The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center and Veranda celebrated the 2026 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards during Design ADAC on April 23. Held at the Atlanta History Center, the annual awards gala recognized exceptional talent across architecture, contract design and residential design, honoring firms and individuals whose work continues to shape and elevate the area’s design aesthetic.

The evening brought together approximately 275 designers, architects, manufacturers, media members and industry leaders for a celebratory gathering recognizing this year’s finalists and winners. Selected from more than 120 entries, the honorees were chosen by a distinguished panel of judges representing some of the industry’s most respected voices. The 2026 award recipients included D. Stanley Dixon Architect (Architect of the Year), The Design Atelier (Contract Designer of the Year) and Melanie Turner Interiors (Residential Designer of the Year). Judges Steele Marcoux, editor in chief of Veranda, and Tom Kligerman, founder of Kligerman Architecture & Design, were also in attendance.

Throughout the evening, guests celebrated the achievements of the finalists and winners while connecting with industry peers. The event highlighted the continued strength, creativity and influence of the Southeast design community, recognizing both established firms and emerging talents who are helping define the region’s future.

Remarking on the significance of the ceremony, Katie Miner, general manager of ADAC, shared: “It’s incredibly rewarding to see both legacy and momentum reflected in this year’s winners. Both D. Stanley Dixon Architect and Melanie Turner Interiors have been recognized in these awards before, and their current wins speak to a sustained level of excellence that continues to shape the design landscape in the Southeast. At the same time, it’s especially exciting to celebrate The Design Atelier as a first-time winner after years of consistent finalist recognition—particularly as they’ve expanded into the contract sector. It’s inspiring to see their team grow in this space and execute it so successfully, which speaks to the evolving strength and versatility of design talent across the region.”

The 2026 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards served as a fitting celebration of design excellence, bringing together the region’s most influential creatives for an evening of recognition, connection and inspiration.