastered their art-forward, classic style, devoting endless energy—and Delta miles—to bringing a special je ne sais quoi to the Southeast.

Mary Mac McWilliams
Mary Mac McWilliams is not a one-trick pony. In addition to founding her design firm, Mary Mac and Company, in 2004, she’s worked as a showroom manager and a magazine editor, has years of construction experience, and even has a Valspar paint color named after her—Mary Mac Red (but that’s a story for another time). Her traditional approach is always timeless and never trendy, reflecting her pursuit of crafting spaces that feel, in her words, “like a big hug.”

Elaine Griffin
With endless inspiring interiors under her belt—11 of which include Good Works Makeovers for Oprah’s O at Home magazine—plus a published book and an honorary PhD from her alma mater, the New York School of Interior Design, designer Elaine Griffin has truly done it all since she opened her eponymous firm in 1999. Despite her long list of accolades, the design standout remains humble, grateful, and ready for what’s next. “Charlotte Moss once told me, ‘Never forget that we’re in the service industry.’”

Jackye Lanham
Atlanta icon Jackye Lanham is beloved by those inside and outside the design community, her impeccable eye for timeless design earning her celebrity status among her peers. Before founding her firm, Jacquelynne P. Lanham Designs, in 1987, she honed her eye under antique dealers Tom Hayes and Bert Leger. Today, with numerous accolades including the ICAA Lifetime Achievement Award, Lanham’s work crosses generations of homes and continues to feel thoughtfully authentic and classically detailed.

Dietrich Logan
Architect and developer Dietrich Logan is a man of many talents. After seven years at Harrison Design, Logan branched out on his own to open Logan Design Group International in 2008. “Atlanta has given me a platform to design with purpose, and I hope my legacy is one of stewardship-—buildings that respect their communities and people who feel seen within them to inherit not just a practice, but a responsibility to design with integrity, curiosity, and care.”

William Peace
It’s impossible to be two places at once—unless you’re Bill Peace, that is. In 2004, the acclaimed designer opened a second office in Montana after major success with his Atlanta-based interiors firm Peace Design, and in the 20 years since, his texture-rich, thoughtfully balanced style has appeared in homes, restaurants, museums, and other spaces across the country. With last month’s launch of a line with Holland & Sherry, as well as a debut book release, Peace’s refined eye adorns homes nationwide.

Norman Askins
It’s unlikely to drive down an Atlanta street and pass a home that architect Norman Askins hasn’t influenced in some way. Having more than 24 former colleagues who went on to launch their own firms, Askins’ legacy is embedded in the city’s very design, and as the firm approaches its 50th anniversary, he has no plans to slow down. “Nearing the half-century mark is both humbling and energizing. I’m focused on ensuring the firm thrives for the next 50 years and beyond.”

Carole Weaks
When designer Carole Weaks of C. Weaks Interiors won the Southeastern Designer of the Year award in 2002—the first woman to receive the accolade—it marked a pivotal shift in her career. Already highly respected in the community for her traditional interiors, the award opened the door to a diverse range of clients. Since, Weaks has won numerous more awards, put her timeless, tailored stamp on homes in Atlanta and beyond, and nurtures her design firm that continues to thrive.

Matthew Quinn
There’s a reason the kitchen is considered the heart of a home. Few rooms are as loved and lived in, which is why not only beauty but functionality matters. Designer Matthew Quinn, CEO of Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, has the balance down to a science. The recipient of numerous national design awards, Quinn is an expert in his field and recognized by top publications around the country. He has three books under his belt plus numerous brand collaborations, all contributing to his hall-of-fame status in our beloved city.

Futures

Connor Bingham & Jacques Levet
Founded just last year, architecture firm Pierre McKell is on the rise. When Connor Bingham and Jacques Levet first crossed paths working at the same firm 11 years ago, it was clear they spoke the same design language. “Founding Pierre McKell was less a sudden leap and more so the moment when years of shared conversations finally found a home. Ultimately, we strive to create places that feel both comforting and enduring.”

Lucinda Bray
After a childhood spent on a Pennsylvania dairy farm, Lucinda Bray—owner of Floralis Garden Design—has never been afraid to get her hands dirty, her innate love of nature guiding her work in crafting inspired landscapes. Her team executes a wide range of garden installation and project management services, and is recognized for its quality and attention to detail, receiving the NALP National Landscape Silver Award of Excellence and numerous Georgia Urban Ag Council awards.

