The Design is Human Awards return to the Atlanta Design Festival in 2025, honoring an exceptional group of individuals and organizations whose work spans architecture, photography, publishing, and cultural innovation.

The awards are distinctive for their commitment to recognizing creativity across disciplines. From reshaping public space to transforming cultural communities, the Design is Human Awards highlight how design shapes not only the built environment but also the ways people live, work, and connect.

Atlanta remains a central force in the global design economy. The city’s design sector contributes more than $39 billion annually to GDP and employs over 110,000 people. By bringing international honorees together with Atlanta’s creative community, the awards underscore the city’s growing role as a hub for design innovation.

The awards will be presented to winners at a special event on Friday, October 3, 2025, 6:30 PM — 9:30 PM at DesignStation, 639 Glen Iris Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30308.

2025 Winners Across Multiple Disciplines

This year’s winners represent both international visionaries and Atlanta-based pioneers:

• Ingrid van der Wacht | Dutch Design Week — Recognized for her leadership in international public affairs and her role as a connector in global design networks, driving collaboration and sustainability initiatives.
• Karl Injex | The Sound Table — Honored for his influence on Atlanta’s creative culture, shaping nightlife and music venues that brought together design, sound, and community.
• Fredrik Brauer | Photography — Awarded for his photographic work exploring the built environment, exhibited internationally and widely published.
• Tony and Diane Riffel | Hospitality + Real Estate —Tony and Diane Riffel co-founded Octane Coffee, a cornerstone in Atlanta’s specialty coffee culture. Beyond Octane, Tony Riffel has over 17 years of experience as an entrepreneurial leader, building businesses across food concepts, real estate, and consulting, with a focus on collaboration, strategy, and community impact.
• Sara Zewde | Studio Zewde — Recognized for her landscape architecture practice that blends cultural narratives with bold ecological design, and for her academic leadership at Harvard GSD.
• Studio Libeskind | Icon Award — Presented the Icon Award for reshaping cities and culture through projects including the Jewish Museum Berlin and the World Trade Center masterplan.
• Monocle Magazine — Honored for its global influence in publishing, setting the agenda for design, urbanism, and culture through print, radio, and events.
• Ashleigh Esprit | Volunteer Award — Acknowledged for her years of dedication and service to the Atlanta Design Festival, helping sustain and grow the design community.

Award Ceremony at Atlanta Design Festival 2025

The Design is Human Awards ceremony will gather industry leaders, innovators, and the public to celebrate design’s impact across disciplines. The evening is a highlight of the Atlanta Design Festival program, providing a unique opportunity to connect with the honorees and experience design’s role in shaping community, culture, and economy.

About the Design is Human Awards

The Design is Human Awards, established as part of the Atlanta Design Festival, recognize outstanding contributions to design across multiple fields. By spotlighting both local and global voices, the awards reaffirm Atlanta’s place in the international design conversation.

DesignStations have been part of Atlanta Design Festival for several years, giving visitors opportunities to explore design through exhibitions, activations, and events hosted across the city. For 2025, the program grows larger, with more DesignStations than ever before.

DesignStation Ponce City Market

The main hub returns to Ponce City Market with a strong lineup of projects curated by Beau Allen Collins of Construct Gallery. Visitors will see:

• Sculptural dining tables by Logan Wayne White
• Furniture by Robby Simon of play.room
• Handmade speakers by Andre White in collaboration with a Grammy-winning producer
• A bamboo prototype from Prospectiva Architects
• Metal seating and wall works by Tyler Rene Angelo
• A modular light box by Lisa Li

Additional presentations come from GA Tech Industrial Design, KSU Architecture’s ALT/ATL program, Jensin Okunishi Studio, textile designer Margo Lyman, and Gynella Ngounou of Sew With Self.

River of Rebirth

The exhibition River of Rebirth, first shown at Z33 in Hasselt, Belgium, will also be on view. Curated by Tim Roerig, the show features artists such as Roni Horn, Laure Prouvost, Cecilia Vicuña, and Lennart Lahuis. Works draw on myths and traditions about water, examining its cultural role as a source of continuity and renewal.

One Festival, Many Stations

With more DesignStations than ever before, the 2025 edition highlights Atlanta’s diverse and growing design community. From the central hub at Ponce City Market to partner-led satellites across the city, the festival offers many ways to experience design, learn, and connect.

