CONNOR M. BINGHAM arrived at Historical Concepts as a summer intern in 2015 and started full-time in 2016 equipped with a diverse range of architectural education. Prior to graduating with a Bachelor of Architectural Studies from The Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Connor developed an appreciation for ornament and structure as architecture. These affinities quickly led him to the study of vernacular, traditional, and then classical architecture. As a graduate student at the University of Colorado-Denver, Connor was honored to be the recipient of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s Robert and Judi Newman Student Award, distinguished himself as a two-time Clinton Scholar, and served as the President of the Students for Classical Architecture-Denver Chapter. His recent proposal, Apprenticeship and Attitudes on Architecture: A Study of Architectural Education, earned him the 2020 J. Neel Reid Fellowship by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Connor notes that architects convey in drawings that which is not yet real. He loves witnessing the evolution of an idea into a built form.

Mary Elizabeth Bland’s path to architecture can be traced to her upbringing. Her father and grandfather were both civil engineers; she credits them with her early interest in buildings. Her deep appreciation for Classical and Southern vernacular architecture, however, springs from her childhood domain: she grew up in an 1840s Greek Revival home in western Tennessee. At Centre College, a small liberal arts school, Mary Elizabeth was able to study both math and studio art, a subject that first awakened her attraction to classical proportions. While studying abroad, she began to see architecture as perhaps a truer expression of culture than the fine arts; buildings were “living art that people could become part of.” This epiphany led Mary Elizabeth to enroll in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Notre Dame. Here, the graduate student’s purpose and past began to converge; she studied classical architecture throughout Europe, but also explored the comparatively contemporary classicism in her own back yard, the American South. Upon graduation in 2015, Mary Elizabeth eagerly joined Historical Concepts based on the familiarity of the firm’s work. In the firm’s portfolio, she sees her own history and a strong sense of place, something she intrinsically values and strives to create for others. She is the recipient of the 2019 J. Neel Reid Prize given by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Her research involved studying architecture and urbanism from the Hapsburg Empire in Central Europe, specifically in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

The New England environment in which he was raised inspired DAVID C. BRYANT’s interest in traditional architecture and building techniques. Dave spent a lot of time around vernacular farms with wonderful houses and outbuilding such as barns, corn cribs, well heads, and privies. Ultimately, his exposure to some of the finest examples of Georgian and Federal architecture in the country led Dave to pursue an education that combines engineering and architectural design with practical experience in the field of traditional timber frame construction. Dave has been with Historical Concepts since 1995. Dave is a Design Specialist who supports each studio, applying his extensive studies of the patterns and massing of small buildings, as well as his passion for historic, vernacular residential architecture, detailing, and construction methods to the firm’s projects, from initial schematic design through the construction phase. Dave possess a unique ability to detail interior spaces and he creates hand sketches of these details in support of many design development efforts. He has been an integral member of several Historical Concepts teams to receive residential accolades, including a Shutze Award in 2008. Dave is an active member of the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art. In his spare time Dave enjoys sailing a 25’ sloop and perfecting his home brew.

ALISON BUERSMEYER, unlike many of her colleagues, made a “very late” decision to become an architect. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree with a concentration in Architectural Practice and Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame. An internship led to G. P. Schafer Architect in New York, where she worked on residential projects throughout the US, from guest house barns in Maine and Newport Beach to apartment and townhouse renovations in New York City.

Ali has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, served as an Intern Coordinator at GPSA, and was a Resident Assistant while a student at Notre Dame. She enjoys cooking and is always trying new recipes for her roommates. A huge sports fan, Ali is a regular at her neighborhood Liverpool Football Club supporters’ bar early on weekend mornings. She has loved playing The Sims (one of the best-selling video game series of all time) since middle school; her mother credits her initial curiosity in architecture to her time designing houses in the game.

