{"id":168212,"date":"2026-04-09T05:27:29","date_gmt":"2026-04-09T09:27:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kbbonline.com\/?p=168212"},"modified":"2026-04-08T15:31:50","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T19:31:50","slug":"adac-2026-southeast-designers-awards-finalists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kbbonline.com\/award-news\/adac-2026-southeast-designers-awards-finalists\/168212\/","title":{"rendered":"ADAC Announces 2026 Southeast Designers & Architect of the Year Awards Finalists\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center<\/a> (ADAC) continues to serve as a hub for the Southeast\u2019s design community, bringing together leading designers and architects through its signature programming, including the highly anticipated Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards, co-sponsored by Veranda. The annual awards recognize designers and architects whose work is shaping the future of design across the region and beyond.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

ADAC announces the 17 finalists representing 16 firms from five states across three categories: residential interior design, contract interior design and architecture. This year, 127 entries poured in from nine states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia, showcasing the awards\u2019 reach across the entire region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From these entries, finalists were selected by a respected panel of industry experts, including Steele Marcoux, editor-in-chief, Veranda; Ellen McGauley, executive editor, Veranda; Peter Dunham, founder, Peter Dunham & Associates; and Tom Kligerman, founder, Kligerman Architecture & Design.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

As the Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards continue to evolve, so does the caliber of work submitted. This year, judges noted an especially strong pool of entries, particularly within the residential category, resulting in a distinguished group of finalists. This increased rigor reflects both the volume of submissions and the rising level of design excellence across the Southeast, where firms are pushing creative boundaries and delivering thoughtful, high-impact work.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards continue to reflect the strength and evolution of design across our region,\u201d said Katie Miner, general manager of ADAC. \u201cEach year, the work reaches new heights, making the selection process increasingly thoughtful and competitive. This year\u2019s finalists embody a remarkable range of perspectives and expertise, reinforcing that design in the Southeast is not only thriving, it\u2019s raising the bar.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2026 finalists represent a dynamic cross-section of the region\u2019s design community, from established leaders to emerging voices, including five firms being recognized as finalists for the first time. Together, they underscore the breadth of talent shaping today\u2019s design environment and the continued momentum of a program that draws both new perspectives and returning innovators.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The 2026 Finalists for Residential, Contract and Architecture include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Residential Design Finalists<\/span><\/p>\n