Thought, Expertise, Experience, Insight

Completed in 1901 and designed by Thomas Henry Morgan, the Empire Building is widely recognized as one of Atlanta’s first steel-frame buildings and among the earliest skyscrapers in the Southeast region. Between 1929 and 1932, renowned architect Philip Trammell Shutze reimagined the lower floors of the Empire Building for Citizens & Southern National Bank. The Empire Building is more than a historic structure; it is a physical narrative of Atlanta’s transformation.

Design centers across the United States help bridge the gap between architects, planners, and the public by making the built environment understandable and engaging. Through exhibitions, tours, lectures, and educational programs, these institutions reveal how design shapes daily life, cultural identity, and civic history. From Chicago to Atlanta, design centers foster public dialogue about the future of cities while celebrating the architecture and landscapes that define them

The ADC has gathered Atlanta's best design events into one calendar—easy to add and share! Subscribe to the newsletter to receive curated events direct to your inbox.

Explore how NOMA Atlanta and Project Pipeline empowers young changemakers to transform their communities. Learn how this competition shapes Atlanta's Design Future.

The High Museum of Art began with a gift from the High family, who donated their Peachtree Street home in 1926 after a tragic loss. Another pivotal moment came in 1962, when the Orly plane crash claimed 106 Atlantans, many tied to the arts. In response, the city united to build a world-class museum. Architect Richard Meier’s 1983 design features white aluminum panels, a soaring atrium, and light-filled galleries—honoring the past while shaping Atlanta’s cultural future.

Designed by Bradford Lee Gilbert, Atlanta’s Flatiron Building blended Beaux-Arts and Romanesque styles with modern steel-frame construction. Built post-Civil War, it symbolized the “New South” and helped launch high-rise development along Peachtree Street. A major 2015 renovation restored its historic façade and modernized the interior. Like other adaptive reuse projects across Atlanta, the Flatiron reflects how preservation and innovation can work together to shape a city’s

Explore future-proof design and how architectural elements contribute to longevity, sustainability, and creative spaces.

In today's rapidly evolving world, sustainable architecture plays a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges.