In this episode, AH&L Editorial Director Lauren Iverson sits down with architects Connor McKell Bingham and Jacques Pierre Levet, co-founders of Pierre McKell Architects, to explore the experiences, influences, and relationships that shaped their approach to residential design. From their very different upbringings—Connor's immersive education at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and Jacques' roots in Southeast Louisiana—we discuss the enduring appeal of classical homes, the importance of designing for longevity, and the mentors who helped shape their professional outlook.

Connor and Jacques also share the story behind launching their own firm despite never having worked together on the same projects beforehand. Their conversation reveals how contrasting design perspectives can become a strength, why entrepreneurship often requires a leap of faith, and how great architects learn to solve problems beyond the drawing board. The result is an insightful discussion about partnership, practice, and creating homes with lasting soul and purpose.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 From Louisiana to Colorado, Connor and Jacques share their early interest in architecture and talk the soul of classical homes
• 05:45 Connor and Jacques never worked on the same projects before starting a business together. How did they trust it was meant to be? 
• 08:00 A maximalist meets a classic minimalist... how do they operate together on a project?
• 13:15 Growing up in Southeast Louisiana, Jacques shares what a generational effect taught him about aging in place
• 15:15 As the last undergraduate at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Connor talks his immersive college experience
• 18:15 Design education and the influence professionals can have on students
• 23:00 Connor and Jacques' Historical Concepts mentors, Jim Strickland and Andrew Cogar, are problem solvers who taught them to think outside the box
• 27:30 How do you know you're ready to start your own firm? Connor and Jacques share their parting advice (Hint: It really is a leap of faith) 

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In this episode, interior designer, author, and creative visionary William Peace joins AH&L Editorial Director Lauren Iverson to share the experiences that shaped his remarkable career and distinctive design perspective. From painting as a child and working construction jobs to arriving in Atlanta with little more than ambition and a full trunk, William reflects on the unexpected opportunities, pivotal life moments, and lessons that helped define his path. Along the way, he discusses the importance of listening, communication, and embracing diverse experiences as keys to long-term success in design.

The conversation also explores William's deep connection to the American West, the inspiration behind his book Peace in the West, and how the region continues to influence his celebrated work, including his collection with Holland & Sherry. He shares stories about residing in a former gas station, balancing life between Atlanta and the West, and offers thoughtful advice for the next generation of designers. Whether you're a design professional, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone who appreciates beautiful spaces and meaningful storytelling, this episode is filled with inspiration and insight.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:45 How did William Peace become interested in design? The designer shares the happenings that kept him inspired, from childhood painting to construction work
• 04:30 How varied experiences can set you apart from the crowd and give you a dynamic career (keywords: listen and communicate)
• 06:10 William lands in Atlanta with a full trunk and big dreams 
• 07:00 Early career moments—starting at a commercial design firm (that designed the Georgia Pacific building!)—and how being open to opportunities can change your life
• 09:15 Life always has pivots—here's the moments that changed William's life
• 12:30 Your therapist is right: Spending more time in nature CAN improve your well-being. William shares his life in the American West
• 15:30 William's debut book Peace in the West shares the majestic characteristics of the American West and the homes
• 21:00 William's collection with Holland & Sherry—with fabrics, wallcoverings, leathers, rugs, trims and more—is informed by the land and ultraluxurious
• 24:00 Villa Petrol: Once a gas station, now William's personal home 
• 26:00 How William balances his success in Atlanta and love for the American West
• 28:15 William's parting advice for young designers

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In this episode, architect Norman Askins reflects on a remarkable 50-year career and the evolution of architecture in the American South. Norman shares the formative experiences that shaped his architectural philosophy, including encounters with legendary architects Philip Shutze and James Means, and discusses the friendship he has with the 25 firms who roots trace back to his office. 

And as he approaches his firm's 50th anniversary, Norman shares his vision for the years to come. The conversation, led by AH&L Editorial Director Lauren Iverson, is both a retrospective on an extraordinary career and a masterclass in enduring design, leadership, and professional longevity. 


