Guest Speakers

Antiques at the Gardens is pleased to welcome these nationally and internationally acclaimed interior designers, floral designers, architects, landscape architects, and furniture designers to our 17th annual show.

schedule

dealers

Martin Brudnizki

*Red Diamond Lecture–Friday, September 29 | 11 a.m

Martin Brudnizki is the founder and principal of Martin Brudnizki Design Studio (MBDS), an internationally acclaimed interior architecture and design practice. Hailing from Stockholm, Martin held positions at a number of renowned interior design firms before establishing his eponymous studios in London and New York. He has been described as “one of the best restaurant and hotel designers of his generation.” Notable clients include: Four Seasons, Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, Six Senses Luxury Resorts, The Surf Club, and Royal Academy of Arts. In 2015 Martin established And Objects, a luxury furniture, lighting and accessories design studio. Martin is listed within AD 100, House and Garden Top 100 Leading Interior Designers, and the Elle Décor A-List along with many other recognitions.

In-conversation with Mitchell Owen, American editor for The World of Interiors.

Hannah Cecil Gurney

*The Art of Tradition
Red Diamond Lecture—Friday, September 29 | 2 p.m.**

Hannah is the daughter of Claud Cecil Gurney, who founded the English bespoke wallpaper company de Gournay in 1986. She is now the director of the company, renowned for its elegant hand-painted wallpapers and textiles that create some of the most beautiful interiors in the world.

Celebrated for its hand-painted chinoiserie wallpapers, sumptuous patterns of colorful flora and varied birdlife, the company produces additional collections that explore historical themes, such as nineteenth-century French pastoral scenes or exotic Brazilian landscapes bursting with wildlife. de Gournay also crafts more abstracted designs that fit well with modern interiors. de Gournay is now a global brand which has expanded into 39 countries, with showrooms in London, New York, Paris, Shanghai and Moscow and representatives worldwide.

Moderated by Steele Marcoux, editor in chief of Veranda magazine

Celerie Kemble

*The Art of Tradition
Red Diamond Lecture—Friday, September 29 | 2 p.m.**

Celerie Kemble is a principal in Kemble Interiors, a design firm founded in Palm Beach by her mother, Mimi McMakin. Over the past 22 years, her work has included homes and commercial spaces across the United States and the Caribbean, many of which have been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, Elle Décor, Traditional Home, Luxe, and more. Celerie is the author of several books: “Island Whimsy,” “To Your Taste,” and “Black & White (and a Bit in Between)”.

She has been included in Architectural Digest’s AD100, House and Garden’s 50 New Tastemakers, House Beautiful’s Top Designers, Elle Décor’s A-List Designers, Luxe’s Gold List, and more. She currently boasts licensed product lines with Schumacher, Arteriors, Lane Venture, Maitland-Smith, and others. Celerie also has an ongoing partnership with Chairish where she offers exclusive product designs and sells most of her lines in one spot.

Moderated by Steele Marcoux, editor in chief of Veranda magazine

Sarah Wetenhall

*The Art of Tradition
Red Diamond Lecture—Friday, September 29 | 2 p.m.**

Sarah Wetenhall is the owner and CEO of The Colony Hotel, the visionary behind Palm Beach’s historic Pink Paradise. Sarah began her career in New York, spearheading public relations and marketing efforts for major fashion houses. After acquiring The Colony Hotel in 2016 from a previous generation of ownership including her father-in-law, Wetenhall commenced a restoration and relaunch, evolving The Colony into an internationally recognized design-forward hotel.

Among her industry-defining projects are the resurgence of the iconic Manhattan boîte, Swifty’s, the lobby transformation featuring bespoke de Gournay wallpaper, the Villa redesigns by Kemble, Aerin Lauder, and Mark D. Sikes, along with fashion partnerships with Bergdorf Goodman, Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Michael Kors, and Dolce&Gabbana–to name a few. In 2021, she was named one of HOTELS magazine’s Top Ten Independent Hoteliers.

Moderated by Steele Marcoux, editor in chief of Veranda magazine

Aldous Bertram

*Love or Hate It Panel—Saturday, September 30 | 11 a.m.**
Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

Aldous Bertram is an artist, art historian and interior designer who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. His designs and interiors have been featured in House Beautiful and other top design publications.

Aldous grew up in England and received his Ph.D. from Trinity College, Cambridge University, specializing in the historical influence of China on English garden design and architecture. He recently published his first book, “Dragons & Pagodas: A Celebration of Chinoiserie.”