Alexandra Flint
Some may say growing up with Suzanne Kasler as a mother destined Alexandra Flint for a successful career in design, but dive deeper, and you’ll see it’s her creative grit and determination that paved the way for her list of accomplishments—and there are many. From leading Sarah Bartholomew’s marketing team, to launching a styling and consulting business, to authoring a book, says Flint: “Each chapter has given me an unusual perspective and confidence in the industry. I feel so grateful that I get to do what I do every day.”

Lauren Weisner
Raised by an interior designer mother, an innate eye for beauty was in Lauren Weisner’s DNA from the start. After honing her craft at top Atlanta design firms, Weisner opened her own design studio and antique shop, Shoppe Weis, in 2022. She now also co-runs the Design Social Studio and Pop-up alongside founder Brooks Morrison, further cementing her presence within the industry. “The Atlanta design community is strong, creative, and influential, and it continues to shape the way I see and approach design today.”

Virginia Nocharli
Driven by a passion to turn dreams into beautifully livable homes, Virginia Nocharli is known for her thoughtfully curated, feel-good designs. Her firm is quickly gaining recognition in the Atlanta design scene—momentum she credits to a world-class network of trusted vendors, inspiring showrooms, and creative collaborations with industry pros that help her bring a fresh approach to each project. “No matter the direction, my work always carries a subtle nod to the Southern tradition rooted in Atlanta’s design culture.”

Calvin Watt
After years spent in corporate America, Calvin Watt gave his business acumen a creative touch with the opening of his design firm The C’Vion Company. His layered interiors carry a sense of edginess that pulls viewers in, and in recent years, Watt feels as though his firm has come into its own. “When you design from a place of authenticity and emotion, the work lives far beyond the moment. Our first showhouse experience in 2023 ignited that understanding, and with it, the rise of our firm to greater heights.”

Sally Wilkinson
Designer Sally Wilkinson has made a big splash since opening her firm in 2022, gracing the pages of international media outlets and quickly rising in the ranks of designers to watch. After her recent years were spent between London and Atlanta, Wilkinson planted more permanent local roots with plans to keep the momentum going. “Atlanta has been an incredible place to grow and evolve as a designer. I love how the city embraces both authenticity and a deep appreciation for traditional, storied design.”

Nick Masciantonio
The built environment never intimidated Nick Masciantonio—it excited him. Before formally stepping into building, the project manager spent a decade in sales across multiple construction trades, including windows, roofing, siding, and luxury masonry fireplaces. These experiences eventually led to a meeting with Bobby Livingston of Livingston Fine Homes, and in the two years since joining the team, Masciantonio has hit the ground running to meticulously execute custom homes across the Southeast.

Alexander Woodcock
Before launching his design firm Amulet Atelier in 2020, designer Alexander Woodcock had design stints in New York City and Atlanta, including time spent at the esteemed Wyeth Ray Interiors. Today, the designer has garnered an impressive list of clientele thanks to his sharp design eye and passion for people. “The city’s cultural, architectural, and economic diversity exposes us to an extraordinary range of design needs, styles, and client perspectives. Atlanta has taught us that meaningful design comes from understanding people first.”

Todd Pullen & Christian Reed
Todd Pullen and Christian Reed aren’t new to the design industry. In fact, they have a couple decades worth of experience under their belt, a significant portion of that working under the late and great architect Frank Neely. After forming Pullen & Reed in 2023—and mastering their blend of classically inspired custom homes that showcase subtle contemporary nods—the pair has been on an upward trajectory ever since.

Katie Moorhouse
After honing her craft alongside esteemed designer Melanie Millner, Katie Moorhouse launched her own design firm in 2024—a milestone moment in her career. A showhouse experience shortly after expanded her visibility and sparked meaningful new connections, allowing her to showcase her warm, inviting aesthetic on a larger platform. “I design with an edited, uncluttered point of view, but I’m intentional about incorporating thoughtful details.”

Jerel Lake
After originally entering the industry with little design knowledge, Jerel Lake had an unconventional career start. A decade later, the kitchen designer has sharp skills and creative intuition, his firm LakeHaus Designs catching national attention and gracing pages of prestigious publications. “2024 was the year I began to gain the most traction, and it was a project that I felt finally represented the caliber of work I wanted to become known for that jump-started the momentum. Timing truly is everything.”