What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:50 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:20 Childhood in Birmingham, Norman's early architectural interest, and moving to Atlanta in the 1970s
• 06:00 Norman rubs elbows with famed architects Philip Shutze and James Means
• 08:30 Five decades of Atlanta's architectural evolvement through Norman's eyes
• 15:45 Norman speaks about the 25 architectural firms that have formed underneath his umbrella
• 17:11 Fifty years of Norman Davenport Askins, Architects: What's next for the firm (hint—a potential rebrand?)
• 18:30 How to succeed in the design industry? Stay away from trends
• 20:00 The two most challenging projects of Norman's career
• 23:00 After 50 years, these are the things that still excite Norman in the world of architecture 
• 25:15 Norman shares how he approaches challenges in a communications-driven business
•  28:00 What's on the horizon for Norman Askins
• 30:00 Closing notes 

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In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls sits down with designer Jackye Lanham of Jacquelynne P. Lanham Designs, Inc. to explore her remarkable career that has helped shape the design landscape of Atlanta and beyond. From the influence of the British Isles on her early work and the mentors who refined her eye, to her friendships with legendary architects and decorators, Jackye shares the experiences that informed her distinctive style. 

We also discuss collecting with intention, navigating the challenges of merging households, the signature elements that define a Jackye Lanham interior, and the evolution of Atlanta's design scene over the decades. Along the way, she reflects on the women who paved the way in the industry and the timeless principles that continue to guide great design today. 

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:55 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:45 Elizabeth's first experience with Jackye's work + the influence the British Isles had on Jackye's early designs
• 04:10 Atlanta's original influencer! How Jackye's time with Tom Hayes shaped her taste
• 07:15 Jackye's business beginnings and friendship with architect Norman Askins
• 10:10 Jackye's collections and how she's curated them throughout the decades
• 15:30 Merging households: How to "pick your favorite children" when pairing down homes
• 20:50 The design greats who shared the stage with Jackye in her early design days, plus the female decorators who paved the way for designers today
• 25:00 Signature details of a Jackye Lanham-designed space
• 29:45 A fabulous foyer by Jackye Lanham and her time as the honorary chair for the Southeastern Designer Showhouse 
• 33:30 Atlanta has evolved over the years, but here's what's remained the same
• 34:50 Closing notes 

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In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls is joined by architect Linda MacArthur and builder Bobby Livingston as they dive deeper into the architectural nuances of the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse. Beginning as a run-down property, the team shares the pivotal decision that shifted the project from a possible remodel to a ground-up build. From navigating a tricky homesite to creating a design that feels both timeless and distinctive, they break down the mindset, collaboration, and courage it takes to get it right. 

We also explore the behind-the-scenes realities of custom residential construction—where tension points can become turning points, curb appeal goes far beyond the front door, and thoughtful landscape design unlocks new possibilities. Linda and Bobby end by reflecting on their hypothetical homeowner that shaped their design decisions and set the tone for the future of the home.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:45 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 Architect Linda MacArthur and builder Bobby Livingston talk how a dilapidated, tear-down property located in Historic Brookhaven ultimately became the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse—and what the tipping point is from a renovation to a new-build
• 06:45 Having a vision on a challenging lot that respects the neighborhood but carries its own unique presence (plus Lindas do's + don'ts!)
• 09:15 Construction pressure points and how they can pay dividends
• 10:00 Formal entrances + and how they don't have to be cookie cutter
• 11:00 With a good landscape architect, anything is possible
• 12:15 Designing—and living—in Historic Brookhaven (and how to be a good neighbor during construction)
• 15:30 "A showhouse isn't an ordinary spec home" and the challenge of designing for an imaginary homeowner
• 17:00 Magical moments that make custom homes shine
• 23:00 The Lucky Chosen One: The type of client Linda and Bobby imagine living in this home
• 26:45 Closing notes 

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In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls is joined by Valerie Garrett of Valerie Garrett Interiors, the lead specifications designer behind the unforgettable 2025 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse. Valerie shares her journey from participating designer to leading the charge—what the leap really looks like and how it reshapes your perspective on collaboration, creativity, and responsibility. Along the way, Valerie talks what it takes to strike harmony between visionary design, partner expectations, and the future buyer walking through the front door.

From an anxiety-inducing terrace level that transformed into one of the home’s most talked-about spaces, to breathtaking second-floor details, the duo explore the artistry and intention behind every specification at the inspiring showhouse. 

