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DISCOVER THE BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITIES OF INSPIRATION AT DESIGN ADAC 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/16/25

Atlanta’s Premier Spring Design Event Returns With Notable Names + Networking April 22-24
General Registration Opens March 18


Step into a world of creativity and inspiration at DESIGN ADAC 2025 returning April 22-24 to celebrate the art of design in all its forms. This year’s highly anticipated spring market invites designers, architects, and creatives to explore an exciting lineup of keynote speakers, immersive showroom presentations, visionary collaborations, and exclusive events, including the Southeast Designers & Architect of the Year Finalists Celebration and Awards Gala. 

This year’s DESIGN ADAC will also highlight the debut books from Nashville-based designer Stephanie Sabbe, “Interiors of a Storyteller,” and Birmingham-based designer Caroline Gidiere, “Interiors for A Life in Good Taste.” Kicking off the event, renowned interior designer Jeffrey Alan Marks will engage in an intimate discussion with VERANDA magazine about his latest book, “This is Home.” Additionally, FREDERIC and Southern Home will debut their first-ever keynote programming at DESIGN ADAC, bringing regional talents to the stage to dive into interior design, photo styling, and the techniques behind staging and layering antiques to create truly stunning spaces. Panel discussions featuring influential designers and architects, such as Beth Webb, Whitney Ray, Heather Chadduck Hillegas, Brandon Ingram, and Brooke and Steve Giannetti, will offer their insights on award-winning design projects and the creation of timeless homes. The event will also feature the grand opening of Caracole’s showroom with a special cocktail party on Tuesday, April 22, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

“Design is an evolving art form – personal, dynamic, and ever-inspiring. DESIGN ADAC 2025 will explore the shifting landscape of design, from redefining luxury and craftsmanship to the intersection of storytelling and artistic expression,” said ADAC General Manager Katie Miner. “This event is more than just a market – it’s an opportunity for attendees at every level of their career and business to come together, exchange ideas, and immerse themselves in three days of learning, connection, and inspiration. Whether discovering new materials, engaging with industry leaders, or celebrating groundbreaking collaborations, DESIGN ADAC is a must-attend event for anyone passionate about design.” 

From bold color statements and intricate craftsmanship to timeless minimalism with unexpected twists, DESIGN ADAC is a platform for pushing creative boundaries and embracing new perspectives. Attendees will gain insights from renowned industry voices through keynote guest presentations and panel discussions, engage directly with designers through Q+A’s and meet-and-greets, experience exclusive product launches, attend book signing mixers and networking events, and leave with fresh inspiration about the future of design. 

Below is a snapshot of some of the captivating keynote presentations and after-parties to expect at this year’s DESIGN ADAC: 

Tuesday, April 22

  • 10:00 a.m. – FROM MONTECITO TO NEW ENGLAND: THIS IS HOME WITH JEFFREY ALAN MARKS | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium  

Sponsored by VERANDA and Palecek

Interior designer, author, and “Million Dollar Decorators” personality Jeffrey Alan Marks is known for his relaxed sophistication and ease that transcend trends. In conversation with VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux, the influential designer explores the meaning of home, instilling a sense of place and shifting client priorities for luxury residences. 

Please join Marks and Marcoux in the Palecek showroom for a reception following the presentation. Browse his furniture collection for Palecek and pick up a signed copy of his new book, “This is Home.”Palecek | Suite 207/210

  • 1:00 p.m. – MASTERING THE MIX | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium 

Sponsored by Southern Home and Paul +

Stylish, thoughtful, and eco-friendly – antiques are the perfect blend of familiarity and worldly sophistication. They have a few secrets from their travels and a story to tell. There is an art, or perhaps a science, to mastering the mix of antiques with fabrics and furnishings to create a fresh design – a room with a soul that transcends time. Southern Home Editor Lynn Terry will be moderating a discussion with design powerhouses Eric Ross, Carolyn Kendall, and Mark Simmons, who are renowned for crafting stunning interiors that convey a unique sense of belonging with their selections. Attendees will enjoy a fascinating discussion on the essential elements for creating beautifully designed, functional spaces that tell a unique story. 

