ANTINORI VILLAGE WINS AIA ARCHITECTURE AWARD OF HONOR

Rabun Gap, Georgia— We are proud to share that our Antinori Village (BLDGS Architects, Brian Bell and David Yocum) received the 2026 Design Honor Award of Architectural Distinction from the American Institute of Architects Georgia (AIA Georgia).

“The Antinori Village is a soulful transformation for our organization. BLDGS architects perfectly captured our aspirations, creating a space that inspires every visitor. Details like the Shou Sugi Ban siding and expansive windows honor our historic 600-acre sanctuary while offering a modern, flexible space for workshops, galleries, and retreats. From start to finish, the design process embraced our mission to nurture creativity. It is more than an expansion; it’s a triumph in heritage and bold innovation.” - Jamie Badoud, Executive Director

The 2026 Design Awards Jury included: Adaeze Cadet, AIA, Lance Hirai, AIA, and Casey Jones. They said, “out of nearly 100 submissions your project stood out to the jury for its exemplary design, response to your challenge and physical context, and its attention to the framework for design excellence.” 

The Antinori Village—a cluster of cabins and gathering areas—builds on the Hambidge Center’s mission to provide a curated and rotating group of multidisciplinary artists with a place to engage each other. The village, built by Highlander Design and Build, includes cabins for short residencies of 8-16 people, a kitchen, a community activity room, outdoor gathering spaces, and a collective dining table for shared dinners and engaged conversation.

The Antinori Village enables Hambidge to nurture creativity more broadly by offering workshops, curated and collaborative residency projects, leadership retreats and expanded public programming. It opened in November 2023, and was made possible by a generous lead gift from Susan and Ron Antinori (the Antinori Foundation) and many supporters. We feel greatly honored by this AIA award and look forward to hosting you in our Village soon.

Photos below by Bruce Demonte.

Discover the charm and tranquility of Antinori Village, your year-round mountain retreat, where cozy accommodations await you in every season. Whether you're joining us for an inspiring workshop retreat or seeking a peaceful solo trip, our mountain haven offers the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and rejuvenation.

Reserve your stay today—your perfect retreat is just a booking away. For room availability and rates, please contact kderryberry@hambidge.org.