This fall, the MA! Architecture Tours return to Atlanta and Serenbe as part of the Atlanta Design Festival. In 2025, the platform expands with a national invitation: cities across the U.S. are now welcome to host their own MA! Architecture Tour.

Founded in Atlanta in 2007, MA! Architecture Tours have become the most trusted and consistent modern architecture tour program in the United States. For nearly two decades, MA! has provided rare public access to contemporary homes, workplaces, and cultural buildings, always with a strong curatorial approach and direct participation from architects and designers.

A National Expansion Rooted in Design Access 

This expansion responds to a growing need. In many cities, architecture remains underexposed to the public or fragmented across isolated events. MA! offers an established model that connects design professionals, homeowners, and enthusiasts through clear communication, strong curation, and thoughtful guest experiences.

By partnering with local organizations, firms, and institutions, MA! aims to make modern design more visible and accessible across the country, without sacrificing quality.

Why MA!

• Founded in 2007 as the first modern architecture tours in the Southeast
• Over 17 years of production experience in multiple cities
• Deep roots in design culture, with a team of architects and producers
• Proven systems for logistics, ticketing, marketing, and curation
• National reputation among firms, press, and institutions

MA! Architecture Tours are not drop-in open houses. Each event is shaped by design merit and intent, with projects selected for their architectural quality, innovation, and relevance to local context. The result is a program that benefits both the public and the design community.

Confirmed 2025 Tours

• Serenbe, GA — Sunday, September 29, 10 AM–4 PM
• Atlanta, GA — Saturday & Sunday, October 5–6, 10 AM–4 PM

New Cities in Development 

MA! is currently in discussions with partners in cities including:

• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Austin
• Chicago
• Washington, DC
• Miami
• Seattle
• Boston
• Denver
• Portland
• Philadelphia
• Phoenix
• Dallas–Fort Worth
• Houston

Tours operate from 10 AM to 4 PM and are self-guided, with curated project lists. Tickets range from $35 to $60 depending on location. Waitlists are open now for new cities.

Host a Tour in Your City

MA! is now inviting architecture nonprofits, design firms, cultural venues, and city leaders to host tours using the MA! platform. Interested partners can learn more or submit an inquiry at architecturetours.us.

The Atlanta Design Festival 2025 introduces Creative Exchange Events, a new series of professional development events designed to support architects, designers, and creative businesses. 

Running September 27–30, the program builds on the success of the Creative Futures Conference and now includes two new seminars focused on business strategy and continuing education.

Alongside the professional program, Blueprints & BBQ launches as a standalone event for consumers looking to build or renovate modern homes. Held on Sunday, September 28, this full-day seminar offers homeowners direct access to architects, builders, and product experts.

Together, these events deepen the Festival’s mission: to empower Atlanta’s design community through practical, accessible learning, whether you’re running a studio or designing your future home.

Three days. Three paths. One goal: smarter design.

Creative Futures Conference
Saturday, September 27, 2025

A full-day forum of talks from influential voices in architecture, product, branding, and design strategy. Speakers share firsthand insights to help creative professionals think beyond the studio.

Speakers include:

• Nu Goteh (Winner of 2025 Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Emerging Designer) on (re)Designing Design: What does it mean to design for dignity?
• Mathilde Van Steenkiste (architect) & Aurélia Martin (designer) on Designing for Disability
• Hyojin Kwon (Korean Architectural Designer) on Civic Architecture through Waste, Infrastructure, and Design
• Gene Kansas (Cultural Developer) on how architecture can provide civic, social, and cultural direction
• Michael Carroll (Professor at Kennesaw State University) on the interconnections of the BeltLine, the Stitch, and the Gulch
• Adriane V. Jefferson (Executive Director to Mayor’s Office) explores how we, as a collective, can activate a shared vision where cultural districts reflect the city’s unique identity
• Ashley McClure (architect) & Angie Terrell (photographer) discuss Stone Mountain, a manufactured monument to white supremacy

Creative Business Workshop
Monday, September 29, 2025

A new half-day seminar for small firms and solo designers. Learn how to grow your practice, build a client base, and manage risk through business planning, operations, and marketing.

