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Stan Dixon, AIA, is the president and founder of his Atlanta-based firm, D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. Raised in Sumner County, Tennessee, a region along the Cumberland River notable for its pastoral landscape and historic structures, Stan was inspired from a young age to study architecture. The simplicity of materials and authentic beauty of the houses, which originally compelled him to pursue architecture, continue to inform his design philosophy today.

He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Tennessee and he also attended Britain’s renowned Attingham Trust School for the Study of Historic Homes and Collections. After completing his education, Stan moved to Atlanta where he acquired experience in residential and commercial firms. This dual exposure provides a breadth of scope to his architecture and ultimately led him back to his underlying love of houses. Tutelage in residential design with the esteemed firm of Norman Davenport Askins Architect was the next phase of Stan’s career.

Stan’s edited approach to the classical elements of architecture creates an understated aesthetic that is historically based while embracing influences of modern design. His goal is to interpret individual needs and desires through contextually sensitive work that engages appropriate style, scale and proportion, giving every building a sense of permanence and delight. The resulting body of work has set an exacting standard.

In response to his work, Garden & Gun magazine named Stan one of “The New Faces of Southern Style.” He is a three-time winner of the “Southeast Architect of the Year” award given by Veranda magazine and the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Stan is also an eleven-time winner of the Philip Trammell Shutze Award presented by the Southeast Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art. Most recently, Stan was awarded the Addison Mizner Medal for his work in Palm Beach.

Stan founded D. Stanley Dixon Architect, Inc. in 2006. His firm’s portfolio includes projects in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Texas, Indiana, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York.

Background

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From the Library

Our library allows us to experience where we have been, dream about the places we would like to visit, and imagine the places we create.

  • David Adler’s work is impressive because of his ability to work in a variety of styles. From French to Neo-classical to Greek Revival, Adler’s mastery of traditional architecture is broad and always creative. I admire him for the breadth of his work.

  • First Image:
  • Photo of me sketching in the garden of Kelmarsh Hall during my study at The Attingham Trust in 2001.
  • Landscapes have the ability to support architecture at a wide variety of scales from the pastoral to the private garden and my time in Capability Brown’s landscapes has given me great appreciation for every buildings’ environment. When viewing a building it is the landscape that provides context, setting, and scale. The landscape also creates the views from the rooms in which we create. It is imperative that both the setting and the views relate to the architecture.

  • I have always had an interest in the relationship between interiors and architecture. It was my mother’s work as an interior decorator that helped me see its impact on how people live and how it can elevate architecture. Nancy Lancaster is a classic example and her understanding of architecture paired with her design work has created timeless spaces that are still admired today. Her collections of furniture and design elevate and support the architecture.

  • Lutyens has a deep understanding of the classical elements of architecture. He stands alone in the freedom he has with their interpretation and takes creativity to another level. He always provides a fresh, unprecedented approach to architectural puzzles, yet they are always steeped in the traditions of classical design.

  • Jimmy Means is a local architect who I was introduced to when I first moved to Atlanta. After working on several of his houses, I gained an appreciation for the subtle details, discipline, and authenticity that give his work its timeless quality.

Sumner County, Tennessee

My upbringing in the historic region along the Cumberland River in Sumner County has had a lasting impact on my practice of architecture and how I approach design. It was this landscape that caused me to fall in love with houses and where I began pursuing architecture. From a young age I was surrounded by the historic structures that are spread across Tennessee's rolling pastoral landscape. Their modest beauty has taught me how compelling simplicity can be and how authentic materials used in a way that bears their necessity creates timeless buildings. I still draw on the lessons that I have been taught by this place and continue to be inspired when I return home.

  • Credit : Historic Sumner County
  • Location : Fairvue Mare Barns
  • One of the grandest houses of the region was home to Miss Ellen Wemyss. She was a descendant of the original landowner and lived at the plantation until the age of 105.

  • Credit : Historic American Buildings Survey
  • Location : Fairvue Plantation, Gallatin, TN
  • Location : Cragfont, Sumner County, TN
  • Location : Cragfont, Sumner County, TN
  • Location : Cragfont, Sumner County, TN
  • Credit : Historic American Buildings Survey
  • Location : Cragfont, Sumner County, TN
  • As a young boy I remember my mother raising money to restore this house that was once home to Daniel Smith, George Washington's secretary for the Southwest Territory.

  • Credit : Historic Sumner County
  • Location : Rock Castle, Hendersonville, TN
  • Location : Rock Castle, Hendersonville, TN
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Inspiration

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We are always looking for
talented architects to join our team.

For career inquiries,
please email your resume
and portfolio to
careers@dsdixonarchitect.com

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