From an early age CHRISTOPHER CARRIGAN had an affinity for drawing and math, but it was not until high school that he was introduced to architecture and became “hooked on the balance of design and building science.” Chris first joined the firm after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2002. In 2005, he decided to take a leave of absence to pursue graduate studies in town design, eventually returning to Historical Concepts with a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami in 2006. Chris has a deep passion for traditional architecture and neighborhood-scale master planning. He has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations such as the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, and previously served as President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism. His generalist approach to architecture and master planning along with his eye for detail is well‐recognized within the firm and by his peers. Chris has contributed to several custom residential, civic, and urban design projects, a number of which received Shutze Awards, and previously served as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Miami. Working remotely from a small town outside of Minneapolis, MN, Chris enjoys spending time with his kids on various outdoor activities, woodworking, watching baseball, and relaxing at the lake.

A native of Charlottesville, Virginia, CHRISTIAN CULLINAN’S interests in architecture, campus design, and walkable communities grew from his experiences exploring the Grounds of the University of Virginia and growing up in a community where he could walk to his high school, his job at a local coffee shop, and other places around town. After relocating to Atlanta from New York, he was drawn to Historical Concept’s contextual but contemporary architecture and placemaking which led him to join the firm in 2022.

A graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Architecture and minor in Sustainability, Christian spent three years at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, LLP working primarily on higher education and mixed-use projects. During his time there, he was a recruiting team captain for Hampton University, a mentor for the Architecture, Construction and Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program of America, an organizer and lecturer for the Classical Tuesdays Seminar Series, and a presenter for the New York City College of Technology Career and Portfolio Workshop.

Christian is also the recipient of a 2019 McKim, Mead & White Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA) for his student thesis project, “Museum of the History of Segregation,” which was a catalyst for his pursuit of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the profession. He is a member of AIA, ICAA, and the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP). Additionally, Christian was a 2021-2022 SCUP Emerging Leader and currently serves on the SCUP Membership Committee as a Community Chair.

On most days, Christian can be found walking around Cabbagetown with his partner and their dog, Jean. He also enjoys biking around Atlanta, traveling, cooking, and hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains.

CHRIS EILAND became interested in architecture for the way it combines so many traditional disciplines such as history, geography, philosophy, the arts, physics, engineering, and even business into a “built product.” Chris first came to Historical Concepts as a summer intern in 2004. He completed not one, but two internships at Historical Concepts before joining the firm full‐time in 2006. Chris has a degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame and considers himself a true “generalist” with a genuine interest in each phase of a project from schematic design and conceptualization to the construction phase. He appreciates that being a generalist means there will “always be something new to learn and apply to the next design problem.” Chris has contributed to a wide range of commercial, planning, and residential project types throughout the country. Outside of the office, Chris enjoys improving his own home and spending time with his family, especially his two young sons.

MATTHEW GAMBETTA was always interested in architecture, acquiring his appreciation of beautiful historical architecture while growing up in the New York metropolitan area and traveling with his family to Maine and cities in the Northeast. However, that interest didn’t become a potential career opportunity until he was a student in his high school‘s AP Studio Art program, when he realized that practicing architecture would utilize his artistic and drafting skills. He continued to take drawing classes while earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at University of Notre Dame’s Mendoza College of Business, and applied to Notre Dame and other graduate architecture programs his senior year; he ultimately decided to enter seminary with the Congregation of Holy Cross, a religious order affiliated with Notre Dame and other universities. After a year of seminary, Matt finally pursued a Master of Architecture degree at The Catholic University of America’s School of Architecture and Planning in Washington, D.C., studying Classical Architecture and Urbanism under James McCrery, where his passion for classical and traditional architecture grew as he explored Washington’s plethora of monumental and vernacular architecture.

Matt was drawn to Historical Concepts by its precedent-based design approach and emphasis on creating architecture rooted to places and climes, retaining traditional aesthetics and building practices while fulfilling contemporary needs. He has always loved history, and that love led to understanding the history of architecture and the design decision making process that respects local customs and traditions. Matt took part in Historical Concepts’ Intern Program in the summer of 2021 and joined the firm in the summer of 2022. Although he is a relative newcomer to the Southeast, Matt already appreciates Southern vernacular architectural traditions, particularly those he’s experienced firsthand in his brief time in Atlanta and trips to New Orleans, Savannah, and Charleston.

A member of ICAA, Matt spends his free time cooking (especially for crowds), reading, listening to jazz and classical music, and making the occasional day trip to new destinations.

