Local architects weigh in on the area structures that move and inspire them
STORY: Adrianne Murchison
Once upon a time in the ’80s, Atlanta had a very minute skyline. Not so today. Now it’s something to be proud of, with tall, creatively designed buildings from downtown to Midtown to Buckhead and beyond. We asked several local architects to name some of their favorite designs in the Buckhead area.
Maurice Hoelting
CREDENTIALS: The Sandy Springs resident is a retired architect for the U.S. Forest Service, where he designed visitor centers and offices at national parks.
STRUCTURE: PIEDMONT CENTER (pictured above)
3565 Piedmont Rd. N.E., Atlanta 30305
ANALYSIS: “It’s one of the few office complexes that took care to create an atrium and incorporate trees and nature.”
Brian Campbell
CREDENTIALS: LEED-certified Campbell earned a master’s in architecture from Georgia Tech. He has worked on institutional designs and projects at Collins Cooper Carusi in Buckhead since 2015. Recently, the firm won the 2019 Spring Learning by Design grand prize for its work on The New Commons at Life University in Marietta.
STRUCTURE: THE PINNACLE
3455 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Atlanta 30326
ANALYSIS: “When I was in [undergraduate] school, I came here for a visit, and it inspired me. I was doing a beach house project that had the same form. The Pinnacle has an unorthodox form against the skyline. There’s a glass wall terrace near the top with trees. It’s a very light and ethereal kind of building.”
Holly Jeffreys
CREDENTIALS: Co-founder of Shear Structural in Chamblee, Jeffreys has more than 20 years experience in structural engineering. She has worked with masonry, concrete, steel, wood and more. The Georgia Tech grad is a member of the Chamblee Design Review Board. The firm’s work includes the Ponce City Market rooftop buildout and remodeling of the Doctors Center at Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital.
STRUCTURE: CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE KING
2699 Peachtree Rd. N.E., Atlanta 30305
ANALYSIS: “I have always loved that building. Every time I drive down Peachtree and see that church, it’s grandeur, the stone and the stained glass windows, I’m taken by it. I’ve been there for weddings. I enjoy the arches and tall ceiling, and how majestic and peaceful it is inside.”
Stephen Flanagan
CREDENTIALS: Flanagan is founder of Studio One Architecture in Sandy Springs and provides architecture and interior design services to wellness, small-scale hospitality and residential projects. He previously worked with Renzo Piano Building Workshop architects and the Lord Aeck Sargent firm on such projects as the High Museum expansion. His certifications include LEED and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.
STRUCTURE: WINDSOR MEADOWS PARK
835 Windsor Pkwy., Sandy Springs 30342
ANALYSIS: “What I like about Windsor Meadows is it’s a relatively new park along Nancy Creek, and they’ve done a nice job of making it good for walks.”