Following the presentation, please join Ross, Kendall, Simmons and Terry at the Paul + showroom for a reception. Ross will be available to sign copies of his latest book “Embracing Southern Homes.”  Paul + | Suite 121

  • 3:00 p.m. – A NEW ERA OF LUXURY LIVING | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium 

Sponsored by Modern Luxury Interiors Southeast and Caracole

Modern Luxury Interiors Southeast invites guests to an inspiring keynote presentation as it embarks on an exciting new chapter in redefining luxury living. Explore the true essence of this luxe lifestyle with some extraordinary panelists who bring their distinctive Southern charm and creativity to the forefront of design: Brooke and Steve Giannetti of Patina Home & Garden; Stephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior Design; and Jason Arnold of Jason Arnold Interiors. Moderated by publisher Jenna Muller, this event will celebrate creativity, innovation, and connections within the luxury design community. 

Don’t miss the chance to mingle with Brooke Giannetti, Steve Gianetti, Sabbe, Arnold, and Muller at a reception hosted in the new Caracole showroom. Signed copies of Brooke and Steve’s latest book, “Patina Homes & Gardens,” and Sabbe’s debut book, “Interiors of a Storyteller” will be available. Also, grab a copy of the inaugural issue of Modern Luxury Interiors Southeast!  Caracole | Suite 141

  • 5:00 p.m. – CARACOLE GRAND OPENING | Caracole Suite 141 

Caracole invites design professionals and enthusiasts to celebrate the grand opening of its new showroom. This special event celebrates the creativity and joy that come from experiencing thoughtful design. The showroom will showcase fresh collections that combine artistry and functionality, offering endless inspiration for creating spaces that truly reflect individuality. 

Guests will be treated to an elevated champagne bar and passed hors d’oeuvres, alongside engaging interactive social experiences throughout the showroom, all set to the vibrant backdrop of a live DJ. This evening is an opportunity to connect with others, explore innovative designs, and celebrate the beauty of spaces that inspire. Join them for a night of discovery and delight at Caracole’s new showroom.  Caracole | Suite 141

Wednesday, April 23

  • 10:00 a.m. – AWARD-WINNING DESIGN: SHOWCASING PROJECTS FOR MAXIMUM IMPACT | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium 

Sponsored by GEORGIA DESIGN and Milieu 1928 

Award-winning design projects can be steppingstones in a career, boosting credibility and opening doors to new opportunities. But what does it take to garner a design award? And if you win, how can you most effectively capitalize on your accolades? Join GEORGIA DESIGN Editor-in-Chief Fran Worrall and award-winning interior designers Whitney Ray, Jenifer Mills, Lathem Gordon, and Cate Dunning for an insightful and entertaining conversation about how to submit design work so that it captures the attention of judges. Additionally, they will discuss how to market winning designs for maximum impact and visibility.  

Following the presentation, please join Ray, Mills, Gordon, Dunning, and Worrall for a reception at the new Milieu 1928 showroom and continue the conversation. While there, peruse Milieu 1928’s collection of designer-focused, custom game room furniture and game tables, including billiard tables, shuffleboards, poker tables, and more.  Milieu 1928 | Suite 502

  • 1:00 p.m. – THE POWER OF LONGEVITY | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium 

Sponsored by VERANDA and Made Goods

How do we merge tradition and preservation with modern priorities? Can we maximize the life cycle of the furniture and buildings we create today? And how do we help instill a culture of permanence in design? VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley leads a dynamic conversation on thoughtful, timeless design with architect Tim Barber, interior designer Caroline Gidiere, and furniture designer Oscar Yague. 

Join Barber, Gidiere, Yague, and McGauley at the Made Goods showroom for a reception post presentation; the signing of Gidiere’s new book, “Interiors for a Life in Good Taste;” and a look at Made Goods’ latest offerings.  Made Goods | Suite 403

Thursday, April 24

  • 10:00 a.m. – THE SCOPE OF A PROJECT: BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by FREDERIC and Schumacher

Delve into the intriguing process of how designers work from the initial concept to the final stages of completing and photographing a project. Eugenia Soto, Design & Decoration Director of Frederic Magazine, will join designers Sally Wilkinson and Heather Chadduck Hillegas to discuss the process from project launch to finish, including the launching points that help kickstart a project into existence, the presentation stage, and how setting influences the design. Learn what happens while a project is underway, how designers transform their vision into reality – collaborating with artisans and manufacturers, and the various ways they make an interior sing. Lastly, the designers will discuss the final stages post-installation, including photography and styling. 

Following the presentation, Wilkinson, Hillegas, and Soto will continue the conversation at Schumacher. Guests can enjoy some light bites while perusing the latest offerings.  Schumacher | Suite 303

  • 1:00 p.m. – TIME-TESTED DESIGN: CREATING THE ULTIMATE CLASSIC HOME | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor Atrium 

Sponsored by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Samuel & Sons

What are the secret ingredients to creating a character-rich, timeless home? Alongside Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iverson, meet three design professionals – interior designer Beth Webb, architect Brandon Ingram, and landscape architect Jeremy Smearman – who have mastered the balance of past and present by combining time-tested architectural elements with a nuanced, personal design approach that culminate in homes that honor Atlanta’s rich history but live well for today. With their expertise, learn how to add interest and atmosphere into spaces with subtle but powerful details that reflect years passed through a fresh lens.  