Speakers include:

• Carnellia Ajasin (founder of Futuryst) on applying design thinking to your life, aligning personal purpose with professional growth
• Shaheed Rucker (multidisciplinary brand strategist) on how to stand out in a crowded market without relying on buzzwords
• Jon Hutson (co-founder of Brand Culture) on how to create a cohesive, professional presence that reflects your value
• Melissa Wilson (marketing & PR) & Fran Worrall (Georgia Design Magazine) & Annysa LaMantia (Interior Designer) on how to get the right people to notice the work you’re doing
• Daniel Nelson (marketing consultant) on how to build your lead pipeline

Creative Practice CEUs
Tuesday, September 30, 2025

AIA-accredited sessions focused on sustainable materials, inclusive design, and innovative practice. This year’s CEU program is ideal for professionals seeking credit while staying current on design ethics and technical standards.

Also launching this year is a new event for the public:

Blueprints & BBQ
Sunday, September 28, 2025

A one-day seminar for anyone planning to design and build a modern home. Homeowners meet architects, builders, and product experts in an informal setting, gaining practical advice on how to bring their residential vision to life.

Speakers include:

• The Rules & Budget by Debra Johnston, Global Luxury Specialist
• The Site by Nicole Day, Landscape Architect
• The Design by Ashley McClure, Studio Wythe + Alex Wu Architect
• The Construction by BJ Kerr, Regents Custom Homes

These four events now anchor the Atlanta Design Festival’s educational programming. They reflect the Festival’s commitment to serve both the professional and public sides of the design community. From studio growth to homeowner education, Creative Exchange Events helps Atlantans turn ideas into action.

Design begins where words end. Like music, it reaches us through rhythm, repetition, silence, and variation. It pulls the future forward through pattern and disruption. 

This year, the Atlanta Design Festival invites the global design community to reflect on a single idea: BE MUSICA.

This is not a slogan. It’s a position.

Design, like music, is a system of feeling. It structures emotion into experience. It creates harmony where there was conflict, and possibility where there was absence. Both music and design rely on composition: a process of assembling the disparate into something whole. Both require listening before expression, intuition before execution.

Music doesn’t ask permission to be useful. It moves us without instruction. It belongs to everyone. Its value isn’t in what it solves but in what it makes possible. This is the challenge for design today: not to fix, but to invite. Not to perfect, but to participate. The most powerful forms of design do not speak over people. They bring people in.

In this view, creativity isn’t a personal triumph. It’s a shared capacity. What matters is not the author, but the arrangement. Not the signature, but the signal. Excellence is measured not by novelty, but by clarity, empathy, and utility.

A musician doesn’t play to dominate the room. They play to tune the room. They listen to the others. They find tempo together. They improvise, adjust, and build. When design works this way: responsive, alert, generous, it becomes more than a product. It becomes an ethic.

The world needs that ethic. The design economy must move beyond spectacle and speed. It must become a space of care, stewardship, and mutual benefit. Not louder. Clearer. Not bigger. Better. In a fractured world, the role of design is not to decorate dysfunction, but to restore balance. To make room. To amplify connection. To invite the dance.

To BE MUSICA is to believe in design as a unifier. As the quiet force that holds a city together. That turns noise into coherence. That makes space for everyone in the rhythm.

Come Together for Atlanta Design Festival

The 2025 Atlanta Design Festival invites you to join that rhythm. To be part of a community shaping the future of cities, culture, and creative economies. Whether you are a designer, policymaker, developer, artist, or educator, this is your invitation to move in time with others toward something greater.

The Festival runs September 27 to October 5, 2025, with flagship events including the Creative Futures Conference, Blueprints & BBQ, CEU-accredited seminars, and the MA! Architecture Tours. Each program offers space to connect, collaborate, and align vision with action.

The Atlanta Design Festival today announces the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board, marking a significant shift in how the city shapes its cultural leadership through design. As many design festivals fade after chasing commercial relevance, Atlanta is growing, grounded in human connection, education, and real-world exchange.

