A Modern Twist on the Classics: Design Seminar

May 1-2, 2026 Winston-Salem, NC

A Modern Twist on the Classics:
A MESDA Design Seminar

May 1-2, 2026

Image of Oakley Park courtesy of Edward Bulmer.

Moderated by J. Thomas Savage, MESDA’s longtime Design Seminar host and the Director of Educational Travel & Conferences at Colonial Williamsburg, this program brings together notable architects and designers to share the latest trends in design, and how they fuse traditional and contemporary design elements for an elevated and timeless style.

During the Saturday program, we’ll hear from Edward Bulmer, Author of The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, about his experiences using natural materials and rich color to re-envision the future of the English Country House. We’ll then learn from design historian Scott Powell, author of Frances Elkins: Visionary American Designer, about the famed interior designer and the methods she used to merge traditional and modern home design while adding unexpected, timeless touches. After lunch, Steven Spandle, architect of the White House Tennis Pavilion, will share his journey with classical architecture, from his time working with Norman Askins to his current projects, including the design of his new home and his fascinating Americana collection. The day will close out with a book signing.

PROGRAM REGISTRATION (Opening in January 2026)

Individual Ticket Seating for one at the Saturday program and luncheon	*$300 ($290 Frank L. Horton Society)**
Patron Ticket Invitation to an exclusive reception with the program speakers on Friday, May 1st Preferred seating for one at the Saturday program and luncheon	*$400 ($390 Frank L. Horton Society)**
Reserved Table Host One table with seating for eight at the Saturday program and luncheon	$2300
Patron Table Host Invitations for eight to an exclusive reception with the program speakers on Friday, May 1st Preferred seating for eight at the Saturday program and luncheon	$3100
Sip & Sketch Open to the community and jointly presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, North Carolina Chapter & MESDA Join us for a class where students will learn the step-by-step process to produce measured drawings, with an opportunity to put process into practice by doing a guided measured drawing of a historic building in Old Salem. Additional information and course syllabus linked here.	Free

*Please note that members of the Frank L. Horton Society receive priority registration privileges, as well as a discount on their tickets. To receive your Frank L. Horton Society discount, please be sure you register and/or sign in with your Old Salem Museums & Gardens username and password. If you would like to join the Frank L. Horton Society, or if you would like to learn more, please click here.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

	Edward Bulmer, the founder of Edward Bulmer Natural Paint, has over 35 years of experience designing interiors. As one of Britain’s foremost architectural historians, he believes the future lies in the return to natural materials, especially paint. Edward is part of a new generation of designers working on historical houses with an eye on designs that appeal to modern family life while at the same time respecting the classical traditions that have made the British country house style so popular today. With a revered eye, Bulmer combines his love for the well-worn and timeless, with natural textures as well as rich new colour palettes and finishes, as embodied by his line of all-natural, toxic-free paints that embrace both traditional and modern tastes. In his first book published by Rizzoli, The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House, Edward takes readers through the keyhole into his most memorable work in some of Britain’s finest buildings, including: Althorp, Princess Diana’s childhood home, the Prime Minister’s official country residence, Chequers, Goodwood and Pitshill House, as well as his own Queen Anne House in Herefordshire. Recognised for his leadership in responsible design, Edward has received the House & Garden Responsible Design Award (2022) and continues to be featured in House & Garden’s Top 100 Interior Designers.
	Steven  Spandle is the founding principal of  Steven W. Spandle Architect, which specializes in residential design with projects throughout the United States. The firm has undertaken a diverse array of commissions—ranging from single-family homes to Manhattan penthouses as well as historic restorations and museum renovations. A practitioner of classical design with a love of history and the decorative arts, Steven is the architect of the White House Tennis Pavilion—the first free-standing addition to the White House grounds in decades. For this project, he received both the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art’s John Russell Pope Award and Traditional Building’s Palladio Award. A native of Georgia, Steven’s lifelong fascination with architecture, art, and design began with childhood visits to museums and historic houses. These places, the history within, and their collections profoundly shaped his professional pursuits as an architect and influenced his understanding of design.
	Since 2002, Scott Powell has been researching the career of Frances Elkins. He has documented over 250 Elkins commissions, many of them previously unknown. His research included close contact with existing Elkins family members and clients, ongoing review of her project files and several photo archives throughout the U.S., and visits to several extant Elkins commissions on the West Coast. Studying Elkins combined his interests in classical and modern architecture, interior design, landscape design, photography, California history, Hollywood’s Golden Age, and textiles. His book Frances Elkins: Visionary American Designer was published by Rizzoli in 2023 and has been reviewed by The New York Times and Architectural Digest.
	J. Thomas Savage is Director of Educational Travel and Conferences at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Tom’s lifelong passion for country estates and extraordinary collections has led him around the world in pursuit of those with refined taste and style. A native of the South, Tom has been Director of External Affairs at the Winterthur Museum, was Senior Vice President of Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and served as Curator and Director of Museums for the Historic Charleston Foundation.

