1.25 credits towards the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture (Elective)
The Case Studies in New Classical & Traditional Design series explores the design and execution of new contemporary classical and traditional work from the practitioner’s perspective. Each session explores a unique project or building type to demystify the complexities of how challenging projects successfully come together.In this talk, George Saumarez Smith, director of ADAM Architecture and author of the forthcoming book The Romance of Classicism: Designing the English Country House for Today (Rizzoli 2026), will discuss his work on country houses in England over the past twenty years. He will explore the evolution of the country house of today as a valued architectural form—one capable of adapting gracefully over time--and how he designs houses that are versatile in plan, that weather gently, and that rely on natural materials, classical proportions, and a traditional architectural language. While the English country house tradition often calls to mind vast historic estates, Saumarez Smith's works are more modest in scale—farmhouses, villas, and rural retreats—and represent a new chapter in the genre. These compact, classically inspired residences reflect the rhythms of modern life and stand as exemplary models of classicism for today’s world. The presentation will be followed by a discussion with Mark Ferguson, Founding Partner at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects and Dean of Architecture at the Catholic University of America, on Saumarez Smith's work.This program is co-sponsored by the Royal Oak Foundation. Royal Oak Foundation members are eligible to register at a discounted tuition rate for the event.
One of the leading classical architects of his generation, George Saumarez Smith’s work is grounded in deep study and meticulous attention to detail. Much of his inspiration comes from a lifelong appreciation and study of historic buildings and the techniques of classical design. After studying architecture at the University of Edinburgh, George began his career at the offices of Quinlan Terry, who in turn had begun his career with George’s grandfather, the noted 20th-century classicist, Raymond Erith.George joined ADAM Architecture in 2003, promptly becoming a director and developing one of the largest, most dynamic studios practising the classical tradition in Britain. George’s work ranges in scale, from new country houses and garden buildings to historic restorations and major urban planning schemes. George teaches and writes on subjects relating to classical and traditional architecture at the European Summer School in Classical Architecture, the Prince’s Foundation, the ICAA and the University of Notre Dame. He has published several books on architecture and exhibited at the RIBA and the Royal Academy.Mark Ferguson is a founding partner of Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, a practice formed in 1988 in New York City with Oscar Shamamian and John B. Murray. The ninety-person practice is nationally recognized for traditional residential design projects. The diversity of location, character and scale of projects in the firm's portfolio reflects its wide geographical reach. Mark received a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie-Mellon University in 1978 and Master of Architecture from Princeton University in 1982. He moved to New York with his wife, Natalie Jacobs, in 1982. His early work on renovations to houses in Tuxedo Park and Croton-on-Hudson introduced him to the practice of new traditional architecture. The experience led to a position at Parish-Hadley Associates where he collaborated with interior decorators and artisans in the creation of new residences guided by traditional design principles. He met his future partners there and after three years they established their practice to focus on residential architecture. In addition to his role at Ferguson & Shamamian Architects, Mark is also the dean of the School of Architecture and Planning at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Mark has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art since 1992 and served as its Chairman from 2014-2016.
The ICAA provides up to three complimentary spaces in each Continuing Education course for students or young professionals to attend. Upon signing up, you will be entered into a pool of applicants. Individuals will be randomly selected two weeks before the course begins, and all sign-ups will be notified via email. In order to apply for this program, please fill out this form.Upon applying, please email a copy of your ID showing that you are aged 35 or younger, or a current student ID, to [email protected]. Should you have any questions about this special program, please email [email protected].
Questions regarding the ICAA's courses may be directed via email to [email protected]; via phone to 212-730-9646 ext. 112; or via mail to our National Office at 20 West 44th Street, Suite 310, New York, NY 10036.
To register for a continuing education course hosted by the ICAA National Office, you can use the registration link noted on the program page, email [email protected], or call 212-730-9646 x112. Please also note the ICAA National Office Registration and Cancellation Policy, which you may access by clicking here. ICAA Chapters manage course registration for their own events. While Chapter programs may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and information on how to register.
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Unless otherwise specified, participation in ICAA educational programs is limited to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. Certain programs are specifically designed for younger participants; where this is the case, the applicable age requirements and registration procedures will be clearly indicated in the program description.
The ICAA National Office does not offer recurring continuing education classes on a regular basis, but aims to offer future sessions of classes whose demand exceeded capacity. Core classes are generally offered annually or semi-annually. The frequency of ICAA Chapter courses varies by region.
You can find a list of the ICAA's core curriculum subject areas along with more details about the ICAA Certificate in Classical Architecture program by clicking here. For questions about specific courses that aren’t on this list, please contact [email protected].
Most ICAA continuing education courses are suited to all artistic and academic backgrounds. Seasoned artists and novices alike have enjoyed and improved on their skills in ICAA classes. If a class has any pre-requisites or is recommended for a certain experience level, this will appear on the class listing on the ICAA website. While Chapter courses may be listed on classicist.org, you should check the Chapter website, or contact the Chapter directly, for the most up-to-date details including dates, times, pricing, and pre-requisites.
Health, Safety, and Welfare (HSW) in architecture includes topics that relate to the structural integrity and soundness of a building or a building site. Course content must focus on these topics in order to provide HSW credits. For more information on ICAA classes that have been approved by the AIA for HSW credit, please contact [email protected].
In many cases, you will be able to receive a full or partial refund of your course registration fee. For courses in the New York Region, you may refer to the ICAA's Continuing Education cancellation and refund policy by clicking here.
You may find the ICAA's policies [here]. If you are attending a Chapter program, please contact the Chapter directly for more information on Chapter-specific policies.