Episode 8:
Architecture, Mentorship, and the Courage to Begin: Pierre McKell Architects Shares Their Story.
In this episode, AH&L Editorial Director Lauren Iverson sits down with architects Connor McKell Bingham and Jacques Pierre Levet, co-founders of Pierre McKell Architects, to explore the experiences, influences, and relationships that shaped their approach to residential design. From their very different upbringings—Connor’s immersive education at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture and Jacques’ roots in Southeast Louisiana—we discuss the enduring appeal of classical homes, the importance of designing for longevity, and the mentors who helped shape their professional outlook.
Connor and Jacques also share the story behind launching their own firm despite never having worked together on the same projects beforehand. Their conversation reveals how contrasting design perspectives can become a strength, why entrepreneurship often requires a leap of faith, and how great architects learn to solve problems beyond the drawing board. The result is an insightful discussion about partnership, practice, and creating homes with lasting soul and purpose.
Get the Breakdown:
00:30 Welcome & Introduction
01:00 From Louisiana to Colorado, Connor and Jacques share their early interest in architecture and talk the soul of classical homes
05:45 Connor and Jacques never worked on the same projects before starting a business together. How did they trust it was meant to be?
08:00 A maximalist meets a classic minimalist… how do they operate together on a project?s
13:15 Growing up in Southeast Louisiana, Jacques shares what a generational effect taught him about aging in place
15:15 As the last undergraduate at the Frank Lloyd Wright School of Architecture, Connor talks his immersive college experience
18:15 Design education and the influence professionals can have on students
23:00 Connor and Jacques’ Historical Concepts mentors, Jim Strickland and Andrew Cogar, are problem solvers who taught them to think outside the box
27:30 How do you know you’re ready to start your own firm? Connor and Jacques share their parting advice (Hint: It really is a leap of faith)
Tune in every time! Take us with you! Listen to In Residence on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
A peek inside Pierre McKell’s portfolio:
left to right Inspiration abounds in every corner of Pierre McKell’s Midtown office.
A few more notes:
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Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Published since 1983, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles is the city’s only monthly home and garden magazine. Dedicated to showcasing the best in design for our city, the publication also serves as a definitive guide to cultivating Atlanta style, offering unmatched entrée into the area’s most inspiring residences. A longtime champion of the Atlanta design community, AH&L’s coverage of local design professionals, premier shops and showrooms, decorative and fine arts, restaurants and cultural events is second to none.