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.