Why an Advisory Board Is Essential to Atlanta Design Festival’s Future

The Festival’s growth demands more than creative programming, it needs strategic guidance. The new Advisory Board supports this next phase as ADF expands its reach, enters new markets, and explores new funding models. Board members bring high-level insight from business, policy, and education, filling critical gaps where the Festival lacks full-time capacity. Their involvement opens doors to new partnerships and strengthens ADF’s ability to work across industries and cultures. This group brings the fresh thinking needed to move beyond a plateau and improve the Festival’s inclusion, quality, and long-term impact. Members serve two-year terms on a voluntary basis and meet primarily online. While they do not vote on operations, their input is essential.

“Design doesn’t live in a silo. If we’re not in conversation with economists, policy-makers, and CEOs, we stay in a bubble,” explains founder Bernard McCoy. “This board helps us stay connected, relevant, and effective.”

Founded in 2007 by Bernard McCoy and cofounder Elayne DeLeo, the Atlanta Design Festival has grown into one of the Southeast’s most respected design platforms. With roots in architecture and design, it now connects a broader creative ecosystem. The Advisory Board reflects this expanded scope, offering outside perspective to help ADF remain relevant and responsive to a changing global design landscape.

Advisory Board Members:

1. 1. Ingrid van der Wacht – World Design Weeks board member; affiliated with Dutch Design Foundation
   2. Katherine Dirga – Director, MARTA ArtBound, Atlanta’s transit-based public art program
   3. Todd Bertsch – Architect, former Design Director at HOK
   4. Andrew Graves – Economic Researcher of ORTUS + Author of the Design Council UK’s premier design economy study. Specializing in brand insight and culture
   5. Dr. EunSook Kwon – Chair and Professor, School of Industrial Design, Georgia Tech College of Design
   6. LeKeith Taylor – Principal, M-SCELLANEOUS™️ and Co-Founder, DESYN.LAB™️, working at the intersection of equity and design
   7. Adriane Jefferson – Executive Director of The City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs
   8. Simon “Sy” Gray – Brand builder, Co-Founder of The Honey Pot Co. and DESYN.LAB™️, and BFA student at SCAD, based in Amsterdam

Unlike commercially driven events, the Atlanta Design Festival focuses on in-person experiences, knowledge exchange, and cross-disciplinary dialogue. It has become a unique hub for emerging talent, offering space for designers whose work speaks for itself, whether or not they are household names.

The Festival serves as a launchpad for young designers, a platform for idea sharing, and a place where every discipline is welcome, from industrial and graphic design to urbanism, architecture, and material research.

The Atlanta Design Festival runs September 27–October 5, 2025, with flagship events including the Creative Futures Conference, Blueprints & BBQ, CEU-accredited seminars, and the MA! Architecture Tours.

Atlanta’s creative community takes center stage as the Atlanta Design Festival returns from September 27 to October 5, 2025. This year’s festival builds on its role as a cornerstone for the city’s thriving design economy, offering an expanded lineup of seminars, tours, and educational programming under the Creative Futures brand. 

With a focus on equipping architects, designers, and creatives with the tools to grow their practices, the festival underscores Atlanta’s position as a leader in innovation and creative enterprise.

Now more than ever, Atlanta Design Festival is a platform for equity and diversity in the creative industries. As one of the most diverse cities in the U.S., Atlanta is a proving ground for inclusive innovation, where talent from all backgrounds drives the design economy forward. In 2025, the festival deepens its commitment to supporting underrepresented voices by hosting a DEI workshop and round table, as well as launching a mentorship program to provide guidance and opportunities for emerging designers.

Festival cofounder Elayne DeLeo announces “Through these initiatives, Atlanta Design Festival continues to foster a more equitable creative industry, ensuring Atlanta’s design community reflects the richness and diversity of the city itself.”

Design is fundamental to Atlanta’s identity, contributing $39.5 billion to the city’s GDP in 2021 and employing 110,800 people. The Atlanta Design Festival serves as an annual gathering point for this community, providing resources and inspiration to foster innovation and professional growth.

“The Atlanta Design Festival is more than a celebration of creativity—it is a resource for the people driving our city’s knowledge-intensive economy,” says Bernard McCoy, founder of the Atlanta Design Festival. “Design is a critical sector that fuels innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. This festival provides a platform for creative professionals to exchange ideas, gain industry insights, and position themselves at the forefront of a rapidly evolving global market. Our goal is to ensure Atlanta’s design community has the knowledge, connections, and opportunities to thrive.”

