Institute of Classical Architecture & Art

Preserving historic places requires a thoughtful balance between tradition and innovation.

The story of Drayton Hall continues, from 18th-century plantation house to living historical site.

This special short, produced in partnership with Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, explores how modern materials and conservation techniques are helping to protect one of America’s most significant historic sites while respecting its extraordinary legacy.

“I just didn’t feel like there was a way of making decisions that was rooted in something real, that wasn’t just subjective.”

It was a pleasure to have architect join us for The Architecture of Place, interviewed by . In this clip, Kate discusses her early frustrations with architecture school and the search for context and foundations that led her to traditional architecture.

Follow the link in our bio to watch the full program for free!

All images courtesy of Kate Chambers Beck unless otherwise noted.

Presented as part of The Richard H. Driehaus Curricula for the Built Environment at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. The ICAA is very grateful to The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for its generous support of this program.

Beautifully restored places can inspire pride, connection, and a renewed sense of belonging.

Next in our series of digital shorts that explore the people, ideas, and projects shaping the future of preservation, we’re featuring EverGreene Architectural Arts.

EverGreene explores how the restoration of historic buildings influences public identity and deepens our relationship with the places we call home. Presented through the ongoing collaboration between the ICAA and Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation.

Even in the age of automation, traditional craft remains at the heart of preserving our built heritage.

Next in our series of digital shorts, presented in collaboration with Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, we’re featuring classically trained sculptor, master carver, and gilder Clunie Fretton, who shares why historic trades and skilled artisans continue to play an essential role in the modern age. She sees automation as a tool in her arsenal, but not a replacement for human expertise and technique.

We’re proud to announce that our original documentary Chatsworth Through Time will air on public television stations across the US this August!

One of the most well-known estates in Great Britain, located in the Peak District National Park, has been home to the Devonshire family for 500 years. Over the centuries that the family has lived there, the Dukes and Duchesses of Devonshire have renovated and expanded the house to reflect new political developments, social realities, and changing styles.

Chatsworth Through Time explores the history, architecture, landscape and artworks of this English estate and home of one of Europe’s most significant collections of fine art. Hosted by Chatsworth’s senior curators, the program begins in the Tudor Period, progresses through five hundred years of history all the way to the 21st century, and culminates in an extended interview with the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

Chatsworth Through Time is distributed by American Public Television; check your local PBS station schedule to catch it on air this August! You can also follow the link in our bio to watch the full program online now.

Thank you to Chatsworth House Trust and the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire for their collaboration in creating this documentary.

The ICAA is very grateful to Chadworth Incorporated () and for their generous support of this program.

This program was made possible by The Estate of Christopher H. Browne & The Orville Gordon Browne Foundation.

What is “adaptive reuse” and how does Artspace Projects use this concept in their practice?

Every historic building has a story to tell and a future worth preserving. Through our ongoing partnership with Richard Hampton Jenrette Foundation, the ICAA has produced a series of short videos that explore the people, ideas, and projects shaping the future of preservation.

Watch our short feature on adaptive reuse with Gindroz Award-winning nonprofit real estate developer Artspace to discover how historic places can continue to serve communities for generations to come.

We were honored to welcome Bill Curtis and Russell Windham of Curtis & Windham Architects to deliver our 25th Annual McKim Lecture in March 2026.

In this lecture, now available in full on our website, Bill and Russell discuss their contributions to the streetscapes of Houston, locations throughout the great American landscape, and beyond. They discuss the responsibility that current working architects inherit from bygone generations and the many paths that stem from the study of precedent.

Follow the link in our bio to watch the full recorded lecture now!

Images courtesy of Curtis & Windham Architects.

To borrow or not to borrow?

On February 25th, 2026, the ICAA welcomed AD100 Designer and AD100 Hall of Fame Designer for the 6th Annual Mark Hampton Lecture. Steven and Alexa shared an illuminating and occasionally humorous discussion about design, tradition, and Steven’s endless dedication to creating highly customized interior and architectural details for each project in which he is involved.

The Annual Mark Hampton Lecture honors the legacy of renowned designer Mark Hampton and celebrates the highest caliber of interior design in the classical tradition.

Follow the link in our bio to watch the full program on our website now!

Many thanks to the Mark Hampton Lecture’s Founding Sponsor .

Thank you to our Interior Design Series Sponsors:




Thank you to our generous sponsors:
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It was a pleasure to have cultural strategist and founder join us for The Architecture of Place, interviewed by Felicity Cain . In this clip, Soraya discusses the Islamic concept of hospitality and its relationship to her placemaking practice.

Follow the link in our bio to watch the full program for free!

Presented as part of The Richard H. Driehaus Curricula for the Built Environment at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. The ICAA is very grateful to The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation for its generous support of this program.