After the presentation, please join Webb, Ingram, Smearman, and Iverson in the Samuel & Sons showroom for sips and light bites, plus a book signing with Webb for her new book, “Embracing Beauty: Serene Spaces for Living.” While in the showroom, guests can get inspired to dress up their own homes with the latest trim offerings from Samuel & Sons.  Samuel & Sons | Suite 311

The full 2025 schedule with event descriptions is live at www.adacatlanta.com. General registration for the 2025 DESIGN ADAC spring market is complimentary for all guests and opens on March 18. Click here for more information. 

PURSUE THE PRINCIPLES OF BALANCE AT DESIGN ADAC 2023  

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/29/23

Design Center Reveals Annual Market Line Up Featuring Keynote Presentations, Showroom Panels + More 

Spring Market, Presented by VERANDA, Returns in Person April 18-20 + Registration Opens March 9 

Celebrate spring in Atlanta, a city blooming with optimism, April 18-20, for DESIGN ADAC! The annual spring market is the perfect reason to head south, and delight in colors that are bright and bold, feelings that are light and joyous, and inspiration that is plenty as we explore the principles of balance, the backbone of design, and the state of mind we are all seeking.  

“We are excited to usher in a new season at this year’s DESIGN ADAC,” said ADAC General Manager Katie Miner. “We’ll pursue the principles of creating balance in design and life as we explore everything from sustainable materials to travel-inspired decorating to the simple joy of design. This year is also special as architect Bobby McAlpine will be returning to his ADAC home to host a keynote presentation and signing of his book, “Romantic Modernism.” 

Explore design through a fresh new lens this spring with three days of programming spanning keynote presentations, salon-style talks, book signings, product launches, tours and more! Hear from illustrious tastemakers, captivating designers and architects, and cutting-edge innovators as DESIGN ADAC celebrates how the principles of design come together to create a world that is surprising and refreshing, customary yet unconventional, structured and precise, and ultimately balanced, just like the state of mind we’re all seeking. 

Below is a snapshot of some of the incredible keynote presentations and after-parties to expect at this year’s spring event: 

Tuesday, April 18 

·        10:00 a.m. – DRESSING THE TABLE WITH LELA ROSE | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by The Atlantan, Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta, and Kolo Collection 

Join Modern Luxury in welcoming fashion designer, author, and lifestyle curator Lela Rose to ADAC. In this presentation, Rose will discuss her brand new tome, “Fresh Air Affairs: Entertaining with Style in the Great Outdoors” with the event’s moderator, Caroline Perrott, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantan, Interiors Atlanta, and Weddings Atlanta. Set up among a tablescape creation by Rose exclusively for this event and inspired by the creative entertainment spaces in her book, the pair will discuss the joy of entertaining outdoors in a variety of different climates, with Rose sharing her secrets to designing the perfect table and looking good while doing it.  

Join Rose and Perrott after the lively presentation at the Kolo Collection showroom for hors d’oeuvresand a meet-and-greet with the talented fashion designer. Rose will also be signing copies of her book. Kolo Collection, Suite 321 

·        1:00 p.m. – RESTAURANT DESIGN: RETURN OF THE MAX | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, Atlanta Magazine, and German Kitchen Center    

Floral motifs, bright colors, bold patterns – in today’s restaurant design, more is more. The long trend of industrial chic has started to fade, opening new, creative doors for designers and restaurateurs. Join Betsy Riley, Editor-in-Chief of Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, and a panel of design experts to learn about the inspirations, challenges, and rewards of their recent hospitality projects. Panelists include award-winning designers Smith Hanes, Vivian Bencich, and Michael Habachy, as well as interior designer-turned-restaurateur Tamar Telahun.  