The Creative Futures series has grown to become an indispensable resource for architects, designers, and creative professionals:

• Creative Futures Conference 2025 – Saturday, Sept 27, 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
  A daylong event featuring expert speakers and panel discussions on the future of design in technology, architecture, product, government, and well-being. Includes workshops, mentoring sessions and networking.
• Creative Business Workshop 2025 – Monday, Sept 29, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  Practical sessions aimed at refining business strategies, marketing, and client acquisition, designed to empower creative entrepreneurs.
• Creative Practice CEUs 2025 – Tuesday, Sept 30, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
  Architects and designers can earn AIA-accredited Continuing Education Units while exploring sustainable materials, advanced technologies, and smart design solutions.

Blueprints & BBQ Seminar 2025 – Sunday, Sept 28, 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
A full-day seminar for homeowners designing contemporary residences and projects, featuring expert insights and hands-on activities to navigate the complexities of home building.

Design is Human Awards

Now in its third year, the Design is Human Awards recognizes work across architecture, design, digital, and film. These awards emphasize the power of design to drive change and inspire innovation while highlighting Atlanta’s growing role in the global design conversation.

A Broader Creative Vision

This year, the festival highlights the broader success of Atlanta Art Week, which has grown into a major platform for contemporary art and design. Under the leadership of Kendra Walker, Atlanta Art Week has attracted a vibrant mix of galleries, artists, and cultural events, reinforcing the city’s role as a creative hub. As part of this city-wide celebration, the Atlanta Art Fair returns, offering another space for artists and collectors to connect within the dynamic landscape of Atlanta’s expanding art scene.

The Design is Human Awards return to the Atlanta Design Festival, spotlighting the most innovative and transformative work across architecture, digital design, and film.

The Design is Human Awards stand out by celebrating a diverse range of design talent across architecture, digital innovation, and film, making it one of the few awards to truly honor creativity in multiple forms. What sets these awards apart is their commitment to recognizing the depth of the creative process across disciplines—whether it’s designing a physical space, crafting a digital interface, or creating a visual story through film. The awards highlight how thoughtfulness and innovation in design have the power to shape the world around us.

While many awards focus on specific categories of design, the Design is Human Awards provide a broad view of the impact that design has on both local and global communities. The awards’ connection to the Atlanta Design Festival also gives them a unique cultural relevance, showcasing how Atlanta is a critical player in the global design conversation. Atlanta’s design sector contributed $39.5 billion to the city’s GDP in 2021, representing 8.3% of the total, and employing 111,800 people—an impact that surpasses even major cities like New York. This growth, with design-related productivity doubling that of the average worker, underscores the city’s significance as a design leader.

Beyond recognizing design excellence, the awards emphasize the social impact of design. Honorees such as MASS Design Group and The Rural Studio reflect the awards’ focus on projects that improve communities, tackle social challenges, and use design as a tool for meaningful change. This commitment to acknowledging the role of design in addressing social issues is what makes the Design is Human Awards uniquely powerful and relevant today.

2024 Winners Across Multiple Disciplines

This year’s winners have been recognized for their groundbreaking contributions to their industries:

1. MASS Design Group | Architecture | massdesigngroup.org
   MASS Design Group is honored for its groundbreaking work, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, which confronts the legacy of lynching and racial injustice in America. Their architecture serves as a powerful medium for truth-telling, healing, and reconciliation in communities affected by historical trauma.
2. Morris Adjmi | Architecture | ma.com
   Morris Adjmi is recognized for his transformative architecture, including the FORTH Hotel in Atlanta, which blends Southern hospitality with modern European influences. His work emphasizes placemaking, creating environments that are visually striking and deeply connected to their cultural contexts.
3. John Ferguson | Digital | work.co | johnferguson.design
   John Ferguson is a designer who navigates the confluence of culture, visual language, narrative systems, and craft. He works across various media, including print, brand expression, digital products, creative coding, art direction, and mentorship. He founded The Black Bauhaus Mvmt, a passion project to promote diversity, design education, and foster design talent in underserved communities.
4. Matteo Caimi | Architecture | matteocaimi.com
   Matteo Caimi, a Milan-based architect, is honored for his architectural contributions that emphasize sustainability and cultural exchange. As a long-time supporter of the Atlanta Design Festival, he has also designed this year’s award trophies, collaborating with Alberto Menichini Marmi and Lavorazioni.
5. Adeboye Brothers | Film | thepalettegroup.com
   David and Matthew Adeboye, an Atlanta-based director duo, have been producing and directing documentaries since 2016. Their work includes films on Shamel Pitts’ TRIBE, Lauri Stallings’ GloATL, and projects for the Atlanta High Museum of Art’s Picture the Dream exhibition, as well as animations for the Alliance Theater.
6. Adam Saleh | Digital
   Adam Saleh is recognized for his innovative contributions to design and new media, including his work on the NASA-sponsored PRESQ tool that enhances accessibility in advanced design. As a fellow at the Steve Jobs Archive, Adam pushes the boundaries of digital design, focusing on accessibility and inclusivity.
7. Tabea Fahr | Architecture | bkar.ch
   Tabea Fahr’s architectural research on Atlanta’s Vine City is honored for addressing critical issues like urban sprawl, segregation, and sustainability. Her work provides innovative design solutions to reshape urban spaces for a more resilient and connected future.