IAN GRIFFEY always knew he wanted to be an architect. His grandmother was a realtor, and even as a child he appreciated beauty in architectural detail as he visited properties with her. His parents, avid do-it-yourselfers, have renovated nearly every house Ian has lived in, and he learned much about the architectural process by assisting with those renovations. But his traditional architecture “aha” moment occurred while studying for his BS degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University, for engineering taught him the value and importance of permanence, durability, character and harmony in architecture.

Upon receiving his M. Arch from the University of Notre Dame, Ian joined Historical Concepts in August 2020 after two internships with the firm. He spends his leisure time with his wife and daughter.

PAUL HAISLMAIER first came to Historical Concepts in 2013 as a summer intern and returned as a full-time member of the team in 2014 after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Miami. Paul became aware of the profession of architecture as a teenager, working residential construction with his father, doing rough framing and finish carpentry. After “putting a few walls in the wrong place” and having to redo the work, Paul began to figure out why things were “drawn the way they were” on plans. This led to an interest in the design of houses and a particular fascination with how construction details come together in the final product. A class on the history of architecture, which examined the work of the ancient Greeks and Romans, at the local community college solidified a burgeoning interest in traditional architecture. Paul’s education at the University of Miami, and his internship with Duany Plater-Zyberk, where he delved into the principles of urbanism and classicism as well as their practical applications, gave him an appreciation for the macro aspects of architecture too. When not working on residential designs or developer related projects, Paul enjoys the great outdoors, playing classical violin, or rooting enthusiastically for his favorite hockey team, the Washington Capitals.

NAYUN HONG was always interested in architecture and its role in shaping public space, but she wasn’t fully aware of that interest until she arrived at the University of Notre Dame. When applying to colleges, she selected schools with good engineering and band programs — she had played the oboe and trombone since middle school and wanted to integrate music with her college experience; architecture was not on the radar. Upon arriving in South Bend, Indiana, Nayun experienced culture shock. Born near Seoul, South Korea, she grew up in Honolulu, Hawaii in primarily urban environments. She knew that Notre Dame had the oldest university marching band in the country, but not much else. Uncertain about majoring in Engineering in her freshman year, her mother encouraged her to consider architecture, as she always thought Nayun and architecture were “very compatible.” Serendipity prevailed at the end her fourth year — she experienced a Habitat for Humanity design-build studio that gave her the confidence to pursue a career in architecture.

Nayun received her Bachelor of Architecture from Notre Dame with concentration in Architectural Practice and Enterprise and a minor in Asian Studies. That minor heavily influenced her last year of studies and thesis project, as she wanted to find a way to connect her Korean and Asian heritage/background with her Western Classicism education. She enjoyed learning about urban design and the idea of placemaking, and hopes to further explore those concepts professionally, focusing on architectural details, interiors, and constructability for several years before transitioning to planning projects. After participating in Historical Concepts’ Intern Program in the summer of 2021, she joined the firm in 2022.

Nayun enjoys solo travel; she finds it more exciting, even romantic at times, and offers opportunity for self-discovery. She considers herself an amateur experimental home chef, trying everything from her grandma’s Korean dishes to viral Tik Tok recipes.

PAUL KNIGHT joined Historical Concepts full time in 2011 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He has dual Masters degrees in Architecture and City Planning. Paul’s research on the link between legal codes and the built environment has been presented at several national conferences. Additionally, Paul is a founding board member and Executive Director of the Douglas C. Allen Institute for the Study of Cities, a non-profit organization that advances knowledge in the fields of urban design, landscape architecture, and architecture.

KELLEN KRAUSE, RA attributes his interest in architecture and urban design to academic settings of Cleveland’s historic Ohio City and Chicago’s Lincoln Park. Coupled with a BFA in Scene Design from DePaul University’s acclaimed Theatre School conservatory and a Master’s in Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, these experiences opened his eyes to the freedoms that walkable environments can offer. Having joined Historical Concepts in 2014, Kellen’s education and travels impress upon him that a mix of classical and traditional architecture, building type, use, and good urbanism are fundamental to a satisfying quality of life. Those lessons have been applied along the eastern seaboard and to award‐winning projects recognized by the CNU and ICAA. He is very active at the ICAA as an instructor and produces their podcast Classicism in Conversation. When not holding a pencil, Kellen can be found biking, playing piano, cooking, reading, or enjoying life out from under a roof.

