Architecture, Mentorship, and the Courage to Begin: Pierre McKell Architects Shares Their Story

Architecture, Mentorship, and the Courage to Begin: Pierre McKell Architects Shares Their Story

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)  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 [https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/inside-brookhavens-2025-home-for-the-holidays-showhouse-where-art-nouveau-meets-modern-design/]. Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag [https://www.instagram.com/atlantahomesmag/] for more inspired spaces. Never miss an issue! Subscribe to the print edition [https://atlantahomesmag.subsmediahub.com/AHL/?f=paid] or digital edition [https://digital.atlantahomesmag.com/?_gl=1*149r22f*_ga*MjM4NzExNzQ4LjE3Njc4OTAzMDM.*_ga_GWLGRT23QQ*czE3NzA4MjI4NTAkbzM4JGcwJHQxNzcwODIyODUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..].

How William Peace Turned Curiosity, Craft, and Adventure into a Design Legacy

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 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 [https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/inside-brookhavens-2025-home-for-the-holidays-showhouse-where-art-nouveau-meets-modern-design/]. Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag [https://www.instagram.com/atlantahomesmag/] for more inspired spaces. Never miss an issue! Subscribe to the print edition [https://atlantahomesmag.subsmediahub.com/AHL/?f=paid] or digital edition [https://digital.atlantahomesmag.com/?_gl=1*149r22f*_ga*MjM4NzExNzQ4LjE3Njc4OTAzMDM.*_ga_GWLGRT23QQ*czE3NzA4MjI4NTAkbzM4JGcwJHQxNzcwODIyODUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..].

50 Years of Architecture: A Conversation with Norman Askins

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  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 [https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/inside-brookhavens-2025-home-for-the-holidays-showhouse-where-art-nouveau-meets-modern-design/]. Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag [https://www.instagram.com/atlantahomesmag/] for more inspired spaces. Never miss an issue! Subscribe to the print edition [https://atlantahomesmag.subsmediahub.com/AHL/?f=paid] or digital edition [https://digital.atlantahomesmag.com/?_gl=1*149r22f*_ga*MjM4NzExNzQ4LjE3Njc4OTAzMDM.*_ga_GWLGRT23QQ*czE3NzA4MjI4NTAkbzM4JGcwJHQxNzcwODIyODUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..].

Designing a Legacy: Jackye Lanham on Style, Collections, and Home

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  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 [https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/inside-brookhavens-2025-home-for-the-holidays-showhouse-where-art-nouveau-meets-modern-design/]. Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag [https://www.instagram.com/atlantahomesmag/] for more inspired spaces. Never miss an issue! Subscribe to the print edition [https://atlantahomesmag.subsmediahub.com/AHL/?f=paid] or digital edition [https://digital.atlantahomesmag.com/?_gl=1*149r22f*_ga*MjM4NzExNzQ4LjE3Njc4OTAzMDM.*_ga_GWLGRT23QQ*czE3NzA4MjI4NTAkbzM4JGcwJHQxNzcwODIyODUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..].

From Spec House to Showhouse with Linda MacArthur and Bobby Livingston

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  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 [https://atlantahomesmag.com/article/inside-brookhavens-2025-home-for-the-holidays-showhouse-where-art-nouveau-meets-modern-design/]. Like what you see? Follow us on social at @atlantahomesmag [https://www.instagram.com/atlantahomesmag/] for more inspired spaces. Never miss an issue! Subscribe to the print edition [https://atlantahomesmag.subsmediahub.com/AHL/?f=paid] or digital edition [https://digital.atlantahomesmag.com/?_gl=1*149r22f*_ga*MjM4NzExNzQ4LjE3Njc4OTAzMDM.*_ga_GWLGRT23QQ*czE3NzA4MjI4NTAkbzM4JGcwJHQxNzcwODIyODUzJGo1NyRsMCRoMA..].