14 Award-Winning Design Projects Setting the Tone for the Future of Classical Design

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Southeast's prestigious Shutze Awards honored the Southeast’s finest in classical architecture, interiors, and landscape design

Produced by The Editors

November 2025

Dining room with dark wood buffet, landscape painting, and crystal chandelier

Dining room with a white china cabinet filled with white dishes, landscape wallpaper, and a table

Held at the prestigious Piedmont Driving Club in October, more than 300 guests donned their finest formal wear and eagerly awaited the reveal of this year’s best in classical and traditional design. It’s the ceremony of the season: the Philip Trammell Shutze Awards. Named for the legendary Atlanta architect Philip Trammell Shutze—widely regarded as one of the 20th century’s foremost classicists—the annual event honors exceptional achievement in preserving and advancing classical architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture across the Southeast. A Shutze Award is considered one of the highest accolades of the region’s design community, and, for many, is a career-defining accomplishment. And with an esteemed jury that included architect Gil Schafer, interior designer Nina Campbell, and landscape architect Ed Hollander, the competition was fierce and formidable. Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles was in attendance at the awards ceremony and is elated to present this year’s award-winning projects.

Interior Design by Lauren Deloach, Architecture by Brandon Ingram, photos by Emily Followill

Library with wood paneled walls, tufted leather armchair, and dark blue sofa.

White country house with columns, shutters, brick chimneys, and a balcony.

Residential Architecture Over 8,000 Square Feet

Brandon Ingram, C. Brandon Ingram Design
A New Country House in Buckhead, Atlanta, Georgia

What the Jurors Say: “This residence has all the hallmarks of a well-detailed, classical house, but with touches of whimsy that give it a welcoming charm. The interior architecture is equally masterful and full of variety and visual interest throughout its substantial footprint.”

Words from the Winner: “We sought to create a family home that honors Buckhead’s iconic early 20th-century Southern classicism. The result of an amazing collaboration with an amazing team, this is a house that echoes with notes of proper manor houses, but resounds with grace, gentility, and ease of character. It’s a refined home with an endearing Southern drawl.”

Photographed by Emily Followill

Foyer with floral wallpaper, curved staircase, and green patterned runner

Brick home with white columns, balcony, and arched walkway covered in vines.

Living room with wood paneled walls, exposed beams, stone fireplace, and large windows overlooking

Residential Architecture 4,000–8,000 Square Feet

Eric Smith, Eric J. Smith Architect
LowCountry Homestead, Greenpond, South Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “The architecture speaks elegantly to its setting. The vernacular forms and materiality create an elegant solution to the site conditions; the building sits seamlessly in the landscape and seems to grow out of its lowcountry roots.”

Words from the Winner: “The goal was to create a historically informed, modern family compound that would feel as if it had always been there. Every structure on the homestead was carefully sited and detailed to feel timeless, creating the illusion that this modern compound has stood for over a century.”

Photographed by Mike Kelley

Stone and wood cabin with screened porches on a grassy hill overlooking a lake

Dining area with round table, woven chairs, and lake view through large windows.

Kitchen with wood ceiling, black marble backsplash, and island with black stools.

Wood paneled bathroom with vanity, marble countertop, and orange flowers.

Residential Architecture Under 4,000 Square Feet

Tippett Sease Baker,Tippett Sease Baker Architecture
Lakeside Lodge Lake Martin, Alabama

What the Jurors Say: “It’s a beautiful integration of architecture and landscape. The materiality and structure help create a unified vision for the project, and the landscape feels appropriate for its setting.”

Words from the Winner: “It’s humbling to be entrusted with the design of someone’s family home. We are honored to be recognized for our work as we continue in our effort to design timeless, generational architecture. This project was truly a joy from beginning to end, starting with the trust and inspiration of our friend and client, and brought to life through vernacular forms, local materials, and skilled craftsmen.”

Exterior photographed by Chris Luker, Interiors by Haris Kenjar

White house with screened porch, garage doors, and a brick patio with a pool.

Dining room with dark wood table, gold bamboo chairs, and exposed wooden beams.

White house with a porch, palm trees, and a white picket fence.

Residential Architecture Under 2,500bSquare Feet

Homeline Architecture
Bluff Drive cottage, Isle of Hope, Savannah, Georgia

What the Jurors Say: “We admire the careful restoration of the exterior and thoughtful reorganizing of the floor plan. The new interior successfully honors the cottage’s traditional past while creating a more functional, evocative space for this family that isboth elegant and comfortable.”