LINDSAY LABUDDE believes her love of architecture is rooted in a gift from her grandfather, an engineer. Despite his advice on putting together Barbie’s Hawaiian Hut, Lindsay, who was unable to read at the time, recalls perfect results based solely on “looking at the picture on the box.” As she got older, her interest in toys faded, but not her interest in housing and construction. She says, “I think I’ve always had an interest in how people use space, and how spaces work together.” Lindsay joined Historical Concepts in 2004 after completing her degree in architecture at the University of Arizona. Lindsay’s role as a project manager allows her to focus on her passion; interior finishes and design, where “everything has its place.” Her understanding of iconic architectural forms and details was a contributing factor in Historical Concepts’ Shutze Award in 2012 for the design of a classical pool pavilion. When not involved in schematic design or providing construction phase related services, Lindsay can be found with her family or engaging in various athletic pursuits. Her bucket list includes travel along the Mediterranean coast.

CAMDEN MCCLELLAND was hooked on architecture the first time he heard it described as “a profession in which science and art come together.” His fascination with traditional architecture was solidified during college while studying the drawings of ancient buildings. Camden came to Atlanta and joined Historical Concepts in 2012. He graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, then spent several years working for firms in Washington State, Utah, and Washington, D.C. Camden is a LEED Accredited Professional. He particularly enjoys the personal interaction he has with clients and contractors, but Camden’s favorite parts of any project are “working out the symmetries of the plan” and specific trim details. He also appreciates the fact that the several of the most impactful design decisions you can make early in the process, for instance those relating to massing or program, can influence the smallest details such as the curve on a molding or the shape of a handrail, and vice versa. Camden claims fall, with its perfect weather for sketching, as his favorite time of year. It is also the best time to have his beverage of choice, a cup of coffee: Camden always has one within arm’s reach, as he hails from the Pacific Northwest, where it is quite popular.

Growing up in a military family, Evan Markley was accustomed to relocating frequently; his parents would purchase and renovate a home with each move, which influenced his interest in building design early on. Living throughout the United States introduced him to various local architectural languages, and he developed a deep passion for traditional design under the guidance of James McCrery at The Catholic University of America, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Master of Architecture with concentration in Classical Architecture and Urbanism. Evan took part in Historical Concepts’ Intern Program in the summer of 2021 and joined the firm in 2022. An avid sports lover, Evan played lacrosse for Catholic University while completing his master’s thesis on the integration of athletics and academics in the university setting.

ASHLEY MORRISON attributes her early passion for architecture to an elementary school exploration of the Lockerbie Square Historic District in Indianapolis; its narrow cobblestone streets and eclectic 19th century homes were her first exposure to a “place with soul.” An appreciation for craftsmanship followed: Her college participation with The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community furthered her understanding of traditional building, offering her practical experience in techniques such as joinery, pargetting, plastering, stone carving, and thatching. After graduating summa cum laude from the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame in 2017, Ashley joined Historical Concepts where she is immersed in an interest she discovered during her summer internship with the firm: architectural interiors. Ashley is keen to work on the parts of a home most intimately experienced, and has contributed to the design of the interiors for several homes in a variety of locations from the Northeastern coast to the Carolina Lowcountry. She is a new member of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. When not immersed in architecture, Ashley states she is an “aspiring and very non-professional chef.”

REBECCA PENDLEY interned with Historical Concepts in 2007 and joined the firm in 2008, after receiving her degree in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Rebecca’s focus at the firm has been on custom residential design and the renovation of historic properties, where her membership in the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art has been invaluable. She typically joins a project at the beginning of the design process and follows it all the way through construction phase services, which Rebecca finds to be informative and rewarding. She particularly enjoys applying her skills in SketchUp and Photoshop to these designs. Rebecca credits her parents; her mother is an artist and her father is a civil engineer who “loves working with his hands,” for her interest in architecture; she believes the two professions are brought together in creating buildings and great places.

