ICAA Honors Emerging Professionals in Classical Architecture and Design

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has announced the winners of its Awards for Emerging Excellence in the Classical Tradition, recognizing outstanding young professionals in architecture, landscape design, and craftsmanship. This recognition matters because it underscores the ongoing vitality and evolution of classical design principles in contemporary practice. By spotlighting emerging talent, the ICAA reinforces the importance of preserving traditional techniques while fostering innovation, ensuring these disciplines remain dynamic and relevant in modern urban environments like New York City.

Kate Chambers received the Architect's Prize for Excellence in Architecture, awarded through collaboration with The King's Foundation and INTBAU. Chambers, who holds master's degrees from Notre Dame, has worked with Tippett Sease Baker Architecture and served as a visiting professor, demonstrating expertise in traditional vernacular architectural design. Her recognition is significant as it highlights the value of academic and professional rigor in adapting classical forms to current needs, potentially influencing architectural education and practice in the metro area by encouraging a blend of historical knowledge with modern applications.

Douglas Clark was named winner of the Bunny Mellon Prize for Excellence in Garden Design. Working with Janice Parker Landscape Architects, Clark brings over twelve years of landscape design experience and a unique perspective shaped by his Brazilian-American heritage. His approach emphasizes sustainability and creating harmonious outdoor environments that seamlessly extend residential spaces. This award is important because it promotes sustainable and culturally informed landscape design, which can enhance urban livability in New York City by integrating green spaces that respect classical aesthetics while addressing environmental concerns, as detailed in resources from organizations like ICAA.

Leyla Alekperova earned the Maker's Prize for Excellence in Craftsmanship. As a third-generation artist and plaster molding designer at Arkada Plus, Alekperova exemplifies how traditional craftsmanship can be innovatively integrated with contemporary design techniques. Her achievement matters as it showcases the critical role of artisanal skills in preserving cultural heritage, offering a model for how craftsmanship can thrive in a modern economy, potentially inspiring similar initiatives in New York's design and construction sectors to value handcrafted elements in urban development.

The awards were evaluated by a distinguished jury of architects, designers, and professionals, including experts from INTBAU, design firms, and academic institutions. By recognizing these emerging talents, the ICAA continues its mission of promoting and preserving classical design principles while encouraging innovative approaches to architecture and related arts. The implications of this announcement extend beyond individual accolades; it signals a broader commitment to nurturing talent that can bridge historical traditions with future challenges, ensuring that classical design remains a living, evolving practice in the New York City metro area and beyond, with further insights available through platforms like INTBAU.