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

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) has announced the winners of its prestigious Awards for Emerging Excellence, highlighting exceptional talent among young professionals in architecture, landscape design, and craftsmanship.

Kate Chambers received the Architect's Prize for Excellence in Architecture, awarded by The King's Foundation and INTBAU. A Notre Dame graduate and registered architect in Alabama and North Carolina, Chambers has distinguished herself through her holistic understanding of classical design principles and her work with traditional vernacular architecture.

Douglas Clark was named winner of the Bunny Mellon Prize for Excellence in Garden Design. Working with Janice Parker Landscape Architects, Clark brings a unique perspective shaped by his Brazilian-American heritage and a deep appreciation for the symbiosis between outdoor environments and physical structures. His approach emphasizes sustainability, environmental stewardship, and timeless design across projects in multiple international locations.

Leyla Alekperova claimed the Maker's Prize for Excellence in Craftsmanship, representing a third-generation artist in plaster craftsmanship. As a Plaster Molding Designer at Arkada Plus, she exemplifies the integration of classical architectural techniques with contemporary aesthetics.

The awards, judged by a distinguished panel of architects, designers, and professionals, aim to recognize and support emerging talent that demonstrates a thoughtful engagement with classical design traditions while pushing creative boundaries.

By highlighting these young professionals, the ICAA continues its mission to advance appreciation and practice of traditional architecture and allied arts, ensuring that classical design principles remain vibrant and relevant in contemporary practice.