The Southeast’s most creative minds in design and architecture gathered at Flourish on April 24 for the much-anticipated 2025 Southeast Designers & Architect of the Year (SEDY) Awards, presented by ADAC in partnership with VERANDA. The annual celebration honors the top talent across the region and recognizes the firms and individuals pushing boundaries and setting new standards in design.
This year’s awards spotlighted first-time winners across all categories, further proving that the Southeast continues to be a hotbed for fresh perspectives and exceptional craftsmanship.
The 2025 winners include:
- Architecture: Joel Kelly Design (Atlanta, GA)
- Contract Design: Jillian Rooker & Amanda Dashwood of Rook and Dash (Atlanta, GA)
- Residential Design: Matt Donahoe of bureau interior architecture | design (Nashville, TN)
Each winner was selected by a distinguished panel of industry leaders including VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley, Young Huh of Young Huh Interior Design, and Tim Barber of Tim Barber Architects. With more than 120 entries and 27 finalists, the level of talent on display was nothing short of inspiring.
“What’s especially exciting is that all three firms are first-time winners,” said ADAC General Manager Katie Miner. “It’s a reflection of the Southeast’s abundance of talent and expanding reach.”
Finalists were also recognized the evening prior at Logan Gardens during ADAC’s signature spring event, DESIGN ADAC.
From immersive interior spaces to innovative commercial environments and thoughtfully designed homes, this year’s winners are shaping the future of design in the Southeast—one project at a time!
For the full scoop, view the official winner’s press release here.
View photos from the event on ADAC’s Instagram.
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