Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Honors Emerging Professionals in Design and Craftsmanship

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has announced the winners of its prestigious Awards for Emerging Excellence, celebrating young professionals who demonstrate exceptional skill and commitment to classical design traditions. The awards recognize emerging talent across three distinct categories: architecture, landscape design, and craftsmanship.

Kate Chambers was awarded the Architect's Prize for Excellence in Architecture, presented in collaboration with The King's Foundation and INTBAU. A graduate of Notre Dame with master's degrees in architecture and architectural design, Chambers has distinguished herself through her research on modern Greek architecture and her work with Tippett Sease Baker Architecture, a firm dedicated to traditional vernacular design.

In the landscape design category, Douglas Clark of Janice Parker Landscape Architects received the Bunny Mellon Prize for Excellence in Garden Design. With over twelve years of professional experience, Clark's work emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between outdoor environments and architectural structures. His approach integrates classical principles with modern sensibilities, creating harmonious landscape designs that reflect both environmental stewardship and individual client needs.

Leyla Alekperova was honored with the Maker's Prize for Excellence in Craftsmanship, recognizing her innovative work in plaster molding. As a third-generation artist and immigrant professional, Alekperova exemplifies the award's goal of preserving and advancing traditional building arts while incorporating contemporary design techniques.

The awards, judged by a distinguished panel of architects, designers, and professionals, aim to highlight and support emerging talents who demonstrate a nuanced understanding of classical design principles. By recognizing these young professionals, the ICAA seeks to ensure the continued relevance and evolution of traditional architectural and design practices.

This year's awards underscore the organization's commitment to nurturing talent that bridges historical design traditions with contemporary innovation. The recipients represent a new generation of design professionals who are not merely preserving classical techniques, but actively reinterpreting them for modern contexts.