Design is Human Icon Award

The Rural Studio is awarded for pioneering work in creating affordable, sustainable housing for underserved communities. Their architecture prioritizes social responsibility, blending practicality with visionary design to serve marginalized populations. ruralstudio.org

Award Ceremony at Fourth Ward Atlanta

The Design is Human Awards ceremony is a highlight of the Atlanta Design Festival, bringing together industry leaders and creative minds to celebrate the transformative power of design.

The evening offers a unique opportunity to recognize honorees for their contributions to architecture, digital design, and film.

Attendees experience firsthand how design shapes both global and local communities, with the awards ceremony serving as a key moment to network with pioneers across disciplines.

About the Award’s Design

Each Design is Human Award is a work of art, designed by Matteo Caimi and fabricated by Alberto Menichini Marmi and Lavorazioni. The award design draws inspiration from brutalist architecture, paying homage to iconic structures such as the Barbican, with its emphasis on raw materials and bold, geometric forms.

The use of concrete and stone in the award’s construction is a deliberate nod to the brutalist movement’s ethos of honesty in materials and functional design. By choosing these materials, the award symbolizes strength and resilience and also reflects the essence of the honorees’ work—groundbreaking, impactful, and enduring.

Here stands a striking example of modern architecture and design—Lil Baby’s newly renovated home. The project, a creative collaboration between Master Builder BJ Kerr of Regents Custom Builders, and Atlanta-based designer Annysa LaMantia, is a masterclass in blending luxury with functionality, creating a space that is as much an architectural statement as it is a personal sanctuary for the Grammy-winning rapper.

Atlanta has long been a hub for creative innovation, and this home is a testament to the city’s influence. LaMantia, a seasoned designer with a background in custom furniture design and a penchant for bespoke interiors, was the perfect match for a project that demanded both creativity and precision. “Atlanta’s energy and diverse industry are what drive my work,” LaMantia explains. Her approach to design is deeply informed by the city’s eclectic spirit, blending contemporary elements with the cultural richness that defines Atlanta.

Scroll to 4min 28secs to see Lil Baby’s copy of Design is Human book on the shelves.

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The architectural transformation of Lil Baby’s home was a collaborative effort that started with a deep dive into how the space would be used. “He wanted a home that could entertain and inspire, but also one that offered comfort and privacy,” LaMantia says. The result is a residence that is not only visually stunning but also thoughtfully designed to cater to the needs of a modern entertainer.

One of the standout features of the home is its seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, a hallmark of contemporary Atlanta architecture. The outdoor kitchen, complete with a hibachi grill and NanaWall windows, is a nod to the city’s love for entertaining and the Southern tradition of outdoor gatherings. This area flows effortlessly into the interior, where custom-designed furniture and art pieces create a cohesive aesthetic that is both luxurious and inviting.

The architecture of the home itself is a blend of sleek, modern lines with warm, inviting materials—a reflection of LaMantia’s ability to balance form and function. The use of expansive glass panels, high ceilings, and open floor plans not only enhances the home’s sense of space but also allows for an abundance of natural light, creating a bright and airy environment that contrasts beautifully with the rich textures and bold art pieces within.

