The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) continues to serve as a hub for the Southeast’s 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.
 
ADAC is proud to announce the 17 finalists representing 16 firms from five states across three categories: residential interior design, contract interior design, and architecture. 127 entries poured in from nine states, including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, showcasing the awards’ reach across the entire region. From these entries, finalists were meticulously selected by a respected panel of industry experts, including VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux and VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley, Peter Dunham & Associates Founder, Peter Dunham, and Kligerman Architecture & Design Founder, Tom Kligerman.
 
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.
 
“The Southeast Designers and Architect of the Year Awards continue to reflect the strength and evolution of design across our region,” said Katie Miner, General Manager of ADAC. “Each year, the work reaches new heights, making the selection process increasingly thoughtful and competitive. This year’s finalists embody a remarkable range of perspectives and expertise, reinforcing that design in the Southeast is not only thriving, it’s raising the bar.”
 
The 2026 finalists represent a dynamic cross-section of the region’s 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’s design environment and the continued momentum of a program that draws both new perspectives and returning innovators.
 
The 2026 Finalists for Residential, Contract and Architecture include:
 
Residential Design Finalists

• Moe Draz of Architrave Interior Design | Charleston, SC
• Stephanie Andrews of Balance Design | Atlanta, GA
• Kim Mauney of Kim Mauney Interiors | Charlotte, NC
• Laura W. Jenkins Interiors | Atlanta, GA
• Melanie Turner Interiors | Atlanta, GA
• Teri Thomas of Teri Thomas Interiors | Charlotte, NC
• Yancey Seibert Shearouse of Yancey Seibert Interior Design | Augusta, GA

 
Contract Design Finalists

• ai3 | Atlanta, GA
• Sharon Cleland of J. Banks Design | Hilton Head Island, SC
• Tate Casper & Jordan Winston of Oxford Design Interiors | Tampa, FL
• Pfeffer Torode Architecture | Nashville, TN
• Jillian Rooker & Amanda Dashwood of Rook and Dash | Atlanta, GA
• The Design Atelier | Atlanta, GA

 
Architecture Finalists

• D. Stanley Dixon Architect | Atlanta, GA
• Pfeffer Torode Architecture | Nashville, TN
• John Plaster of Plaster Architecture | Atlanta, GA
• Summerour Architects | Atlanta, GA
• UrbanARCH Associates | Memphis, TN

 
Being named a finalist is an achievement in itself. Beyond peer recognition, finalists receive year-round visibility through ADAC’s platforms and are celebrated at signature events. The Finalists Celebration will take place on April 22 at Made Goods in Suite 403 as part of the DESIGN ADAC annual spring market, bringing the design community together in Atlanta to celebrate, connect, and honor these outstanding achievements. Winners will be announced the following evening, April 23, at an exclusive, invitation-only Awards Gala. Media interested in attending the Finalists Celebration can RSVP to [email protected].
 
With an exceptionally strong pool of submissions this year, the judges’ insight was critical in evaluating entries and identifying the standout finalists.