Words from the Winner: “This project was built on trust and guided by a client whose discerning taste made it a true partnership from start to finish. Together, we honored the cottage’s history by returning the original floor plan, only altering it to meet modern needs. Receiving this award is a true honor and a testament to the success of our collaboration.”

Photographed by Adam Kuehl

Restaurant dining room with bar, tables set for dinner, and large windows overlooking a view.

Fire tower and lodge on a mountaintop with a scenic overlook

Stone patio with Adirondack chairs and telescope overlooking a valley at sunset

Commercial Architecture Under 10,000 Square Feet

Keith Summerour, Summerour Architects
Firetower Restaurant, Walland, Tennessee

What the Jurors Say: “We were immediately and unanimously enthusiastic about this reimagining of such a utilitarian structure into something so romantic. The careful selection of materials and masterful detailing stay closely aligned with the DNA of the original structure, while creating a warm and inviting entertaining space.”

Words from the Winner: “Built around a 1940s steel fire tower, the restaurant repurposes a civic structure of regional significance into a place of gathering and repose. Through principles of axiality, scale, and proportion, the project transforms a once-utilitarian outpost into a landmark of craft, memory, and mountain gathering.”

Photographed by Chris Jones

Interior atrium with stone walls, glass ceiling, and grand staircase

People and a dog in a park with a light-colored building in the background.

Balcony with seating and city skyline view. Man sits at table.

Classical building with columns and a modern high-rise in the background at dusk.

Lobby with ornate gold and white ceiling, marble floors, and a grand staircase.

Commercial Architecture Over 10,000 Square feet

RAMSA, Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Charles R. Jonas Federal Building and Courthouse, Charlotte, North Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “A deft handling of program and handsome solution aesthetically, restoring old and integrating new into it, this project is dignified and celebratory of the public realm.”

Words from the Winner: “Courthouses are so important to the fabric of cities. We were inspired by the challenge of transforming the building to meet the needs of a modern federal court, while respecting and celebrating its magnificent heritage. We thoroughly enjoyed the design process and our collaboration with the courts, judges, the GSA, and the full team of incredible design partners.”

Photographed by Francis Dzikowski

Green paneled room with wooden table, chairs, coat rack with hat, and framed art.

Green paneled room with arched windows, fireplace, and built-in bookshelves.

Architecture, Small Project Under 1,500 Square Feet

Tom Podhrazsky, Tom Henry Design Company
Raised Panel Office, Charleston, South Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “This is an intriguing redesign of an ordinary room into a special space. The classic paneling and acid green color are beautifully in proportion.”

Words from the Winner: “It’s not often that you get to be the client, contractor, and designer all at the same time. I’m incredibly grateful to the property owners for their support with renovating my office, and the jurists for selecting my project. What a gift it is to work in such a place every day.”

Photographed by Blake Shorter

Pencil sketch of a residential block with historic buildings, trees, and people.

Pencil sketch of Union Pier Market with stalls and people.

Student/Emerging Professional

Nathan M. Thomas
Reclaiming Union Pier, Charleston, South Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “The plan is beautifully conceived and detailed, demonstrating the importance of appropriately scaled urban environments that engage with a city’s inhabitants in a dynamic, vibrant way.”

Words from the Winner: “Union pier represents an amazing opportunity to demonstrate the relevance of traditional design across a range of scales, meeting contemporary needs with age-old solutions. Learning how to use the design language of Charleston was an education unto itself, and I hope to carry those lessons into my future work.”

Dining room with tables set for a meal, featuring a blue chandelier and botanical art.

Window seat with stained glass, patterned wallpaper, and two small tables with drinks.

Dark blue butler's pantry with brass hardware, black countertop, and view to lush garden.

Powder room with patterned wallpaper, marble vanity, brass fixtures, and bird figurines.

Commercial Interior Design

Tammy Connor, Tammy Connor Interior Design
2 Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, South Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “The sensitively restored rooms of this inviting inn showcase an excellent mix of design. Spaces are calm but beautiful, with excitement added in unexpected places that lends a consistent, harmonious sense of surprise.”

Words from the Winner: “The design intent of this project was to let the history of the house and its gracious setting speak, restoring not only its architecture, but its heritage. 2 Meeting Street now represents preservation, hospitality, and promise for its next century.”