Following the presentation, cook up inspiration at German Kitchen Center with Hanes, Bencich, Habachy, Telahun, and Riley.  German Kitchen Center will be showcasing Contino 12, a new handle-less kitchen front collection from LEICHT.  Discover how the elegant appearance of Contino 12 can enhance the appearance of any modern kitchen over light bites and lively conversation.  German Kitchen Center, Suite 208 

·        3:00 p.m. – THEN & NOW: CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF ATLANTA STYLE | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and Peacock Alley   

Feeling lost in the shuffle of constantly changing design trends? In celebration of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ 40th anniversary, Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iverson sits down with Atlanta design staples Carole Weaks of C. Weaks Interiors, Lauren DeLoach of Lauren DeLoach Interiors, and Devin Taylor of Devin Taylor Designs to discuss the city’s luxury design blueprint throughout the decades. Preserving the city’s rich history through their work while keeping a keen eye toward the future, these celebrated designers reminisce on classic design trends from years passed and share their forecast for the next 40 years of Atlanta style. 

Join Iverson and panelists Weaks, DeLoach, and Taylor in the Peacock Alley showroom following the discussion for sips and light bites. While in the showroom, get inspiration on how to dress your own home in style with Peacock Alley’s latest luxurious offerings.  Peacock Alley, ADAC West, Suite A6 

Wednesday, April 19 

·        10:00 a.m. – CREATIVE RENEWAL WITH ARCHITECT BOBBY MCALPINE | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by VERANDA and Sutherland & Perennials   

Architect Bobby McAlpine has pioneered a singular design precedent that merges modernism and classicism and stands the test of time. And yet innovation and inquiry are the seeds from which his body of work has flourished for nearly 40 years. In conversation with VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley, the prolific architect explores not only the necessity of creative reinvention in his own work, but how leaning into our own contradictions keeps our ideas fresh and how our homes can become revealing memoirs. 

Following the presentation, join McAlpine and McGauley at the Sutherland & Perennials Studio for a reception. Known for being leaders in the international design industry, Sutherland Perennials Studio invites you to discover its influential offering of products while McAlpine signs copies of his book, “Romantic Modernism.”  Sutherland & Perennials Studio, Suite 227 

·        1:00 p.m. – BUILDING A STRONG DESIGN BRAND | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by VERANDA and Fabricut  

Whether building a firm from the ground up or determining the wisest paths of growth and creative investment, defining a strong brand brings a trove of key decisions. For this enlightening panel, VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley welcomes architect John Ike, founding partner of legendary firm Ike Kligerman Barkley and most recently, Ike Baker Velten; interior designer and Woodard CEO Jean Liu; and Benjamin Johnston, partner and creative director of Benjamin Johnston Designto talk about pivotal issues from developing marketing materials to investing in a public relations firm. 

Following the presentation, join Ike, Liu, Johnston, and McGauley at the Fabricut showroom for a reception and to view Fabricut’s latest collections, including Vacanza by Benjamin Johnston for S. Harris.  Fabricut, Suite 307 

Thursday, April 20 

·        10:00 a.m. – THE POWER OF ELEGANCE IN MODERN DESIGN | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by VERANDA and Cowtan & Tout   

How do we define elegance? Where do modernity and risk fit in? Is restraint the unsung hero of refined, timeless design? Decorating titans Alex Papachristidis and Suzanne Rheinstein join VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux for an intimate conversation that ranges from gracious entertaining to the role of fine art and how each continually challenge themselves as decorators. 

Following the presentation, join Papachristidis, Rheinstein, and Marcoux at the Cowtan & Tout showroom for a reception and book signing. Cowtan & Tout is the perfect place to be inspired through timeless and elegant design. Copies of Papachristidis’ book “The Elegant Life”, Rheinstein’s book “A Welcoming Elegance”, and “VERANDA at Home in the South” will be available for purchase and signing.  Cowtan & Tout, Suite 225 

·        1:00 p.m. – THE ESSENTIAL ROLE OF JOY IN DESIGN | ADAC Presentation Room First Floor  

Sponsored by VERANDA and Made Goods 

Wonder and warmth are shared virtues of the most well-designed houses and gardens, speaking to the senses in a way that transcends aesthetic beauty. In this lively panel with interior designer Darren Henault, kitchen designer Caren Rideau, and landscape designer Fernando Wong, VERANDA Editor-in-Chief Steele Marcoux explores the ways we build authenticity and exuberance into projects, from embracing collections to designing for year-round garden living. 

Following the presentation, join Henault, Rideau, Wong, and Marcoux for a reception in the Made Goods Showroom. We invite you to meet the panelists and Marcoux while viewing Made Goods’ latest collections.  Made Goods, Suite 403 

The full 2023 schedule with event descriptions will go live at www.adacatlanta.com on March 9. Registration for the 2023 DESIGN ADAC spring market is complimentary for all guests and also opens on March 9. Click here for more information. 

DESIGN ADAC is hosted in partnership with VERANDA, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta and Modern Luxury’s The Atlantan.