As a kid, Blake Segars spent summers cutting grass for a landscape company. He’s wanted to be an architect ever since. But the path wasn’t so linear. He went to UGA and tried to declare architecture as his major, but the closest thing the school offered was landscape architecture. He spent a few years in the landscaping world, but buildings kept calling his name. So, a few years later, he went to school—Georgia Tech this time—to get a masters in architecture, his true passion.
Let’s dive into Blake’s impressive portfolio, and hear more about his journey in his own words.
Q: Tell us more about your career path.
A: It was in my graduate program where I was introduced to Norman Askins. He and I became quick friends, and he told me: “Blake, when you graduate, you have a seat in my office.” I gladly accepted his offer and trained under Norman for several years, refining the classical details I was initially exposed to at Page Duke. Norman would often say to me: “Blake, you have it in you to do this on you own. You’re far too ambitious to work under someone else’s name.” I was petrified to make the leap of faith of working for myself. However, after years of working beside Norman, the day came that I decided to leave his metaphorical nest and launch T. Blake Segars Architecture.
Q: Describe your design style in three words.
A: Traditional, refined, classic.
Q: What’s one home trend you’re loving and one you’d like to see retired?
A: I’ve been exhausted with the white box brick house with black steel windows since the trend started ten years ago. I never liked it! That look seems to be killing the traditional fabric of our beautiful old neighborhoods. It is so sad, cold and bland. It’s time for that look to be buried six feet under.
I don’t consider myself a “maximalist” designer, though I’m thrilled to see homeowners using more colors, textures, fabrics, and truly curating the home’s interior collection with pieces of all times and trends. Jackye Lanham once told me: “ Truly collected and curated rooms never go out of style.” I love that!
Q: What’s your favorite city for architecture? Any hotels you’d recommend for those who love design?
A: This is an impossible question. I love French Colonialism found in New Orleans. I love the “Modern Colonial” look of the shingle style found in Newport, Rhode Island. I love the simplicity and elegance of Colonial Williamsburg. I love the geographically dictated details found in West Indies style homes. And the same holds true for the details found in Moroccan style homes and gardens. There is inspiration found in every city. I can’t possibly narrow it down to one favorite place.
As far as a great hotel that I recommend…I do love the imaginative idea of a charming bed & breakfast filled with nostalgia. When I travel, I find the good hotels to have a drink at the bar, or dinner in their restaurant. Any of the Auberge Hotels & Resorts are fabulous!
Q: What else should we know about your work?
A: My designs are deeply influenced by my own personal life, mixed with the personal needs and aspirations of the homeowners for whom I’m designing. I am divorced with three tween/teen children. I am a highly social person, involved in several community activities and boards. I entertain my children, friends, family, and community members often. My designs take into consideration the quiet comfortable needs of a home, while also including what will be required when the home is filled with family and friends. It’s a happy balance when it comes to incorporating the multi-faceted requirements of a home.
Q: Any advice for homeowners?
A: Great design comes from a great curated team of professionals, working intimately with the homeowner. The objective is to HAVE FUN! So many homeowners are susceptible to getting overwhelmed by all the questions that need answering, and details that need refining. My advice to homeowners is: “Have Fun! Hire a great team; and trust the process. You’re in good hands. Enjoy the Ride.”
Q: What are your goals for your firm over the next five years?
A: This is another difficult question. I’ve been blown-away with the fabulously exciting past five years of T. Blake Segars Architecture. We have made accomplishments and seen growth that couldn’t have been planned for. It’s been a rewarding and exciting ride. We have grown from a one-person company in one city, to now having six associates with offices in Atlanta, GA and Santa Rosa Beach, FL. We have evolved from designing small home remodels for friends and family in Atlanta and in my hometown of Rome, to designing homes of all shapes and sizes in cities across the United States, Mexico, Bahamas, and Canada.
I can only imagine what exciting ventures await us in the next five years. Stay tuned!
All photos are by Emily Followill
T Blake Segars Architecture is part of the Garden & Grace directory, the trusted source for homeowners to find the right partner to help make their dreams a reality. Apply for consideration here.
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