Discover the Endless Possibilities of Creativity at Design ADAC 2024

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Wednesday, March 6th, 2024

Indulge your senses and explore tailored design in Atlanta April 23-25 at DESIGN ADAC! The annual spring market invites you to discover the boundless possibilities of creativity and design through three days of programming featuring an inviting lineup of distinguished keynote speakers, refreshing showroom presentations, remarkable collaborations, exciting celebrations such as the Southeast Designers & Architect of the Year Finalists Celebration and Awards, networking opportunities and more.
 
“Design is like fashion and style; it too can be personalized for that custom fit! This year’s market will spotlight the never-ending possibilities within the design industry and explore fresh ideas such as rediscovering a sense of home, defining a new era of luxury, and exploring artistic expression through visual storytelling,” said ADAC General Manager Katie Miner. “Our spring and fall markets are a chance for designers, architects, creatives, design enthusiasts, inspiring artists, and craftsmen, on every level, to gather on our campus for three days of immersive learning and experiences. It’s a can’t-miss design event.”
 
From celebrating bold patterns and vibrant colors to monochromatic moments with unexpected details, DESIGN ADAC is an extraordinary event, allowing creative thinkers to push boundaries and break barriers through innovative and fresh perspectives. Guests will gain insight from notable industry leaders through keynote presentations and panel discussions, find face-to-face connection through Q+A's and meet-n-greets, experience exclusive product launches, enjoy book signings and networking parties, and overall ignite creative senses through a lens of curiosity for where the industry is today!
 
Below is a snapshot of some of the captivating keynote presentations and after-parties to expect at this year’s DESIGN ADAC:
 
Tuesday, April 23

  • 10:00 a.m. – ATLANTA’S NEW INHERITABLE HOUSE | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Thibaut

What does the inheritable home of tomorrow look like? Is Atlanta’s once-traditional residential market transitioning towards the contemporary side? Four celebrated design professionals known for pushing the limits of high design: Melanie Turner, Stan Benecki, Mark Williams, and Niki Papadopoulos, reveal their boundary-pushing methodologies, from cutting-edge interior architecture to innovative materials and unique custom furnishings. Join moderator and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Publisher Elizabeth Ralls as the five discuss the nuance behind these design pros’ craftsmanship—and their parts as agents of change in what will ultimately be considered tomorrow’s masterpieces.
 
Join Turner, Benecki, Williams, Papadopoulos, and Ralls at the Thibaut showroom following the presentation. Turner will sign copies of her book, “Inviting Interiors.” While visiting the showroom be sure to preview Thibaut’s new collections: Sojourn, Grasscloth Resource 6, and Locale, an outdoor lifestyles collection.  Thibaut | Suite 140

  • 1:00 p.m. – A REDISCOVERY OF HOME WITH ALEXA HAMPTON | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by VERANDA, Woodard, and Logan Gardens

Interior designer and author Alexa Hampton is an impactful and transformative force in the industry, forging a legacy of elegant, practical, and classically based interiors. In conversation with VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux, the influential designer explores the evolution of her pre-war Manhattan apartment as a creative sanctuary and instructive laboratory, whether designing for clients or product lines like her new luxury outdoor furniture collections for Woodard.
 
Following the presentation, please join Hampton and Marcoux at the Logan Gardens showroom for a reception. Be inspired by Hampton’s timeless and classic outdoor furniture collections for Woodard. Copies of her book “Alexa Hampton: Design, Style, & Influence” will be available for signing.  Logan Gardens | Suite 506

  • 3:00 p.m. – BRIDGE THE GAP: MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta, Currey & Company, and UpCountry Home

Houston-based interior designer Paloma Contreras will be on hand to discuss all things transitional style – how to define, curate, and accomplish through her love of antique pieces and contemporary spaces. Joining Contreras will be Chad James, founder and principal of the Chad James Group. Based in Nashville, TN, James is an award-winning designer who focuses on meticulous detail and intention, crafting rooms that are the perfect balance of style and personality. Join Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta’s Editor-in-Chief, Caroline Bentley Edwards, as the two powerhouses explore how to bridge the gap between strong design styles and inspiration for your next project.
 
Following the presentation, please join Contreras, James, and Edwards at UpCountry Home’s beautifully appointed showroom to get your own signed copy of Contreras’ new book, “The New Classic Home: Modern Meets Traditional Style,” and toast to a wonderful afternoon!  UpCountry Home | Suite 401

  • 5:00 p.m. – Expansion Party + Scandinavian Design Soiree
    Sponsored by Fredericia, Karakter, Kvadrat, and Habachy Designs + Atelier

Habachy Designs + Atelier has doubled in size! Celebrate the grand opening of the newly expanded showroom and experience the exquisite craftsmanship and timeless appeal of Scandinavian design with special guests from Denmark, including furniture makers from Fredericia, Karakter, and Kvadrat Textiles. Delight in this exciting showroom reveal with a chance to win luxurious raffle prizes as you enjoy refreshing light bites. Habachy Designs + Atelier | Suite 422
 
Wednesday, April 24

  • 10:00 a.m. – A NEW ERA OF LUXURY: BETTER HOME, BETTER YOU, BETTER LIFE | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by VERANDA, Hancock & Moore, and Century Furniture 

How do we define luxury? Can a well-decorated home change your life? What shapes our idea of opulence? Acclaimed interior designer Corey Damen Jenkins and noteworthy architect Aimee Buccellato join VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux for an intimate and insightful conversation about the true meaning of luxury and how we might challenge ourselves to redefine it.
 