Moderated by Anna Brockway, co-founder & president of Chairish

Paloma Contreras

*Love or Hate It Panel—Saturday, September 30 | 11 a.m.**
Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

Houston-based Paloma Contreras is an interior designer who has repeatedly been named to the prestigious Elle Décor A-List and has also been recognized in House Beautiful’s “Next Wave” designer list and LUXE Magazine’s “Gold List”. Paloma has been recognized as a top social media influencer in home and interior design by Forbes and Elle Décor.

Paloma and her work have been featured in publications including Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Vogue, Domino, Luxe, Traditional Home, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and the Wall Street Journal. Paloma recently debuted a lighting collection with Visual Comfort & Co. She is the author of two books, “Dream Design Live” and “The New Classic Home,” which is slated for an October 2024 release. Her retail shop, Paloma & Co sources timeless antiques and unique found objects from across the globe and spotlights emerging artists, unique vendors, and curated products.

Moderated by Anna Brockway, co-founder & president of Chairish

Peter Dunham

*Love or Hate It Panel—Saturday, September 30 | 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

After a childhood in France and college in England, Peter Dunham spent time in New York real estate before moving to Los Angeles in 1998, where he immediately launched his design firm. This was followed by the launch of his eponymous fabric and wallpaper collection in 2003, now sold through 16 showrooms worldwide. In 2007, Peter opened Hollywood at Home, featuring handcrafted furniture, textiles and vintage finds in the LA design district, now a leading destination for design lovers.

His design work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, House and Garden, House Beautiful, Coastal Living, WSJ, Veranda, Domino, and more. Peter is on Elle Décor’s A-List and included in Vendome Press’s new book, “Inspired Design: The 100 Most Important Designers of the Past 100 Years.” His first book will come out in the Spring of 2025.

Moderated by Anna Brockway, co-founder & president of Chairish

Michael Diaz-Griffith

*Love or Hate It Panel—Saturday, September 30 | 11 a.m.**
Sponsored by Visual Comfort & Co.

Michael Diaz-Griffith is an art historian, designer, and executive director and COO of the Design Leadership Network, a national member organization supporting community, education, and best practices in the design industry. Previously, he served as executive director of Sir John Soane’s Museum Foundation, the New York-based nonprofit supporting the Soane Museum in London, and associate executive director of The Winter Show, America’s most prestigious and longest-running art and antiques fair.

As a consultant, he has advised fairs, auction houses, galleries, and museums on strategy and development, and he was recently named to House Beautiful’s list of “Visionaries” for his advocacy of antiques, historic art, and preservation. “The New Antiquarians: At Home with Young Collectors,” released in June 2023 is his first book.

Moderated by Anna Brockway, co-founder & president of Chairish

Zoë de Givenchy

*The Art of Hospitality—Saturday, September 30 | 2 p.m.
Sponsored by LICOA

Zoë de Givenchy is founder and creative director of luxury brand Z.d.G. From French faïence and Italian ceramics to Italian linen and French cutlery, Z.d.G. celebrates the finest traditional European craftsmanship and ancient artisanal techniques creating beautiful objects for the home and table. Her love of the decorative arts fueled her desire to conserve and champion the traditions of European artisans.

This old world craftsmanship through a new world lens is the result of her life rooted in Europe, her childhood in Australia and life with her husband and two young children in the US. Zoë’s passion for offering beautiful and sustainable products to discerning clients globally has meant the entire supply chain is focused on supporting regional artisans and the communities in which they work to ensure longevity of these arts.

Moderated by Margot Shaw, editor in chief of FLOWER magazine

Alex Hitz

The Art of Hospitality—Saturday, September 30 | 2 p.m.**
Sponsored by LICOA

Alex Hitz is an award-winning celebrity chef, culinary speaker, columnist, event designer, tastemaker, and expert host. His most recent book, “Occasions to Celebrate: Cooking and Entertaining with Style” features more than one hundred recipes inspired by traditional Southern fare and French culinary flair. His first book, “My Beverly Hills Kitchen,” and first Rizzoli cookbook, “The Art of the Host,” are widely popular.

He is a contributing editor for Town & Country and writes regularly for C Magazine, Quest, and Southern Living. Hitz is a former food editor for House Beautiful, a post he assumed from Ina Garten. He has appeared on numerous television and radio programs, including Today, and lectures frequently around the country. He splits his time between Atlanta, New York City, Los Angeles, and Palm Beach.

