Classical Roots, Contemporary Clients: A Conversation Among Designers

About the Event: Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring Principals from Kligerman Architecture & Design and Ruggles Lindemann Bell, two nationally esteemed firms renowned for creating custom residences from coast-to-coast. In their designs, each firm seamlessly blends classical principles and modern aesthetics with an eye to how we live now.  A new take on time-honored proportion, localized symmetries, balance and bold form pushes their designs forward. The evening’s program will delve into how historical traditions inform each designer’s philosophies, resulting in homes that are both timeless and tailored to today’s clients.​ Through project presentations and in-depth discussions, the panelists will share the art of the collaborative process with their clients and how they adapt age-old principles to designs for contemporary living. Meg Touborg, Denver Architecture Foundation President and CEO, will moderate the panel.

Kligerman Architecture & Design is known for distinctive design rooted in tradition but modern in its sculptural forms, taut detailing, glass expanses, and often a touch of whimsy. By integrating traditional forms with modern materials and spatial planning, they craft custom homes that resonate with both historical context and present-day sensibilities.​ The firm is based in New York City.

Ruggles Lindemann Bell has a legacy spanning over five decades specializing in bespoke residences that harmonize traditional architectural elements with contemporary functionality. Their projects illustrate a commitment to classical aesthetics while honoring modern family lifestyles. The firm is based in Denver. 

About our Speakers: Justin H. Bell is the Director of Architecture, Co-CEO, RA, NCARB at Ruggles Lindemann Bell. Justin Bell brings 19 years of experience in high-end residential architecture and is licensed in Colorado, Georgia, Montana and Florida. His passion for the profession began at an early age, influenced by his grandfather, a trained architect. After completing his studies, Justin immersed himself in traditional and historical architecture at residential firms in Atlanta. In making the move to Denver and joining Ruggles Lindemann Bell, Justin intends to make a positive impact on the architectural fabric of Colorado through traditional architecture and thoughtful design.

“Justin’s traditional sensibility combined with his aptitude for leadership and collaboration will deliver the level of design and service our clients have come to know us for,” said Donald H. Ruggles, AIA, NCARB, ICAA, CEO Emeritus of Ruggles Lindemann Bell. “There is no doubt he will make a notable contribution to Colorado’s architectural beauty.” Justin completed his undergraduate degree in architecture at Mississippi State University where he was a member and President of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He studied abroad attending the Symposium on Urban and Architectural Planning in Cervara, Italy, through the University of Arkansas, and studied at the Vincenza Institute of Architecture in Vicenza, Italy, through the University of Florida.

Joe Carline is a Partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design. Born and raised in New York, Joe joined the team in 2012 and since that time he has been delivering exemplary projects in a wide array from an ethereal modern home in the Pacific Northwest, to a beachfront Shingle Style in the Hamptons. Fueled by his inner modernist, his work exudes respect for materiality and craftmanship. “As a young designer I learned to strive for simple solutions. By extension I use the richness of natural materials, simple shapes and natural light as the building blocks of design”, says Joe. Early in his career he collaborated on distinguished modern homes at the firm of Charles T. Young. He has lived and studied fine art and architecture in London and Japan, holds a Master’s in Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a BA from Boston College, and is a Registered Architect. Joe lives in Westchester with his wife and two children, James and Eve.

Thomas A. Kligerman is a Founding Partner at Kligerman Architecture & Design. Raised in Connecticut and New Mexico, and spent years in France and England as a student. These experiences sparked his interest in the rich history of domestic architecture, gardens and landscapes. Before founding Kligerman Architecture & Design, Tom co-founded Ike Kligerman Barkley with John Ike and Joel Barkley. He began his architecture career at Robert A. M. Stern Architects and received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia University and his Master of Architecture from Yale School of Architecture. Tom is passionate about the design process, and loves studying and creating architectural models. He serves on the boards of a number of charitable and educational institutions. Tom and his family enjoy summer weekends racing sailboats on the coast of Rhode Island.

Emily Lindemann is the Co-CEO and Director of Interior Design at Ruggles Lindemann Bell. She has been a member of the firm since 2015. With a background in the fashion design industry, Emily brings a strong expertise in textiles and high-end design to the firm. Her approach to residential design uniquely complements the firm’s dedication to blending traditional and modern aesthetics. Emily has built a reputation for creating beautiful spaces that are a curation of classic silhouettes and rich textures, achieving a tailored aesthetic. Ranging from traditional to modern, her designs achieve timelessness through thoughtful consideration of balance, proportion, and material usage. Emily closely partners with each client to design homes that result in a beautiful, yet balanced relationship between design and lifestyle.

A cum laude graduate of Colorado State University with a bachelor of science in Apparel Design and Production, and a minor in business administration, Emily is a Denver native. She is a member of the Design Leadership Network, an exclusive, invitation only, network of leading architecture and interior design firm principals in the U.S.

Accessibility: The office is wheelchair accessible and there is seating available during the conversation portion of the event.

Student Tickets: Student tickets must be purchased using an active student/school email address.

Agenda: 

4:30 p.m. – Doors Open. Showrooms in the IDC building will be open for attendees to browse before the program.

5:00 p.m. – Program begins, followed by Q+A.

6:00 p.m. – Cocktail reception with Speakers from Kligerman Architecture & Design and Ruggles Lindemann Bell. 

7:00 p.m. – Evening concludes.

Denver Architecture Foundation membership is good for one year and pays for itself with a handful of discounted tours and events. Your membership also supports DAF programs: tours, lectures, exhibitions, K-8 education and more. Become a member here.