Presented by ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) in collaboration with VERANDA, the 2026 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards were revealed last night during an elegant, celebratory gala at the Atlanta History Center. The annual awards celebrate the Southeast’s most influential firms and individuals, recognizing exceptional talent that continues to shape and elevate the region’s design landscape. A distinguished panel of judges selected this year’s winners across architecture, contract design, and residential design from a highly talented pool of 17 finalists representing the region. Leading up to the gala, finalists were recognized on Wednesday evening with an intimate celebration at Made Goods during ADAC’s annual spring market, DESIGN ADAC.
The 2026 Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year winners are:
Architect: D. Stanley Dixon Architect | Atlanta
Contract Design: The Design Atelier | Atlanta
Residential Design: Melanie Turner Interiors | Atlanta
“It’s incredibly rewarding to see both legacy and momentum reflected in this year’s winners,” said Katie Miner, ADAC General Manager. “Both D. Stanley Dixon Architect and Melanie Turner Interiors have been recognized in these awards before, and their continued 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 space. 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.”
With more than 120 entries, this year’s distinguished finalists and winners were selected by a team of top industry professionals, including VERANDA Editor-in-Chief, Steele Marcoux, VERANDA Executive Editor, Ellen McGauley, Peter Dunham & Associates Founder, Peter Dunham, and Kligerman Architect & Design Founder, Tom Kligerman.