Photographed by Katie Charlotte

Rustic living room with stone fireplace, mounted moose head, and exposed wooden beams.

Powder room with stone trough sink, deer head wall mount, and forest mural wallpaper.

Guest bedroom with two twin beds, patterned wallpaper, and taxidermy antelope head

Residential Interior Design 4,000–8,000 Square Feet

Tammy Connor, Tammy Connor Interior Design
Southern Hunting Retreat, Newnan, Georgia

What the Jurors Say: “The interior has an inviting atmosphere and serves as a great place to entertain. The small spaces—like the bar and powder room—have a quirky charm, and the larger rooms are expertly layered and wonderfully cozy.”

Words from the Winner: “Rooted in regional vernacular and elevated by thoughtful craftsmanship, the design of this home honors its natural surroundings, Southern character, and the clients’ lifestyle through a warm and hospitable lens.”

Photographed by Eric Piasecki

Wood paneled room with desk, fireplace, and seating.

Master bathroom with fluted wood vanity, marble countertops, and round closet window.

Hallway with abstract art, wooden chandelier, and built-in bench seating.

Residential Interior Design Over 8,000 Square Feet

Suzanne Kasler, Suzanne Kasler Interiors
Tchefuncte River House, Covington, Louisiana

What the Jurors Say: “This house is welcoming and calm, exuding peace and housing wonderful works of art. This is a beautiful mix of contemporary and classic design.”

Words from the Winner: “This is one of the most beautiful homes I have ever worked on, and truly one of our favorite projects. What makes it so special is that, as the house unfolded, it evolved alongside its owner. When you are lucky enough to work that closely with your client, you begin to see how a home can become a true reflection of their personality.”

Photographed by Simon Upton and Melanie Acevedo

Stone mansion with multiple chimneys, arched entryway, and manicured hedges.

Stone gatehouse with arched double doors, flanked by garages and manicured hedges.

Stone patio with lounge chairs, pool, and manicured hedges

Residential Landscape Design Over 1 Acre

John Howard, Howard Design Studio
Tuxedo Park Estate, Atlanta, Georgia

What the Jurors Say: “The classical forms and structures in the garden are perfectly appropriate for the building architecture. The landscape forms tie in harmoniously with the existing site, and the detailed gardens and plantings are carefully considered for year-round enjoyment.”

Words from the Winner: “It was a pleasure to work with an engaged, trusting client and a remarkable team of collaborators to create such a comprehensive and beautiful project. The craftsmanship by every trade brought together subtle details for sophisticated results.”

Photographed by Emily Followill

Shingled house with white columns and porch, surrounded by manicured gardens and foxglove flowers.

Interior view through an open door to a garden path with stone steps and lush greenery.

Residential Landscape Design under 1 Acre

Alex Smith, Alex Smith Garden Design, Ltd.
Chalk Hill, Cashiers, North Carolina

What the Jurors Say: “A beautiful composition of both the special qualities and materiality of the built landscape create a harmony with the building architecture and the natural site conditions. The plantings are elegantly selected and help create an alluring vision palette.”

Words from the Winner: “The entire design team played vital roles in shaping what this space is today, and what it will continue to be for years to come. A series of elegant garden rooms offers a variety of intimate spaces for the garden-enthusiast client to enjoy, each thoughtfully designed to invite tranquility and a connection with nature.”

Photographed by Emily Followill

Stone church with Gothic architecture, arched doorways, and crenellated tower on a grassy hill.

Church interior with ornate altar featuring an icon of Mary and Jesus, wood paneling, and

Church interior with wooden pews, ornate wooden ceiling beams, and stained glass windows.

Church altar with marble top and ornate wooden base, featuring brass candlesticks and religious

Excellence in the Classical Tradition

Harrison Design
Our Mother of Perpetual Help, Northfield, Massachusetts

What the Jurors Say: “The jury was highly impressed by the exuberant transformation of this sanctuary. It’s a masterful display of exquisite craftsmanship and a joyful celebration of worship.”

Words from the Winner: “It was a profound honor to serve as the architects for this renovation. This cherished, century-old church has been beautifully transformed for Catholic liturgy, thanks to the exceptional craftsmanship of the dedicated team of artisans and designers. The revitalized chapel now stands as a testament to faith and artistry, ready to serve the community for generations to come.”

Photographed by Robert Benson