Talk Shop: Andrew Cogar // Historical Concepts
ABOUT ANDREW
Andrew Cogar joined Historical Concepts, an award winning, beloved American architecture group, in 1999. After studying new urbanist principles at the University of Miami’s School of Architecture and serving three years of active duty as a Combat Engineer Officer with the United States Army, he was named President of the firm in 2016 and has guided some of Historical Concepts’ most prominent custom residential, developer, and civic projects. His is also the author of their new book, Visions of Home, a treasure trove tome filled with architectural detailing and beautiful spaces galore.
Recognized as one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ “20 Under 40” and Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “40 Under 40,” Andrew is a member of the American Institute of Architects and a founding member of the Atlanta chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism. He is active in the Design Leadership Network and a sought-after speaker on traditional architecture and design. We were so honored to sit down with this amazing talent, and chatted about his new book and interiors motto. Hope you enjoy!
Congrats on your newest book, Visions of Home! Where did the inspiration for this book come from?
We were excited to share with the world our design approach and Southern sensibilities toward architecture in our first book, Coming Home: The Southern Vernacular House, in 2012. The inspiration for our new book came from our desire to tell our story at a national level and showcase the work we are doing in the Northeast and throughout the country.
How is this book different from the firm's first book, Coming Home?
Coming Home was a love letter to the vernacular and classical architecture of the South. Visions of Home is focused on something we were thrilled to discover — that our design philosophy and precedent-based design process works virtually anywhere. This has allowed us to expand into a whole host of regions with different vernacular traditions. But most importantly, this book really communicates that our design process includes, and is in fact dependent on, collaborative engagement with the client and the entire design team.
Describe your style in three words or less:
As a firm, and regardless of the aesthetic context we are working in, I think our style can always be described as: authentic, nuanced, and appropriate.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Gaining an understanding of and formulating a response to context and surroundings;
Having the intellectual curiosity to research and understand what makes the architecture of a place;
Understanding that precedent is the starting point, not the end, of the creative process.
What is your favorite thing about what you do:
Having the opportunity to work with so many design professionals, internally and externally, in a creative and collaborative way.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Absolutely! I have to credit Historical Concepts’ founder, Jim Strickland, for my entire career. From the time he hired me as an intern and even now as the firm’s president, Jim has been a generous teacher and supporter. But, I’m not unique in that regard — since he handed the reins to me a few years ago, he’s had even more time to focus on design and the mentorship of the firm’s next generation of leaders.
What does your home say about you:
Like my home, I’m a constant work in progress!
Where do you find inspiration:
Travel, travel, travel.
Who are your style icons:
Sid Mashburn
Do you collect anything:
Books. Not surprisingly, my collection focuses on architecture, art history, world history, interior design, and landscape architecture.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@classicist_org, @designleadershipnetwork, @whiskeywatercolorclub.
@historicalconcepts_sketches —We do a daily sketch exercise as part of our firm practice and this account is where we post the work! The account is staff lead and sourced across the whole firm… I am constantly amazed at the skill and insight reflected by each member of our team.
What are you working on right now:
A little bit of everything! Commercial architecture for a historic southern golf club (of international renown), master plans for private communities and luxury resorts, and amazing homes of all scales from Montecito to Cape Cod and the Hamptons to the Gulf Coast.
Wardrobe staples:
5 years ago I would have said a great pair of bench-made shoes and a well-tailored sport coat, but now my most important wardrobe staple is without a doubt my trusty pair of reading glasses!
Best interior advice you ever received:
Steven Gambrel, a frequent collaborator, taught me to think about furniture layouts not only as objects to be artfully arranged in a room, but as conduits for lifestyle and enjoyment. Our collaborations are the better for it.
Best career advice you ever received:
No singular tidbit comes to mind because I feel like I’ve been influenced by so many great people over the years. So, if I had to give career advice, I’d say to seek out and be open to as many mentors as you can.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
I invest in antique furniture; good pieces can last more than a lifetime and be an heirloom.
I save on home entertainment equipment. It has such a short lifespan as technology constantly changes. Less is more!
Your greatest extravagance:
Travel, travel, travel.
Favorite places to shop for home:
Scott Antique Market in Atlanta and any antique store I come across in the course of my travels.
Most prized possession and why:
My grandfather’s set of manual drafting tools (especially when I finally understood what a ruling pen was and how to use it).
Your interiors motto:
Light, layers, texture, artisanship.
Your life motto:
Say “yes” as much as you can, especially if it is something that will push you out of your comfort zone
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Anything local, seasonal, and celebratory.
Drink: Any craft cocktail featuring bourbon.
Film: All time classic - Cool Hand Luke
‘80s favorite - Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, ‘90s favorite - The English Patient, ‘00s favorite - Slum Dog Millionaire, ‘10s favorite - The Grand Budapest Hotel, Current favorite - JoJo Rabbit.
Hotel: Chiltern Firehouse, London
City: Bamberg, Germany
Bedding: Anything soft… I’m not picky after spending 2 years sleeping on a cot while in the Army.
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Both! Oat milk latte in the morning. Peppermint tea in the evening.
Playlist: Here are my top ten musicians in my current rotation: 1) The Stone Roses, 2) Gomez, 3) George Harrison, 4) Lord Huron, 5) Fugazi, 6) British Sea Power, 7) Tyler Lyle, 8) Karen O, 9) Jason Isbell, 10) Beach House.
Weekend Activity: It doesn’t matter, as long as it’s with my wife and daughter!
Design Book: I can’t pick just one, so:
The Death and Life of Great American Cities by Jane Jacobs
How Buildings Learn by Stewart Brand