In Conversation with Jackye Lanham
Atlanta design icon and founder of Jacquelynne P. Lanham Designs, Inc. talks through her career journey
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: Your work has become synonymous with Southern elegance. How do you think the South—specifically Atlanta—shaped your design perspective?
Jackye Lanham: Although it has a long history, Atlanta is a young Southern city, getting its classic mojo in the 1900s, ’20s, and ’30s. I think this newness opened the doors for designers to be a little brave in experimenting, and not rely on what was, but rather what could be. I always believed in a sense of place, and the South depicts so many things—heat, lush gardens, graciousness, shady areas, antiques, elegant and cool fabrics, hospitality, and a welcoming aura.
AH&L: When you look at your career path from beginning to now, what stands out as a defining moment?
JL: When I was in my late 20s, I went to work for the prestigious Atlanta antiques dealers Tom Hayes and Bert Leger. I traveled with them to Europe learning about antiques and helping to establish their wholesale basket and furniture company, Mainly Baskets, which took me to Spain, Hong Kong, and the Philippines to design unique products to sell to the wholesale markets. The second important and defining moment was my association with renowned architect Norman Askins. We shared a building together and worked on many projects throughout the United States and Ireland. He was—and is—a mentor, teacher, and best friend.
AH&L: What is something that you believe elevates any interior space?
JL: Like the simple black dress, a piece of beautiful jewelry makes the first impression. For me, a special antique chest or case piece anchors a room,
and gives it an instant voice of authenticity and elegance, while the country
of origin and age develops the style of the room.
AH&L: You are the ultimate collector. What are some of your favorite finds?
JL: I have collected many things through the years. A favorite was blue-and-white porcelain, then 18th- and 19th-century portraits, then antique maps. Recently, I discovered 19th-century horn riding cups with silver mounts, carved coconut cups and ladles, and silver bone marrow spoons. Yesterday, I found a four-leaf clover in my garden. It’s destined to be framed!
AH&L: What business skill has been most important to your career’s success?
JL: From the beginning of Jacquelynne P. Lanham Designs, Inc., organization of projects was priority. The details of every job can be overwhelming, and without order, I found we could be buried in the unknown, chaos, and failure.
AH&L: What was a lesson you learned the hard way that you’ve carried with you throughout your career?
JL: In the beginning of my career, I was sent alone to a remote area in southern Spain. I was provided with foreign currency that I thought was the equivalent to $1,500 U.S. dollars. It actually was the Spanish currency rate of $15! From that experience, I learned to take care of myself and not rely on others.
AH&L: Who were some people that quietly shaped your eye, and how do their lessons still show up in your work today?
JL: I was fortunate to be able to attend the “Norman Askins School of Architecture.” Over 20 firms have developed through his mentorship, and I still speak his architectural language. Examples include “Tweedledee and Tweedledum,” rooms “speaking to each other,” “off the charts,” and “tweak.”
AH&L: If you could leave one piece of wisdom for the next generation of designers, what would it be?
JL: Never stop studying and learning, travel as much as possible, and never say never. Remember that the classics are the base of all design. jackyelanham.com
A Day in the Life
6 a.m. Start the coffeepot and walk Hutty, my 4-year-old Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
7 a.m. Feed Hutty, review my calendar for the day, make to-do lists and drink a coffee. I also will plan dinner (if I decide to cook!) and read through my collection
of cookbooks.
9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. The day is spent in the office. I’m usually on Zoom calls in client meetings or conferring with project managers. Many days I’ll visit vendors, do some project research, attend architectural meetings, and complete all of the other things that bring our projects to life.
6:30 p.m. I have dinner with family or friends. This is my private time, which rejuvenates me and gives me the quiet time to explore my design passions.
This is the seventh installment of AH&L’s Legends of Design. To learn more about the class of 2026, visit atlantahomesmag.com/futures-legends. To listen to Jackye’s AH&L “In Residence” podcast episode, visit atlantahomesmag.com/podcast.