What does it take to craft an award-winning submission? Find out straight from the people who know best.

Join former Acanthus Awards Jury Chairs Barbara Eberlein, ICAA National Board Member, and Steve Ekman, President of the ICAA Rocky Mountain Chapter, alongside 2025 Award of Arete & Landscape Design Award winner Alison Strickler of Hollander Design — for a can't-miss virtual panel packed with insider knowledge, expert perspective, and real-world inspiration.

Whether you're submitting for the first time or looking to take your entry to the next level, this is the conversation you don't want to miss. Walk away with fresh inspiration and the insights to help your work shine even brighter.

This is a virtual event, an access link will be provided.

Meet the Panelists

Barbara Eberlein

President and Creative Director of Eberlein Design Consultants Ltd, Barbara was formally educated in the classics, history, archaeology and art, an education that has served her enduring passion for design. With an influential voice in today’s dynamic design community, she has built a national reputation for expertise in the restoration of significant historic structures of the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. She is a sought-after lecturer on classical design, equally respected for her scholarly mastery and boundless enthusiasm for the field. Dedicated to lifelong learning, Barbara has received fellowships with distinguished programs for advanced study in England and Italy. Being an inveterate traveler constantly absorbing the aesthetic richness of the world, Barbara inspires her uniquely gifted staff in producing memorable environments expressed in a wide range of styles, always incorporating advances in materials, design and technology. 

Steve Ekman

Steve Ekman is the founder and principal architect of his award-winning boutique firm, Ekman Design Studio, based in Denver. The firm specializes in custom homes, historic renovations, and restorations, using classical principles to create timeless, contextually sensitive designs - recently recognized with a 2024 Palladio Award and multiple ICAA honors.

He began his career as an Imagineer at Walt Disney, where he developed a foundation in collaboration, precedent-based design, and attention to detail, principles that continue to shape his work. His approach is further inspired by architects such as Edwin Lutyens, Julia Morgan, and Frank Lloyd Wright.

Ekman is also a dedicated advocate for classical architecture, serving as President of the ICAA Rocky Mountain Chapter and helping to establish the Classical Studies Program at the University of Colorado Denver.

Alison Strickler

As Marketing Director of Hollander Design Landscape Architects, Alison brings over 20 years of experience shaping how design firms communicate their work. In addition to leading in-house marketing, Alison advises AEC firms on content strategy and messaging. Known for a sharp focus on storytelling and visual strategy, Alison has helped Hollander Design secure more than 30 awards in the past five years, including honors from the ICAA and ASLA. Her approach to award submissions is simple: the most successful entries are both descriptive and emotive—crafted with the clarity of expertise and the resonance of a compelling story.

The ICAA Chicago Midwest Chapter is proud to introduce its inaugural Indiana Subcommittee with a celebratory evening of networking and connection. This milestone event marks the expansion of our regional community dedicated to classical and traditional architecture and design. Join us for an unforgettable first gathering with colleagues, collaborators, and kindred spirits from across the state.

Generously sponsored by CAI Designs Showroom.

In this workshop, participants are introduced to fundamentals, various mediums, and working methods of urban sketching.

From instructor’s demo and instruction, participants will learn to sketch diverse scenes in Grant Park using their own medium of choice.

*Additional instruction in plein air painting will be provided for any participants who have equipment and some experience in plein air painting.

Join the Chicago-Midwest ICAA Summer Social, hosted by our generous sponsors Bulley & Andrews.

This year’s garden tour highlights a cross section of architectural styles, both historic and contemporary. Each private garden reflects the homeowner’s personal aesthetic while offering subtle nods to classical garden traditions.

The afternoon concludes with a casual cocktail gathering, an ideal way to unwind after a day of exploration.

The tour will be led by Craig Bergmann, Owner and Award-Winning Landscape Designer of Craig Bergmann Landscape Design. With a passion rooted in the harmony of design and nature, Craig’s award-winning work reflects both innovation and a deep respect for the natural environment. His approach thoughtfully integrates landscape design with the architectural character of each property, creating spaces that are both timeless and sustainable.