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. These awards underscore the organization's commitment to fostering talent that bridges historical principles with contemporary practice. The recognition comes at a time when sustainable design and traditional craftsmanship are gaining renewed attention in the architectural community.
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 work exemplifies how classical forms can address modern needs while maintaining aesthetic integrity. This award highlights the importance of architectural education that respects historical context, as promoted by institutions like The King's Foundation, which partners in this prize.
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 recognition matters because it showcases how landscape design can enhance livability while respecting ecological balance, a growing concern in urban planning. The award reinforces the value of diverse cultural influences in shaping sustainable outdoor spaces.
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 work demonstrates that manual skills remain vital in an increasingly digital world, preserving artisanal knowledge that might otherwise be lost. This award is significant as it validates craftsmanship as a critical component of architectural excellence, ensuring that detailed, handcrafted elements continue to enrich built environments.
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. This initiative is important because it supports a new generation of practitioners who can adapt classical traditions to meet contemporary challenges, from sustainability to cultural relevance. The awards signal a broader trend in the design world where heritage and innovation are not seen as opposites but as complementary forces driving meaningful creation.