JESSI ROKICKI’s architectural origins lie in her family’s annual gingerbread house decoration party. At these get-togethers, a young Jessi was encouraged to think beyond the ornamentation, to consider structural additions or outbuildings which could be added to the scene. When Jessi traveled in Europe during college she saw “gingerbread houses” again, in the traditional architecture of Ireland, Belgium, and Holland, and remembered the “passion and joy” she had for design as a child. Jessi joined Historical Concepts in 2007, after receiving her undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She returned to Georgia Tech to pursue a Master of Architecture in Urban Design and Facilities Management while working for the firm. Since completing that program, Jessi has enjoyed coupling her interest in urban design with traditional architecture in an effort to make more satisfying and whole places. Jessi is an integral part of Historical Concept’s leadership team focused on production standards and applications, and her involvement with this area of practice allows her to participate in the mentoring and training of new staff. Jessi is an avid tennis player and was recently runner up for the city champion title in a local league.

MATT SCHAEFER joined Historical Concepts in 2017 after obtaining his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Raised in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, he cared deeply for the environment at a young age and spent a great deal of time playing outside and drawing. While at Notre Dame, Matt explored the juncture of sustainability and traditional architecture. He studied time‐honored methods of construction, historic patterns of city development, and the public health benefits associated with community planning approaches such as the New Urbanism. Now, Matt is pleased to work on projects at a variety of scales and environments, from the fine details of a home on the water to the master plan of a town on wooded hills. Matt is a National Parks enthusiast and enjoys his proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains with an annual camping trip each fall. He is also a devoted student of the father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. On a nice weekend day, you can find Matt walking or running through Grant Park or Piedmont Park, two Atlanta gems designed by Olmsted’s sons.

ANDREW SEAGO acquired an early appreciation of Middle Tennessee’s charming vernacular buildings thanks to his parents and teachers’ insistence that beauty was an essential component of education. His love of classical architecture evolved during a school trip to the Parthenon in Nashville, and he has been pursuing that passion since.

Andrew joined the firm in 2020 upon receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. While in school, his project with future wife and fellow Historical Concepts team member, Madeline, for a Seville, Spain master plan won a New Urban Guild award at the 27th Congress for New Urbanism. He is also the recipient of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s 2021 Philip Trammell Shutze Student/Emerging Professional award.

A member of the American Institute of Architects and Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, Andrew’s degree concentration in Furniture Design with a minor in Classics influences his pastimes as well as his career. He enjoys building furniture, sketching, and curating a home architecture library with his wife.

MADELINE SEAGO always wanted to be an illustrator and artist. Homeschooled while traveling across the country in her family’s Airstream caravan, experiencing great cities and architecture firsthand was deeply influential in steering her toward architecture.

After a summer 2019 internship with the firm’s New York and Atlanta teams, Madeline joined Historical Concepts in 2020 upon receiving upon her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame with a concentration in Architectural Practice and Enterprise. Her thesis proposal for a women’s boardinghouse in Manhattan was inspired by the Webster Apartments, where she lived during her internship in New York. The project won a 2020 Stanford White Student Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.

Madeline enjoys working alongside husband and Historical Concepts colleague Andrew. While at Historical Concepts, Madeline and Andrew have been TAs for the 2022 ICAA Intensive Classical Architecture: New York and the Savannah Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tour, and Madeline participated as a TA in the Washington, D.C. Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tour. Together, Madeline and Andrew have been lining the walls of their 1920s Inman Park apartment with books. Additionally, Madeline enjoys maintaining and curating the library at the firm’s Atlanta office.

LORA SHEA’s “12‐year‐old self” determined the only logical way to combine her love of art and creativity (fostered by her mother) with her love of math and its practical applications (attributed to her grandfather, a former Bell Lab’s engineer) was to pursue architecture. She spent several summers while in college working in the construction field with her contractor father in order to “learn to build before she could design.” After completing her junior year of college, Lora worked at Historical Concepts as part of the firm’s 2013 summer internship program. A year later, after graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in architectural engineering, she joined Historical Concepts full‐time where her affinity for design rooted in place, time, and culture thrived. At Historical Concepts, Lora has shared her interest in the impact of architecture on the environment in pursuit of sustainability with a like‐minded team. In 2016 Lora joined the office in New York City. Lora’s love for learning about history, art, and science takes her to museums and lectures throughout the city. Beyond architecture, Lora’s passions include painting, travel, and tending for a vibrant window‐sill garden.

