May 4, 2018

Recently, the 2018 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards were presented by the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) to the region’s most creative minds. Judged by top industry professionals, the awards were presented at a gala held at the Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens in Atlanta, Ga. The announcement of the three winners, selected from 14 finalists, marked the culmination of three days of annual industry events known as DESIGN ADAC.

The winners include the following Atlanta-based firms:

Architect – D. Stanley Dixon Architect
Contract Design – Elizabeth Ingram Studio
Residential Design – Robert Brown Interior Design (top photo)

“ADAC is fortunate enough to receive award submissions from amazingly talented firms every year,” said Katie Miner, ADAC’s general manager. “It’s inspiring to see the innovative design work that’s happening in the Southeast and to also celebrate and recognize this sense of community.”

Finalists and winners were selected from nearly 100 entries by a panel of three judges, including VERANDA editor-in-chief Clinton Smith; interior designer Victoria Hagan of New York City-based Victoria Hagan Interiors; and architect Thomas Kligerman of New York-based Ike Kligerman Barkley.

Residential design designer Robert Brown submitted three projects for the competition.

“I’m not sure that I really deserved the award, although I am thrilled to receive it,” said Brown. “I do like getting the recognition for my staff; they work so hard and are so creative, and it really made them feel good about the work they do. Plus, our client’s love being recognized.”

“A young couple challenged us with designing their first single-family home, after living in a metropolitan penthouse for several years,” said Brown, in reference to the above project. “The clients are well traveled and have very sophisticated taste. They, however, like their home to be well edited, comfortable and thoughtfully designed. We chose a neutral background so we could highlight their remarkable art collection. The furniture is very sculptural and accented with a variety of subtle textures. For example, a wire-brushed kitchen cabinet is juxtaposed with a smooth leather barstool, and the Venetian plaster of the family room is contrasted with a mohair velvet lounge chair.”

In the second project Brown submitted, he chose a pewter gray stain over a white oak for the millwork and wrapped the entire room with portieres for character.

“The simple upholstered furnishings are covered with contrasting shades of neutrals: blush, nude and platinum,” said Brown. “There is a smart mix of contemporary art contrasting with the more mid-century vibe of the furnishings. All in all, the space is mellow and alluring.”

Brown enjoys antiques and used them in the third project he submitted.

“Our favorite way to use antiques is to mix them with modern, contemporary pieces,” said the designer. “In this master suite, you will see how contemporary upholstered chairs and an acrylic side table can be nestled next to a fine period, marble top table. The modern iron bed is flanked with an ebony Louis XVI commode on one side and an 18^th-century table with a black varnish on the other. Modern art is hung gallery style to help relay the formality of the space. The results are quite inviting and comfortable.”