Meet the Speakers & Tastemakers
October 3: Tastebuds
David Baker: Mentored by Bobby McAlpine, David Baker eventually became one of Bobby’s business partners. In 2018, David and previous McAlpine partners Chris Tippett and John Sease formed Tippett Sease Baker Architecture. David has a passion for creating approachable, refined, and timeless architecture using traditional styles and details, all while meeting his clients’ modern needs.
Ronda Carman: Author of Designers at Home: Personal Reflections on Stylish Living (Rizzoli) and the forthcoming book Entertaining at Home (Rizzoli), Ronda Carman is also the founder of Ronda Carman Fine Fabrics and a contributing writer for The Huffington Post.
Frances Schultz: Journalist, tastemaker, world traveler, hostess, Southerner, and Sunday painter Frances Schultz is an enthusiast on design, cooking, entertaining, travel, and style. She is author and co-author of several books, including The Bee Cottage Story—How I Made a Muddle of Things and Decorated My Way Back to Happiness and, most recently, California Cooking & Southern Style.
October 4: Red Diamond Lecture Series
Markham Roberts: A graduate of Brown University, Markham Roberts moved to New York to work with the late Mark Hampton before opening his own firm in 1997. Called “a master of timeless American style” by Vogue, Markham has also been featured in publications such as Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, House Beautiful, and Town & Country.
October 5: Taste in Spades
Gavin Duke: With over 30 years of professional experience, Gavin Duke has honed a passionate way of creating spaces with a refined eye for details. Gavin has a special way of envisioning the end result and designing creative solutions that evoke timelessness in the landscape. By combining landscape architecture with other arts, he designs gardens and living environments for people, plants, and animals.
Lee Ledbetter: In 1996, Lee Ledbetter established his New Orleans practice, Lee Ledbetter & Associates. His firm’s projects have appeared in publications such as Architectural Digest, Architectural Record, British House & Garden, Elle Decor, House & Garden, and House Beautiful. In spring 2019, Rizzoli released Lee’s first book, The Art of Place: Lee Ledbetter Architecture and Interiors.
Ashley Whittaker: Described as the “neo-traditionalist,” Ashley Whittaker offers a fresh, modern perspective on traditional design. She has been recognized on Elle Decor’s A-List as one of the world’s leading designers. Her work has been featured in publications such as Veranda, The New York Times, and House Beautiful.
Cathy Barancik Graham: Artist and fashion illustrator Cathy Barancik Graham is also an author and product designer. Her work has appeared in many publications, including Rolling Stone and New York Magazine.
Alex Hitz: Award-winning chef, author, lecturer, event designer, and master host Alex Hitz is renowned for his refinement in the art of preparing and serving food. His first book, My Beverly Hills Kitchen: Classic Southern Cooking with a French Twist, garnered editorial raves from The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Vanity Fair, House Beautiful, and The New York Times.
October 6: Southern Sunday
Lisa Fine: Textile guru Lisa Fine is founder of Lisa Fine Textiles, which specializes in hand-printed linens. Her work has appeared in publications such as Elle Decor, The New York Times, The Herald Tribune, and Vogue. Lisa’s book, Near & Far: Interiors I Love, will be published this October by Vendome.
Richard Keith Langham: The Southern-born, Manhattan-based designer has been a force in the decorating world for nearly 30 years. Richard has worked with legendary ladies such as Mrs. William F. Buckley, Jr., and Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. His book, About Decorating – the Remarkable Rooms of Richard Keith Langham, was published by Rizzoli in October 2017.
Becky Boyle: With offices in Los Angeles, CA, and Charlotte, NC, Becky Boyle heads up a full-service interior design firm. She is currently working on projects all over the United States, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Birmingham.
Virginia Page Cheek: Based in Atlanta, GA, Virginia Page Cheek worked under designers on the East and West Coasts before founding her design firm in 2015.
Jared Hughes: Atlanta designer Jared Hughes has a penchant for antiques and architecture. His work has been featured in Traditional Home and Atlanta Home.
Parkes & Lamb Interiors: A boutique interior design firm founded by Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb, Parkes & Lamb Interiors is based in Nashville, TN. The firm creates interiors that are polished, refined, and personal.
Blackjack Horticulture: Specializing in landscape management, installation, and masonry/hardscapes, Birmingham-based Blackjack Horticulture serves residential and commercial clients throughout the Southeast.
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