Raised in Upstate New York, in an old farmhouse built in the 1860s, FOREST Q. SICKLES enjoyed the elegance of the details that rural America was built upon. He was drawn to the historic architecture and vernacular styles that populate the small towns of upstate New York for the sense of comfort and tradition they provide. Forest joined Historical Concepts in 2008. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from Andrews University which focused on traditional architecture. Forest’s graduate work focused on traditional urban design and the breadth of his educational foundation enables him to participate in both architectural and planning endeavors. Forest believes that a background rich in traditional architecture, vernacular design, and traditional urban design allows the architects at Historical Concepts to “create spaces that are loved for their scale, proportion, and walkability, emulating and building upon the places people love and are drawn to” when looking for a home and community. His project experience includes a wide variety of residences from small guesthouses to estates, campus planning, multi‐family housing, architectural guidelines for mixed‐use developments, and guidelines for historic downtown districts. Prior to joining Historical Concepts, Forest lead on a master plan and pattern book for the Michigan City, Indiana Governors’ Office, which included a calibrated SmartCode for the city’s downtown revitalization efforts and was recognized with a Charter Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism. He is a LEED Accredited Professional. When not at work, Forest enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters, building wood furniture, camping and fly fishing.

JOSHUA SOARES has always loved building things from LEGO sets to sandcastles. He originally planned to be a civil engineer, but after his first year of college, he realized that Architecture was his true calling. He fell in love with the beauty of Classical Architecture during his travels to Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, which led to studying at the Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture. He is a member of the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) and The Institute of Classical Architecture & Arts (ICAA) and recipient of the David M. Schwarz Architects Thesis Fellowship Award. Joshua spends his weekends playing or watching soccer, 3D printing, and model making when he’s not designing or sketching. He also enjoys reading and audiobooks—he’s an ardent J.R.R. Tolkien fan and has spent two years reading his complete works.

LUCAS STEGEMAN is a man on a mission. Growing up in a small Amazonian village and extensive travel with his family gave Lucas a glimpse into a diverse range of architectural vernaculars and how each building tradition was adapted to suit climatic considerations and cultural aspirations; that experience led to his pursuit of a career in architecture. A recent graduate of Judson University, where he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture, Lucas believes architects are charged with capturing beauty through the creation and definition of meaningful spaces, and he is passionate about making beauty accessible to all. A relative newcomer to the Historical Concepts team, Lucas hopes to grow into the role of “translator,” conveying the aspirations of each client through timeless designs. Prior to joining Historical Concepts, Lucas worked as a Town Planner for Dover, Kohl & Partners in Miami, and even spent a summer as a roofer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The son of missionaries, Lucas spent his childhood in Guyana and Papua New Guinea but now calls Atlanta home. Outside of the office, he finds creative expression through writing, watercolor and bonsai.

ALLYSON VINCENT made good on a promise to herself by joining Historical Concepts in 2013. Allyson is originally from a small town in southeast Georgia that has a charismatic main street defined by a classical post office, a town hall, a Carnegie Library, and stately antebellum homes. There she was raised to respect history and tradition. As a child, she spent a lot of time with her older brother creating “a whole haphazard Lego town complete with neighborhoods, a main street, and, of course, a few spaceships” and realized that towns and spaces can be designed. These experiences led her to Georgia Tech where she began working on a degree in architecture. She took part in a traditional architecture studio sponsored by Historical Concepts and determined she would work for the firm one day. Later, Allyson attended the University of Notre Dame and obtained a Master in Architecture with a Classical Architecture Concentration. After graduating she stayed in Chicago, working on historic renovations and rehabilitation projects for several years. Eventually, she returned to Georgia and fulfilled her aspiration to become a member of the Historical Concepts team. Allyson appreciates a variety of project types and is especially passionate about exploring the impact of architecture and the built environment on our quality of life. Outside of the office, Allyson enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, as well as running half marathons and doing renovation projects on her 1920s home.

RYAN YURCABA can vividly recall his first exposure to architecture at age 4, when his father and grandfather, “armed with little more than determination”, designed and built the family home. He credits observing this process with awakening his desire to create. His passion for traditional design is rooted in his upbringing in Beaufort, South Carolina, and solidified in his work over the past twenty-five years.

A graduate of Clemson University (1999) and University of Notre Dame (2004), Ryan’s favorite projects focused on the intersection of architecture and planning. For seven years, he led a planning team at Urban Design Associates (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) undertaking master planning and infill projects nationally and abroad.

Ryan’s career started with Historical Concepts in 1999 and he returned in 2013, bringing with him a deep understanding of how “local tradition” can evolve places with authenticity. Today, he heads the firm’s Planning Team supporting the design efforts of each studio. He is a Certified Planner, a member of the American Planning Association, and is an involved member of the Atlanta Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism.

After a sixteen year career teaching and managing students, MANDY CHACK has become Historical Concepts’ first Human Resources Manager and she’s already making her mark, earning her professional certification from the Society for Human Resource Management.

Upon receiving her Bachelor’s in Education from the University of Toledo and Master’s in Education Leadership from Arkansas State University, Mandy served 12 years as an elementary and middle school teacher, two years as a Student Assistance Coordinator, and two years as Associate Principal. As her education career progressed, Mandy realized that she derived much satisfaction from providing pathways for individual and team success; she enjoyed helping others discover their talent, visualize their growth, and explore their professional passions. When her family decided to make the move to Georgia, she came across Historical Concept’s job description for a Human Resources Manager and it felt like the right fit. Discussions with the team about HC’s axioms convinced her she would find a professional home within the organization.

Mandy and her family have lived in eight states and have renovated nearly as many homes; they are currently working to build a family retreat in the Alabama Mountains. In her leisure time she loves to read, walk her dog Harper, a Beagle/Jack Russell Terrier mix, and spend time with her husband and two children, Vivian and George.

LESLIE DAILY joined Historical Concepts in 2005. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in Apparel and Textile Marketing, but she calls upon her Master’s degree in Human Resources in her part-time role as Administrative Coordinator at Historical Concepts. In that capacity, Leslie is responsible for the company wellness program, the maintenance of multiple employee benefits programs, and ensuring that Historical Concepts employees understand each of those plans. When not involved with projects for the firm, Leslie enjoys traveling with her husband Aaron, visiting her twins in college at their alma mater, Kansas State University, and playing pickle ball and golf with Aaron.

In 2001, DAWN FRITZ answered a classified ad to help Historical Concepts prepare some professional award entries, a job that was supposed to last a few weeks: she has been with the firm ever since. As the firm’s Director of Marketing, she enjoys speaking with prospective clients and sharing news about the firm with members of the media, bloggers, and via social media. In college, Dawn was an early adopter of “desktop publishing”, taking loans to buy a Macintosh SE (with a whopping 20 MB hard drive), and is amazed that she now gets paid for what was once an “expensive hobby.” She studied public relations and English at the University of Miami, and later earned a Master of Public Administration from the university’s School of Business. To date, her proudest Historical Concepts achievement was managing the production of the firm’s book, “Coming Home”, seeing it on bookstore shelves, and tracking its immense popularity on Amazon. Dawn’s responsibilities include scouting the firm’s finished projects and working with professional photographers to capture the true essence of each one. She particularly enjoys the fact that her position enables her to “read magazines on the job”, a perk that has resulted in a lengthy list of interior designers she’d love to see the firm collaborate with. Dawn says that her job as brand manager has many parallels to the work of Historical Concepts’ design team members; she’s given a project with a program and parameters, and has to create a vision and plan to bring it to life.

Office Administrator ZAHIN MAHBUBA has always been a people person, motivated to serve communities in need and be a catalyst for positive change. She was drawn to Historical Concepts because she believes the work environment will further hone and support her development and aspiration to leave a legacy. Zahin joined the team in the summer of 2022 and is already well on her way to achieving that goal.

