The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art


The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is a national organization dedicated to advancing the appreciation and practice of traditional architecture and its allied arts by engaging educators, professionals, students, and enthusiasts. It does so through education, publication, awards, and advocacy. The institute was formed in 2002 by the merger of two nonprofit organizations: The Institute of Classical Architecture, and Classical America.
In addition to its New York City headquarters, the Institute maintains fifteen regional chapters, which together extend the reach of its unique public service. Each chapter organizes its own programming to reflect the unique interest of its members, and the unique architectural traditions of its region. ICAA’s membership represents a diverse cross-section of the building arts, including architects, interior designers, patrons, builders and artisans. Members benefit from the institute's network of local and national programs and from the networking opportunities that membership offers. Likewise, the institute improves its programs by responding to the needs and interests of its membership.
The institute offers educational resources for students of art, planning, and architecture; for design professionals; and for the general public. These include: intensive seminars for architecture and design students, continuing education courses, travel programs, and public lectures. ICAA publishes , an academic journal, as well as the acclaimed book series, the .
The Arthur Ross Awards, administered annually by ICAA, recognize the achievements of architects, painters, sculptors, artisans, landscape designers, educators, publishers, patrons, and others dedicated to preserving and advancing the classical tradition. The philanthropist Brooke Astor presented the initial awards in 1982. ICAA also offers two affiliated fellowships at the American Academy in Rome to advance the career of the architect or artist recipient and to foster a continuity of knowledge of the classical tradition as a vital aspect of contemporary culture around the globe.

Academic programs

The Institute of Classical Architecture & Art is the leading national nonprofit educational organization dedicated to advancing the practice and appreciation of the classical tradition in architecture, urbanism, and the allied arts. Under the heading “Academic Programs” the ICAA has developed a wide variety of course offerings, including studio-based seminars, lectures and travel tours. By adapting course content and crafting delivery methods to meet the educational needs of a diverse body of learners, the ICAA has pioneered an ecumenical curriculum model aimed to educate all individuals interested in mastering the language of classical design.

Prizes and scholarships

The ICAA offers two bi-annual prizes, The Rieger Graham Prize for architecture and the Alma Schapiro Prize for fine artists. The prizes alternate years and grant the recipient a three-month Fellowship at the American Academy in Rome.
Since 2012, the ICAA also awards the Stanford White Awards for "excellence in classical and traditional design".
Other awards and prizes of the ICAA include:
In addition to training professionals and students, the ICAA also serves the general public audience and professional audience through its public lectures, walking tours, travel programs and special events. Offered throughout the year, activities include a Member Lecture Program, often free of charge to members and often in collaboration with like-minded organizations; and Discover Classical New York, which takes members on walking tours to visit classical or traditional sites in the five boroughs and beyond.
Other signature programs include the annual The Annual McKim Lecture with the One West 54th Street Foundation and the Summer Lecture Series. Special events include the Arthur Ross Awards, which celebrate excellence in the classical tradition, as well as occasional salon-style gatherings.
The ICAA Chapters offer a wide range of comparable programs themed and tied geographically to their respective regions.