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:10 From participating designer to  lead specifications designer...what does that jump look like in the 2025 Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse?
• 03:45 How "problem children" challenge your design—and ultimately lead to something better
• 08:00 Stunner stones! And finding the right style balance in a showhouse 
• 13:00 How the specifications designer collectively accomplishes the goal of a showhouse: designing with a future buyer in mind while also pleasing partners—and yourself
• 17:45 How this showhouse personally reflects Valerie, plus the client she created in her mind while designing
• 21:30 An anxiety-inducing terrace level and how it turned into one of the most talked about spaces
• 23:00 Valerie's favorite second-level design details (curved walls, grand tile, and jewelry-like faucets)
• 24:30 The Atlanta design community & closing notes 
  
  

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In this episode, AH&L Editor-in-Chief Lauren Iverson is joined by Kim Regas of Regas Interiors, whose fearless creativity has defined everything from her very first showhouse space (yes, the one with garland on a powder room ceiling) to her sultry lounge and game room at the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse. Kim shares how her early career in advertising set her up to run a thriving design firm, and how dramatic stone, custom cabinetry, and bold decision-making help her transform even the most challenging spaces into immersive, multi-layered experiences.

We also talk about designing with confidence (and why “sometimes ignorance is bliss”), separating large rooms into intentional zones that engage all five senses, and why a pool table can absolutely double as architectural artwork. Plus, Kim gives candid advice for showhouse newcomers, offers a peek into the family ties behind her firm, and teases what’s next as Regas Interiors heads into year 26—including a Charleston expansion.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:30 Welcome & Introduction
• 01:00 Kim Regas' first showhouse space (did someone say garland on a powder room ceiling?!)
• 02:45 How a first career with an advertising agency set Kim up for success running her own design business
• 06:30 Kim's super-sexy lounge and game room at the 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse—and how she approached one of the home's most challenging spaces
• 10:40 How dramatic stone and detailed custom cabinetry set the tone for Kim's entire showhouse space
• 12:40 Bold design choices + how confidence is key in those moments (or in Kim's words, "sometimes ignorance is bliss")
• 14:30 How separating large spaces into zones creates a multi-layered experience—and how all five senses are vital to its success
• 19:00 The sneaky family ties you'll find at Regas Interiors, from Kim's daughter's artwork to onboarding Kim's husband
• 22:45 Pool tables as architectural artwork? Tell us more...
• 25:00 Showhouse challenges and solutions—plus best advice for showhouse newbies
• 28:45 What's next in year 26 of Regas Interiors (a new Charleston office?!)
• 30:45 Closing notes

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Get the scoop on the Southeast's best-dressed spaces at atlantahomesmag.com.

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In this episode, AH&L Publisher Elizabeth Ralls is joined by Meg Harrington of Huff Harrington Home, Huff Harrington Design, Huff Harrington Fine Art and Huff Harrington Paris for a wide-ranging, joy-filled conversation about creativity, community, and having fun while building a business. Meg shares the inspiration behind her design team's 2025 Home for the Holidays Showhouse space and why thoughtful details are the secret to creating rooms that truly stop you in your tracks.

We also dive into the evolution of Huff Harrington—from selling art out of a living room to becoming a beloved Atlanta art gallery—and how that journey led to diversified ventures, Paris buying trips, a new trade program, and over 20 years of friendship and fun in the Atlanta design community. Along the way, Meg reflects on her life in Historic Brookhaven, reveals her go-to best white paint, and reminds listeners that life is too short not to enjoy the process.

What You’ll Hear on This Episode:

• 00:45 Welcome & Introduction
• 02:00 The inspiration behind Huff Harrington Design's Home for the Holidays Showhouse space
• 03:30 How great details can create a fun, eye-catching showhouse space
• 06:00 The inside scoop on Huff Harrington Home and Huff Harrington Paris, and their new trade program
• 11:30 Huff Harrington on diversifying their business & Paris buying trips 
• 15:00 Reflecting on 20 years of business—and fun—in the Atlanta design community ("life's too short, you have to have fun")
• 22:00 From selling art out of a living room to a beloved Atlanta art gallery...and a lifelong friendship
• 24:00 Life as a resident in Atlanta's Historic Brookhaven and the birth of native content
• 25:30 The Nest, the original native content, and the best white paint for your walls
• 27:15 Closing notes & where to find Meg

Tune in every time! Subscribe today on all platforms so new releases automatically download to your phone.

Get the scoop on the Southeast's best-dressed spaces at atlantahomesmag.com.

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