My Experience at the ICAA’s New York Intensive in Classical Architecture

Corey Ringle, 2019 winner of the Mark Ferguson Award, recalls an Intensive filled with inspiring discoveries

Corey Ringle with Mark Ferguson

Editor's note: Corey Ringle was the winner of the 2019 Mark Ferguson Award, which allows a student or emerging professional the opportunity to attend the eight-day Intensive in Classical Architecture in New York City.

Earlier this month, I had the pleasure of attending the ICAA’s New York Intensive in Classical Architecture. Who wouldn’t be excited to have a few days away from the office to be immersed in design, learn more about the classical orders, and tour the beautiful city? It was amazing!

When I went to school, I remember learning the classical orders, but do not remember diving into the reasons for their various forms. At the Intensive, we learned by drawing the orders, but also learned how the ancient temples were constructed and how the local materials affected the proportions and scale of each order. It really gave me a whole new understanding.

I enjoyed the measured sketching and tour of the Morgan Library. It was a great break between the fast-paced drawing classes. But my favorites were the ink wash and proportion class. Learning how shapes found in nature influenced design was fascinating! It really rounded out the experience and helped me better understand the inspiration behind so many historical designs.

But my hands-down favorite experience was meeting all my instructors and fellow students. Everyone came for different reasons: to enhance their education as a student, to improve their design skills as a professional, to learn more about history and how the classical proportions influence a variety of art in our lives.

During the week, I had the honor of meeting Mr. Ferguson. I shared with him that I fell in love with historical architecture when I was a young camper at my local Girl Scout camp Crowell Hilaka, which was once home to inventor Jim Kirby. His home, hydroelectric water wheel, and dance hall built on springs were all there to explore when I was a kid. After college, I wanted to return and volunteer with young people to inspire the next generation of inventors, engineers, and architects. Unfortunately, the Girl Scouts were in the process of selling the camp. Working together with the friends group, we encouraged the community to purchase the historical estate and turn it into a public park for all to enjoy. The community became interested in preserving the historic structures that told the story of creativity and ingenuity of the architecture.

I enjoyed our conversation about the importance of architects being civically involved and influencing the communities around us. I think classes like this help us better educate the public on the importance of historical and classical design, and my attendance was made possible thanks to the Mark Ferguson Award!

I look forward to sharing what I have learned at the intensive, not just with my clients, but with my community. Together, we can make the world better, one design at a time.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend the ICAA’s New York Intensive in Classical Architecture. Thank you to everyone who supported my professional development, whether through the Mark Ferguson Award, the John Brown Sr. scholarship, and the support of my office, William H. Childs, Jr. & Associates.

Tags: winter intensive, intensive