Geoff Yovanovic, Alumnus of the Way of Beauty Program, Named Partner at Prestigious Firm in Atlanta

In a significant move that signals both recognition of talent and a new chapter for a renowned architectural firm, Geoffrey Yovanovic, AIA, has been named the first partner at Norman Davenport Askins Architects. The name of the firm will shortly be amended to reflect the inclusion of its first partner. I am particularly pleased to see his progress as it bears witness to my assertion that beauty has a premium on the open market and is an investment of time and effort that pays rich dividends.  

Geoff graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor’s degree in architecture, and earned his Master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame. I met him nearly 15 years ago at a Way of Beauty summer program I offered at Thomas More College of Liberal Arts shortly after he graduated from Miami. We’ve stayed in touch ever since, and it’s been a pleasure to watch him flourish and establish himself in the field, while always wishing to follow the Via Pulchritudinis - the Way of Beauty - in his professional work. I was delighted when he told me that he had submitted a church design with a cloister for his successful application to Notre Dame's School of Architecture.

His expertise extends beyond his professional practice. When I was looking for a teacher who could create a course on the principles of Christian architecture for Pontifex University’s Master of Sacred Arts program, Geoff’s was the first name that occurred to me, and we are delighted to have him on our faculty. He created a course on the principle of beauty in architecture, sharing his knowledge and passion with the next generation of designers. He is also actively involved in the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, for whom he also teaches.

Geoff told me: “I had begun to follow (David’s) blog thewayofbeauty.org shortly after graduation.  A passing reference to beauty’s importance in architecture school spurred more interest in the Way of Beauty blog. Architectural fundamentals such as proportioning, order, historic precedence had been introduced to me in school, but these were all atomized at the university. The Way of Beauty course helped unite these scattered, seemingly disunited design principles, prioritize them, and direct them towards their proper end.  The two-week naturalistic drawing course was enriched through the practice and explanation of the Liturgy of the Hours, along with David’s engaging lectures. This early foundation in beauty has proven a blessing for me. Without it, the busyness and business of architecture could cloud the objective of art and architecture, which is always ordered to our ultimate end. Teaching for Pontifex has provided me the great opportunity to share these lessons and lay that all important foundation for my students.”

Since joining Norman Davenport Askins Architects in 2015, Geoff has contributed to the growing reputation of an already highly respected firm. The firm is known for its meticulous attention to historical detail and collaboration with skilled craftsmen. It has won numerous design awards, and his work has played a significant role in earning these accolades.

Principles of harmonious proportion inform Geoff’s designs. A recently completed home showcases this approach, with carefully staggered window sizes and frame proportions creating a naturally pleasing aesthetic. This attention to classical principles, combined with an understanding of modern living requirements, has become a hallmark of his work. This adaptation of traditional design principles to contemporary living is necessary for a living tradition that participates in the universal principles of beauty, but in a way that connects with people today. In order to be able to do this, the architect must have an understanding of the tradition, and of how these principles are manifested in all buildings from the most magnificent cathedrals and grand civic buildings to humble (and some not so humble) beautiful homes. The designs should not be identical in each case, but the embedded principle of cosmic beauty appropriately expressed in each case, will direct the souls of all to the Creator of the cosmos, who is God.

It is important, if we want a culture of beauty that today’s architects understand, as Geoff does in common with architects of the past, that all human activity can be ordered, through the beauty of the environment, to our heavenly end.

It is heartening to see a firm like Norman Davenport Askins Architects with Geoff Yovanovic as its newest partner, perpetuating timeless, beautifully crafted homes that honor the past while embracing the future.