Teaching with the ICAA

by Jacques Levet, Jr.

Jacques Levet, Jr., who works as a Project Architect at D. Stanley Dixon Architects, has served as a Teaching Assistant and ICAA Instructor for multiple programs, including Continuing Education Courses, Drawing Tours, and University Workshops. Here, Jacques reflects on his journey with the ICAA, which he began as an eager program participant, before eventually progressing to become a lead instructor for national programs. Jacques' course, An Introduction to the American Greek Revival is available to watch on the ICAA website.

Few career paths follow a straight line, and moments that influence it can appear at any point. When I was determining my undergraduate path, I realized the architecture taught at my school did not ignite my passion. I pivoted to the sciences, which eventually led me to medical school. During this time, my background interest in architecture persisted. It wasn’t until I was introduced to a few members of the ICAA that I discovered an entirely new realm of design. This new network reshaped my path, and I took a leap of faith to pursue a career in architecture.

Reflecting on this, I am deeply grateful for how the ICAA’s outreach changed my trajectory, and this is a key part of why I feel so passionate about introducing others to the world of classical architecture.

Today, I am a practicing architect and actively involved in educational programming within the ICAA, both through my local chapter and at the national level. My own involvement with the organization began when I moved to Atlanta after graduate school. New to the city, I started attending sketching events, social gatherings, and courses hosted by the chapter. These activities not only enriched my skills but also immersed me in an active community of designers. Soon, I transitioned from participant to teaching assistant for chapter events and eventually to national courses such as the university workshops. Continuing my involvement, I am now regularly a lead instructor for such workshops and classes.

What drives me most is witnessing the growth of others within the ICAA as they chart their own paths. Take, for instance, Claire Pardo, who first joined one of our happy hours while seeking a career shift, having an interest in classical design. Enjoying the group, she delved deeper by attending courses and eventually joining the ICAA’s Winter Intensive in New York. Claire now works for a great firm, teaches courses, and co-chairs our chapter’s education committee. Or consider Nathan Thomas, whom I met at the ICAA’s first university workshop. His experience inspired him to pursue a degree at Notre Dame and is now a practicing classical architect and a valued instructor. Seeing others evolve and thrive is one of the most rewarding aspects of being part of this organization.

A recent highlight of my own involvement was coordinating the ICAA Drawing Tour in my home city of New Orleans. The city, with its rich architectural heritage, profoundly shaped my passion for design, and I was thrilled to share it with the group. The students explored the French Quarter, measuring historic houses and experiencing the urbanism of city. We also spent time along the Mississippi River, seeing how Louisiana’s colonial homes evolved as classicism took its footing in the state. Their growth over the course of the tour was quite evident, and their talent left a lasting impression.

Many of these students are becoming active members, spreading our knowledge and passion with others. Experiences like these ensure that our community continues to grow, welcoming fresh energy and ideas. Being part of this is a privilege, and I am excited to see where it leads us next.