Lew Oliver, LEW OLIVER INCORPORATED

Lew Oliver grew up in small historic towns in southern Georgia and northern Florida. Since a child, his great love has been classical architecture, and at the age of seventeen, he proved instrumental in the campaign to save the spectacular Fox Theatre in Atlanta, a Moorish-Egyptian masterpiece that had been slated for the wrecking ball, by creating a fine line drawing of the landmark, which was then printed and sold in Atlanta and throughout the state of Georgia.

His work has been aptly described as a fusion of classical restraint and exotic vernacularism with great attention paid to contrast, detail, building form, play and proportion. A Lew Oliver-designed home is instantly recognizable and, typically, combines ancient and modern principles to stunning effect. The style and sensibility are unique and unmistakable, making his designs some of the most sought-after in the business. Attention is also paid to the psychology of space-how people actually live-the designer sometimes spending hours considering every angle and line of vision. He is dedicated to the usage of honest building materials, quality construction, enviromental sustainability, and the resurrection of the spirit of craftsmanship. Calling for an "organic urbanism" he advocates the extension of interior spaces outwards into nature, rotating parks, and niches created specifically for plant life-in short, true "living spaces."