A graduate of Hollins University (Roanoke, Virginia) with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a minor in Economics, she was President of the Entrepreneurship Club and was an international student peer mentor for three years. As a Stanford University Innovation Fellow, she co-taught a first-year class on sustainability and social innovation. Zahin has also volunteered at Feeding America and domestic violence shelters and is a fervent advocate for refugees and resettlement through her work with numerous refugee agencies.

Zahin’s student awards and recognitions include the Hollins University 2022 Sarah M. Cook International Studies Award, Global Commitment Scholar, and induction into Phi Beta Kappa and Omnicron Delta Kappa honor societies.

Zahin considers herself a global citizen; she loves to travel and explore new places. When she has down time, she loves curling up with a good book or jamming out to some Afrobeats while cooking.

Growing up, ISABELLA MARTINEZ visited the Vanderbilt and Rockefeller mansions with her family; those historic home visits led to her interest in interior design and architecture. She joined the firm in 2022 and is excited to be a member of a creative team.

Isabella received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in art history and public communication studies from Syracuse University. She enjoys antiquing, visiting art museums, and hanging out with her dog Stella.

LAURIE PATE joined Historical Concepts in 2000 as a general office assistant. Over the years she has advanced into her current position as the firm’s Accounting Manager. Laurie now handles all of the firm’s day-to-day bookkeeping activities and related special projects. This past year, she was instrumental in implementing a new integrated project management and accounting package and is responsible for ongoing employee training and support. Laurie is also charged with information technology logistics and management for both the Peachtree City and Atlanta offices. This includes the purchase, installation, maintenance, and licensing of all technology related equipment. Laurie also helped establish the IT basics for staff prior to the opening of the Historical Concepts office in New York. When Laurie is not occupied putting her considerable skills to work at Historical Concepts, she is likely to be found doing one of three things; knitting scarves and other accessories, enjoying the company of her family and dogs at the lake beside her house, or walking. Laurie is a dedicated power walker and averages at least 25 miles a week.

A third-generation employee, GINNY STERN has unique perspective on the company’s history; you could say that architecture and design is in her blood. Says Ginny, “Growing up, the design process was an integral part of family life. Seeing work evolve from a napkin doodle at family dinners, tagging along on the annual company trip - I got to experience Historical Concepts’ projects from a young age - and in all phases, from sketch to construction!” Ginny relishes her role in collaborating with the team and assisting with telling similar project stories through digital portfolios. Her grandmother Linda Strickland is our original “ambassador of cheer”, and Ginny approaches each day with the same positive attitude.

Ginny received her bachelor degree in Industrial Design from Appalachian State University with a focus in Product Design and has a background in Furniture Design and Interior Design. An accomplished equestrian, Ginny has ridden competitively and for fun all of her life and relishes both city and country life.

LAURA STRICKLAND has been an important part of the Historical Concepts team since 2005. Laura’s degrees in public relations and business administration come into play as she provides marketing support to the firm. She handles day to day requests and special projects for the principals at Historical Concepts, as well as tackling any unusual tasks and generally filling whatever role is needed by the company with grace and good humor. Laura says “Just call me putty!” When not ensuring that things run smoothly and efficiently for the Historical Concepts staff, she confesses to secretly watching the locally filmed television series “The Walking Dead” and is an active member of the Parent-Teacher Organization.

LINDA STRICKLAND has been dedicated to Historical Concepts from day one. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Linda taught school for eight years and was a junior high school, elementary school, and special education teacher before going into business with her husband, Jim, Historical Concepts’ founder. Linda first served as his right hand in his custom home building company and then as business manager when Jim founded Historical Concepts in 1982. Jim credits Linda’s keen intellect, practical insight, and business sense for much of his success. Today, Linda is the upbeat receptionist and greeter at our Peachtree City office. Part office mom, part First Lady, Linda is devoted to family, friends, and fitness, and also brings her warmth and compassion to her role as a volunteer at the local hospital. Linda says her role in the business now is “extremely rewarding because of the interaction with our intelligent, creative, and clever staff members; as well as our interesting and enjoyable clients.”