SCHEDULE

The 2026 MESDA Design Seminar will take place in the
James A. Gray, Jr. Auditorium
Old Salem Visitor Center
900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC

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FRIDAY, May 1, 2026

3:00 pm		Sip & Sketch Jointly presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, North Carolina Chapter and MESDA Join us for a class where students will learn the step-by-step process to produce measured drawings, with an opportunity to put process into practice by doing a guided measured drawing of a historic building in Old Salem.

6:00 pm		Private Reception Jointly presented by the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, North Carolina Chapter and MESDA Enjoy a special opportunity to mix with fellow program attendees over libations and hors d’oeuvres.

SATURDAY, May 2, 2026

9:15 am		Seminar check-in and Book Sales Concourse, Old Salem Visitor Center 900 Old Salem Road Winston-Salem, NC 27101

10:00 am		Welcome & New to the Collections Johanna Brown Chief Curator & Director of Collections, Research, & Archaeology Old Salem Museums & Gardens Winston-Salem, NC

		Introductions J. Thomas Savage Director of Educational Travel & Conferences Colonial Williamsburg Foundation Williamsburg, Virginia

10:30 am		Classical Style and Modern Innovation in the British Country Home Edward Bulmer Principal Designer and Owner Edward Bulmer Interior Design and Edward Bulmer Natural Paint Herefordshire, United Kingdom

11:45 am		Frances Elkins’ Timeless Touches Scott Powell Author, Frances Elkins: Visionary American Designer San Diego, California

12:45 pm		Luncheon

1:45 pm		Homes Rooted in History & Place Steven Spandle Founding Principal Steven W. Spandle Architect New York, New York

2:45 pm		Book Signing with Speakers Books available to purchase will include: The Colourful Past: Edward Bulmer and the English Country House by Edward Bulmer and Frances Elkins: Visionary American Designer by Scott Powell

TRAVEL DETAILS

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The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts is one of the museums at Old Salem Museums & Gardens. MESDA is located in the Frank L. Horton Museum Center at 924 S. Main Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Seminar lectures will take place in the James A. Gray Auditorium at the Old Salem Visitor Center at 900 Old Salem Road, Winston-Salem, NC 27101.

Recommended Hotels:

Kimpton Cardinal Hotel
51 East Fourth St Winston-Salem, NC 27101 877-216-3448

The Zevely Inn Bed and Breakfast 803 South Main Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101 1-336-748-9299

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PROGRAM PRESENTED TO THE COMMUNITY BY

WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY

Mrs. Roger P. Hanahan

CANCELLATION POLICY

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Registrants who cancel at least two weeks prior to a program will receive a full refund minus a $50 handling fee per person. No refunds will be given for cancellations that occur fewer than two weeks prior to the event.

–INCLEMENT WEATHER

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The Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts follows the inclement weather policies of Old Salem Museums & Gardens. When OSMG is closed, the museum is closed as well. Should this occur, the seminar will be cancelled and refunds will be issued. For your own protection, please consider travel insurance to cover fees involved with cancelling hotel reservations.