A central theme in LaMantia’s design is the creation of “zones” within the home, each tailored for different activities, from music production to intimate dining. This zoning is not just a practical solution but an architectural innovation that allows the home to cater to the multifaceted lifestyle of its owner. The primary bedroom, with its 15-foot-wide bed and custom backlit metal chain links, is a perfect example of how LaMantia’s architectural vision meets the personal tastes and needs of Lil Baby.

In context with the broader architectural landscape of Atlanta, Lil Baby’s home stands out not just for its luxury, but for its thoughtful design that respects the city’s cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of modern residential architecture. LaMantia’s work is a reflection of the city itself—innovative, diverse, and constantly evolving.

For Lil Baby, this home is more than just a place to live—it’s a symbol of his journey and a tangible representation of his success. And for LaMantia, it’s another example of how architecture and design can work hand-in-hand to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal and rooted in their surroundings.

As Atlanta continues to grow and redefine itself, homes like this will undoubtedly play a role in shaping the city’s architectural future. LaMantia’s work on this project not only highlights her design prowess but also underscores the importance of architecture that resonates with both its inhabitants and its environment.

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Read the Architectural Digest article at https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/lil-baby-epic-atlanta-oasis-by-annysa-lamantia

Director: @joeldaviddd
Director of Photography: @javiermcintosh
Editor: @ron.douglas
Director of Content: @keleighnealon
Director of Creative Development: @moexley
Senior Producer: @lyssmarino
Coordinating Producer: Brandon Fuhr
Associate Producer: Noah Bierbrier
Production Manager: @melissa.heber
Production Coordinator: @fheerdavila
Entertainment Editor: @the_internest
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Assistant Camera: @JabrielFilms
Audio Engineer: @jamesfgary
Post Production Supervisor: Andrew Montague
Post Production Coordinator: @frewsclues
Supervising Editor: @christina_lucy_
Assistant Editor: Justin Symonds
Colorist: Oliver Eid
Contractor: @themoderncraftsman
Design Assistant: @1design_chic
Interior stylist: @johnbaileyy
Estate management: @kklmgmt

The recent Atlanta Design Economy Report 2023 has unveiled some striking statistics about the city’s burgeoning design sector. With 111,800 people working in design-related occupations, accounting for 4.1% of Atlanta’s workforce, it’s clear that design is not just a peripheral element but a core component of the city’s economic fabric. This revelation prompts an urgent question: now that you know, what will you do?

Understanding the Significance

First, let’s understand what these numbers mean. Atlanta’s design economy is not just thriving; it’s outpacing national averages and even surpassing major hubs like New York. Designers here generate a staggering $39.5 billion in GDP, making up 8.3% of the city’s total GDP. Moreover, designers in Atlanta are twice as productive as the average worker, contributing significantly more per capita than their counterparts nationwide.

Why It Matters

Design is a driving force behind innovation, creativity, and economic growth. It influences a wide range of sectors, from digital design to architecture, advertising, and beyond. The report highlights that digital design alone accounts for 57% of all design jobs in Atlanta. This specialization not only sets Atlanta apart from other cities but also positions it as a leader in the digital age.

The Call to Action

So, what will you do with this information? Here are some steps individuals, businesses, and policymakers can take to harness the power of Atlanta’s design economy:

1. Invest in Education and Training:
   • Support educational programs that focus on design skills. By equipping the next generation with the necessary tools and knowledge, we can ensure the continuous growth of this sector.
   • Encourage partnerships between schools and design firms to provide hands-on experience and mentorship.
2. Support Local Designers and Businesses:
   • Prioritize purchasing from local designers and businesses. This not only fuels the local economy but also fosters a vibrant, creative community.
   • Attend and promote local design events such as the Atlanta Design Festival, which showcases the best of what Atlanta’s design community has to offer.
3. Policy Advocacy:
   • Advocate for policies that support the design economy. This includes funding for creative projects, tax incentives for design businesses, and infrastructure that fosters innovation.
   • Engage with local government to emphasize the importance of the design sector and its impact on the overall economy.
4. Foster Collaboration:
   • Encourage collaboration between different sectors. Design has the power to enhance various industries, from technology to healthcare. By working together, we can create more integrated and innovative solutions.
   • Create platforms and networks for designers to connect, share ideas, and collaborate on projects that can have a broader impact.
5. Promote Atlanta as a Design Hub:
   • Leverage Atlanta’s strengths to attract national and international attention. Highlight the city’s design achievements and the opportunities available here.
   • Encourage businesses and entrepreneurs to set up shop in Atlanta, emphasizing the city’s supportive environment for design and innovation.

