Meet the Team Behind the 2019 Idea House

Jim Strickland (founder) and Clay Rokicki (project architect)
Atlanta, Georgia
historicalconcepts.com

Firm Foundations
Jim started Historical Concepts in 1982 with a vision to build classic Southern homes, which the company continues to do today along with civic and community planning.

Home-Building Advice
Jim: Put together an image board. There is no such thing as a bad picture.
Clay: Find your area's best home in the local, vernacular style for inspiration.

Great Homes Have...
Jim: Good proportions
Clay: A fabulous front door and hardware, which will bring you joy every day

Matt Birdwell (director of custom homes); Jarrod Knox (superintendent); Matt Roberts (principle); Chris Wood (principle)
Jacksonville, Florida
myriversidehome.com

Loves a Challenge
The Idea House broke ground the week before Thanksgiving and was move-in ready just six months later.

Construction is a Major Collaboration
"Look for a builder that you enjoy working with," says principle Chris Wood. "Think of it like a marriage. Your personalities should mesh, and you need trust and confidence."

Stay Focused on the Big Things
"We advise our clients to prioritize what they can't easily change in a few years," says Chris.

Birmingham, Alabama
heatherchadduck.com

Her Southern Spirit
Raised in both Virginia and Arkansas, she moved to Texas after college. There, she worked for decorators before moving to Birmingham as a Style Editor with Cottage Living and eventually rising to Style Director for Southern Living.

Her Fresh Approach
Today, Heather runs her decorating firm and fabric line (Heather Chadduck Textiles), which launched in 2016. The ideas for her seven prints were sparked by a combination of botany and "doodling."

Her Inspiring Adventures
Traveling with her husband, photographer David Hillegas, fuels her creativity. "From the local houses and markets to the flora and fauna, everything I see has an impact on my design processes," she says.