
The Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA) invited me to moderate a panel of top Dallas contractors on February 13 to discuss building traditional homes in contrast to building modern homes. I’m very excited about this upcoming event and wanted to share some of my thoughts as I prepare for what promises to be a lively and fascinating conversation.
This event comes at a time of passionate views on architecture. Some love both traditional and modern homes, if they are well-designed. Still others advocate for a transitional style with elements of both traditional and modern. Others see a great divide. When it comes to their preference for traditional or modern homes, some are as passionate as the red and blue teams in the political arena. They are as loyal to their brand as tractor owners are to their red and green caps for Harvester and John Deere.
Personally, I think of our architectural landscape as more of a symphony in which many instruments meld together beautifully. Talented architects bring life to the architectural composition of a neighborhood, which may include both modern and traditional homes.
When I asked myself, “Which instrument would best represent a classical home?”, an early 1700s Stradivarius violin immediately came to mind. The aged maple, spruce, ebony and willow produce a beautiful patina, striking grain patterns and hand-crafted perfection enhanced by centuries of use.
When I asked myself which instrument would best represent a modern home, the triangle in the percussion section came to mind. Like modern architecture, a triangle is stark, simple, honest, made with technologically advanced materials, often without frills or flourishes, polished to perfection and presented in dramatic geometric shapes. As with modern homes, patina is not its friend.
The symphony triangle keeps getting incrementally better while nothing has ever surpassed the visual or musical beauty of the Stradivarius violin. Just as some might argue that nothing surpasses the structural or visual beauty of a historic classical home, a triangle makes a similar contribution to a symphony that a modern home does to a neighborhood. Just like a triangle in an orchestra, a modern home is capable of bleeding into the architectural complexity of a neighborhood, or it can cut through it with a new note. But the question remains: Is a modern home really more difficult to build than a classical or traditional home, as so many claim? That’s a theme I’m looking forward to exploring with the ICAA panel.
Dallas Architecture Forum Hosted Panel of Modern Home Dallas Contractors

Last year, the Dallas Architecture Forum hosted a brilliant program featuring a panel of top contractors who build modern homes. The discussion brought fascinating insights into how small and large contractors approach building architecturally significant modern homes. The engineering, technology and materials required for some of these homes were astounding. Having barely passed my junior high shop class, I was in great awe when I witnessed the obvious dedication of these builders who specialize in modern homes. This Dallas Architecture Forum panel piqued my interest and the interest of others in how architecturally significant homes are constructed, whether they are modern or traditional.
On February 13th Texas Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architectural and Art is Hosting a Panel of Top Dallas Contractors Who Build Traditional Homes
I’ve also been fascinated by insights from top contractors who have built many of the most impressive traditional homes in Dallas. On February 13th the Texas Chapter of ICAA is hosting a panel of top contractors who design traditional homes.
What makes this ICAA event even more exciting, fun and informative is that John Sebastian, one of the modern home contractors on the Dallas Architecture Forum panel, will also serve on the ICAA panel of traditional home contractors. In fact, the Sebastian Construction Group will be hosting this event in their beautiful presentation space at 1300 Monticello Avenue, Suite 750. John Sebastian and his company have built many of the most important architecturally significant homes in Dallas, including both modern and traditional homes.
ICAA Panel of Dallas Contractors
The panel of top and talented Dallas contractors at this Institute of Classical Architecture and Art includes:
- John Sebastian – Sebastian Construction Group
- Rusty Goff – Goff Custom Homes
- Corey Ford – Tommy Ford Construction
- John Jarrett – Jarrett Construction
One interesting similarity: we saw many second-generation builders on both the Dallas Architecture Forum panel of modern contractors and the ICAA panel of contractors who build traditional homes. Also, while there are large construction managers like the Sebastian Group, there are also several contractors who work on very expensive homes but very few at one time.
Trope or Truth? Modern Homes Require More Precision
One theme I look forward to exploring: the old trope asserts that modern homes must be built with more precision because you cannot cover up mistakes with molding or ornamentation.
The most elaborate modern homes have moved away from simple and have become engineering magic tricks that push the envelope of design and construction. On the other hand, traditional and classical homes may have several layers of three-dimensional moldings and ornamentation, all of which must fit together perfectly, like a jigsaw puzzle, on a home that may be built with load-bearing stone blocks. It is never explained how mistakes in elaborate molding and ornamentation can be covered up. Is it really easier to build elaborate classical homes than to build a modern home with tilt-wall construction and flat surfaces punched with glazed openings?
Are Modern Homes Fast Fashion?
Are modern homes like fast fashion, designed and constructed to make a statement but not necessarily built to last? Except for the very finest architecturally significant modern homes, do many modern homes become aesthetically obsolete, as the visual precision become weathered and broken down?
If Same Money is Spent, Does a Traditional or Modern Home Hold Up Better?
Assuming the same amount of money is spent per square foot building a home, does a traditional home or a modern home hold up better over time? Those are a just a few questions I’d like to raise on February 13.
Additional Questions I Am Eager to Ask These Dallas Contractors
There are so many questions I am eager to ask these talented contractors that specifically relate to traditional homes and other questions that relate to the process of building architecturally significant homes now and in the future. These questions include:
- Is another generation of contractors emerging and how can one determine the quality of the contractor?
- Of the European-inspired traditional styles, are some of these styles easier to build than others?
- How have technological advancements and improvements in materials changed how contractors build homes?
- Who is your favorite Dallas 20th century architect who is no longer living?
- Are you currently seeing a greater desire for total new construction or for renovations and additions to existing homes?
- There are many more questions. There is so much to ask and so little time, but there will be plenty of time for you to ask these contractors questions.
You Can Hear Answers to These Questions and Many More on February 13th
This ICAA panel discussion will be held February 13th at 3100 Monticello Avenue, Suite 750. The reception starts at 5:30 p.m. the program begins at 6:15 p.m. with a panel discussion and a Q&A. Refreshments and additional conversation will follow at 7:15 p.m. The event is free for ICAA members and a $20.00 charge for non-members. If you would like to attend, please register online using the ICAA link. If you have any questions, please call or text Mary Peyton Burgher of the Texas Chapter of ICAA at 214.616.9443. Space is limited.
Hope to see you on Thursday, February 13th.

“A Panel Discussion featuring Dallas’ Best Contractors”
February 13th, 2025 – 5:30pm
Sebastian Construction Group
3100 Monticello, Dallas TX 75205
You are cordially invited to an exclusive panel discussion featuring Dallas’ premier contractors as they explore the evolving landscape of building new traditional architecture and modern design.
This engaging conversation will highlight the intersection of timeless craftsmanship and contemporary innovation, offering expert insights into how classical aesthetics and modern construction techniques are shaping today’s built environment. Join us for networking, drinks, and lite bites at 5:30, panel discussion will begin at 6:15pm.
Moderated by Douglas Newby of Douglas Newby & Associates
With Featured Panelists:
John Sebastian – Sebastian Construction Group
Rusty Goff – Goff Custom Homes
Corey Ford – Tommy Ford Construction
John Jarrett – Jarrett Construction
Hosted by