Moving Forward

The data from the Atlanta Design Economy Report 2023 paints a clear picture: Atlanta is a powerhouse of design talent and productivity. However, to maintain and amplify this momentum, concerted effort and strategic action are necessary. It’s not just about recognizing the value of design but actively nurturing and promoting it.

Now that you know the significance of Atlanta’s design economy, the onus is on you to contribute to its growth. Whether you are an educator, a business owner, a policymaker, or a citizen, there are numerous ways to get involved and make a difference. By taking action, we can ensure that Atlanta remains at the forefront of design innovation, driving economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all its residents.

The question stands: now that you know, what will you do? The future of Atlanta’s design economy depends on your answer. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a stronger, more vibrant, and more innovative Atlanta.

This year’s festival promises to be a celebration of design, highlighting Atlanta’s significant contributions to the global design economy. Drawing inspiration from the 2023 Design Economy Report, the festival will emphasize how design drives economic growth and innovation.

One of the key events is the Creative Futures Conference on September 28, which will bring together leading thinkers in design, architecture, and technology. The theme, “Now That You Know, What Will You Do?” challenges attendees to harness the power of human-centered design to address global issues. The conference will feature the Design is Human Awards on the evening of September 27, recognizing exemplary contributions to the design community. Notable speakers include Morris Adjmi FAIA, known for designing the FORTH Hotel & Social Club. Additionally, international perspectives will be presented by Tabea Fahr from Zurich and a session on reshaping Atlanta’s Westside by Taylor Coles and Professor Ingeborg Rocker from GA Tech.

The MA! Architecture Tours, now in their 17th year, will offer exclusive access to Atlanta’s premier modern residential and commercial design projects. These tours showcase the latest in sustainable materials, architectural systems, and interior design. They continue to honor the vision of festival founder Bernard McCoy, highlighting projects that push the boundaries of innovation and excellence.

Launching in October 2024, the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair will feature over 50 galleries from Atlanta and the South at Pullman Yards, a redeveloped industrial complex in east Atlanta. Organized by Art Market Productions (AMP) and Intersect Art and Design, the Atlanta Art Fair aims to establish a centralized gathering place for the arts, reflecting Atlanta’s growing status as a major art destination in the US.

Returning for its second year, DesignStation will serve as a nexus for innovation, creativity, and public dialogue. This dynamic space will be hosted in multiple locations across Atlanta, housing design stories and facilitating engagement with the latest in design thinking and practice.

The Atlanta Design Festival is a pivotal platform that celebrates, convenes, and connects Atlanta’s creative industries. Over the week-long event, leading creative minds and organizations from Atlanta and around the world will host installations, exhibitions, design and architecture tours, film screenings, and conference panels.

This year, the festival will emphasize the findings of the Atlanta Design Economy Report, which highlights the economic significance of the design sector in Atlanta:

• Economic Impact: Atlanta’s designers contributed $39.5 billion to the city’s GDP in 2021, representing 8.3% of the total GDP.
• Employment: Design occupations employ 111,800 people in Atlanta, accounting for 4.1% of the workforce, a higher proportion than in New York and above the national average.
• Growth and Productivity: Between 2012 and 2021, GDP generated by Atlanta’s designers rose by 68%, with designers being twice as productive as the average worker in Atlanta.

By showcasing Atlanta as a global powerhouse of design, the festival highlights the integral role of design in economic growth and innovation. It invites audiences to engage, experience, and contribute to the enrichment of Atlanta’s cultural and creative landscape.

Tickets:

• Creative Futures Conference: Get tickets
  • Single ticket: $75
  • Student ticket: $63.75 (15% off full price)
• MA! Architecture Tours: Get tickets
  • Atlanta, GA: Single ticket: $45, Single ticket with Design is Human book: $55, Group ticket (4 tickets for the price of 3): $135
  • Serenbe, GA: Single ticket: $25, Group ticket (4 tickets for the price of 3): $75
• Citywide Events: Explore events