ICAA Announces 2024 Arthur Ross Awards Honoring Excellence Across Classical Tradition Disciplines

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has unveiled the esteemed recipients of the 2024 Arthur Ross Awards for Excellence in the Classical Tradition. This year's honorees span a remarkable range of disciplines, from architecture and interior design to artisanship, fine arts, education, and patronage, each making invaluable contributions to the preservation and advancement of the classical tradition.

Among the distinguished awardees is Abdel-Wahed El-Wakil, a pioneering figure in contemporary Islamic architecture, renowned for his masterful integration of traditional form and technique with modern sensibilities. El-Wakil's work, which has garnered prestigious accolades like the Aga Khan Award and the Driehaus Architecture Prize, celebrates the principles of Islamic architecture while reflecting regional character and embracing sustainability.

In the realm of interior design, Markham Roberts, hailed as 'a master of timeless American style' by Vogue, has earned recognition for his ability to seamlessly interpret clients' visions across a wide range of styles. Roberts' work, featured in esteemed publications and included in the historic 'Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years' list, exemplifies his refined and singular approach to creating sophisticated interiors.

The artisanship and craftsmanship category honors Féau Boiseries, a Parisian firm that has been perpetuating the tradition of French-style interiors for 150 years. With a priceless collection of antique wood paneling decors and exceptional craftsmanship, Féau Boiseries offers architects and designers an invaluable source of inspiration and historical accuracy, maintaining close ties with the American elite.

In the fine arts category, Thomas Wells Schaller, a multi-award-winning artist, architect, and author, is recognized for his captivating watercolor works and architectural drawings that have been featured in exhibitions worldwide and are part of numerous public and private collections.

Julia Watson, a designer, activist, academic, and author, is honored for her groundbreaking work in indigenous nature-based technologies. Her unconventional research and bestselling book, 'Lo—TEK: Design by Radical Indigenism,' have positioned her as a leading expert in the field, inspiring sustainable design practices.

Finally, Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder of Blackstone, is celebrated for his exceptional patronage and transformative philanthropic initiatives. His major gifts have supported the establishment of cutting-edge centers for education and research, as well as the preservation and restoration of classical and traditional architectural masterpieces.

The significance of these awards lies in their recognition of diverse contributions to classical traditions across multiple disciplines. By honoring figures like El-Wakil, who bridges Islamic architectural heritage with contemporary needs, and Watson, who connects indigenous knowledge with modern sustainability, the awards demonstrate how classical traditions remain vital and adaptable. The inclusion of artisans like Féau Boiseries highlights the essential role of craftsmanship in preserving historical accuracy, while patrons like Schwarzman show how philanthropy can sustain these traditions institutionally.

This broad recognition matters because it validates classical traditions not as static relics but as living practices that continue to evolve and influence contemporary design. The awards underscore the importance of interdisciplinary excellence, showing how architecture, interior design, fine arts, and education intersect to maintain cultural continuity. In an era often dominated by modernist approaches, these honors reaffirm the enduring relevance of classical principles, techniques, and aesthetics, encouraging their integration into future projects and educational frameworks.