Following the presentation, please join Jenkins, Buccellato, and Marcoux at the Century showroom for a reception and signing of Jenkins’ book, “Design Remix: A New Spin on Traditional Rooms,” and immerse yourself in Jenkin’s current collection for Hancock & Moore that takes inspiration from Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman architecture, Art Deco, and the Viennese Secessionist Period.  Century Furniture | Suite 212

  • 1:00 p.m. – ART IN DESIGN | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, and Englishman’s Fine Furnishings

Placing art is one of the most rewarding and critical challenges for designers, but how should designers work with and build on a client’s existing collection? Join editor Betsy Riley with gallery owner Gregg Irby, artist Charlie Hanavich, and designers Jessica Davis and Roger Higgins to explore the fundamental role art plays in the design process. From educating clients on the value of art to selecting pieces that perfectly complement a space, these experts will share what it takes to add the perfect finishing touch to make any interior a true work of art.
 
Following the presentation, join Irby, Hanavich, Davis, Higgins, and Riley for a reception at Englishman’s Fine Furnishings. While you are in the showroom, peruse Englishman’s collection of European fine furnishings, including antique and vintage furniture, upholstered and leather seating, custom furniture, and more. Englishman’s Fine Furnishings | Suite 417
 
Thursday, April 25

  • 10:00 a.m. – ATMOSPHERIC INTERIORS: GLAMOUR, STAR POWER, AND TOP-TIER STORYTELLING | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor
    Sponsored by VERANDA, Hector Finch, and R HUGHES

Creating legacy-making interiors – and capturing them in enchanted detail – turns decorative vision into atmospheric art. In conversation with interior designer to the stars Martyn Lawrence Bullard and A-list photographer Douglas Friedman, VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley explores the artistic journey of the two American visionaries, from defining perfection to understanding their principles of visual storytelling.
 
Following the presentation, the owners of Hector Finch Lighting welcome you to join Bullard, Friedman, and McGauley for a book signing and reception in the R HUGHES showroom. Experience the craftsmanship and creativity of one of the UK’s leading lighting brands and meet the principals, Hector and Emma Finch. Copies of Bullard’s recent book, “Star Style: Interiors of Martyn Lawrence Bullard," will also be available for purchase and signing. R HUGHES | Suite 320

  • 1:00 p.m. – LICENSING DO’S AND DON’TS | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium
    Sponsored by VERANDA and Fabricut

Navigating the complexities of developing a licensing collection can be a challenging endeavor. On this dynamic panel, Executive Editor Ellen McGauley delves into the nuances of understanding the market, expanding your brand, defining success, and other must-know details with esteemed interior designers Denise McGaha, Noz Nozawa, and Ray Booth.
 
Following the presentation, please join McGaha, Nozawa, Booth, and McGauley at the Fabricut showroom for a reception while viewing McGaha’s new collection and the rest of Fabricut’s latest offerings. Fabricut | Suite 307
 
The full 2024 schedule with event descriptions will go live at www.adacatlanta.com on March 12. General registration for the 2024 DESIGN ADAC spring market is complimentary for all guests and opens on March 19. Click here for more information.
 
DESIGN ADAC is presented by VERANDA, and keynote presentation programming is in sponsorship with media outlets Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, and Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta.
 
For media interested in interviewing any of the keynote speakers or Katie Miner, please email Stevie Seay at [email protected]. Photography is available upon request. Follow along on social media at @adacatlanta or #DESIGNADAC.
 
ABOUT ADAC:  Built more than 60 years ago by renowned architect and developer John Portman in the prestigious Buckhead community of Atlanta, ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) is a community-focused, nationally recognized leader in the world of interior design and home fashion, serving as the essential one-stop shopping resource for interior designers, architects, and builders. In November 2018, ADAC was acquired by ANDMORESM and parent company Blackstone, the world’s largest operator of premier showroom space for the furnishings, home décor and gift industries. The ADAC campus consists of ADAC and ADAC WEST with more than 550,000 square feet with over 25 design offices and more than 65 showrooms offering 1,200 of the industry’s finest product lines, including furniture, fabric, rugs, lighting, accessories, floor and wall coverings, antiques, fine art and framing, kitchens, bath, tile and stone, and home theater products. Likewise, ADAC’s extensive services include custom designs such as framing, electronic systems, faux finishing, and draperies. To learn more, visit www.adacatlanta.com. Follow along on Facebook, X, and Instagram.