Moderated by Margot Shaw, editor in chief of FLOWER magazine

G. Blake Sams

*The Art of Hospitality—Saturday, September 30 | 2 p.m.
Sponsored by LICOA

Blake has been an innovator in the creative and special events industry for over a decade. His passion for design and hospitality allows him to thoughtfully create a memorable environment and experience for clients across the globe. Blake’s unique interpretation of timeless design, combined with his attention to detail, proven understanding of event logistics, and strong focus on residential design has made him an award-winning tastemaker and event producer.

Blake’s work has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Brides, Veranda, Elle Décor, Garden & Gun, and many more. He splits his time between New York City and Charleston, South Carolina.

Moderated by Margot Shaw, editor in chief of FLOWER magazine

Sybil Sylvester

*The Art of Hospitality—Saturday, September 30 | 2 p.m.**
Sponsored by LICOA

Born and raised in Louisiana and Alabama, Sybil is the owner of Birmingham-based Wildflower Designs. Sybil is known for creating stunning flower arrangements and orchestrating take-your-breath-away events. Always culling greenery and flowers from the abundance growing in the gardens and forests of her surroundings, Sybil embraces the philosophy of local and natural.

Her “Flower School” was a popular column in Southern Accents magazine, and her work has been featured in many other publications, including Flower magazine. Through Sylvester’s Wildflower School, she travels around the country, designing and demonstrating. She is the author of “Fresh,” published in 2017.

Moderated by Margot Shaw, editor in chief of FLOWER magazine

Richard Keith Langham

*Sunday with Richard Keith Langham—Sunday, October 1 | 11 a.m.
Sponsored by Cobbs Allen and PURE Insurance

Alabama born and Manhattan based, Keith has been a force in the decorating world for more than 30 years. After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and studying at the Study Center for the History of Fine and Decorative Arts in London, he then apprenticed with design legend Mark Hampton.

Keith spent 10 years with Irvine & Fleming before founding his own firm in 1990. His keen eye and ebullient talent serve well in assembling his signature rooms—those that speak to the past in a fresh way and are brimming with luscious color, pattern, and couture detailing. Perhaps no one summed up his aesthetics more than Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, who once proclaimed him to have “a sorcerer’s eye.”

Bill Brockschmidt & Courtney Coleman

*The Art of the Home—Sunday, October 1 | 2 p.m

Bill Brockschmidt and Courtney Coleman bring to their work a focus on traditional detailing, proportion, materials, and craftsmanship in both architectural elements and in furnishings. They launched their interior design studio, Brockschmidt & Coleman in New York City in 2001, followed by a southern design studio on Magazine Street in New Orleans in 2019.

Their work has been featured online and in print in Frederic, Veranda, Architectural Digest, Chairish, Departures, Elle Décor, Garden & Gun, House Beautiful, Southern Home, Traditional Home, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more. Brockschmidt & Coleman has been included on Elle Décor’s A List annually since 2012.

Moderated by Hadley Keller, director of editorial and community engagement at the Design Leadership Network

Stan Dixon

*The Art of the Home—Sunday, October 1 | 2 p.m**

Architect Stan Dixon is the founder of his eponymous Atlanta-based firm, D. Stanley Dixon Architect. After receiving his degree in architecture from the University of Tennessee and attending Britain’s renowned Attingham Trust School for the Study of Historic Homes and Collections, he honed his craft with the esteemed firm of Norman Davenport Askins.

He was named one of The New Faces of Southern Style by Garden & Gun magazine and is a three-time winner of the Southeast Architect of the Year by Veranda 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. Rizzoli will publish Stan’s first book, “HOME: The Residential Architecture of D. Stanley Dixon” this fall.

Moderated by Hadley Keller, director of editorial and community engagement at the Design Leadership Network

Keith Robinson

*The Art of the Home—Sunday, October 1 | 2 p.m

Keith G. Robinson has been a tastemaker and business owner in the Atlanta area for three decades. He is the former creative director/owner of the event-services company Gloriosa, the first turnkey event services company in Atlanta.

Keith is known for his restoration of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia’s 19th-century Hutcheson-Redwine Plantation where he developed exhibition gardens that have been featured in publications including Garden & Gun, Garden Design, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, and Veranda. Most recently, the gardens of Redwine were featured in the book “American Roots.” He was also a contributing editor in Veranda’s column The Cultivated Life. Keith is now on the executive team of a resort under development at Dunaway Gardens, where he is focusing on the restoration of 22 acres of historic gardens, and spearheading a five-star culinary program.

Moderated by Hadley Keller, director of editorial and community engagement at the Design Leadership Network