In Conversation with Jim Strickland
Founder of architecture firm Historical Concepts sits down with AH&L’s Assistant Editor—and granddaughter—to reflect on his legacy
Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles: You’re renowned as the founder of Historical Concepts (HC). What inspired you to go into high-end residential design?
Jim Strickland: I remember during my time studying architecture at Yale, whenever I created a drawing, I could walk inside it in my mind, look around, and see the elevations—it was close to magic. Design made sense to me. In the 1980s, Historical Concepts started as a house plan service. I wanted to do an incredible drawing once then sell it hundreds of times as a business venture, but I just couldn’t get away from doing architecture. I kept being asked by friends and clients to create custom residential designs for them. Then one thing led to another, and I put together a great group of people who shared my passion and values.
AH&L: HC has 44 years under its belt. How has the firm evolved since its beginnings?
JS: It’s matured and grown way beyond where I could take it, but the core principles have remained the same because of the quality of people at our firm. Terry Pylant, Aaron Daily, my son Todd, and my wife Linda have been influential from the start. In the 1990s, Todd was able to take the company to another level. He created the first scheme of the firm and had an amazing ability to hire. Although he wasn’t an architect, he understood people and principles and knew how to make Historical Concepts a great place to work. It’s a loving firm dedicated to teaching its hires. I like to say the firm hasn’t changed, just gotten better. We’ve grown because of our great people, great design, and how much we care about our work. Today, we have projects in every corner of the country—Maine to California.
AH&L: You’ve served as a mentor to so many in the design industry. What was one of the most influential lessons you’ve remembered throughout your career?
JS: I never had a mentor, but my mentorship was building homes. I was a builder first before design—I was spending my own money, losing my own money, and taking chances. It’s always been feast or famine for me. Building set me up for success in custom residential design because it helped me understand every side of it.
AH&L: From your Arthur Ross Award to numerous Shutze Awards, HC has a long list of accolades. When you think about your journey, what are you most proud of?
JS: Even with our success, I am still proud of the first house I built. I loved it, but looking back, it really was ugly. Now we create these grand homes where one room costs more than the entirety of that first one, but I take as much pride in that house as I would any other project.
AH&L: The learning never ends, no matter how successful one becomes. What design philosophy has guided you throughout your career?
JS: Study what has been done prior. To be good at what you do, you have to make sure you understand the details that make up the whole.
AH&L: What still excites and inspires you these days?
JS: Opportunity excites me. I always say take every opportunity you are given—one is not greater than another—but don’t forget to enjoy where you are and where you’ve been. I’m also inspired by the people at our firm. We have the best of the best, and I feel lucky to be associated with them. They’re not only talented, but just delightful as individuals—from our president, Andrew Cogar, to our newly hired associates.
AH&L: As the industry continues to expand with new talent, what advice would you give to young architects?
JS: Be sure that you’re associating with the people that will help you become a better person and a better architect, and who give credit, rather than take credit.
AH&L: HC has an office in Atlanta and New York with projects across the country. Expound on your legacy: the firm’s next generation.
JS: People are going to be living in these houses 100 years from now, and by then, it won’t necessarily be about the tune that you played or the specific designs, but more about the people you influenced and processes you shaped. I think that’s much more important because everything’s going to get dated, but if it’s great enough—which we try to be—people will be affected by it. Although Atlanta is our home base, the work we are doing in New York is extraordinary thanks to Elizabeth Dillon who leads our office there. Our people are absolutely exceptional, and that’s why Historical Concepts is exceptional. I couldn’t be prouder. historicalconcepts.com
A Day in the Life
Morning to night with Jim Strickland
6 a.m. I usually have a light breakfast with my wife, Linda. We catch up on the news and walk a few miles through the neighborhood with our dog, Bonnie—a great way to start the day.
9 a.m. I go to the Peachtree City office. It’s where I started the firm and one of my favorite places to be. Things are quieter now that most of the staff are in the Atlanta and New York offices.
9:30 a.m–12 p.m. Some days I meet with my assistant, Anne Marie, to review the day’s priorities. Lately, I’ve enjoyed preparing an ongoing lecture series revisiting classic firm projects, sharing insights, and reflecting on lessons learned. On lecture days, I go to the Atlanta office to present and to mentor HC’s younger team members.
1 p.m. After the lecture, I catch up with studio teams, check projects, offer feedback, and sometimes tackle design challenges. On other days, I review designs, visit sites, meet clients, or care for our office landscape, which after 40 years, is almost where I want it to be!
3:30 p.m. I head home to enjoy an evening walk with Linda and Bonnie.
5 p.m. Linda and I have early dinners and may socialize with friends. I’ll watch some news or read before calling it a day.