ICAA Honors Emerging Professionals in Classical Architecture and Design

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has announced the recipients of its Awards for Emerging Excellence in the Classical Tradition, honoring three young professionals for their contributions to architecture, landscape design, and craftsmanship. This recognition underscores the organization's commitment to fostering talent that bridges historical principles with contemporary practice. The awards program, detailed on the ICAA website at https://www.classicist.org, serves as a vital platform for highlighting individuals who demonstrate exceptional skill and vision within the classical arts.

Kate Chambers received the Architect's Prize for Excellence in Architecture, an award presented through collaboration with The King's Foundation and INTBAU. Chambers, who holds advanced degrees from the University of Notre Dame, has professional experience with firms like Tippett Sease Baker Architecture and has served as a visiting professor. Her work is noted for its engagement with traditional vernacular architectural design, suggesting a deep understanding of historical context and materiality. The jury, comprising distinguished architects, designers, and professionals from organizations including INTBAU, various design firms, and academic institutions, selected Chambers for her demonstrated expertise and potential to influence the field.

Douglas Clark was awarded the Bunny Mellon Prize for Excellence in Garden Design. Clark, who works with Janice Parker Landscape Architects, brings over twelve years of experience to his practice. His Brazilian-American heritage informs a unique perspective that emphasizes sustainability and the creation of harmonious outdoor environments. Clark's approach focuses on designing gardens that seamlessly extend residential living spaces, integrating ecological considerations with aesthetic refinement. This award, as part of the ICAA's initiatives at https://www.classicist.org, recognizes how classical landscape principles can be adapted to modern needs and environmental awareness.

Leyla Alekperova earned the Maker's Prize for Excellence in Craftsmanship. A third-generation artist and plaster molding designer at Arkada Plus, Alekperova represents the enduring value of skilled handwork. Her work exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship techniques can be innovatively integrated with contemporary design, ensuring these methods remain vital and relevant. The ICAA's recognition of Alekperova highlights the essential role of the artisan in the architectural and design process, preserving knowledge that might otherwise be lost.

Collectively, these awards matter because they signal the health and evolution of the classical tradition. By identifying and celebrating emerging talents like Chambers, Clark, and Alekperova, the ICAA reinforces the importance of education, mentorship, and interdisciplinary collaboration in sustaining these arts. The implications are significant for the future of the built environment, suggesting that classical design is not a static historical reference but a living tradition capable of innovation. This annual program encourages a new generation to explore how time-honored principles of proportion, material, and craft can address contemporary challenges in sustainability, community, and beauty. The continued mission of the ICAA, visible through its programs at https://www.classicist.org, is to promote and preserve these principles while fostering creative approaches that ensure their relevance for years to come.